I ran into the found of Mixed Chicks, Kim, at my gym. I overheard her talking about her company so I asked her about it. First of all, Kim is wonderful and beautiful and has this hair care company that she told me about. Of course, I was dying to try it. After all, Halle Berry raves about this stuff! A couple weeks later, I got some hair products in the mail. Now, let me begin with saying that Mixed Chicks is typically made for people of mixed descent who have frizzy and unmanageable hair. I have straight, thin hair. So I gave some of the products to my cousin who has got very tight curls and my boyfriend whose hair looks like a brillo pad, to say the least. I did use some and I’m hooked, so this stuff, while made for curly haired people, is also great for people with thin – straight hair!

I tried the shampoo and deep conditioner. Let me say, I have stopped using all the organic product that I’ve sworn by in the past because this takes the cake. Why? The shampoo is super lathery and is a great deep clean. Plus, I love the smell- it smells like a fancy hair salon. Yes, that’s the best I can come up with!

The deep conditioner is a wonder. My hair is really long and usually I have to use TONS of conditioner to detangle and still my hair comes out in knots. This deep conditioner is so strong that you only need a dime size – literally – I am not kidding. It detangles and smells great. My own beef with this is that I wish it came in a squeeze bottle. I hate having to unscrew the tub every time.

I gave the leave in conditioner to my cousin as well as a sample set which included both of the above and the hair silk serum. She loves it all, and notes that the leave in conditioner is a bit thick, so you really have to work it in, but works wonders, nonetheless. And LADIES, the HIS MIX is perfect for your man. Same great smell as the Mixed Chicks for you. The best part is that you can use it too when you’re at his house!

I got my first pair of designer sunglasses for a gift last year – Michael Kors NEVIS in tortoise shell. I was super happy to get them, but noticed that they kept falling off my head and the ones at the store didn’t. I put them away because I did not want them to get lost. Finally I decided to take them back to see if they could be tightened and the store clerk told me that they were defected and I should return them to get a new pair. Because they are defected in the hinges, they are more suWhen I called emailed customer service, I kept getting transferred to different departments. Finally, someone from Marchon called me back and said that I would have to mail them back on my own dime, with tracking, and pay to get them fixed.

This is an outrage from a “high end” designer like Michael Kors. If I broke the glasses, then I can understand paying for them. Because I got them defected, that is their fault, not mine! How rude of them to ask me to pay to fix glasses that already cost about $100!

Does anyone else have bad customer service stories to share? Leave them in the comments below!

]]> http://urbanupdater.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/michael-kors-has-bad-customer-service/feed/ 0 urbanupdater Picture 1 http://urbanupdater.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/do-yourself-a-favor-dont-share-makeup/ http://urbanupdater.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/do-yourself-a-favor-dont-share-makeup/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:40:15 +0000 urbanupdater http://urbanupdater.wordpress.com/?p=1703 ]]>

Makeup isn’t cheap – especially for the high quality kinds, and we all know that we’re on a tight budget. But please remember to refrain from sharing makeup – ESPECIALLY stuff that you use on your eyes  and lips. Why?

1. Eye make up has the highest risk of contamination with possible irritation and eye infections. Since our eyes are so sensitive, it does not take much bacteria to cause an eye infection. What a horrible way to get pink eye!

2. Lip gloss is also another bad offender. Because it comes in contact with your saliva, it’s easy to share lip infections like cold sores.

3. If you have shared makeup, remember to clean all your brushes (you should be doing this once a week, anyway) and keep the containers on your makeup closed tightly to prevent more germs from getting in. Makeup usually has some preservatives that help with germs, but this is not 100%, so be safe.

And last but not least, here are some safety tips to keep your makeup clean:

• Keep makeup containers closed tight when not in use.
• Keep makeup out of the sunlight to avoid destroying the preservatives.
• Don’t use eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), and throw away any makeup you were using when you first discovered the infection.
• Never add any liquid to a product unless the instructions tell you to.
• Throw away any makeup if the color changes or an odor develops. Preservatives can degrade over time and may not be able to fight bacteria

I love to wear scarfs. I think it’s a great accessory to pull your outfit together while keeping your super cozy and warm, and we all know that I’m perpetually cold. I can’t wait to unpack all my stuff from storage and pull out the millions of scarfs that I own. Meanwhile, here are some pretty cute ones this season:

And another question: What is your FAVORITE way to wear a scarf? Do you tie it in a knot around your neck? Hang it over your shoulders? Let me know in the comments!

