current: christmas in july

Am I the only one who constantly looks forward to the arrival of heat-induced summer days all of spring & within two weeks of sweating & sunburns crave the first snow of the year & wool earmuffs? I've subjected myself to a never-ending mental cycle of always wanting to wear Espadrilles in three inches of snow or hating that cashmere & dark skinnies aren't appropriate for 104-degree weather: le sigh.

However, as with most of my logic, there are always exceptions. 

Enter, Christmas in July.

Growing up, Christmas in the Jerdonek residence has been nothing short of an extravaganza. In fact, it wasn't until a conversation freshman year of college that it dawned on me not everyone had a Christmas elf named Hermie or that the enforcement of a strict present color palette wasn't completely normal. Both of which, at twenty, I still eagerly anticipate without an ounce of shame. Another aspect of the Christmas season that's so highly appealing is that, to me, "Yule time" & "guilt-free accouterments" are pretty much synonymous with one another. I'm talking hot coco with no caloric worries, adorning the green/red combo with no clashing anxiety, & most importantly wearing lots of sparkle & not feeling tacky about it at all.

So--  today, I am encouraging you all to break out your finest shimmer & shine pieces in honor of Christmas in July. Below lay some compromises between "dazzling dashing" & well... a Christmas tree topper.

{contents: 1. topshop sequin t-shirt dress + 2. dolce & gabbana cropped jacquard pant + 3. topshop black metallic boucle short + 4. metallic bronze short + 5. anya hindmarch glitter clutch + 6. diane von furstenberg twill metallic short + 7. essie "nothing else metals" + 8. essie "penny talk" + 9. essie "good as gold" + 10. million ballet flats

lauren jerdonek.

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.

escapades: the met gala 2012

The annual Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of art [a.k.a. "the met gala"/"fashion's prom"/"new york's oscars"] was held last night, & I was hooked to the live coverage like Anna Wintour will be when she's in a rocker.

The Met Gala is known for its large spectrum of attire: both outrageous & simple. There are no rules when it comes to fashion's biggest event of the year. What I love about the event is that you really get to see what celebrities & the fashion elite want to wear all the time without the criticism. 

Although I would love to wear a bright yellow peplum & feathered skirt to class on the reg, if I still want friends I must refrain & live vicariously through the starlets below.

 However---
 that's not to say you can't take a hint of inspiration these fashionistas. Here's how to wear their over-the-top looks for a day-to-day outfit that's completely society-acceptable.

[photo cred: wwd. all looks from net-a-porter]

Who was on your best dressed list?

lauren jerdonek.

chromatism: cobalt blue

Everyone has their go-to color that they just know they look good in [c'mon, it's okay to brag!] As I got older & needed more formal wear for more events, I always gravitated toward 
cobalt blue.

Cobalt blue has gotten me through two homecoming courts, one prom, a wedding, & technically every single day of senior year ["Providence... Go big blue!"] Even last week when I hosted a fashion show for work, a cobalt blue pencil dress I express-shipped from ASOS saved my fashion crisis. 

SO imagine how stoked I was when I found out the electric color 
was a huge forecasted trend for this coming fall!

However:
What's $200 now in-stores is going to be $2,000 come autumn, so here
are the two cobalt blue pieces you need to own and how to wear them now & then
[before they break your bank]

{contents} cobalt denim: j. brand + blazer: 3.1 phillip lim + razor-back silk tank: 3.1 phillip lim + satin and suede pump: ysl + printed chiffon top: l'agence + should bag: victoria beckham + suede pumps: giuseppe zanotti

{contents} cobalt blue blouse: michael kors + color block bangle: etro + flower print denim: dolce & gabanna + heels: burak uyan + tweed blazer: iro + cotton skinny pants: roland mouret + black pumps: christian louboutin

What is your go-to hue?

lauren jerdonek.