Hello everyone and Happy Holidays!  For some time now I have been telling you that I have had a BIG announcement to make.  As I am sure you will all understand I had to wait for the perfect time to make this announcement and that time is HERE!

I am very pleased and honored to announce that I, along with all of M Famous Enterprises and Christopher Macken Concepts, are now joining forces with one of Atlanta’s TOP destinations for all things beauty.  As of today it is official that I am the Consulting Creative Director of…   …The Salon at BLUE; The salon division of BLUE MEDSPA in Atlanta.  This premier location boasts a state of the art, three story facility right in the heart of fabulous Midtown Atlanta.

As I am sure you all know by now, I don’t ever associate my name with anything less than perfection and BLUE MEDSPA is just that.  Offering everything from Facials and massage to Botox and cosmetic surgery… and now “Red BLUE Carpet Hair”, they are your final one stop shop to “flawless”.  A reputation for excellence and proudly serving many of the Atlanta Elite, BLUE MEDSPA was obviously the perfect place for Christopher Macken!  The actual spa is breath taking and allows you to get away without having to leave town as well as the price point will not break the bank.  BLUE MEDSPA and I believe that everyone should have the right to feel beautiful and are happy to be expanding the BLUE team of professionals.  I am currently seeking a few talented full-time and part-time stylists to join our team!  If you are interested, please feel free to contact me at cmacken@christophermacken.com .

Please take a moment and check out the web site www.bluemedspa.com

I can assure you that we are eager and happy to service all of your beauty needs!

Thank you again for being an “M Famous Member” and all of your love, encouragement, and support!  Without all of you, none of my dreams would be coming true!  Stay M Famous everyone!

Christopher Macken

Let me start by saying that I LOVE feedback from readers, tweeps and facebook followers. Hitch or Ditch has been so fun, and I thank each and every one of you for reading and participating.  I want to continue to give you a voice, so if you have a salon that “rocked your mop,” and you want to recommend them, OR a salon that turned your “Hair Do into a Hair Don’t” and want to warn people….let me know!  I want to review and investigate them.  Send your story to askmfamous@christophermacken.com. Comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message. Tell me your name or remain anonymous! We have all been there and this is your chance to speak up!  So without further a due I would like to present….

The Head Case Report!  First Case File….Helmet Salon

Ladies and gentlemen, I must warn you that the time has come where pigs may be flying.  Hell may be a bit frigid, and Gary Busey is now sane!  All of these things happened at the same time around 1PM on Monday. Why you ask – I went to a salon and allowed someone to “trim” my hair!  Those of you who know me, know that I am very particular about my “mane,” and since I am a trained hair artist as well, I rarely trust anyone with my locks.  On top of that, I am in the middle of the process of growing my hair out AGAIN, so, of course, the anxiety was even higher.

Ok enough with the back ground story.   Monday, I went to take my daughter (standard poodle named Coco Chanel) to her grooming appointment at The Pet Set in Midtown. By the way, the Groomer there does a fabulous job, and the staff seems to be friendly and caring.  After dropping her off, I walked out the door and remembered that my hair also needed a small maintenance trim (kind of hard to do yourself) and there is a salon right next door.  Helmet Salon, located at 970 Piedmont Avenue, is a salon that I obviously have known about for quite some time, and I have heard both good and bad things (more good than bad).  So I took a deep breath and walked into the trendy midtown salon.  First of all, there was a guy there that recognized me and immediately struck up conversation as he was checking out.   His hair looked nice.  Clearly, I was looking for any reason at all to back out of the hair trim!  I started screaming on the inside… What if the cut too much?  What if they ruin my hair?  I know I sound a bit obsessive.  That song by India Arie, “I am Not My Hair,” is NOT my theme song.  Anyway, I digress…

…Back to the guy paying for his hair cut. The man’s hair was perfectly cut.  Now let’s just hope they can cut longer hair just as well.  When the receptionist, Lauren, finished up with the gentleman, she turned her focus to me.  “How can we help you?”  Ok, so she is cute and pleasant.  After I proceeded to explain to her what I wanted, I asked her to PLEASE be honest with me. I asked that she recommend someone who is not scissor-happy and would do a good job, and I told her that even if that certain person wasn’t there, I could and would come back another time.   She explained that I would be very pleased with the stylist Sonae.  I’ll be the judge of that I thought…

