NERD ALERT!

Fashion is a funny thing. It seems to me that what is deemed as "in fashion" is defined as such by a majority. Right now, and perhaps for a while, it seems the fashioins have taken a turn for the quirky. Maybe it's because I'm over 30 and I'm more comfortable with myself, maybe it's because I'm a stay at home mom and have the freedom to do so, or maybe, just maybe I'm doing it's socially acceptable to do it and I have no guts, but I have decided to FINALLY embrace my INNER NERD.

Those who know me well are all asking themselves right now "Inner nerd? Jeez, is that going to be larger than the nerd she already shows publicly?!!!???"

Well the answer to that is YES. I am enjoying the movement in our culture towards embracing the unique, the original, the nerdy. From now on, I'm making a concentrated effort to listen to my inner-nerd. Yes, I like "Star Trek". And would love to sit and talk philosophy with anyone who has the time to spare. I think my life and wardrobe would be a lot more fun with a bedazzler. I'm totally comfortable belting out the entire soundtrack to the musical "Wicked" in my car and I'm starting to encourage the kids to sing along with total abandon as well. I'm ready to be free of trying to look cool (this is easier for me since I RARELY look cool). But I think it's time for all of us to consider letting more of our true interests and thoughts shine through our public persona. I know there are times where it is important to censor ourselves and try to fit in. But I graduated from high school. A WHILE AGO!

I invite you to join me on my nerd quest. I think when we let down our guard and act as true to ourselves as possible, everyone ends up having a lot more fun. Now I just need to find out when the next Star Trek convention is. Truly, I've always wanted to go to one.

Q: My girlfriend has started buying me clothes that others feel are too stylish for me. I do have a style of my own, and don't know exactly what that is, but I feel that it is comfortable and up to date. All the clothes that my friends or my girlfriend buy me I absolutely love. I have no problem with change or trying to look better. I feel that I am always appropriately dressed. How do I remedy the situation?

A: Style is nothing if not personal. Your friends are probably just extremely jealous that you have stylish new clothes and that you got them for FREE!!!! The fashions we wear are the most obvious indicators of our moods, our interests, and of course our personalities. Personal style is PERSONAL. So if you are starting to wear clothing that is more "current" and you do actually love it, that would lead me to believe that it fits into your personal style. I'm a fan of changing things up; particularly when you already know you like the changes. So embrace the new clothes, and let your friends know how much you like them. Continue to wear the new clothes that your friends think are too stylish and remark on how great you feel in them. If they still give you flack, tell your friends that you are friends with them in spite of their clothing choices and that they should extend the same courtesy to you. HA!!! Nothing quiets criticism like a good, old fashioned insult! Okay, scratch the insult part, but I think asking them kindly to respect your personal style should be effective. If it isn't, tell them that your only other option is nudity, and hopefully they'll appreciate the clothed, too-stylish-you more than the creepy you in your birthday suit.