baby's got back

shirt: wild blue denim
pants: element eden
shoes: coolway usa

The back on this shirt is a classic case of something looking extremely challenging, and then being extremely challenging. Like how much back is too much back? I still don't know.

I felt like I needed to at least TRY to use it as something other than a glorified dress-topper, and so, in an effort to make the whole thing simpler, decided to combine it with the only harder-to-wear item in my closet: these pants. They're WHITE and FLORAL and CROPPED and CUFFED ON THE BOTTOM. I've had them a solid two years but have always been way too scared of them and the stains I was sure would immediately destroy them if I dared to wear them in public. But as always, the promise of wiggle room and pockets pulled me in.

THIS OUTFIT WAS SO COMFY. I wore it to wander around the market and pretend I could tell the difference between central valley and northern peaches. (psa: central valley are squishier and generally sweeter. I guess.) Unexpected side effect of being fully covered with an open back? Perfect temperature. Even though it was 103 degrees. That's almost...40 degrees celsius for those of you who live in places with seasons.

I'm currently in Humboldt, which is much too far north of the wall for you to worry about locating on a map. It's foggy, and below 70 degrees, which feels faintly unnatural to me. I can already feel myself losing my healthy tan.

Kidding. (a little)

x J


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mixing it up

boots: CAT

shorts: H&M DIVIDED

shirt: Style & Co 

bag + sunnies: TOMS

The aesthetic of this outfit is definitely vodka mom in LA. You know, the one who has a solid colored Starbucks cup, enrolls her kids in "crystal therapy" at the local yoga studio on the beach, and takes out all her frustrations with life at SoulCycle. For further reference, check out my favorite instagram account, overheard in la. 

I'm not usually a patterned shorts person, mainly because until H&M intervened, I A. owned one pair of Levi's cut-offs that were getting the job done and B. always felt like they were too difficult to style for me to bother with. Also, due to my icy black heart, I am cold all of the time, and excessive skin exposure under freezing AC's is not a winning scenario for me. But now, the tables have turned. Mixing them in with my excessive chambray collection has led to a series of outfits that are summer-appropriate, but don't make me look like I maybe got dressed out of my laundry pile. (shh)

It's getting to that point in the summer where we're too far along to do "summer stuff" but also there's still another month until we go back to college. Honestly, I'm ready to get along to sweater weather and piles of pie. Or at least, I think I am right now.

Just wait until that first puddle soaks into my shoes.

 x J

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flip and flow

dress: american eagle
boots: caterpillar
bralette: aerie

It's so HOT. Not just this dress, but the weather. El Nino is a distant memory, and the only proof that it even happened is that our lakes have actual water in them. With that said, the dress is pretty cute too. It's a perfect summer cut - there's not a lot happening, but it easily fits everything you could be doing during the day. Little details like the straps in the back elevate it from a standard school outfit to ~fancy barbeque~ acceptable. I also very much enjoy dancing in it because the skirt is flowy but doesn't do the thing where you have to hold it down so you don't flash someones grandparents. You know what I'm talking about.

 Remember when everyone was obsessed with those Chloé stud boots? It seems like it just happened, but that was basically in my sartorial childhood. Literally every blogger and their mother had a pair, and then they just disappeared. These boots remind me a lot of a southwestern interpretation of those, and I love it. I'm equally impressed that they're from Caterpillar - not a traditional maker of hipster boots, but surprisingly proficient at it. They're also incredibly comfortable, and the buckles make a very satisfying clunking noise when I walk.

Today was my last day of classes. I still have finals, but am effectively done with my first full time semester of college. I'm really unclear on where the last 16 weeks of my life went. I've learned about oxford commas, il imperfetto, delayed ledes, yoga breathing, and the very bizarre history of California. (Fitting.) I've also found a strange little family, and a lot of stress, in my (award-winning) college newspaper, and eaten a prolific amount of really good food. Shoutout to Tim for never letting me starve, Jordan for letting me angry write at midnight, and Hannah for copy-editing my life/being a generally angelic sunfish.

It's time for summer though. Some classics will be making a reappearance: Sallie + our annual road trip, camp, and LA. There's also some new stuff in the works.

Like sleep. 

x J

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day without shoes

sneakers: toms

I have a lot of things. Things like electricity, running water, and shoes. So many shoes. Shoes I don't even think about in the morning, because I can just assume they're there. For a lot of people around the world, that's not their reality. Kids in many countries, more than you'd think, are going through their day barefoot, because they just don't have shoes. I cut my feet in three different places just taking these photos, standing stationary on a path, and these kids are out walking miles. 

