After much preparation and excitement, I am so thrilled to FINALLY announce that I have partnered with DIY Weddings Magazine to write a quarterly style column featuring ASK M FAMOUS!

DIY Weddings Magazine is an online wedding publication that is full of budget saving tips and tricks. With more content and less advertising, this publication is perfect for any bride!

I will be featured in each of the 4 issues this year as Ask M Famous. From rehearsal dinners and engagement parties to wedding day fashion and matters of the heart, I, Mr. M Famous will answer those tough questions and provide a witty and refreshing look at planning your perfect day. So put down the wedding planner and set that stack of books aside, Mr. M Famous is here to help!

Keep an eye out for my first column in the Spring issue available in March!

Be M Famous!

CMC

P.S.- Don’t forget to email your questions to askmfamous@christophermacken.com.

Before I tell you all about the goings on of this weekend, I am going to have to tell you about this musical called “Pageant” currently showing at the 14th Street Playhouse on the corner of 14th Street and Juniper Avenue in Midtown Atlanta.

Ok, picture it, I am just tweeting away when I receive a tweet from @pageantatlanta asking me if I would be a guest judge.  How exciting, right?  I mean, I have only been in Atlanta for a few months and already I am being asked to judge something.  But, hold the phone…what or who am I judging?!  I started getting concerned when I realized that I just committed to be a judge for something that I knew nothing about, and for all I know, I could be judging the 8th annual “Owner Pet look-a-like Contest” of south Peachtree Road.  Can’t you just see that, me crowning some lady named Trixie and her Chug (chihuahua-pug mix) Mipsy, the 2011 Miss South Peachtree Road!  At any rate, I digress.

So off I went to the Pageant Atlanta web site to check it out.  This musical has received ample praise from the New York Times as well as the London Times and had plenty of praise all over YouTube as well.

Perhaps I have gotten ahead of myself.  You are more than likely thinking, “what does a musical need a judge for anyway?” You see the whole premise of the show is that these 6, ummm,  well…girls (played by men) are competing to be the next Miss Glamouresse, a beauty company much like Mary Kay (can I say that?)  The characters range from the Bible Beating “Miss Bible Belt” to the rough and tumble yet oddly seductive “Miss Texas,” who I actually voted for to win.  Now, this is where the judges come into play.  The winner of this “Pageant” is determined nightly by the guest judges, so every night there is a chance of a different “girl” winning the grand title and crown.  I literally laughed from the time the curtain opened to the time I got to shake the hands of the cast after the show.  A simple blog doesn’t even begin to describe this show.  Let me tell you, this is a perfect date night destination, as you will find yourself laughing for the remainder of the night with your special someone while humming the tune, “I’m banking on Jesus, cause Jesus is my co-signer” (you will  just have to see the show to understand). I encourage everyone to check them out and don’t wait too late to see it either.  Oh and take some cash. They have a cocktail bar – I was in heaven.  The house staff are all so incredibly friendly and set the whole tone for the night as you enter the theater.  I don’t want to continue and give too much away.  All I can say is, “to Dustin Lewis and the rest of the extremely talented cast and crew, thank you for sharing such a great show and experience with me.  I was honored to be asked to judge and thanks to all of you, sore from laughing (I’m not kidding I really laughed that hard).”

For those of you that know me, it comes as no surprise that I like to travel with a crowd.  Last night was, of course, no exception.  After the show we walked over to the W Midtown Hotel where I ran into someone we will call Z, a good friend of mine, just before he and his friends jumped into the limo for the evening.  I was super temped to go, but alas I decided I should head home and take a rain check – not like me I know!

Here’s the thing, Friday evening lasted a bit longer than expected.  Notice that I said evening, because it sounds better than saying early Saturday morning.  I won’t bore you with the details of things, but I will give you a basic rundown of the events…

…cocktails at my apartment…call for the car…cocktails on the roof of JE’s building overlooking the city…call for the car…Burkhart’s…cocktails…drag queen…members only jacket….drag queen…call for the car…Blake’s on the Park…cocktails…”hey how are you”… “no I didn’t hear that”… drag queen… “oh hide, it’s my ex”… shots with JE… call for the car… ride home singing “Don’t Worry be Happy” with the Jamaican driver..  and may or may not have ended with the pool and Waffle House.  I can’t confirm or deny anything! (wink)

So now you understand why last night; a great show, a cocktail at the W Midtown, a late dinner at Cow Tippers in Midtown, and then off to bed was just perfect!

