accidental feminist » Confessions of a Beauty Queen

Customer is Right?

BeautyQueen — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 16:46:24 +0000

What ever happened to the idea that the customer is ALWAYS right? Honestly, over the past two days I have noticed a lack of concern for my consumer money.

First I went to get my eyebrows threaded. I heard it was less painful than waxing. I went to my usual salon, but I had a new girl as my regular girl only waxes. Before I could even tell her about the shape I wanted, she began working.

She over-threaded! Now, instead of a current brow shape, I have these pencil-thin circa 1996 eyebrows. I cried. Honestly, I started to cry and couldn’t stop. She made me look horrible!!!! So she cried. Like her crying is going to win any sympathy points from me; I’m the one with the messed up eyebrows. If she was doing her job correctly, she would have 1) asked me how I like my brows before starting and 2) remain current on brow shape trends. Now I have to hope they grow in quickly.

Then I was browsing the Internet, looking for fun things to do. I came across Bobby’s Bike Hike, a bicycle tour of the city. I noted a typo on the page. Actually, it is a common error. In Chicago we ride the “L” while in New York they ride the “el.” I sent the webmaster a note explaining this error. He wrote back and cited Wikipedia as his source. Well, as an English teacher I had to inform him of the poor credibility of wikis. I also included references to the CTA website and the titles of several books where he could validate my claims. This is how he responded:

I will not update my website until the ‘L’ Train is removed from the City’s Official CTA website.

So, does he lack reading comprehension? All he did was state what I told him previously: Chicago rides the “L.” All he needed to do was reply that he appreciated the comment and would look into it. Instead, he chose to be rude. I wouldn’t use a tour company that belittles customers.

Was that an insult?

BeautyQueen — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 21:10:03 +0000

Have you ever been the recipient of a comment that made you wonder if it was a compliment or an insult? Today a student told me I did not look like myself. Instead, I looked “teachery”. Was that an insult? Does that mean I normally look good, but today I looked “teachery”? Or, does it mean I normally look bad and today I looked “teachery”?

And what is so “teachery” about Cole Haan sling backs, a pair of black JCrew favorite fit wool slacks, an untucked white JCrew button down, and a coral JCrew cotton sweater vest?

Thank you very much.

Trend Watching

BeautyQueen — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 16:35:49 +0000

There are some questions for which there can never be a satisfying answer – the one that plagues me the most is this: If a trend was unflattering the first time, why repeat it? Honestly, skinny jeans that taper at the ankle only exaggerate the size of a woman’s hips and tush. My eternal quest is to make both of those disappear. Tucking your pants into your boots only amplifies the before-mentioned areas – I think it may be even more unattractive than simply wearing skinny jeans.

Straighter, Shinier Hair

BeautyQueen — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 18:51:14 +0000

What’s the hottest, newest look this season? Wavy hair! Embrace your curls! No, we’re not talking about big, 1980’s hair; we’re talking about soft, flowing waves. Of course, this look is the most difficult to master. To help you conquer this look, follow these tips.

If you have long (at least two inches below your shoulders) hair:
1. Begin with slightly dirty (but not greasy or product filled) hair.
2. Set your hair using the larger-sized hot rollers.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap to keep the steam in.
4. The longer you leave the roller in, the better. Aim for at least 15 minutes.
5. Lightly spray your hair with hairspray & let dry
6. Gently remove the rollers. Without disturbing your hair too much, run your fingers through your hair to break up the curls.

If you have shorter hair:
Straighten it or let it air dry for natural waves and clip it back with barrettes or a headband.
Short Hair + Hot Rollers= Big Hair!