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.

escapades: coachella 2012

Do you know what it's like to receive an email from an international publication asking if you're available to cover a week of Coachella fashion for their style segment & having to say "no" because you're an 18 credit-hour student whose accounting professor refuses to make a mandatory final date not-so-mandatory? 

Well I do.

& even though I'm still [a little] bitter, I'm combating my urge to boycott the exam all-together by lusting over maxi-skirts, retro sun glasses & swimwear that doubles as rain gear/sweat sponges.

Coachella fashion has become so iconic, that a lot of times I forget it's a music festival [I know, shame on me.] But, in my defense, aren't trends & tunes synonymous with one another? A lot of times, the music I listen to in the morning influences what I end up wearing for the day. So, why shouldn't you dress show-specifically this weekend? I know I would totally plan an outfit on the bands I'd be seeing.

Here's three shows I wish I were seeing & the clothes I wish I would be wearing.

awolnation & mustard/metallic mix

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Blame it on their raving SXSW reviews, or my love for a great progressive keyboard intro, but AWOLNATION is a must-see for any Coachella-goer this weekend. Pair their deep vocals & high/low beats with black metallics & mustard accents.

Catch them: April 14th/21st

{contents} collar necklace: topshop + tank: billabong + sunglasses: house of harlow 1960

cross body: urban outfitters + shredded shorts: nasty gal + studded sandals: steve madden

grouplove + pink/punk pair

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The first time I heard Grouplove I may or may not have been engaging in less-than-innocent activities. & since, whenever I hear "Tongue Tied" I can't help but think of basement parties, solo cups & lots of hair going lots of everywhere. Their entire album is full of sweet vibes complemented by guitar rushes with a sexy, girly twist. Pretty much, it screams "find American flag shorts & never take them off."

Catch them: April 13th/20th

{contents:} sunglasses: ray ban + denim zip bralet: topshop + cambridge satchel: asos

ankle boots: belstaff + american flag short: topshop 

st. vincent & pastels/petals couple

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St. Vincent's aesthetic switches between a whimsical, airy fairy-tale to psychedelic guitar riffs with no warning at all. Annie Clark's delicate voice leaves every ear wanting more, giving her audience dancing tunes or mellow melodies. Take a floral mini-dress to her show in support of her soft verses but match it with a sky-high heel to match her power choruses.   

Catch them: April 14th/21st

{contents:} sparkle stud wrap: topshop + floral bow back dress: topshop + sunglasses: asos

pale crossbody: forever21 + shoes: asos

What bands are you excited to see [or livestream]? 

 &more importantly, what're you wearing.

lauren jerdonek.