 So on May 10th (that's tomorrow, if you're calendar challenged like me), you can help TOMS give some of those kids something to walk through the world in. Here's the deal: for their Day Without Shoes, TOMS is going to donate one pair of shoes for every instagrammed pair of bare feet that hit the internet (with the hashtag #withoutshoes, you weirdos), up to 100k pairs. 

That's it. All you have to do is take your shoes off for thirty seconds*, and someone else will get to put a new pair on. 

x J

*It may take longer if you wanna get fancy with your photo, but please don't pull a Michael Scott and get near any Foreman grills.

ps. That's the extent of my ability to find humor in feet. I know I've failed. 

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sleep right

pyjamas + yawn london*


When I was in England, I procured a great appreciation of British behaviors. Tea drinking, wellies wearing, and PYJAMA DWELLING. Spelling it "pyjama" instead of "pajama" or (ugh) "jammies". Seriously. When was the last time you had a proper set of pyjamas that you wanted to artistically wander around your house in?  I know the whole "undies and a tshirt is enough" argument Americans like to pull, but that's just because we've been DEPRIVED. We may as well have dumped  better sleep in the bay with the boxes of tea back in the day. After London, I simply had to have my own pair, and since American's would insist on covering everything in camo or sports logos, I went to the source.

YAWN is a cute lil company based in London that's focused on the moment, not just the clothes. They're all about cuddling, coziness, and equipping people with the proper apparel for those activities. Also, they believe in pockets, which you know got me hooked. Gotta keep snacks somewhere. Just looking at these photos makes me want to put them back on and take a nap.

Pyjamas aside, what I love about this company is that they represent something I think we all struggle a little bit with now: taking time out to appreciate little moments. Their motto is "phone off, kettle on, pajama time". When was the last time you ignored snapchat to finish your chapter? Or drank a cup of anything NOT out of a travel cup? I'm basically surgically attached to my phone and am a Starbucks gold card member until 2019 due to my inability to find time to make myself a cup of coffee. Today was the first time in three weeks I've been in bed for a straight eight hours. It's not healthy, but it is normal. We all move so quickly now that we forget that we ever slowed down.

My brilliant idea for a closing line was "see you in your sleep" but then I realized how utterly terrifying that sounds and decided that a simple "sweet dreams" will do.

x J


ps. Speaking of slowing down: it takes ages for me to scan instax but don't these photos look dreamy? 

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lost angeles

all photos taken with a fujifilm x30 + instax | all video: goPro hero 4 

It is convenient when your resolutions line up with your own characteristics. i.e. my resolution to spend more time in the present lined up with my own laziness. Case in point - this week in LA, I didn't actually take any photos because I was so busy living it up with Sallie/not drowning in El Nino.  My new GoPro enabled me as well, because all I had to do was push the little button and sort of wave it in the air. BOOM. Moment captured.

Because I don't live in LA right now, every trip has to be a mix of work and play. This week, we visited every corner of the city, from MTV, to BC Footwear, to Hoodie Allen. In-between we drank a ton of coffee, Sallie allowed me to put my life in danger for a photo, and I inflicted G Eazy's new album on her everytime the AUX cord was handed over. It was weirdly warm, and we went to a massive art museum where the best piece was the view.

Short list of cool things to check out:

1. Portos. I say it every time because I go every time. Shoutout to the homie Michael for always coming through with the extra whipped cream. 3614 W Magnolia Blvd

2.  Urban Outfitters Surplus Store. Basically everything is priced at the prices it should be to start with, and I LOVE IT.  14608 Ventura Blvd

3.  The Getty Museum. (Not to be confused with the Getty Villa). This is the kind of museum you want someone to take you on a date in because it's just so aesthetically pleasing. Don't miss/fall off the back balconies.  1200 Getty Center Dr

4. Paul Smith Melrose. (This is the pink wall you've been dreaming of.)

5. The Griffith Observatory. I wrote about this place, and why it's my good luck ritual, but I didn't talk about how amazing the actual observatory itself is. Lets just say it's... out of this world.  2800 E Observatory Rd

 I don't think I'll ever completely get over LA, 

or the fact that I paid $9 for a bottle of juice at Alfreds. 

x J

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more stripes and sunshine

SHIRT : MIAMASVIN

JEANS : FOREVER 21

HEELS  c.o. B.C. FOOTWEAR

SUNNIES c.o. ZEROUV

NECKLACES c.o. DOGEARED

BACKPACK c.o. SUNNY DUSHANKA

 
 I have two settings - stripes or sweaters. There's honestly no inbetween at this point. 

