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Ok. While the pictures may indicate that I’m on the tracks, I’m really on the fence (see what I did there?) about this outfit.  I like the shoes (Nine West-on sale here) with the jeans (Miss Me) and I like the top (Forever 21. Similar here.) and the blazer (Target. Similar here.) separately; but when you put it all together, it seems to give off this weird cowgirl meets businesswoman vibe that was not exactly what I was going for.  (The train only adds to the Wild West feel, methinks.)

I don’t know. What do you all think about this outfit? Good together or better as separates?

Boundaries.  In case you were wondering, I have none.  I honestly can’t remember the last time I said no to something.

I say yes to everything. I accept every invitation.  I volunteer when asked. I work extra hours.  Until something overlaps.  Like the jewelry party I RSVP-ed to this weekend and then forgot to back out of after I discovered I had a work conflict (yes, a work conflict on a Friday night). Or, I go until I have a personal implosion, which usually ends with an emotional explosion on poor Hubs.  The explosion sounds a lot like this:

Me: I’m just so stressed right now.

Hubs: Why?

Me: I’ve go to do (insert long lists of items here) on top of work and nevermind any personal things I might want to do for myself (like blogging), there’s never any time for those.

Hubs: Why did you say yes to (insert long list of items I just rattled off here)?

Me: Because I would feel guilty if I said no.

And there it is. Guilt: the root of my lack of boundaries and the cause of my current stress. Even as I type this, I feel overwhelmed by all the things I’ve told people I would do, yet I feel guilty that I’m not doing more.  I always feel that I could be doing more.  And more always comes at the expense of me.

So why am I telling you all of this? I’m sharing this because to the outside observer of this blog, I’m sure my life looks pretty charmed.  And let’s be honest, I have had some amazing experiences in the two and a half years since I’ve started The Style Geek, but I’ve also had some less than stellar moments–some that I chose to share and some that I did not.  The impetus for wanting to start a series called The Style Geek In Real Life (TSGIRL, which I mentioned last week) is to demonstrate to those of you reading my blog or any of the other fabulously curated lives available online, that sometimes we as bloggers paint a picture of our existence that is far rosier than the reality.

Here’s how this is gonna work.  True to its original intent, The Style Geek will begin to focus exclusively on fashion and technology related content (not much of a switch from what you’re already seeing).  Peppered throughout most of my posts, however, you’ll find links to posts on my new blog jennprentice.com that will give you a behind-the-scenes look at that particular event, day or week in my life.  Jennprentice.com will also become a hub for the long form content I often shy away from sharing on here.  In other words, The Style Geek will be a place to share the glam; jennprentice.com will be where I share my heart.

Yesterday I attempted to make the salted caramel macarons I saw on my favorite blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere.  To look at Emily’s pictures, you’d think these cookies were a fluffy piece of easy-bake heaven.  To make them yourself, you will realize they are messy, not-so-fluffy and just downright frustrating.

Like her post about the macarons, all of Emily’s other posts indicate that her life is pretty close to perfect (or at least it looks that way in pictures).  As if Hollywood wasn’t bad enough, social media and the blogosphere has given us girls a whole slew of women to compare ourselves–and feel inferior–to.  While I don’t doubt that many of the ladies who put their lives online each day do lead a fabulous existence, the truth is that all of our lives (celebrities, bloggers and social media mavens included) often look a little more like MY macarons: sticky, difficult and kind of a disaster.

Unfortunately, many of us fail to remind ourselves of that aforementioned truth as we look at the fabulous outfits, careers, families, houses, etc that so many of our favorite personalities–or even some of our closest friends–put on display online.  I mean, seriously, how often have you navigated away from a blog or even just logged off of Facebook feeling discontent because at least 10 other people are leading a life that is far more fabulous than yours? It’s a vicious cycle, and it has to stop.

So, in an attempt to expose just how much your favorite bloggers and Facebook friends aren’t telling you about their life, I’ll be launching a new series called The Style Geek In Real Life (otherwise known as TSGIRL).  Starting next week, I’ll be sharing some of the more glamorous moments of my daily life with all of you on this blog and then linking to the TSGIRL version of that moment on my other blog, JennPrentice.com.  (Yes, that means I’ll finally get to start blogging over there too.) This series will be part of a larger movement I’ll be starting to encourage all of you to “Live Counterculturally” in 2012.  (More details about that to follow on Monday as well.)

If nothing else, I hope that my TSGIRL posts serve as a reminder to all of you that no matter what it might look like from the outside, no one’s life is perfect.  But like my salted caramel macarons, sometimes the sweetest moments in life lie in our greatest failures.

