current: 2012 london olympics

Recounting the absence of my athleticism seems to be a theme here on twic, but alas I must brief the delusional stint in my youth where dreams of being a gymnast seemed as realistic as the idea of me getting picked last for soccer, kickball, basketball (etc, etc), which ten years of P.E. class proved to be very realistic. 

But, if there's one thing greater than my bitterness toward my gym classmates it's my love for the red, white & blue! In fact, against the requests of my friends, I'm always looking left, right & under couch cushions for an excuse to wear an American flag in [literally] any form and thankfully, the 2012 Olympics is making that search much easier.

Although I'll never be an Olympic athlete, I will spend the next four weeks channeling my inner Shawn Johnson with structured shoulders, metallic sport jackets & nothing but patriotic hues. 

What follows is my top designer picks that allow you to subtly, yet not-so-subtly, rep the States & a "thank you" to London via accessories for hosting my nostalgia for forward rolls & cartwheels.

{content:} 1. rag & bone jeans + 2. london flag clutch + 3. narciso rodriguez top + 4. duvetica vest + giuseppe zanotti gladiator sandals + 6. big ben iphone case + 7. iro sequined jacket + nars jungle red

{contents} topshop blouse + asos metal frame clutch + topshop snake metallic leggings + mossimo cobalt blue heels + h&m blue skinny jeans + essie really red + topshop gold booties

lauren jerdonek.

essentials: summertime

Summer is officially in session-- 

& even if you're stuck on campus to grab more credits or headed to an internship, there is a sense of relief that comes with the start of heat-induced days.

 Although summer shopping is a must at some point before school starts back up, it's the little things that can transform your summer days. Here are my top picks already in my closet.

{contents:} bumble & bumble surf spray + essie "like linen" + stilla "passion fruit crush lip & cheek stain" + chloe colorblock clutch + madewell the patent sidewalk skimmer "dusty clay

lauren jerdonek.

birchbox: march 2012

We're now a week deep into April & I've just gotten around to indulging in March's Birchbox goodies. As you can recall [refresher], I'm a new obsessor of the Birchbox brand & as a subscriber, I'm sent a box of handpicked beauty items that are tailored to my profile every four weeks.

It's beautiful--

This month, I opted to receive the party box option that was curated by my idol, Eva Chen, from TeenVogue.

Eva is the Health & Beauty/Special Projects editor at the magazine powerhouse & is the mastermind behind my favorite social network handles: @evachen212 on Twitter, Whatever Eva Wants on Tumblr, has an amazing Instagram collection & is even an avid checker-inner on FourSquare (a social network I limit exclusively to her & my dad). She does an amazing job at interacting with her fan-base & gives incredible advice, something I completely admire.

Plus, who doesn't love to follow her daily chronicles throughout the NYC?

But, now for the main event! 

{contents clockwise}

1. essie luxeffects in "as gold as it gets"

2. tarte lipsurgence lip tint

3. kerastase elixir ultime hair oil

4. kate spade new york "twirl"

5. twistband hair tie

I'm so excited to use all the new products, & as soon as I do I'll be sure to let you in on my buys.

lauren jerdonek.

nailed it: go green

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 

Everyone knows wearing green on SPD is a must- & who doesn't love an excuse to go in theme for a day? But dressing for a certain occasions can sometimes feel a little unnatural & goofy. &, let's face it, wearing a four-leaf clover on your chest is a little cliche...

...so

the perfect medium is a fun, green pastel palette for your fingertips! It's the best way to avoid getting pinched & get into the Saint Patty's spirit without feeling overdone & contrived.

Giving yourself a french-tipped manicure is now easier than ever with Sally Hansen's Nail Art Pens. They don't over-bleed the polish & give you an extreme amount of control of the design you're trying to achieve. They're great for tipping your nails or going for more intricate designs.

Give yourself 2 thick coats of Essie's "navigate her" for a ridiculous amount of slick shine that looks professionally done [but leave ample drying time in-between each!]

This look will leave your less than chic friends feeling green with envy in 3 easy steps.

{nailed it: go green}

1. Essie - "Navigate Her"

2. Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen - "Chartreuse" 

lauren jerdonek.

nailed it: floral tip

One of my favorite parts about spring break is that there is plenty of me time. & as much as I love to get pampered at the nail salon just as much as anyone, I change my polish as often as I change my shoes. 

Florals are popping up everywhere on the runways for springtime- from Peter Som to Altuzarra, designers are pretty much making their bold blossoms a wardrobe necessity for the next few months.

I'm a mega-fan of nail art: It's a fun way to incorporate seasonal trends in an unexpected & affordable way. But [let me tell you], your 7 year-old brother has a steadier hand than I do, so Sally Hanson's Salon Effects are a great way to cheat the system without looking cheap. Add a pop of bright polish to the tip to give your self-manicure a polished, playful & professional look.

{nailed it: foral tips}

1. Sally Hansen salon effects - "Spring Fever"

2. Essie - "Tour de Finance" 

lauren jerdonek.

bullseye: city escape

Most think spring break is synonymous with sea salt & sandals. But some of the chicest of vacations are city destinations like New York, Chicago or Seattle. 

& if you're making the trip to site see & shop, you're [obviously] going to need to make a before-travels stop at Target to load up on some city-escape essentials. Whether it's your first time in the big apple or you're a frequenter of Michigan Avenue, no one wants to dish out lots of cash for a pre-vacay shopping trip.

Soo--

You can score all the beauty essentials + an outfit & accessories for only $100!

Headed to a surf & sun SB after all? Check out my Target Beach Break Essentials. 

{beauty essentials.}

1. ELF Eye Lashes - "Black"

2. Maybelline Volum' Falsies - "Very Black"

3. Essie Nail Colors

4. Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick - "True Red"

{first-timer}

1. Xhilaration Tie Bottom Top - "Black Gray Stripe"

2. Skinny Denim - "Pale Pink"

3. Winifred Braided Flat Sandal - "Luggage"

4. Bruges Pebble Crossbody - "Dark Brown/Tan"

5. Green Inspired Notebooks

{native}

1. Xhilaration Tie Bottom Top - "Coral Sorbet"

2. Convertible Striped Maxi Skirt - "Blue/White"

3. Perri Strappy Espadrille Wedge - "Taupe"

4. Jason Wu for Target Flap Satchel

{upper-sider}

1. Xhilaration Tie Bottom Top - "Blue Jeans"

2. Skinny Jeans - "Dark Wash"

3. Pearlynn Espadrille Wedge Sandals - "Cognac"

4. Nicole Lee Structured Satchel - "Bone"

5. Rubberized Wayferer - "Black"

{artist}

1. Xhilaration Tie Bottom Top - "Coral Brown Aztec"

2. Junior Shorts - "Dark Wash"

3. Winni Strappy Gladiator - "Tan"

4. Mint Green Mini Lacing Crossbody

5. Kodak Funsaver Mini Top 35

lauren jerdonek.