TheStyleGeek.com

Hey Style Geekers,

I’m at the Web 3.0 Conference in Santa Clara, CA today. (This is the geek part, not the style part.  Believe me. You should see the outfits on some of the people here.) I’ll be updating you on some of the MIND BLOWING stuff going on in the world wide web later on today, but I wanted to take a second to give a little “shout out” to my friends and fellow Bloggers & Etsyers who are holding fabulous giveaways this week:

First, a big congrats to Beth, owner of the adorable Etsy shop, Lillian Ray, for opening ANOTHER great store: Lillian Ray Luxe.  I promise to give you more information about LR Luxe in an upcoming post; but for now, go check out the beautiful, high quality jewelry at both of these shops–and enter to win these classy, labradorite earrings!

Joining Beth in the giveaway is the lovely Mary of Mary’s Monday Musicology fame.  If you are sick of your current music playlist and wanting to expand your musical horizons, Mary’s blog is THE place for you!  I’m constantly amazed at the awesome new artists Mary finds each week as well as the amount of quality information she provides about them!

Finally, the lovely ladies over at Frenchie and Flea are holding a love-inspired giveaway. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of spending more time with Allegra, one of the two women behind the shop, and have loved every minute of it! (Hopefully you’ll be seeing the “product” of our time together on The Style Geek soon…)

I am privileged to call  all three of these ladies friends. I’m proud of their hard work and dedication to producing quality posts and products; and I’m constantly inspired and encouraged by their kind support of me and my own blogging efforts.  So, I thought I’d share them all with you!

Good luck in the giveaways!

Hello Friends! I apologize for being M.I.A the past few weeks.  As I said below, over the past few weeks I experienced what I thought was a serious case of writer’s block.  However, after further reflection (something that I did a lot of during the past few weeks), I now realize that what I was really going through was a bit of an identity crisis.  Who am I? What do I believe? What do I value? What is The Style Geek? What subject matter should this website deal with? What is its purpose? And most importantly, how does who I am as a person intersect with this website?

I’d love to say that I can clearly articulate the answers to these questions, but I can’t…and that’s ok. Because what I’ve come to realize over the past few weeks is that my sense of self—and I would venture to say yours as well—is in constant evolution.  What I can articulate is what The Style Geek is and where I’m hoping to take it in 2010.

There’s a reason I didn’t name this website The Fashion Geek.  Fashion is always changing.  Style, on the other hand is more permanent.  As Ariel Foxman, managing editor of InStyle magazine so aptly put it: “Style…is a distinctive way you speak, act or dress.”  She goes on to say that while some women are undoubtedly more “stylish” than others, every woman can develop her own personal sense of style. And that’s exactly what The Style Geek is all about. Helping women find a personal style—in word, deed and clothing– that fits their everyday life.

As for the geek? That’s part and parcel to the style.  A truly stylish woman is knowledgeable about the world around her, and let’s be honest, the internet is a powerful vehicle for disseminating and gathering information.  The geek part of this website will concentrate on the research, books and technology that are shaping our world.

On a more tactical level, in 2010, The Style Geek will have weekly features: Tech Tuesday, Fashion Friday and Style Sunday to name a few.  I’ll also be continuing The Style Geek Book Club—and looking to take it to a new level.  Think virtual book club meetings where women from all over the country can come together and discuss the featured title.  I’ll also be ramping up Daily Inspiration tab, which I’ve been severely neglecting the past few months; and most importantly, I’ll be looking for new ways to interact with all of you.  (More on this to come…)

I hope you guys are as excited about the New Year as I am.  I’m not much for resolutions (mainly because I never keep them), but I’d love to hear if any of you made any? Or, if you’ve got a website of your own, let me know what you’ve got in store this year!

Happy 2010, Style Geekers! Thank you so much for reading and commenting! Here’s to a great New Year!