It is utterly RIDICULOUS that I can dress like this in December. 

California, you're beginning to upset me with your persistence in the face of proper winter weather. The sun can take a holiday over the holidays, okay?

I've talked about all of this before so just enjoy the fact that I have found yet another way to style a striped shirt. Going for a world record. I will say, however, that these jeans are 500% better than I expected. I bought them in a cranberry-sauce-induced haze around 12:45am on Black Friday, and promptly forgot about them. Then they arrived, and I was fully expecting them to tear the moment they touched air, but surprise surprise. Of course, they don't fit in the waist, but you can only have it all in one pair at a time. 

Who's ready for Sunday? 

It's the first Sunday of December, and that means two things:

1. My mum will light the advent wreath and we will all hold our breath and hope it doesn't completely go up in flames.

2. FIRST SUNDAY OF DECEMBER GIVEAWAY.

 You know you've been waiting for it. Or you haven't and now you've been pleasantly surprised.

See you on Sunday.

x Justina

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snap that // fourth sunday of christmas

 

photo taken with fujifilm instax mini 8 c.o. fujifilm

forget clever rhymes, CHRISTMAS IS IN TWO DAYS

and yet, IT IS STILL SUNNY

I have resigned myself to the fact that I will not ever have a white Christmas

 and am making up for it by taking a large amount of polaroids of palm trees.

you might have snow but you haven't got weird trees

My Instax Mini 8 is my baby,

 and in the holiday spirit...

I am giving you a baby.

That's right.

The final Sunday Of Christmas present is....

A brand new Instax Mini 8 Camera + film!

I can already hear you itching to take lots of gloriously artsy little snaps, 
so here's how this is going to go down.

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

2. Follow Instax on Twitter and Facebook.

3. Leave a comment with your name, email, the country you live in, and what you want for christmas!
 for extra entries through out the week, 
make sure you're following and watching my instagram + twitter!

You have until next Sunday (12/29) to enter, so get cracking!

'tis the season to be Justina fa la la la la la la la la

xx,
Justina

ps. Check out Fujifilms' awesome giveaway here! 

pps.
only two days left to vote for your faves in the ABPOW awardssss

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foot gloves

socks c.o. legwear loft| bow legs c.o. my soccer team

if you wanna be my lover, you better give me a good pair of socks

When you wear big stomping combat boots as often as I do, 

a good pair of knee high socks you can artfully scrunch down  is a must.

They should also be durable enough for sporadic floor sliding competitions, and pretty enough that when that awkward "I can see your untanned ankles" thing happens, it's not awkward at all.

These magical things can't possibly exist, you insist. 

and yet

they do.

When Legwear Loft sent me these, 

I was a bit skeptical, as they look a bit on the delicate side of things.

 As we all know, that won't work too well for me.

Let us take a moment and count how many 60 denier tights I go through a week

But after a rigourous two weeks of testing, I am happy to pronounce that they are Justina proof, and for all their cute little knit, they have done a beautiful job of keeping my feet 

(otherwise referred to as "those bloody FREEZING blocks of ice on the ends of your legs") 

warm and cozy.

 Everyone who wants to cuddle with me is very appreciative.

xx,

Justina

 

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in an old house in california

 

#teenvogue pinafore c.o chiara fashion| shirt c.o miamasvin

 In reviewing these photos I noticed a few things.

1. That is a GIGANTIC bun.

2.There was a bolt cutter hanging over the fence next to my head.

3. I have an affinity for clothes more properly suited to a 5 year old.

 3 1/2. but gosh does it look cute. 

This pinafore is adorable, and extremely twirly, which we all know is v. important.

 My only complaint is that it is very short for someone of my height. 

I solved it by putting another skirt underneath and wearing tights, 

but that's pretty much the only way I can wear this. 

works for me

Also, this shirt is my absolute favorite shirt ever. 
It goes with practically everything. 
And it has elbow patches.

I found the vest crammed between
 two hideous 80's sweaters in the "vintage" section at the thrift store. 
It made me feel like Macklemore, so obviously, I bought it.

 I rather imagine this outfit is what Madeline would wear if

 she were 16 and had decided to give up that really on point little outfit of hers. 
I wanted a jacket and hat like hers until...actually, I still do. 