I just returned from spending the week in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). I’ll post some of the links to my coverage of the event tomorrow, but right now, I’m suffering from nerd overload and wanted to treat myself to a little fashion indulgence. Before I took off for CES, the lovely and talented Melissa Jean took a few photos of me in one my favorite business trip outfits.  The jacket ( which I actually wore it quite a bit while in Vegas on business last year) paired with the dress and boots seem to say to me: “I’m sophisticated and professional yet able to have a good time.”  And the scarf, well, depending on your knowledge of designer brands, it either says “I love Scotland” or “My scarf is cooler than yours.”  Also, I should give a shout-out to Kenneth Cole for making these awesomely comfortable boots.  I’ve had them for a few years, so they are super worn in (read: scuffed up) and they got me through the miles and miles of walking I had to do in Vegas.

Urban Outfitters Jacket. Similar here.

Dress: Unknown (sorry, Style Geekers)

Kenneth Cole Boots. Similar (and less expensive!) here.

Burberry Scarf.

I won’t lie, I’m kind of embarrassed to make this post.  As some of you may or may not know, I lost about 15-20 pounds (depending on what time of the month it is) about three years ago.  By God’s grace, I’ve kept the weight off; but I still have–and still wear–some of the clothes from my heavier days.  The other day, I had my photo-taking-sidekick Melissa take a few pics of me in some pants that I thought looked too big, but wasn’t sure.

The result? Well, it’s worse than I thought.  Lest you think I’m exaggerating, I’ve posted some photos of me in a fuchsia top and the too-big pants and then some photos of me in a similar top and some form fitting pants.  I think these pics will make it very clear why one my New Year’s Resolutions will be to wear pants that fit.

Look at those thunder thighs!

Much better

Oh, and that beautiful brown bag I’m holding in the photo above? That’s Big Michael. The best investment I’ve ever made. And since the shirt I’m wearing is from WALMART (yes, you read that right), I could afford that investment.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been testing out different tablets in order to figure out which one to ask Santa for for Christmas this year.  I’ve gotten hands on with the Amazon Kindle Fire, iPad 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Nook Tablet.  I’ve made videos about my experience with the Kindle Fire and the Nook Tablet and I’ve even come up with a theory about what people’s tablet choice says about them.

Ultimately, I decided to add a Kindle Fire to my wish list.  It’s small, easy to use and gives me instant access to thousands of movies, tv shows, books and games.  You can check out my complete comparison on the Experts Exchange Tech News Blog or see which tablet matches your personality on Business Insider.

If you’re looking for someone to give you makeup tips, I’m not your girl.  The most I experiment with my makeup is switching between black or brown eye shadow and liner, depending on my outfit that day.  When it comes to a skin care regimen, I’m equally as boring: cleanse and moisturize.

For years, I’ve struggled with acne, an oily t-zone and foundation that just doesn’t match my skin tone; so when I find products that work for me, I stick with them.  After years of experimenting to try to find the right skin care and makeup products, I’ve finally found a few I can’t live without.  Here’s my list of favorites for the face:

Makeup-

Almay Intense I-Color Eye Liner- Glides on silky smooth and comes in a variety of colors that match Almay’s Intense I-Color Eye Shadows (another one of my faves).  If you have brown eyes like me and you’re feeling really adventurous, try the purple amethyst eyeliner and corresponding shadows.  So pretty!

Mary Kay Medium Coverage Foundation- Not too heavy, not too light.  It’s truly juuuusssstttt right.

Youngblood Mascara- This is a mineral mascara that takes lashes to new lengths.

Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush- The sherbet color gives just the right amount of tint to your cheeks.  (Geez, I’m starting to sound like Goldilocks here!)

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder- Rids your face of shine with just a few brush strokes.

Skin Care-

Ponds Cold Cream Makeup Remover- There’s a reason this has been around since my grandmother was my age.  Nothing removes makeup better.

Mary Kay Timewise 3-in-1 Cleanser- You can do away with the astringent and the moisturizer.  This one bottle does it all.

Mary Kay Timewise Day/Night Solution- While the 3-in-1 cleanser really can be all that you use, I’ve noticed a few laugh lines lately and need all the moisturizing I can get.  Depending on the time of day, I apply the proper solution and couple it with the Age Fighting Moisturizer for added hydration.

Mary Kay Timewise Firming Eye Cream/Eye Revitalizer- The one place I’ve noticed lines the most is around my eyes.  The firming cream works overnight to get rid of wrinkles and the revitalizer goes on in the morning to decrease puffiness and dark circles.