If you live in a cold climate city, like NYC or Boston, then you know that having a winter jacket is essential. Well not all of them are stylish and within your budget, but a Fashionista like yourself is gonna have to keep warm. Thankfully, The Budget Fashionista has got you covered, literally – they found the best and most stylish deals out there!

Bundle up on a budget with the top 5 winter jackets under $100.

1. Keegan Plaid Coat. This red and black plaid jacket is great for mild winter weather that can be paired up with a cute scarf and hat for a complete winter ensemble. Available exclusively on dELiAs for $79.50.

2. Marc New York Collar Down Jacket. Keeping warm and looking good sometimes don’t always go hand-in-hand. However, this down jackets by Mark New York certainly fits that description with its contemporary quilted look and duck featured lining that combines fashion and function. This puffy jacket is also water resistant and exclusively available on Bluefly for $99.99.

3. Croft & Barrow Double-Breasted Raincoat. We love raincoats and this double-breasted piece is certainty one of our current favs. Along with protecting you from the elements with its detachable hood, this fierce red jacket will give you a sharp look that is versatile for nearly any occasion. We also love the cute buttons and belt on this classic jacket, and of course the budget friendly price of $53.99 at Kohl’s.

For the rest of the coats, head on over to The Budget Fashionista!

It’s that time again – you know, the time when I search for a new purse that I desperately want and maybe* cannot afford. But hey, fashion is an investment, right? Plus, I gotta do my research!

I am viciously torn between Marc by Marc Jacobs Baby Aidan and Baby Groovee. Both are super cute and around the same price. Which do you think I should buy?

Baby Groovee

vs.

Baby Aidan

Making homemade apple cider is absolutely the best for the holiday season. It’s so easy to make and it makes your home smell AH-Mazing! Plus, how beautiful does it look while simmering on your stove? Great for a party or just for yourself!

Ingredients

* 8-10 apples (I used gala for a less tart or intense taste)
* 1/2-1 cup sugar
* 4 tablespoons cinnamon (or 4 cinnamon sticks)
* 4 tablespoons allspice

Directions

1. Quarter your apples (no need to remove peel or seeds).
2. In a large stock pot add your apples and fill with water–just enough to cover the apples.
3. Add your sugar.
4. Wrap your cinnamon and allspice in a doubled up cheese cloth and tie, and add this to the apples and water.
5. Boil on high for one hour (uncovered) checking on it frequently.

For the rest of the recipe, head on over to Daily Kitten!

When you’re meeting his parents for the first time this Winter season, you’re going to want to make a great impression, am I right? You’re already going to have to divulge your future plans, healthy eating habits and possibly the number of kids you plan on having in the future. So the last thing you need to think about is how you dress. You need to make a great first impression and that can only be done by having a fabulous outfit!

Keep in mind these 3 simple rules: Turtlnecks always do great, less is more, no shiny or glittery material!

Here are my top 3 FAVORITE sweater dresses that are sure to make you a hit – and remember, be your own judge on the amount of cleavage / leg shown – these dresses may fit different on some people.

1. Marled Cowlneck Sweater Dress – Very elegant with a banded waist to keep your tummy tucked in, just in case you eat too much at dinner.

2. Cotton and Cashmere Sweater Dress – This loose fitting dress looks great on all body types and shapes – especially with the cinched waist band – again, gives a woman without curves some curves!

3. Cowlneck Sweater Dress - A little peasant-like, but moms will definitely dig it. It gives off the “goody two shoes” look and it’s “cute,’ not hot, which will also earn you some extra brownie points. Not to mention you can wear this to the office as well.

It’s no secret now that fashion accessory powerhouse, Jimmy Choo has paired with H&M to create accessories and clothing for men and women. Next Saturday, November 14, Fashionistas who are lucky enough to live near the select 200 H&M stores will have the chance to have these exclusive items.

“We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M so far, and to be designing a collection appealing to fashion savvy, street smart women, and to be including some great pieces for men, too. Jimmy Choo will bring to H&M a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection – the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!” Tamara Mellon, Founder and President, Jimmy Choo.

Mark your calendars and get ready to shop!

These flats by YesStyle are too adorable not to have and something that I am definitely adding to my wish list. Why must you have them now? Well that’s an easy question.

• Closed Toed – Work appropriate
• Flat Shoe – Comfortable to wear all day long
• Sequined – Dressy for parties or dress up jeans and a T-shirt
• Brown Leather – Classic and good quality

A versatile shoe like this always lasts a long time! It also comes in 2 other colors (black and wine).