The Bitch is back!: 2014

Product Review: Makeup Mirror with Lights

Beauty 11/10/2014 06:14:00 AM

Makeup artists and enthusiasts know for a fact how hard it is to put on makeup without proper lighting. I’ve been thinking twice about purchasing a lighted train case because I heard that it gets really heavy once filled with products. One day, a well-known HMUA (Hair and Makeup Artist) I follow in Instagram uploaded a picture of her work desk. And there it was... A beautiful lighted mirror. Just a few days after, I am now a proud owner of one!

Do you find yourself having trouble painting your facade because of poor lighting? Do you share the same love for makeup like I do? Do you find yourself wearing makeup almost everyday? Then this product might be useful to you!

Note: This is not a sponsored blog for the seller. This is an unbiased review of the product.

The product comes with a free padded bag.

After pulling it out from the bag for the first time.

This is how it looks like without the plastic.

I purchased the 17 x 20 matte black version of this mirror. I think it’s sleek and very sophisticated. Just look at that gorgeous matte finish!

6 bulb sockets are tightly screwed to the frame.

The cord sticks out from the lower left hand side of the frame.

There’s a switch.

It has a built-in stand.

The metal hooks make it easy for hanging.

It uses E27 LED lights. Since it was my first time buying bulbs, I opted to get a brand I am familiar with so as not to compromise the quality.

I plan to use white (cool daylight) at the top and yellow (warm white) on the middle. I got six of these for Php189.00, three for every color.

Luckily I found an old, random box at home that could fit all the bulbs. Now I don’t have to worry about carrying them around.

I don’t plan on using the bottom two sockets, so I bought E27 Female Plugs for the safety of myself and my clients. They cost Php26.75 a pair. Now they can be used for my hair tools!

This is how it looks like with the lights on. My protégé is definitely enjoying the view.

Image courtesy of seller

This is how big it is. The product is almost the same size of the bag.

Image courtesy of seller

Here are some of the swatches and a few pictures of the product in other textures and colors. The Gray/Silver Croc is to die for while the white one is immaculately divine!

Image courtesy of seller

The largest frame is sooooo enormous I think it would be best for personal use. Ditch your old dresser mirror and get this one instead! It has 8 light bulb sockets. Surely it’s going to be bright! (picture for size comparison)

Product Specifications:

Made to Order
Light bulbs not included
Comes with a free padded pag
23 x 24 cm (16 x 20 mirror size) – Php4,200.00
17 x 20 – Php2,500.00
12 x 16 – Php1,800.00

Pros:

Price is reasonable.
Product is well made.
Lightweight.
Custom design is a plus.
Free padded bag is definitely a plus.
Can be used standing up or hanged from a wall.
Seller ships and does meet-ups.
Seller offers after-sales maintenance service for FREE (only covers wiring or lighting issues). Mirror replacement, etc. will have a corresponding repair cost depending on the damage.
Ideal for personal use.
Smallest size is perfect for travelling.
A great option for makeup artists vs train cases with lights.

Cons/Suggested Improvements:

Male plug looks like it would easily break.
Switch positioning in the wire is off.
Wire is a bit short. The thickness and length of the wire doesn’t look like it would be able to hold that much current when the bottom sockets are used as ports for hair tools.
Edges of the frame need a rubber protector, especially the bottom ones.
Stand seems a little bit flimsy and could have been made with a thicker, sturdier material.

Overall Rating

Definitely a must-have! If you want one for personal use, ditch the idea of buying the infamous Vanity Basics Makeup Mirror! If you need one for business use, this is a great alternative! Now all you need is a big trolley for makeup and hair tools!

What are you waiting for? Get yours now! Contact and follow the seller in Instagram: @myprettyreflection and let her know my blog took you there!

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My Horrifying Experience: Sky Cable Technical Service

Philippines 11/03/2014 06:27:00 PM

Image courtesy of http://www.thepickiesteater.net/2014/01/skycable-just-way-you-want-it.html

My cable TV had intermittent signal during the first week of October until it finally gave up and went dead last October 7. I didn’t bother calling my provider since my experience with their service led me to believe that it should be up and working again after a day or two. On the third day I tried troubleshooting the issue myself, having a 5-year background on technical support, but after going through the initial steps I knew I couldn’t get it back up.