-Jenn

P.S.- Before I forget, I also want to take a minute to thank a few people who have been particularly encouraging to me and my blogging efforts over the past month (whether they’ve known it or not):  Tiffany, thank you for your kind words of encouragement about my writing! You are so sweet! Valery, thanks for encouraging me to start blogging in the first place and for reading along with me! Remember to “make it work”! Allegra, thanks for brainstorming with me about new ideas and business ventures. Cannot wait to do some closet cleaning! Lisa Ashby and Nicola of The Whole Self, thanks for your kind words of encouragement–I am loving both of your blogs! The Word Wire, thanks for the Twitter shout outs.  Your writing is inspirational! Beth, thanks for being such a strong Style Geek supporter from before this was The Style Geek!

*Photo Courtesy of Vanity Fair

Every time I darken the doors of an Old Navy, I have high hopes for what I might find inside.  Being in the same “retail family” (a phrase I think I just coined) as Banana Republic and Gap, you would think that Old Navy’s offerings would be on par with its sister stores.  That being said, Old Navy caters to the lowest price point in its family and unfortunately, I’m finding that the quality of the clothing  is in direct proportion to the amount of money it costs.  Most of what I found in today’s Old Navy shopping excursion was not only made cheap, but also looked the part.

There was one bright spot in today’s trip: Old Navy Outerware.  I was impressed with the quality, style and variety of coats and jackets the store had to offer.  The hot pink funnel neck coat and tan belted wool blend jacket are my personal faves, but if any of you are just itching to buy a puff piece, they’ve got them too! (See post from October 23 for “puff piece” reference.)  The great news is that every style is extremely affordable (under $100) but the best news is that Old Navy is having an outerware sale this week–up to 50% off on all outerware until November 12 and $1 scarf day on Saturday, November 7!  (Who cares if the scarf will fall apart in the wash? IT’S A DOLLAR!)

Tomorrow afternoon I’m off to meet Husband in Vegas.  He’s been there all week for the SEMA Show, promoting the company he consults for, AccuAir.  (If any of your significant others are into cars, you should definitely check out both those links.)

I won’t be posting again until Sunday, but you can count on a pictoral rundown of the trip then.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

-Jenn

Well, here it is.  My first post on my very own website. (Previous posts were ported over from my blog, Happily Ever After…may it rest in peace.) I’m officially putting myself and my work out onto the vast stage that is the internet.  As you can see, this website is far from complete, but when you’re a newlywed working a full time job, there’s not much time to work on “side projects.”  So, I am taking Husband’s advice and launching as is, trusting that you–my faithful (?) followers–will be patient as I tie up loose ends.

I started my blog and now this site out of a desire to write and connect with people. Those two things will still be paramount on The Style Geek, as will providing you with relevant fashion and technology information. However, there will be one other component to The Style Geek that I hope has been somewhat evident in my previous writing as well: A bold proclamation that Jesus Christ is Lord and a demonstration of His work in my life.

Within the next week, I’ll be adding a tab labeled “Daily Inspiration” to the top navigation of this site. This page will contain a passage of scripture, a quote or a short reflection from my daily devotions. (Emphasis on short…can’t spend ALL night on the computer…I am a newlywed after all…) I realize that some of you might not be interested in hearing about what the Lord is teaching me and how I think it might relate to your life, so that’s why I’m making it a separate tab.  You can click on it if you’re curious or you never have to view the page.  (Disclaimer: This does not mean that I will not inject my personal beliefs in other site content, at times.)

I’m ashamed to say that I thought of excluding “Daily Inspiration” –or any of my religious, political or social opinions– from the site.  I didn’t want to offend readers before I even gain them.  But the reality is that I cannot separate what I believe from who I am and what I do; and if that offends you, then you probably shouldn’t waste your time reading The Style Geek.

However, if affordable, wearable style; technology tips, tricks and gadgets (think Smartphones and social media not SQLServer and Java Script); and generally amusing thoughts on life and the world we live in are up your ally, then I encourage you to keep reading.

I’m so excited you’re here, and I look forward to spending time with you.

-Jenn

P.S.- That’s me on a recent bowling excursion.  Is it just me or does Seven jeans and a Tory Burch scarf paired with bowling shoes, scream “STYLE GEEK”!?

