current: chevron print

Chevron isn't a new pattern. In fact, Italian fashion powerhouse Missoni has been bringing us the zigzag print for decades now.

However, chevron did catch us off guard this season as a mega-trend. From dresses to accessories, nail art to apartment decor, style-savvies everywhere are giving the classic stripes an update.

One of the most fun things about chevron is that the print can literally be taken in any direction. Paired with neons or wide bottoms, the print becomes retro; paired with a skinny jean & pump, the print transform into an unreal level of chic.

{contents: 1. topshop belt + missoni luggage, gifted + haute hippie maxi + ruche shorts + asos stackable chevron rings}

lauren jerdonek.

narcissist: a dainty oxymoron

I've never been a guy's girl. 

In the fourth grade, I had this short sprint of mentality, thanks to Mary-Kate Olsen's character in the 1999 blockbuster hit "Switching Goals," that if I were to play soccer during recess with the boys (& sweat a lot), I would become a lot cooler & desirable than the girls who were making up dance routines to Destiny's Child's "Jumpin' Jumpin'" & practicing their high jumps & toe touches on the playground.

That theory was put to rest when pretty quickly when I was called out for picking up the ball with my hands, crying over a broken nail & someone commenting on how red my face was, all within twenty minutes.

Still, at 20, the only sport I seem to excel in is pinning a dozen swoon-worthy guys to my "gentlemen con swag" Pinterest board in less than a minute. (I'm trying out for the USA Olympic team next week, keep your fingers crossed!) However, even though every pore on my body exudes excess amounts of girl, I'm finding ways to include some masculinity into my wardrobe. Enter, the military jacket.

The military jacket has saved my outfits countless times since its purchase. Although I have worn it with pretty much every piece in my closet, today I played one of my favorite games called "Fashion Oxymoron," in which I pick the two most opposite items in my sight & wear them together. The outcome is always successfully repelling.

I'm all about tease mid-photo shoot.

Every photo set needs a "she looks like an asshole" pic.

Oh, stoooooop it!

This is a military-inspired look...

{contents} Forever 21 military jacket + Forever 21 lace dress + Urban Outfitters belt + 

Vince Camuto heels + Vintage Gucci}

lauren jerdonek.

narcissist: hibiscus this

As I sit under my sun-shielding umbrella, sipping a pina colada listening to the Hawaiian waves crash against the beach, I can't help but soak in a little tropical inspiration for today's look. Okay, you caught me: I'm not sipping a pina colada. Or in Hawaii.

Can't a girl dream? 

Although I'm not reaping the benefits of Honolulu's finest UV rays, or any rays for that matter, this past weekend I fully committed myself to a summer of island-inspired prints that even the biggest Kahuna would be envious of. 

Bright, bold, tropical flowers are a divine & fun way to channel your inner-islander without feeling obligated to wear a coconut bra, grass skirt & constantly recite optimistic proverbs. Altuzarra & Stella McCartney are just two of the designers that covered their collections in saturated blossoms, making the mix of ocean blues, striking pinks & vivid greens a staple palette for the coming months.

Below, yours truly demonstrates:

{contents:} shirt: silence + noise + skirt: zara + clutch: big buddha + shoes: jessica simpson} 

Aloha,

lauren jerdonek.

boyfriend: the tourist

My love for menswear is no secret. 

In fact, I admire & respect well-dressed guys way more than I do my own gender.

I also love collaborations amongst retailers, especially when that retailer happens to be Urban Outfitters. Earlier this spring UO announced their collaboration with Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast [right this way...] & just this past week they launched a new collection with one of my favorite menswear brands: Burkman Bros.

Burkman Bros. founders & head designers Doug & Ben Burkman designed this collection, called "The Tourist," based off the inspiration they took from a trip to Greece.

The best part: You can get an entire look for under $100.

Go. Now.

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.