it's the holidays, I'm baking (cookies)

It's Christmas Eve, SANTA IS COMING.

 I was informed by those of you on instagram that cooking posts would be favorably received. I can't really cook, but there are a few photo-worthy things I can churn out, so I figured it was worth a shot. Especially because we're almost upon a new year, and if this goes terribly wrong, we can just leave it in 2017 along with fanny packs and most of our politicians.

it isn't always better

sweater: thrifted
tote: cuyana
boots: CAT

I'm going to live in this sweater for the rest of my life. Best $3 I've ever spent in a thrift store.

This is winter in California aka early fall everywhere else in the world. Unfortunately, the colourful foliage does not change it from being December, or me having to do Christmas shopping still. I keep making lists, and then sticking them in my bag and forgetting. Mainly because I get distracted buying Christmas presents for myself. Like this bag.

IT'S GOT MY NAME STAMPED ON IT. At least, my initials. Plus it holds absolutely everything, barring a few fantastic beasts. It's from Cuyana, also known as the-cool-brand-everyone-keeps-hush-hush-about-because-none-of-us-want-to-share. (Try whispering that in someone's ear. Go ahead.) As a brand, they're all about small source and handmade, sturdy and stylish, better over bigger. Getting close to Christmas (THREE WEEKS GUYS NOBODY PANIC) they're reminding all of us deal crazed nutters to give better. As someone who is extremely picky about a. who gets presents and b. what they get, I was all over it. To me, it seems like a great philosophy. Give people you love things they'll love, not just things. Do something unforgettable.

This seems like a great time to announce that I'm going to London on Sunday with Sallie. I don't really have anything else to add to that, except that I'm hoping to track down Ellie.

But when am I not amiright

x Justina

ps. shoot me an email at justina {at} abentpieceofwire.com with your address, and favorite color. I'm making Christmas cards and have no one to send to...EXCEPT YOU GUYS. (Perks of the internet: you can't run away.)


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dear oprah, a few of my favorite things

Dear Oprah,

I love you. I really do. But as a struggling college student, I have a want, but not a use for a poinsetta flower pot cake. What I do need are comfy clothes and caffeine and power. For my gadgets, I mean.

I know you don't have experience in this group. So I spent the better part of this afternoon fishing the landfill out of my purse, laying out it's contents, and narrowing down the things I actually need to live.

Here's a few of my very favorite everyday things: 

1. Sebago Classics ($60): I swear I've only had them six months and they've changed my whole perspective on the frat-boy look because I am COMFORTABLE and WATERPROOF and SLIP-PROOF. 

2. Aerie Bralettes ($26): When you don't have boobs, you don't need real bras. When you do have boobs, you still need pretty bralettes.

3. MeUndies Terry Joggers ($85): Tbh MeUndies can just have my wallet, my soul, and my eternal love. Their undies are a staple in my closet, but these joggers changed my game. Plus they have real pockets. 

4. Casemate Iphone 6+ Case ($35): I drop my phone a lot. This case saves it a lot.

5. Fujifilm Instax SHARE SP-2 Printer ($189): I currently have .... 1985 photos on my iPhone. I only really need to remember like 20 of those. 

6. Mophie Power station ($49): I decided to show you the battle scars my Mophie has weathered under my care - it still saves me every time with two and a half-ish charges. Think of all the tweets that may have not happened if not for it. 

7. Happy Plugs In-Ear Headphones ($35): Because my mum (and the people who sit next to me in Starbucks) do not want to hear Chance the Rapepr on repeat (I know, it's weird.)

8. TOMS Del Rey Sneakers ($79): Because sometimes (every day) I spend hours running (but actually walking) all over the place and these shoes are the only way to keep looking cool.

9.Starbucks Cold Cup ($12-$25): Okay, you all know I have a problem. And admittedly, this grande cup is more aspirational than actuality. I can usually be spotted with my clear venti "justina sippy cup" full of iced coffee/motivation.

10. Brush Naked Toothbrush ($5): I have this weird gag-reflex to plastic toothbrushes (and people). Idk man. These brushes are great, and you gotta take care of your teeth. 

11. TOMS Cosmopolitan Tote ($158): IT FITS ALL OF THE THINGS. ALL OF THEM.

12. LUSH Solid Perfume ($12-$19): I work at LUSH, so I usually smell like LUSH, but when I don't, I smell like LUSH's 'All Good Things'. Best thing about it? It can't spill in my bag.

13. NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator ($8): The secret behind my prolific highlight, is not in fact, as suggested by my brother "drinking the happiness out of unicorns".

14.  LUSH Hair Custard ($24): I have a lot of hair. I prefer it to all be soft and smell like fair-trade vanilla. 

15. Nuuna Large Notebook ($27): A big book for all my big ideas. And shopping lists. 

16. Field Notes Notebook ($10):  A small book for to-do's and half-thought out tweets. 

So there you have it. Cold cups and tooth brushes.
 That's the real secret.

x Justina 

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all I want for christmas is you

photos taken with instax mini 70

I really love Christmas. The trees, the lights, finding the perfect gift for someone you love. It's this gloriously long process that I always stretch out until the verrrrrry last moment. On purpose.  But that's okay, because that's what makes it fun. That, and watching my dad staple a million trillion strings of lights to our tiny little house. Seriously, you can probably see us from space. There's loads and loads of themed budget rom-coms, and everyone is just that little bit friendlier (although the woman you had to fight for a parking spot in the mall may have not gotten the memo).  There's so many special traditions, and new moments waiting to happen. 

Speaking of moments: you all know my favorite way to capture mine are through photo, preferably polaroid. To commemorate one of my favorite holidays, I'm giving one of you a chance to win a brand new Instax Mini 70 from Fujifilm (IT HAS A SELFIE MIRROR). All you have to do is:

1. Make sure you're following me here  + on Instagram

2. Comment with your favorite holiday song lyric, where you're from and your instagram handle!

Then you'll know if your DM's jingle, that could only mean one thing.

MERRY CHRISTMAS GUYS

x J







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merry meundies

undies / joggers

GUYS CHRISTMAS IS IN EIGHT DAYS

Do you feel sufficiently panicked? Are you considering buying people underwear for christmas just to avoid the mall? GOOD. You're in the right headspace now.

 I wrote about MeUndies a while back, but when I was settling on what I really wanted for Christmas, (other than loads of sriracha) I decided to be real with myself. Makeup trends will come and go, but I'll need underwear forever. As will literally anyone you're shopping for. So here is my official christmas gift of 2015: a MeUndies Design of The Month subscription. That's right. Give the people what they actually need/didn't yet know they wanted: a new pair of snazzy underwear every month. Especially if they're college students. Trust me. 

I would also like to talk about these joggers they've got (that I am currently wearing) because of their pockets. If you have been reading this blog for a while you know of my issues with pockets. They're rarely existent on girls clothes, and are never deep enough/in a proper spot/practical at all. Yet, in the spare time they had between releasesing crazy new designs and styles every month, MeUndies decided to make ridiculously soft pants for women with proper pockets. Revolutionary.

The moral of this all is, as my brother so eloquently puts it:
"You can't buy my love, but you can persuade my butt."

x J



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a holly jolly justina

photo taken with fujifilm x30

Merry Christmas homeskillets!

 I hope you all are having an absolutely lovely holiday full of cookies, embarrassing sweaters, 
and too many holiday specials. (if that even exists).
(it doesn't)

See you under the lights, tree,
 and/or poisonous plant we like to hang in door frames this time of year.
x J



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let me guide you to christmas: a gift guide

see more handpicked-via-the-internet gift favorites here

I sound like a liar but I promise it's the truth - I love giving gifts, even more than getting them. Finding someone that perfect thing.  It's usually something they didn't even realize they wanted until they saw that you had it and tried to steal it. That's how you know it's perfect.

In the spirit of proper gift guide making, I did what Oprah does it -

 I had a bunch of other people suggest things they love. Then I veto'd them all and picked things I love. It got pretty long, but let's have a little breakdown:

1: Dogeared necklaces are the fastest way to show the love, 

and this Buddha brings some extra happy karma.

2: DOCS DOCS DOCS HOLOGRAPHIC SNAKESKIN DOCS.

3: If you live on the Best Coast, you can buy friendship with sunglasses.

4: My pink Casio is a statement piece, but gold is a perfectly matching classic.

5: Stella & Bow studs are the perfect basic to build an ear party with.

6: Girl Boss = girl (and boy) bible.

7: Minimergency kits are the perfect gift for that person whose entire life is an emergency. 

*cough* me *cough*

8: You know that one friend who refuses to get on twitter but comes up with perfect one-liners?   