A couple entries ago, I mentioned that I would creating a personal manifesto in order to help me decide what content I want to feature on my new website (TheStyleGeek.com). FYI on the site- My friend Justin is actively working on putting it together for me. The biggest hurdle is as soon as I choose the most appropriately girly theme…

Anyways- back to the personal manifesto. I’m still in the “vision mapping” process. This is where you take a stack of magazines and cut out images that “speak” to you. I went through half of my magazine stack last night and so far, I’ve “talked” with 19 different images, including Tory Burch with an Indian man, the editors of Vogue in the front row of a runway show during Fashion Week, a few cute and cuddly animals and two pictures of Rachel Bilson, my personal style icon. (Have I mentioned that I “heart” Rachel?)

Tonight, I revisited the pictures I had cut out yesterday and was at a loss to figure out how to turn some of these images into possible website content, much less how they connect to the core of who I am as a person. That’s the thing. For me, my website is more than just a place for people to keep up on the latest fashion trends or technology gadgets. (Get it? STYLE GEEK??) It’s a statement about my character and what I value. So far, it seems that my life revolves around clothing and while that’s one component of me, it’s not necessarily what I want to be known for. (I can hear people talking about me now: “She’s not very…but she sure does have cute clothes!” Umm.. no thanks!)

I’ve been listening to a lot of great Christian music lately (I have a love/hate relationship with the genre. It’s either awesome or super cheesy.) and one of my current favorite songs is called “It’s Your Life” by Francesca Battistelli. She sings: “It’s your life. What you gonna do? The world is watching you. Everyday, the choices you make say who you are and what your heart beats for. It’s an open door. It’s your life.”

I’d encourage all of you over the next few days to join me in being mindful of the choices you make and what they say about who we are and what’s important to us. Who or what are our hearts beating for today?

Until Tomorrow,
Jenn

*Photo Courtesy of Gwen Bell

Unfortunately, waking up late also means I didn’t get to post an entry this morning. Check back later today, and as always, thanks for reading!

First of all, I have to say that I’m super excited about my newest follower, Jess Crew. Jess and I were friends in high school and lost touch afterward, but have reconnected and formed a unique bond through the magic of Facebook. The internet has an interestingly wonderful way of bringing people together. I’m thrilled to have Jess reading these posts and look forward to her thoughtful insights!

Second, I wanted to introduce a new series of entries that I will be posting on here every Sunday (starting next week). The series is called “Letters To My Former Self” because it’s based on my old journal entries. (In case you didn’t know, I’ve kept one since I was in second grade.) In the posts, I’ll re-write an excerpt from an old entry and give myself advice–sort of a “what I would have done then, if I’d only known what I know now” thing. Hopefully that makes sense. I’m so tired I can barely keep my eyes open. Thanks to my friend Valery for the awesome idea!

Two more things before I go:

1.) I broke down and bought a Blackberry this weekend. I’m now virtually connected in literally every way imaginable. I’m sure I’ll be posting tips and tricks I discover on here from time to time, but for now, fellow Blackberry users, take a look at Laptop Magazine’s Top 10 Blackberry Apps. I’m rapidly becoming an UberTwitterer myself…

2.) Not sure if you’ve seen the cover of the November issue of Lucky but Rachel Bilson (my personal style icon) is wearing a boiled wool military jacket by Gary Graham. Her jacket rings up at $845, but you can find a similar knock off at Forever 21 for only $24.80.

Until Tomorrow,
Jennifer Lynn

Today is my mom’s birthday. Words can’t express how much I wish that I lived close enough to celebrate with her, but the reality of our lives right now is that we are more than a few time zones apart. Therefore, I will do the best that I can to celebrate her life and all that she means to me in this entry–though words really can’t express that either.