I sent an email on October 10 asking for a technician to be dispatched to check my service and was given a window of three calendar days. Almost a week had passed and no one had gone out to check my cable TV service. As any customer would do, I sent a follow-up email and tweeted to get answers. I thought it was just a case of delay as I found out that a lot of areas were experiencing major problems. I didn’t know I was about to go through an early Halloween treat, my own Horror rollercoaster ride courtesy of Sky Cable.

I was given two different reasons. Their Twitter team said my number was inaccessible, and was asking for another contact number. It was a lousy excuse. I never turn my cell phone off, and my cellular service is strong. There is NO WAY I couldn’t be reached at any given time of the day. But being an understanding customer, I gave an alternate contact number.

On October 17 I was given another schedule for the technician dispatch. No one arrived as usual. I really didn't understand what was taking so long to get someone out.

I sent another follow-up email. Their response shocked me. I almost lost it at that point. For the second time they were asking for landmarks so they could locate my area.

It was already the 25th when I received a call from customer service asking me to fetch the technicians at the landmark I provided. I asked the representative how I could identify their guys. His response: "naka-motor po ata sila" (I think they're riding a motorcycle) followed by a long pause. Don't get me wrong, I know they are in blue uniforms and would come in a van with the company's logo on the side. Yes, Sky Cable hires 3rd-party technician service. But that question shouldn't be that hard to answer. I think this just proves how much their frontliners lacked basic knowledge of their own SOPs.

The technician found out that the cable running from my house was disconnected from the port in the light post. That is where all the connections in our block stem out. I asked the technician what took them so long to get dispatched. He showed me a copy of his work order and it lacked the name of my subdivision. No wonder they were having a hard time locating my residence. Out of the numerous e-mail exchanges and tweets, no one even bothered looking at the work order to verify if the address is correct!!! I also found out that the technicians don't have the ability to call cellular phones because they carry mobile landline. If that's the case, why did their Twitter team say that my number is inaccessible the first time I made a follow-up? Not all subscribers may have landline, especially if they don't find the need for having one.

I don't turn my TV on that often, but when I do I would like to actually be able to watch something. It was a simple issue that required a simple solution. The length of time I had to wait to get my cable service up and running wasn't justifiable.

Do you have a similar experience with this company? Let me know down in the comments! I would love to hear your story.

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First Impression: Blackberry Classic

First Impression 10/21/2014 10:47:00 AM

All photos in this blog post courtesy of http://crackberry.com/blackberry-classic-caught-yet-again-time-some-hq-images

I've been so accustomed to user-friendly Nokia gadgets (last one I had was an e72) that I got my hands on a BlackBerry phone only 3 years ago. I think there's no other mobile device that would fit my lifestyle any better.

While most of my friends and colleagues laugh at me for choosing to stay with this brand, I think that the recent BlackBerry 10 units are very promising. I get the native features that I love, plus I get to use other applications not available in our store since the new OS include support for the direct installation of Android apps.

I used to own a Bold 9780 and now I've been using a BlackBerry Q10 for more that a year. Sure, a lot of people are raving about the weird-looking BlackBerry Passport but not me!

Picture for size comparison. Blackberry Classic (left) and BlackBerry Q10 (right)

I used to dream about owning a BlackBerry Bold 9900. It's sleek, professional and very elegant. The BlackBerry Classic combines the aesthetics of a Bold 9900 and the power of a Q10.

For those who missed the Nav keys on their BlackBerry 1o units, the BlackBerry Classic brings back that awesome feeling of being able to scroll using the track pad and the rest of the Nav Key features, just like those legacy devices back in the day.

Forums show a great deal of people not liking this unit because the hardware specifications are not very promising. Others complain that this device might have an internal battery. My opinion on that: if iPhone users can deal with a non-removable batteries, so can we! So what if you're on the go and can't carry an extra battery? Use a power bank instead. If there's a will, there's a way.

Final specs have not been rolled out yet, so who knows? Maybe they'd consider changing it. For the meantime, enjoy these pictures of the BlackBerry Classic as not a lot have surfaced yet:

Blackberry Classic (left) and BlackBerry PassPort (right)

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Spotted: Fake Longchamp Le Pliage

Fashion 9/15/2014 02:02:00 PM

I thought the Longchamp Le Pliage isn't as sought after nowadays here in the Philippines, so I am surprised to see quite a number of people still going crazy about this utility bag, much like how I was a few years back. But who would want to pass from great deals offered on websites such as Cash Cash Pinoy, Metrodeal, Ensogo, etc., not to mention Instagram and Facebook online stores selling it for an affordable price compared to Rustan's. But beware! Authenticity cannot be guaranteed even if they claim so.