Finally after an hour of nervously window shopping, the time came for me to face the person that I was supposed to trust with my hair – my entire identity.  ME trust someone else with MY look?!?!  What was I thinking?   I thought for a second that I should cancel and leave.  I was directed to the waiting area where I made a cup of coffee from the complimentary beverage stand and was joined by Lauren as she struck up very friendly conversation with me.  I think she knew I was pretty nervous.  I must say that her level of customer service was great.  After a few moments Sonae rounded the corner and introduced herself, escorted me back to her station and sat me down in the chair.  This felt very strange….Being the one IN the chair.  Oh goodness!  She went through the consultation with me and told me she had already been “briefed” on what I wanted but wanted me to tell her in my own words.  Then she said the magic words that helped to put my mind at ease…“Is it ok if I cut your hair dry?”  AhhHA!  She sounds like she knows what she is doing.  Then she picked up her shears and her comb….my heart is racing and she made her first cut and then her second and before I knew it….. she actually gave me a SMALL trim.  She didn’t LOB it off.   She carefully went through the whole cut, explaining the whole time what she was doing.  Now of course when she finished, I asked if I could style it myself.   Baby steps Sonae…Baby steps. My hair cut was perfect!  She did EXACTLY what I asked her to do and nothing more.  I’m telling you, if you want me to recommend a good stylist, I would suggest you call 404-815-1629 and ask for an appointment with Sonae.  Her cuts are GREAT!  Thank you girl… I will be back when I need another maintenance trim.

This has been a “HEADCASE” report from the HOUSE OF M FAMOUS! Sonae at Helmet in Midtown is “M Famous Approved” for Cuts! (I would like to watch her color technique as well if I can get an invite hint, hint) I want to know if you have ever been. What did you think? Who did you see? Chime in on Helmet Salon or send me your idea for my next report. Comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message.

Be M Famous!

Christopher Macken

Hey there and Happy Monday!

I must say that, for the most part, the majority of the attendees at the 2010 Prime time Emmy Awards looked great… scratch that… They looked good.  After I have reviewed all of the pictures and footage of the star-studded event, I am left asking one question… Why was Kate Gossellin there?  In all seriousness I have to say her hair looked better than I have seen it in some time – glad she got a good weave. Her dress on the other hand, aside from being slightly “promish,” did fit her fairly well, and I feel it would have fit her better if she didn’t try to smuggle two of her kids into the gala in her bra.  Really Kate – are those things new?  The fabric on her bodice gathered around the…umm…center of her twins caused even me to stare for a slightly uncomfortable length of time.  “And the Emmy for using your ability to have a large amount of children and profit from them goes to…”

Surprisingly, many of the usual fashion disasters were able to pull together something beautiful and in the case of Kelly Osbourne, I have to say that she seems to have grown into a beautiful young lady.  The dress that adorned the rock princess was the creation of Tony Ward, and it was perfect for her.  I don’t like to see stars attempting a look that is simply does not fit them.  This dress showed off her new “slightly smaller frame” (you go girl) and still showed off her care-free attitude.  It was reported that when asked what he thought of his daughter’s appearance, Ozzy sweetly said, “umgh ytst lok night umm it thhsu jbegdt”.  Awwww he is proud of his little girl.

In the day of reality super stars no red carpet would be complete without the incomparable Kim K.  Her name is becoming about as common on the lips of everything pop culture as her fellow celebs that are all famous for having talent.  I take that back, she is actually, in my opinion, a very talented woman.  She has grown a “well known name” in to an empire and her whole family truly has her to thank.  The only think that could have made her red carpet appearance more goddess like would have been for her to arrive via chariot.  This stunning creation by Marchesa was definitely fit for this queen.  Her stylist allowed the dress to be both the gown and the jewelry, giving her left arm a touch of glamour with a beautiful bobble that I am sure was handpicked for her.  Her hair pulled up and back in a very intentional but unintentional way showing off her face and giving the boddess the “stage.”  Way to go Kim!  I have to say I was enthralled with your look.

