July 31--Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I shopped online for a piece of furniture that needed in-home assembly (included in the purchase price). It arrived during my workday, so I had to scramble to be there for the delivery and assembly. And the guys the company sent did a terrible job -- which I didn't realize until I tried to use it and heard an ominous "crrrraaaack." The store was very responsive after I complained and promised to send new parts and someone to put it back together. At this point, I don't really want to take time off from work (again) to let those guys in (again), and I'm willing to do the assembly myself. When I emailed the company, it was really just to express frustration, but now I'm thinking I should get a rebate for my time and grief. You're the shopping expert. Is that fair, and if you think so, how much should I ask for. My total initial cost for the furniture was in the $2,000 range. I was thinking of maybe $250?
-- Savvy Shopper
Dear S.S.: You stayed home from work to have the thing delivered. You had to put up with the aggravation, and then there was the time spent emailing back and forth. You endured the busted furniture, and you definitely deserve some compensation for all that. I'd say ask for $1,000, and even if you don't get that much, you're in a better bargaining position. But, rather than mention a dollar amount, how about suggesting 50 percent of the purchase price (which somehow sounds less than $1,000)? In general, I think that's usually a good place to start. Coincidentally I just ordered some furniture myself that arrived damaged, and that's what I did -- asked for 50 percent off, accompanying my email with photos of the damage to prove my point. (This only works if you would rather have a rebate than return the item for replacement or full refund.) In this Yelp era, I've found companies are much more accommodating because they don't want lousy customer reviews. I've also found that being pleasant goes a long way toward getting fair compensation.
Postscript: Savvy Shopper emailed me that the store offered $250. He countered with $500, and he's already received his $500 refund! I'm still waiting to hear about my own effort to get some money back for my damaged item. Their first offer was a chintzy 10 percent -- which I politely suggested was not enough. Stay tuned.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Can you explain the popularity of the scruffy I-haven't-shaved-for-three-days beard look? The groom even sported that look at a wedding I went to recently. Am I missing something?
-- Margie E.
Dear Margie: If you're missing something, I am too. And it's apparently a look not just confined to young hipsters. Not long ago, I saw a magazine photo of 76-year-old actor Ian McKellan, and he had the unshaved look too. I can see why a guy would love to have an excuse not to shave every day. That said, I think it's a dumb style. But, if women can dye their underarm hair bright blue and pink to make a statement, I guess there's no reason why the male unshaved look can't be a statement too. (I'm not sure what it says, though.)
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I bought a white crochet-style top and am having a difficult time finding something to wear under it. It needs something or my bra shows. I tried a sleeveless white top, but the bottoms don't line up. If I tuck it in, then my slacks show through the holes. What are women wearing underneath these things?
-- Suzan
Dear Suzan: They are wearing camisoles or sleeveless T's. Don't worry about your slacks showing through the holes. That's totally acceptable. It's also fine to wear the sleeveless top untucked even if it's longer than the crocheted top. Call it layering, and you're good to go.
Angelic readers
Many, many readers have the same problem as Julie who asked me for suggestions to fill in her skimpy eyebrows and conceal the white hairs. I suggested Latisse or Maybelline's inexpensive pencil in "blond." Some other options: Liz W. swears by Merle Norman Powder Brow Pencil (www.merlenorman.com). Frugal Sheri K. uses a soft black No. 2 drawing pencil. Cathy loves Revlon Brow Fantasy Gel, and so does Becky, who raves, "Concealing my gray, colorless eyebrows with Revlon Brow Fantasy Gel takes 10 years off my face. I'm not kidding!" Sue U. wants you to try Maybelline Brow Drama. Marcia G. likes Benefit's Gimme Brow (www.benefitcosmetics.com). Joan G. said her one purchase of Gimme Brow lasted 10 years! Sylvie R. is a fan of Clinique Brow Shaper (www.clinique.com). Y.H. and Helen P. simply use waterproof mascara to color their eyebrows. Patricia L. likes L'Oreal's Brow Stylist Plumper Brow Gel Mascara and also Prestige Cosmetics Brow Perfection Brow Building System (www.amazon.com). Lynnley W. uses Rimmel Lash Accelerator Serum (drugstores) on her brows with great results. Cheryl credits her sister Deb for turning her on to "the product made to dye men's' beards" for those pesky white brow hairs. Nancy S. and Christina S. like Anastasia Eyebrow Gel at Sephora or Ulta (www.sephora.com, www.ulta.com.) Joyce T. uses pressed powder eye shadow that matches her brows. And Debra P. says to try SmartBrow.
Shop, drop, get help
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds -- on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty -- to answerangelellen@gmail.com.