Get them a Leuchtterm 1917 notebook.

9: The greatest gift you can give anyone is a good set of earbuds. Trust me and Happy Plugs. 

10: Boring sneakers are boring, get leopard print Vans instead.

11: Sunny Dushanka backpacks are the solution to style vs space.

12:  Benetint is always a benefit. (I'm sorry)

This list actually goes on for ages, you can check it out here.  I'll also be updating it constantly until Christmas, because fresh finds ya know.

Don't forget: the best gift you can give the people you love is a happy loved one, 

so get yourself some presents too. (Airtight logic)

x Justina, Santa in Training

       

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fa la la la la// IT'S CHRISTMAS

 sweater c.o. chiara fashion

tis the season to be fabulous, fa la la la la, la la la la🎄

Merry Christmas darlings!

I hope all your holiday is tinsel-y and sparkly and marvelous in general.

Steer clear of lights. 

Pull one, they turn into a massive knot on the floor.

xx,

Jusitna

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what happens to snow in the sun? // third sunday of christmas

 quick someone get olaf a pair of sunnies

I LOVED FROZEN. 

Not as much as Tangled but half a light year (which is a lot) more than the Princess and the Frog.

Disney done good 

 However,  

living in permanent winter means no sunnies needed 

and that is simply not acceptable. 

So in the spirit of celebrating that we aren't living in a magic induced winter wonderland,

I'm giving one of you a chance to choose three fabulous pairs of sunglasses from ZeroUV!

*Tyra voice*

 You know our rules:

 1. Make sure you're following me on GFC or Bloglovin'

2. Follow ZeroUV on Facebook.

3. Leave a comment with your name, email, and favorite Christmas carol!

You have until next Sunday (12/22) to enter, so get cracking!

Justina the snowman, is a fairytale they say

xx,

Justina

ps. 

Voting for the A Bent Piece Of Wire awards opens Wednesday, 

so check back then to see who made the list!

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flown the coop // first sunday of christmas

 #teenvogue dress : c.o trollied dolly

because my family wasn't weird enough already, my brother has pet chickens

This is what December in California looks like. 

I haven't seen snow in 3 years.

I'm been suuuper into historical dramas lately 

(holla at netflix for feeding the addiction) 

and this Trollied Dolly dress is just perfect for the mindset.

I really don't know how they do it. Perfect length, adorable design. They're magic workers.

and now they're going to work some for you.

Every year in December, 

I do a different giveaway every Sunday leading up to Christmas. 

yay presents

For my first "Four Sundays Of Christmas" giveaway, 

Trollied Dolly and I will be giving one of you lucky bunnies a dress of your choice.

THE EXCITEMENT OF IT ALL

All you need to do is

 1. Make sure you're following me on GFC or Bloglovin'

2. Follow Trollied Dolly on Facebook.

3. Leave a comment with your name, email, and favorite type of Christmas cookie!

You have until next Sunday (12/8) to enter, so get cracking!

Justina Claus is cominggggggg to town

xx,

Justina

ps.

MORE PRESENTS:  

The Official A Bent Piece Of Wire Gift Guide is LIVE!

 Click here to see all the fabulous things you can give yours-others.

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On The First Day of Christmas.....

 (being an epic reindeer.)

Ta-da it's December.

and you know what that means, right?

Snow,

Christmas trees,

and....

 

PRESENTS.

woo!

You give presents to people you love,

and so I'm giving presents to YOU. 

 Every Sunday until Christmas, I'll be giving away something fabulous and wonderful.

The giftaways (my word, you like?) will last a week, and the rules are simple.

1. Follow A Bent Piece Of Wire via GFC.

2. Comment with your email + your favorite thing about the holidays.

Get creative with step two, because my favorites will receive a  $20 giftcard to Firmoo.

(They sell fabulous glasses and sunnies, time to bolster up your collection? Snow glares a pain.)

This week, I'm giving away a luuuurvly  

Society Of Chic gold sequin clutch.

Here it is.

 

I can't decide what I love most, that fact that it's gold, or that it's covered entirely in sequins.

Probably both.

So get crack-a-lack-in like a chestnut in a roasting fire.

Sorry, I just can't stop myself.   

fa-la-la-la-la

xx,

Justina 

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All I want for Christmas is...this, and THIS, and THIS....