In an old house in Paris, that was covered in vines, 
lived a girl in a striped shirt and pinafore, her name was Madeline.

xx,

Justina

ps. small life updates:
1. I just found out I'll be representing California at the 2014 National 4-H Conference this spring! 
It's a huge honor and I'm so excited. 

2. I never got to see Hannah Montana live, but I'M SEEING MILEY CYRUS LIVE IN FEBRUARY.
#hannahmontanaforever
 

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justina x nina

 

 image via tumblr

I recently got the chance to talk with Nina Nesbitt, 

who is basically the cutest Scottish*  fluffy haired musical creature/singer ever, and she's got the voice to back up her immense popularity. 

She's got a new album on it's way, 

and is basically going down the path to the top 40 charts, guitar in hand.

*Read all italicised answers with a lilting Scottish accent. 

 J: Just to get started, what three words would you use to describe your music?

N: Acoustic meets electric. But not electronic, like, electric guitars.

 J: I'll clarify that, there's a big difference.

N: There really is, it's quite different.

J: I read somewhere that they call you the female Ed Sheeran.

N: Yeah, I don't know.. I think when they hear the album they'll change their minds, but when I first started off, I think I sounded quite similar. And I went on tour with him and stuff, but now I've picked up the electric guitar and my music is quite evolved. I think America has now just discovered the acoustic stuff, which is exciting. 

J:That's true, I think here in America we've been pop and hip hop and stuff for a really long time.

N:Yeah, like when I was in LA, the radio producers were saying like "this is something new", and I was like "no, this has been happening in the UK for a long time"

J: Would you say you have a personal style? How would you describe it?

N: My style changes week to week, but right now I'd say it's quite vintage-grunge mixed with just kinda quick casual. It's kind of girly, I think.

J: Do you dress differently for performances?

N:I used to jut get on stage in jeans and like, a baggy t-shirt, but then I started thinking, "maybe I should make more of an effort". I also am quite interested in fashion and want to get more involved. I suppose I could wear my performance stuff for everyday, but it's a little more edgy.

J: Any specific style influences? Like people or movies or something?

N: Hmm, I like the old Hollywood type people. I like Bridgette Bardot. For make-up and hair, she's definitely a style influence. 

J: You were a face for Jack Wills. Do you shop there a lot? Anywhere else?

N: Do you have Jack Wills in America? (We do, but only on the east coast.) Yeah, I shop there quite a bit, I really like their jeans, although they're a bit tight. I also really like Topshop, and Urban Outfitters, vintage shops. I went to one on Venice Beach and on Melrose Avenue, they're quite cool.

J: You travel a lot, right? Where've you been?

N:Yeah, I've been all around the UK, and I just wrapped up my Europe tour. I've done a show in LA, and I'm going to do a show in New York next week, which is my first kind of headlining American show.

J:Where is your favorite place you've visited? 

N:Hmm, I don't think I could pick just one. The Europe tour was amazing, I was the opening act, and you never expect much from them, to be honest. You're there to win them over, not the other way round, but they were so amazing and they really listened to the music, which was wonderful. Really respectful. LA was amazing, just because it's exactly like the movies. It's surreal.

J: Was that your first time in the US?

N: Yeah, it was, randomly. I should have been there before. It was really, really cool.

 J: So when you travel is it like super minimalist, only what fits? 

 N: Well I've got one massive suitcase, and then a couple bags. Fans often give me turtles and stuff, so I've got a bag for them. Usually we have a tour bus, which is good, because everything just stays in there, and it's usually an absolute mess by the end. 

J:Anything specific you take with you?

N: A baggy shirt, baggy jumpers, they look cool and effortless. I have a little scrunchie, I can't be bothered to do my hair right, and a black hat. I'm quite lazy with that, but I try to hide it. When I wear it, people are like "I love that hat" and I'm like, "Really? Hm, this is my bad hair day hat."

J:You're really involved on social media. Which is your favorite, instagram or twitter?

N: Oh yeah, I think that's called an addiction. I quite like instagram because I'm a very visual person.

J:This album will be your first, right?

N:Yeah, I've been working on it for about three years, and it's quite long, lots of tracks. 

J: Is there anything specific you can tell us about it, or are you keeping it hush hush?

N: Well, it's a bit more edgy-sounding I think. It's about the stuff I've experienced in the last few years, falling in love, falling out of love, writing some angry songs about it.

J: Well, I don't know how much of our radio you heard, but in America we love a good breakup song.