Oh that reminds me, not sure why, but it does,… anyone know when my birthday is…coming up soon…Just guess how old I will be….

The Holiday party season is rapidly approaching; please remember, Living an M Famous life is more than great parties and beautiful people…It is doing so responsibly.  ALWAYS “Call for the Car” or have a designated driver!

MUAH!

Christopher Macken

Find me on Facebook and Twitter

It is Wednesday of a shorter week thanks to the Monday holiday.  As you all know, Wednesday means that another burning style question will be answered in order to assist you in living an M Famous life!  Check back each Wednesday for new tips, tricks and even a few giggles.  If you have a question, please feel free to share it with me.  Email your questions to, askmfamous@christophermacken.com.

This week’s question was emailed to me at askmfamous@christophermacken.com.

Jen from Marietta, GA says, “Hi there! So excited to FINALLY get the answer to this question!  I love to read the trash magazines, Us, OK, Life & Style, and I have noticed that the stars like Jen Aniston and Sandra Bullock are wearing brown with black.  They look great, but can I do that, too?  My friends say no, but I wanted to get your thoughts.  Thanks!”

Jen, thanks for the great question!  This is one of the more common questions of the season.  Your friends are only slightly correct.  Throughout many fashion journals and guidebooks, which by the way change from season to season and fad to fad, this has been a combo that has been widely frowned upon.  However, there has been a minor shift in the fashion plates of late.  Though this is still very touchy ground, I am going to say that, yes, sometimes you can.  Let me give you an example. Notice here the lady isn’t

wearing an entire black outfit with the brown jacket – that would kill the look.  She has kept it casual by wearing a dark wash blue jean.  This technique is an important key in combining the two colors,.  With this outfit, the accessories and boots are definitely what make it work.  The brown leather jacket has been given a purpose with the addition of the knee high brown leather boot, which I am going to hope are a “riding boot style” – NO HEAL. The addition of the brown leather bag suggests a consciousness of all of these fashion choices.  Let’s face it people, some women (and men) can walk into a room wearing their 1983 Levi jeans tight-rolled and converse shoes and pull off the dated look all because of their personality.  If you are going to wear brown and black together, my advice is to “Own the Choice” to rock it by accessorizing with the most important addition to any outfit, the confidence that you like the way you look.

P.S.- this will however be a passing acceptable fad so please do not grow comfortable combining the two “swatch crossed lovers” of Brown and Black…

Be M Famous,

Christopher Macken

Find me on Facebook and Twitter

Hello everyone and Happy Labor Day!   You know what the means – pack up your white clothes and put away your linen.  Move your close-toed shoes and boots to the front of the line.  You will just have to go through a couple of months where it is a bit to warm for comfort, right?

WRONG….Slow down Mary…You don’t have to do a complete 180 just because it is after Labor Day! The seasons transition, and so can you.  As I have stated many times in my style advice, the fashion rulebook is changing constantly, and this season could not be a better example.  The old adage, “rules are meant to be broken” will sometimes come into play in the world of beauty and all things fashion.  I would like to, in this special edition blog, clarify some of the “myths” that have enslaved you.

Let’s start from the ground up.  Your choice in footwear should be, in my opinion, the most noted change in your wardrobe.  As the weather begins to cool and give way to the fall chill, you should be conscious of wearing strappy sandals and heals.  This option just simply doesn’t work.  It is a style choice that will lead people’s eye to your feet and have them wrinkling their brow in confusion.  Also, I have to say that stark white shoes just have to be put away.  Obviously tennis shoes will always remain acceptable in white, however your white pumps and flats should hibernate until Easter Sunday.  This does not mean that you must jump directly to your knee high brown leather boots and wool skirt.  Be conscious of the seasons and the weather.  Global warming has set a new path for comfort and style.  If it is going to be a 90 degree October day then, of course, your footwear can be appropriate.  A peep toe heal is one option that can always be made to look seasonally appropriate.