Here are some points I think every Filipino bag lover should take note of before spending their hard earned money:

1. Some blogs outline key points that every Le Pliage handbag needs to have. Some websites have moderators that would help authenticate an item. If this is accessible to you, a random internet user, what makes you think that counterfeit makers have not looked at these guides or visited these websites too? For all we know, they might have used these guides to produce a high-end replica.

2. Of course Longchamp has set parameters that need to be followed during production. But they may not have a strict rule on how the Le Pliage line is manufactured. I am not questioning the company’s principles, this is just personal observation. Why do I say so?

My friend and I both have a medium short handle in beige. Both items were purchased at a Longchamp store overseas. There is no difference on construction and quality. However, if you look closely, the bag on the left appears to have a lighter tone. When this image was captured, both handbags are relatively new and have never been cleaned or washed. My point is, if these products were crafted under strict guiding principles, they would look identical. Do you think this would happen if you put two brand-new LV Monogram Speedys side-by-side? I don’t think so.

3. The cheapest medium short handle Le Pliage I found was in Greenhills, priced between 3500Php to 4000Php. This was 2 to 3 years ago.

Yes you read it right – Greenhills. Despite the fact that this shopping haven is known for counterfeit items, there are stores that showcase authentic products. Anyone who has scavenged every nook and corner would know. Genuine bags sold at a cheaper price here do not come in abundance. The stocks are very limited. If you ask the sales lady when the next stock arrives, they would probably tell you “pagbalik po ng amo ko from <insert country>” or “hindi pa po kasi ulit nakakalipad yung amo namin papuntang <insert country>.” That’s because store owners would buy bags abroad or would ask friends who are flying out to buy the merchandise for their shops.

4. 2 to 3 years ago, Pliages already cost around 4500Php to 5oooPhp at Duty Free.

5. Out of all the countries my jetsetter friend visited, the cheapest MSH he saw was in Paris. Tagged around 3500Php to 4000Php. This is expected as the brand originated from France. This was a few months back (from the date of posting this topic).

NOTE: 1 Euro was still above 60 Philippine Pesos at the time conversion was computed.

POINT IS: If you see any coupon/deals website or any Instagram and Facebook store claiming to sell authentic pieces but are priced lower than that of France (the brand originated from Paris if I’m not mistaken), then you better start doubting its authenticity. And obviously, since the Le Pliage line is the most inexpensive out of Longchamp’s wide array of products, it just follows that others would be priced higher.

Still not convinced? Let me tell you my personal experience. To date, I own 4 Longchamp Le Pliage bags.

I have a medium short handle in beige and a large short handle in black. Since they were cheaper abroad, I asked my friend pick them up for me when he was flying out.

I also have a medium short handle in Peacock and Graphite. I got them both from a Facebook shop. At first I was quite hesitant because it only costs 2500Php which is too good to be true. The seller sounded pretty confident claiming that their goods are the real deal. I was even told that I can take the bag to Rustan’s and have it looked at. If it was found to be a replica, they said my money will be returned no questions asked.

I purchased the peacock handbag a little over 2 years ago. As soon as I got the parcel I checked key areas, following the superguide on how to spot a fake Longchamp Le Pliage put together by Snob Affair. Guess what? It matched!!! Down to the codes on the plastic tab. I couldn't see any difference.

Click here to see the guide.

Last year my mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday. You guessed it! A second purchase from that very same online store. This time around when the graphite handbag arrived I couldn't help but notice that the stitching on the side leather tabs where a bit off. It wasn't as clean compared to the peacock tote. The “feel” of the nylon material was smoother too. Once again I followed the guide, but everything else seem to be on point. Despite this occurrence, I firmly believe that my speculations where confirmed – this online store was selling high quality replicas!

Just go back to point #1 stated earlier. Surely these counterfeit manufacturers got a hold of what a Le Pliage tote needed for it to seem authentic.