When I was growing up, my mom had a mug with a picture of a woman with curlers in her hair, laying prostrate on a couch. Beside the woman was a vacuum and a cluttered floor. The caption on the mug read “Sometimes the handles of reality seem a little slippery to Helen.” As a kid, I failed to understand why mom loved–and even seemed to identify–with that mug. Now that I’m married, I’m beginning to comprehend half of the mug’s meaning to my mother. (The other half will come when I have children, I think.)

As women, we often (willingly or unwillingly) sacrifice ourselves at the altar of our families. My was (and still is) the perfect example of someone who freely gave of herself, her time, her money and even the shirt off her back (which I often stole from her closet when she wasn’t looking) so that my dad, brother and I could live a comfortable existance.

Growing up, there weren’t too many nights when a made-from-scratch dinner wasn’t on the table between 5-6 p.m. (Sometimes I’m lucky if take-out from the local Chinese food joint makes it onto a TV tray by 8 p.m.) I can’t recall the laundry ever piling up in our house. (As I type, I’m staring at an overflowing hamper.) And I don’t remember hearing her complain even once when purchasing new “back-to-school” outfits for me meant that she would be wearing the same wardrobe for the third year in a row. (To this day, mom marvels at what a shop-a-holic I am.)

If you asked her, she’d deny all of this and say that she’s “far from perfect.” (I can literally hear those words coming out of her mouth right now.) Interestingly enough, she’d also tell you that one of her biggest regrets is not having any direction (a.k.a.- a “thing”) in life. (Sound familiar?) But that’s not how I see it. Her “thing” is our family and she excels at putting us first.

So, today on her XX birthday (number erased to protect the innocent), I celebrate her and her selflessness.

Mom, I love you. I couldn’t have asked for a better example of what it means to be a Godly wife and mother. If I turn out to be half the woman you are, then I’ll count my life as a true success. Consider this post a virtual hug from me (and The Far Side) to you.

Love,
Your Jennysue

Have I mentioned that Dancing with the Stars is my FAVORITE SHOW EVER!!??!!?? I’ve never watched a show that brings me so much joy. Seriously. Sometimes my toes literally start to wiggle when I’m watching the couples dance. I’m a little over halfway through tonight’s performances; and I have to say that even if I found Aaron Carter’s assertion that he and partner Karina Smirnoff will win the competition more than a bit presumptuous, their dance this evening was amazing.

Husband and I went dancing this weekend. Just the two of us, out for a night on the town. I like to delude myself into thinking that I’m a good dancer, but I’m really not. In fact, as I was cutting the proverbial rug on Saturday night, I kept having these out-of-body experiences and thinking “What are these people watching me dance, saying about me?” I’m sure that I don’t want to know, but honestly, I couldn’t care less.

I said all of this to say that whether I’m watching it on TV or doing it myself, dancing makes me happy. What is it that makes you happy? Whatever it is: Find it, watch it, do it. Now.

Until Tomorrow,
Jennifer Lynn

P.S.- Mya and Donny Osmond were absolutely divine (Yes. I said divine.) as well!!!!!

Short post today. Husband and I threw an impromptu BBQ this evening, and I’m exhausted.

Through the magic of Twitter I found John Mayer’s new single as well as a new (partial) song from Dave Barnes. (Yes, I’m doing some tweeting these days. And yes, I realize it’s virtually–pun intended–pointless.)

I’m far from a music critic, but Mayer’s new song sounds a lot like some of the tracks from his Continuum album, namely Heart of Life. The difference is that the new track, entitled Who Says, is all about “getting stoned”–something Mayer’s been an advocate of for quite a while and I myself find to be his most morally repugnant trait. Still, I like the song (mainly because I love him) and I’m giddy with anticipation of his new album being released on November 17.

As for Dave Barnes new song, it’s also very similar to his old stuff. However, I started listening to Dave in 2006 and have had his first CD (from 2006) playing continuously in my car stereo for the past month. Songs like “Until You” and “Crazyboutya” never get old! Very glad to hear he’s back in the studio again. (If you’ve never heard of Dave, I highly suggest you check out him and his music: www.davebarnes.com. You can listen to songs from his most recent album on his website.)

Until Tomorrow,
Jennifer Lynn