Seriously, pretty much all of these products have changed my life–or at least my skin; so if you’re pulling your hair out over acne or you aren’t satisfied with the way your makeup looks, I’d suggest giving these products a try.

If you want a few more specifics about the Youngblood products, you can contact Linda over at Starbrows or if you want some details on the Mary Kay stuff, contact Erica Munger at ericam (at) marykay (dot) com.

Last Thursday, Hubs and I went to hear one of my favorite artists, Tyrone Wells play in Santa Barbara.  Since we were leaving right after work, I needed an outfit that would be conservative enough for work yet dressy (read: sexy) enough for a date night.  I decided on my black skinnies and a sheer, red floral shirt from Gap (similar, but minus the flowers here) .  The classic black pumps are something that everyone should have in their closet and the purse, well, I’ve professed my love for it before.

Oh hey, Tyrone Wells and Joe Brooks! Did I mention we had front row seats?

If you ask my college roommates, they will tell you that they are still incredulous that people now ask me for style advice.  In my formative years, I was a cardigan and button-down shirt only gal–often pairing them with khaki pants, no less. These days, my style is a little less “conservative” and one of my greatest joys is helping other people develop their personal style.

To that end, I am going to be starting a series of blog posts that answer reader questions.  This Thursday’s question comes from my friend Carolyn who asked me if skinny jeans tucked into boots are appropriate for a 34-year-old mother or if they will make her look like she’s trying too hard to be “young.”

First, let’s get one thing straight: 34 is not old and being a mom is not a fashion death sentence.

To answer Carolyn’s specific question, though, no,  I do not think skinny jeans tucked into boots are at all inappropriate for 34-year-old mothers.  Since Carolyn is tall and thin, I’d suggest that she purchase a pair of flat boots and pair them with a longer tunic, a jacket or a comfy sweater.

As someone who is rapidly approaching both my 30s and motherhood, Carolyn’s question resonates with me.  Younger styles look good on older Hollywood starlets but often look silly on “older” people in real life. (At this point, let me reiterate my previous statement that 34 is not old.)

While I don’t want to regress back to my days of cardigans, button-downs and khakis (sidenote: there’s nothing inherently wrong with any of those articles of clothing, unless you’re wearing them every day like I was), I do want to make sure my clothes don’t cause people to say “who does she think she is.” Here are a few guidelines I like to follow when deciding whether a certain article of clothing is ok to wear or not.  Personally, I think these guidelines are good for people of any age to follow:

• Unless it’s a special occasion, stay away from flashy fads. We’re talking sequins, sparkles, feathers and fur, here, not a brightly colored dress.
• Avoid lycra, spandex and velour.  Exceptions can be made for workout clothes and sweatsuits (which should only be worn at the gym or around the house, I might add).
• Always err on the side of modesty.
• When in doubt, ask your best friend, not your significant other.  Your best friend will tell you to hide the twins, lengthen the skirt and lose the stripper heels.  Your man friend will either lie or tell you to vamp it up even more.

Since Pinterest (my new favorite website) contains endless outfit inspiration, I decided to create a Pinboard to share age appropriate outfit ideas. You can follow all my Pins, or just the board labelled “Always Age Appropriate.” If you’re not on Pinterest and need an invite, just send me your email address in the comment section below, and be sure to send me your style questions too.

Happy shopping, Style Geekers!

Truth: I only started to accept the fact that I am short and will never grow beyond five foot one and three-quarters of an inch as of last year. For years, I supported my denial by constantly purchasing and wearing ridiculously tall heels.  To this day, when people see me in flats, they say: “Gosh, I didn’t realize you were so short.” I respond by giving them a self-satisfied smirk and saying: “Then my plan has been working. Muahahaha!”

When it comes to fashion, living life as a short person is a series of hem after hem after hem. And there are some things that you just shouldn’t wear together–if at all.  One questionable item for us shorties (Ugh. I wanted to try that word out, but I hate it just as much as I thought I would.)  is ankle pants.  Anything that cuts off above the ankle threatens to make the vertically challenged look like members of the lollipop guild.  Still, the versatility of the ankle pant called to me, and I finally gave in this summer.  However, I place one very strict guideline on wearing them: ALWAYS PAIR THEM WITH HEELS.

And here’s why…

In the photo above, I’ve paired my ankle pants with a classic pair of black pumps and my best I’m too cool for this photo face, and my legs look (a little) longer and leaner. Whereas in the photo below, I’m wearing the same face (ok, maybe a little heavier on the Droopy Dog eyes) with flats, and I look like I just bought a one-way ticket to Munchkinland. The bottom line when it comes to ankle pants: wear heels, not flats.