N:Oh good, so hopefully you'll love the album

J:Are you planning a US tour?

N:Well I'm releasing the album in January-March in the UK, and then after that,  I'd love to do a tour in more of the US.  Hopefully I can come over and play some.

J: What do you think you'd be doing if you weren't a singer now?

N: Oh, I'd probably be studying psychology and writing songs for other people. and sleeping. Also spending more time with friends.

J: How do your friends feel about your fame? 

N:Well I don't think I was the one they ever expected to pursue it, because we did music in school and I was quite bad at it, because it was this really serious stuff, all classical, and they were all better than me. But I kind of secretly sat in my room and wrote songs and developed it like that, diy style. But they're really supportive, and lovely.

J: Last one: If someone who had never heard of you or your music, and you could only give them one word and one song of yours for them to form their opinion of you, what would you tell them?

N: Oh hmm. Word: Scottish. Scottish people have a scertain humor and that really comes accross in my lyrics. Song: Stay Out, which is about a night out in the UK, and all the different people you meet. 

  

J: Ok, so I think my time is up, so I won't keep you, but when this blog post is up, I'll tag you in an instagram post, ok?

 N: Go for it!

 

 There you have it, from Nina herself.

 Go get on YouTube, 

start with 'Stay Out', 

and I'll see you in a couple hours.

xx,

Justina

ps. follow Nina on instagram (ninanesbitt) and twitter @ninanesbitt

I expect you're already following me.

Right? 

Just in case: abentpieceofwire + @bentpieceofwire

pps. 

Nina, I added it up, 

and give or take a thousand, 

I figure you've done about 23,000 hours,

 so you're set.

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this is halloween, halloween, halloween

 this is my pumpkin, her name is Suzy

Haaaappy Halloweeeeeeen

all jokes about taking candy from strangers aside, 

I love Halloween

Costumes, awesome makeup, oh and candy 

What're you dressing up as?

note: if you say "miley cyrus", you're disowned

And yes, I still trick or treat.

no shame in my game

Then I'll probably sit on my couch in a sea of Milky Way wrappers

and watch Hocus Pocus, Charlie Browns The Great Pumpkin, 

and the Nightmare Before Christmas in quick succession.

there are other nights to party with friends, nights without so many amazing themed movies

And of course, the most important thing about Halloween:

There's only 54 days until Christmas!

xx,

Justina

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my dr. martens story

 cherry red dr.martens c.o. dr.martens

In case you missed the memo, 

I love Dr. Martens a lot.

So in this video, 

I tell y'all the full story of how I came to own everyone favorite space boots.

Punk music not included.

xx,

Justina

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Here Comes The Ice Cream Girl

 #teenvogue 
jumper: c/o sugarhill boutique|shoes: c/o lulu*s | sunnies c/o zerouv

All ice cream trucks should play "Ice Ice Baby".

I love ice cream.

I've never had a sundae.

I have had cherries though, so that counts, right?

This jumper is amazing. 

It's soft, lightweight, and has the worlds most beloved food product on the front. 

Also, a collar. Which just makes everything better.

I know, again with everyones favorite pair of shoes, but you know what, 

they're awesome, so I will wear them.

SUNNIESSUNNIESSUNNIES WOO

Today, someone asked me why I say "sunnies" instead of "sunglasses".

Heres the answer: it's more fun to say.

So there.

I've been having a wonderful time reading and looking at y'alls Photobooth entries, 

keep 'em coming.

Now I've got to go steal Nusardels Nutella ice cream.

Stay chilly.

hehehehehehe

xx,

Justina

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Welcome to The Photobooth

(photo taken by my snazzy new macbook that actually works this time around)

 Eyeliner is bang on in this one.

Ok, you guys know what I look like. 

A little too well, probably. 

But I have NO idea what you look like! 

This is silly, because you are a huge part of my life. 

I probably spend more time talking to you than I do people I see every day. 

So here's how I'm going to fix that:

Send me a photobooth selfie of yourself.

Grab your camera and go crahaaaaazy.

I wanna see you in your element. 

Pull out your favorite sweater, your pinkest lipstick, or your dog. 

Better yet, put the sweater and the lipstick on the dog.

Actually, no, don't do that, my dog is glaring at me. 

Once you have the photo, email it to me with your name, age, where you're from, and one line about yourself. In say...a week, I'll put the best up in a post here.

Time to be internet face-mous. 

That was really bad.

xx,

Justina

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