Bonjour Mon Cheries,

 tis the season to be jolly! But what would the holiday season be without a few fabulous gifts, that idiot who is giving you fruitcake that you gave them LAST YEAR, and of course, those mile long wishlists of fashion folklore :)

Before I get on with the FIRST EVER A BENT PIECE OF WIRE GIFT LIST, let me tell you my newest rule:

 RULE OF LIFE #4 : NO UGGS. None. Period. I don't care who you are, or what else you are wearing, do NOT,  I repeat, NOT, leave the house with those things on. Please.

And now on with the party, oui?? I have personally picked all these things, and trawled the abyss that is internet reviews to certify their fabulousness. And lets face it. If they weren't fabulous, why would they be on my blog??? I've added the price, where to find it, and their twitter handle :)

     1. EOS Lip Balm

                                                      Walgreens, evolutionofsmooth.com $3.29, @eosproducts

                      I wrote a post on this stuff, so you know it's gold. It's also a contender for 

                           "A Bent Piece Of Wire's Product Of The Year"! I have a ton of them, 

                             and they are magical. A great stocking stuffer, these little spheres 

                              pack quite a moisturizing punch, and plus, they're fun to play with!

                                             2. A Subscription to Teen Vogue

                                                      Teen Vogue, teenvogue.com, $10, @teenvogue

                                         This one is a basic staple of any fashionistas aresenal. This is 

                                 our BIBLE. and it's a great gift for basically anyone! Everyone 

                                          likes to look at beautiful clothes ;)

          3. VS PINK Nation Large Wheelie

                                                                  

 

Victoria's Secret, Victoriassecret.com, $128, @victoriassecret

 As I should hope y'all know by now, good luggage is important.

and good luggage must LOOK good. Voila, I bring you the VS PINK wheelie. :D

                                   4. Classy by Derek Blasberg

 

Amazon, http://www.amazon.com, Price Varies, @derekblasberg

Put this one in the shelf right next to Teen Vogue. This little book is an essential for any lady. Derek covers what not to wear when at the airport (He's with me on the Uggs thing) to what not to have in your purse. I definetly recommend this one for your girlfriends and  your sister, but maybe not your boss. She might take it the wrong way.

5.  Coach Poppy fragrance by Coach

  

Coach, www.coach.com, $65, @coach 

        This is actually a fragrance I wear all the time, and I love it. 

For a very long time I stayed away from purfume, because it reminded

me of dead old women. Morbid, yes, but it's the truth. But this actually smells

       really good, and it's nice and light, not so oppressive. Good gift for your best friend, 

     maybe not your grandmother, she might prefer to stick with her Chanel No. 5.

6. Apple iPod Touch

 

Apple Stores, http://store.apple.com/us, $199 

Now I should HOPE you know what this is :) I swear by my iPod, and it has my life on it. I organize, blog, take pictures, tweet, EVERYTHING. All while randomly dancing to Ke$ha. It is probably the most useful thing I've ever bought. 

7. Glitter TOMS

 
TOMS, toms.com, $54, @TOMS
  
Who else remembers my #JustinaNeedsSparklyTOMS campaign?? I still don't have them. So in that spirit, I'm putting this on my list, hoping that som very lucky person out there will get a pair, and it will be because of me. Fine points of these shoes: 1. GLITTER!!! 2. Some child who really needs them, will get a pair of shoes as a result of your purchase. That sounds like Christmas spirit to me. :)

8. Urban Decay Sparkling Lickable Body Shimmer in Marshmallow

 

                                                     Sephora, sephora.com, $20, @sephora

                               So, not only does this stuff look amazing, but it tastes FABULOUS.  

                       Marshmallows have never tasted this good when licked off your arm

      9. a Sofistafunk Skirt

 

                                       Sofistafunk, sofistafunk.com, Prices Vary, @sophistafunk

           This is actually on my personal christmas list. I want one of their beautiful skirts so bad.

          I run out of adjectives when describing them. Glamours, fun, winzy, moxie, whimsical,

         you get the picture. I didn't post a specific one because it doesn't really matter which one

                    you pick. They are all one of a kind, and they are all FABULOUS.

 10. American Express Giftcard

                                          American Express, americanexpress.com, Prices Vary

                          And for that person on your list who you just CANNOT find a gift for,

                              let them buy their own.

I hope this has helped you get some prezzies under the tree for those people you LUUUUUURVE :) Let me know how your Christmas goes! E-mail me at abentpieceofwire@gmail.com :)

   Off Singing Carols,
         Justina