White pants/skirts…I can feel you agonizing over this choice from here!  I have great news for you – white has become a style staple in almost every season.  Don’t be afraid to wear your white jeans or knee length skirt just because it is the Tuesday after Labor Day, especially here in the south where our climate change doesn’t fully begin to take hold until after Thanksgiving.  The key to pulling of this look is that the length of your skirt and shorts should increase.  I, for one, have never been a huge fan of a super short mini skirt or shorts that borderline on vulgar, unless you happen to be on the cast of an adult review; but to each their own.  Coordinate a pencil skirt with a beautiful peep toe pump for a stylish yet seasonally appropriate professional look.  For the fashion conscious man you can continue to wear your shorts and linen as long as you are aware of the temperature outside.  Remember, even Don Johnson knew when to adorn himself with a heavier fabric in cold weather.

It is no secret that southerners love to wear bright colors.  Please keep in mind that as the leaves turn, your palette choices should become deeper and more muted.  Fall and winter is not the time for a bright lime green or pink top.  Instead go for a forest green or hunter and your pink can transition to a deep coral (if your skin tone allows). Remember that the darker you go with coral, the more you run the risk of pulling more of an orange hue, which doesn’t always work for everyone.  If you like to wear a lot of blue, simply transition into something that is more navy or midnight.  The colors for this season are vast and all are very deep, very rich choices.  Don’t think that you must simply resort to black, brown and grey because it is after Labor Day. Continue to stay in the colors that you prefer, just bring your choices back from the “Florida Keys” to the “Suburbs”.  The last thing that you want is to walk into your next PTA meeting and have everyone think that you just returned from vacation.

This Fall layering is HUGE.  From all the most popular Houses of Gucci, Prada, Versace and many more with vests scarves and heavy outerwear, including fur (FAUX I hope), accessorizing is something to definitely look forward to as the air chills.  Don’t aim to look like you just got back from the arctic, but there is nothing wrong with stocking up on all the things that will make you the fashion icon of your social circle and office.

All in all I would stress to everyone to take a look in the mirror.  If you doubt it, there is a reason.  If it looks a bit too summery, then it probably is.  Stay true to your own personal style, but be sure to walk the fine line between being who you are and being a fashion disaster.  My fashion tip for this holiday weekend is, ” Self reflection is the new black!”

Enjoy all the new styles and trends and as always…  BE M FAMOUS!!!!!

Christopher Macken

P.S.- Don’t forget to email in your style questions to askmfamous@christophermacken.com.  Email pictures of potential outfits, and I will advise you promptly.  Take care and be safe. No drinking and driving!  Calling a cab is the most CHIC decision you can make!!!!!

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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In response to your recent questions and tweets, I am proud to present “Ask M Famous,” a popular new question and answer column.  This Q&A promises to be as funny as it is informative.  Check back each Wednesday for new tips, tricks and even a few giggles.  If you have a burning question, please feel free to share it with me.  Email your questions to, askmfamous@christophermacken.com

This week’s question was a recent tweet I received from a new follower.

Roxie from Decatur, GA says, “Hi Christopher!  Love your tweets.  Question for you, what are your thoughts on designs on toenails and fingernails – airbrush or jewels, etc?”

Well, Roxie, this is one of those questions on which I am going to have to give my opinion without offending, so please hang on and forgive me.  Remember, this is simply my opinion.  I am personally one of those people that will notice every detail of a person’s outward appearance – it is my life!  This observation includes nails.  Though I am all for an acrylic or gel nail, I am definitely more prone to want to see a lady in either a solid nail color or a very natural nail look.  I’m sure you have all seen the difference in a bad French Manicure and a good one.  The French Manicure that has the air-brushed white tips makes the look appear cheap, and the addition of jewels or specialty airbrush art definitely screams “VIP room at the local gentleman’s club” and not “Board Room.”  You can usually tell a great deal about a woman by her choice in manicure. Let’s just say that there is a length that stops looking “Madame Vice President” and starts looking, well, just “Madame.”  If you are reading this, and tracing the words with a 5-inch pink and lime green acrylic nail that has been adorned with stones that would make Swarovski nauseated, then I am sorry if you don’t agree.  Again, simply my opinion, which most people actually hold in high regard.  You know what on second thought, get a emery board, there is still time to fix it!

Be M Famous,

Christopher Macken

Find me on Facebook and Twitter

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