I believe the best way to tell if a Le Pliage is fake or not is by comparing the side leather tabs, and this is just my personal opinion. I didn't notice the difference until all three were laid side-by-side. See the perfect cut and shape of the authentic bag? See the difference in size?

back side

Thread color is almost the same front and back, but did you notice how clean the stitching on my beige MSH is?

Missing an indent of the jockey logo at the back side of the leather flap doesn't mean the bag is fake. My beige handbag (bought in LC HK) doesn't have a very noticeable indention. I've also seen some with no logo indention at all, even though it was purchased from a store.

Purse forum detected the real ones, despite the fact that the hardware went through normal wear and tear over the years. Obviously I couldn't let them know that the products were purchased from the store, because that would be a dead giveaway. Duh.

I had to say that all four bags were gifts, to somehow test their ability to spot the real ones. They still knew which were fake despite the very limited information I gave.

I'm in no position to say Purse Forum is a reliable source just because they got mine right, but I'm also not in the position to question their skills. Hear this: they may get it right, but sometimes they also make mistakes. Some of my close friends tested their authentications skills - there were incidents when real bags were labelled fake and vice versa.

Click here to see the pictures of the Black LSH.

Click here to see the pictures of the Beige MSH.

Click here to see the pictures of the Peacock MSH.

Click here to see the pictures of the Graphite MSH.

Was I disappointed that the items I acquired from that online store turned out to be fake?

No. It's definitely better than the other lousy replicas out in the market. The peacock handbag braced winds and rainfall a few times (I have a bad habit of not bringing an umbrella). The leather never chipped off and my stuff inside didn't get soaked. For the price I paid, the bags are sturdy, well-made and served their purpose.

Do I think that this online store purposely lied just to close this sale?

I honestly do not know. I am in no position to judge them.

Would I buy from the same seller again?

Maybe. I haven't given this a thought.

From one bag lover to another, save yourself from the hassle. Take note of the 5 points I raised earlier. And think about this: If they these Facebook/Instagram shops and various coupon websites are selling counterfeit Le Pliage handbags, what about the other high end lines of Longchamp? Just now I've seen some websites selling a LC Cuir for just 6999Php. The price tag in Rustan's is almost 40k. That's 30k difference! UNBELIEVABLE.

It’s been a year since that realization. I never felt the need to get back to the seller, or to even write about this topic. But the fact that a lot people are still lead to believe they got a decent bargain pushed me to put my own experience in writing.So if you haven't bothered scrutinizing your Le Pliage tote because you thought that it's the real thing, better start checking. NOW.

Just remember: if it's too good of a deal, then most likely it's not real.

Update as of 02.10.2015:

A friend of mine recently bought a LLH in Peacock at the Longchamp store in Paris. The bag is made from China. The stitching and the side tab's cut is clean. The jockey logo indention at the leather flap's back side is almost not visible, but it's there.

Update as of 03.27.2015

backside

One of my best friends grabbed a MSH in Citrine at the flagship store in Paris. Do you see the clean stitching and how neat the cut of the leather tab is? The jockey logo indent at the backside of the leather flap is very visible in this bag.

backside

I asked my best friend to pick up a MSH in Coral for me as well during his trip to France. Notice that the indent of the jockey logo at the leather flap's backside is not that visible. You can almost say there is no indent. And don't get me started on the stitching underneath the side tab. How horrible!

Both handbags had a price tag of 65 Euros. As of today the exchange rate is 49.19Php = 1 Euro. That's roughly around 3197.35 Php.

To reiterate my point earlier: it doesn't look like a clear-cut process and stringent quality assurance for Pliage production is in place. If there was, these differences wouldn't even come up.

So I placed them side-by-side once again. Besides the difference of the leather tab's cut and stitching, here are some of my new observations:

Authentic Pliages appear to have darker leather color, regardless if it's brand new or not. Notice that my Coral handbag's side tab (new) exhibits almost the same shade as my 4-year-old Beige tote. Now compare them to my 2-year-old Graphite and 3-year-old Peacock bags. See the OBVIOUS difference?

There's a visible bump caused by the nylon's edge on the two authentic bags. While the other two, has little to none.

Update as of 06.17.2015

Two days ago I dropped by Rustan's Makati. I wasn't intending on looking at any bags but when I accidentally passed by the Longchamp stall, curiosity kicked in. MSH Pliages are nowpriced at 5250Php! I remember these totes almost hitting the 8k tag 5 years ago.

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