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I have decided to make the announcement. Word is getting out anyway…

…I have had such a great run here in Milledgeville over the past two and a half years. So many terrific people and great clients. Thank you all for your support of, both me and Christopher Macken Cosmetics. The time has come, however, for me to branch out and extend my career in new and exciting directions. Most of you know about my love of the city and how I miss living there. I guess by this point you all see where this is going…

I will be relocating to Atlanta in the next couple of months. It is time for me to challenge myself again. My Cosmetic line will still be available here in Milledgeville and you all know I am still very much a part of Salon 2000.

This was not an easy decision and took some time to make. I knew that leaving would be difficult but the challenges ahead of me are exciting and the opportunity for myself and my company to grow are plenty. Again I can’t begin to thank everyone of my friends, family, and clients for their support over the years. You all have made everything possible.

I will not be gone for good. I will continue to come back to the lake and visit on a fairly regular basis. I have had all the R&R that Lake Sinclair can provide and am ready once again for hustle and bustle. I do encourage all of my clients to continue to support Salon 2000 and know that if you can’t make the trip to Atlanta I understand and Kenny Dennis and Barbara Morrow are very Talented and will take very good care of you.

You can follow my journey on Facebook, Twitter, and of course, the official Christopher Macken Blog. I certainly hope you all stay in touch.

Thank you all for your warm “well wishes” and you will all be missed.

Much love,
Christopher Macken

The past week has been a bit of a eye opener for me. None of us are perfect despite how we would like to view ourselves. I am no exception to the rule. As many of you know, I have had a long standing, very “rocky” relationship with a business person and community leader that, of late, has had his share of troubles. I have never been very quiet about my personal feelings and have, perhaps, held on to things a bit too long. I guess I realized how involved I was when the media contacted me. My comment to them is my new stance on his and my view of one another, NO COMMENT.
He and I have spoken, very civilly I might add, and agreed to bury the hatchet and be civil to each other. Please let this put to rest any rumor that I wish any ill will to him or his career. The fact is that my feelings toward him and his feelings toward me are based on a business situation that happened between the two of us and no one else. As we decide how we will coexist in the future we will do so civilly and without comment, or involvement from anyone else. As I have stated before, my personal views of him or anyone else in no way reflect their ability to conduct their professional life the best way they can.
I wish this person well in every endeavor and hope he can work through this situation that I am sure he will find to be a small bump in the road. As I said before, I never realized how public our feud had become until someone gave my phone number to the media. I don’t appreciate being put in the middle of something that I was simply an observer of. Lesson learned.
Lesson for the day…. Learn how to let things go. I have and it does feel good!

Love,

CM

As I sit here… Pinot Grigio at arm’s length I am analyzing my life. In a good way. I think that everyone should stand back and take a good look at themselves. We all get so caught up with the day to day routine that we start to blur the lines between what we should be doing to succeed and what we are doing to “get by.”

I for one have taken a drastic step recently. I decided to start pulling back on the amount of actual styling that I am doing in the salons. I will of course continue to take my private clients but by making this choice I am able to focus on the direction and drive of my company. Christopher Macken Concepts has never been stronger. With that being said it was still not easy to make this move. I have had such a great “income” from the salon that I was too afraid to steer away from it. The catch is that the salon was only allowing me to grow to a certain level. Time to branch out! Time to reach for that golden ring; latch on to it, and run for every goal I have ever had. If you had told me 10 years ago that I would have a cosmetic line, a clothing line, and an advertising company all by the age of 28 I would not have believed it could happen. Continue Reading »

The time is now… the moment is here. I am so very excited about some of the new fashions that are emerging. They remind me so much of the styles in Miami. Classic, sophisticated, with a slight edge and always a sexiness. I am constantly reminded that many people get so comfortable in a style that they stop trying new trends. I, for one have never understood this. I love to allow my own personal style to grow and evolve. I have, on more than one occasion, looked through my closet and had a “what was I thinking” moment. We all have. Even after I have come across that shirt that I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing any more, I still do not throw it out. As my own personal style has evolved I have always had a hard time letting go of some of my “last season favorites”. Case in point… My Armani jeans. I have only worn them one time, and didn’t really like them on me then; yet at this very moment they are hanging in my closet next to my new favorite Oscar de la Renta navy pin stripe dress pants. The fact is that those jeans, the very ones that I have never like on me, look far better on the hanger.

As sad as it makes me to admit, I liked the label more than the jeans. There I said it! I am a label addict. And you know what I do not feel bad for it. I like nice clothes. I like the way the Italian linen feels on my skin and how the cut of my couture Versace blazer hugs my shoulders. When you really think about it, your outfit can make or break your whole day. Your choice in attire can empower you to take charge of your day. Walk with a bit more purpose and hold your head at the perfect “I know who I am” angle. Now I have over the years met people that feel that is shallow to have the idea that “the clothes make the man”. The fact is they are right, that’s why I say… “the LOOK makes the man”! Odds are that no one will ever know who made your suit, but they will know if they made it well and how it fits.

Example…. About 9 years ago I was in Las Vegas visiting a friend. I was there on a shoe string budget seeing as how I worked for a certain theme park in Florida that is run by a friendly rodent and didn’t have a lot of money to spend. I wanted so badly to go to this one nightclub in Caesar’s Palace but didn’t want to pay the high cover charge. One night I was very bored and got dressed in my best jeans that fit me perfect, a solid black button up long sleeve shirt, and a black Blazer that hung from my shoulders as though it was made just for me. After adding the black Kenneth Cole boots (the most expensive thing in my closet at that time) I made my way to the strip. Of course I walked past the club that I wanted to go to thinking that perhaps I could live vicariously through the people waiting in line. As I walked past I got closer to see in through the door, the bouncer that was guarding the rope unlatches the red velvet barricade and says “right this way sir.” I couldn’t believe it! I kind of looked around to be certain he was talking to me. He was! I partied for free that night. All because of the look that I was wearing.

My advice to everyone is to take an hour on a Sunday afternoon and thumb through the newest issue of your favorite fashion mag. If you see something that peaks your interest tear the page out. Next time you go shopping, take it with you! Even if you cant find the exact brands you can always “copy cat” the look with off brands. Remember, you don’t have to have a million to look like one! This will help keep your style in check and evolving, and in the end keep you looking and feeling your best!

Happy Shopping!

CM

Ok, so I needed a break. I have been up to my ears in paperwork all day long. Big things are happening, and let me tell you they are happening so fast…

Enough work talk for now. I am so sad to learn of the Death of Dixie Carter. She is more than likely best known for her portrayal of Julia Sugarbaker in the hit TV show Designing Women. That show was incredible. I am constantly reminded that we are losing our comedic greats. Will we have someone from our generation that our children and grandchildren will remember as being iconic? Will there be a few that emerge as being so entertaining that their careers transcend decades and generations? Comment and tell me who you think will be our generation’s entertainment icons. Andrew Markle is my vote… Love you Andrew!

On a much lighter note… EVENTS TO LOOK FOR… I will be styling the fashion show at Aubry Lanes in Milledgeville Georgia on 4-20-2010. Fabulous Clothes and cutting edge style straight from Paris. This event will be a blast and couldn’t be located in a more beautiful venue. Everyone must attend. Get there early because I think they are going to be sold out.

Also on Friday April 16 I have been ask to speak at the Ladies’ Day luncheon at the Milledgeville Country Club. So many great exciting things are right around the corner. Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook to stay up on everything that is going on in my life. Not to mention the “flub up typos” that on occasion hit the net. I have to get better about proof reading! Those of you who got to see what I wrote know what I am talking about. I am still blushing.

Well I think I will get back to my paper work. That pile on my desk isn’t getting any smaller. This is definitely not the glamorous part of my life. lol

Love you all,
CM

Thank you so much for checking things out. The new site is everything I hoped it would be and so much more. As you can see, I am launching multiple new divisions of my company. From Cosmetics to fashion and even my new marketing company. So many big things. I am so very blessed! I just can’t even begin to thank you enough for your support!

New in the weeks to come… Tomorrow (sat April 10) The Union Recorder is running a feature on me thanks to the Talent of Jessica Luton. I am so humbled to be asked to do this interview. Thank you seems so small.

Also I have my first of many billboards going up in Milledgeville Georgia next week. Myself, Salon 2000 of Milledgeville and J Beverly hills have so many HUGE things in the works. I am just enjoying this terrific ride. Everyone get on the list for my OVER THE TOP launch party for M Famous Couture, on Sept 25th. This party will sell out fast!

Thank you all again for everything and I am looking forward to all the things that are to come that we can experience together.

LOVE,
CM

This is the fashion show I helped style for the WB network. Watch and enjoy…