Pre-Styling Hair Essentials

Since chopping my hair a few weeks ago (did you see the debut?!), I’ve been really stepping up my hair game. Since I invested in a great cut and highlights, I’ve found myself turning to the highest quality products to keep it looking super chic. 

Today, I wanted to share a few things I use pre-styling to keep my hair healthy.

Drybar Mud Slide Nourishing Hair Mask
Once a week, I use this Drybar Mud Slide Nourishing Hair Mask. Before I met Drybar (like, who was I before that??) I hadn’t used a great hair mask. I had tried a few drug store brands with little results. But this has honestly blown me away. I use a dab after I’ve shampoo’d and massage into my scalp and through the ends of my hair. I leave in for about 10-15 minutes then rinse. My hair is so silky smooth for days after. I’m hooked.

Drybar Bay Breeze Hydrating Shot
This concentrated shot is just what the stylist ordered. After beaching it up or just being out in the harsh sun, this product will take your hair from frizzy to fabulous in no time. Just hop in the shower, wash your hair, then use the entire container (it’s super small) on your hair from your scalp to your ends. Leave in for 3-5 minutes then rinse. It’s basically a facial for your hair. ALSO the perfect travel size for my jetsetting babes!

Drybar Hot Toddy Heat and UV Protectant
I’m sad to admit that I’ve never used a product like this before. Which is definitely the reason why I had so many split ends before I made the big chop. Now that I’m starting over with a fresh cut, now’s my chance to change the story. This heat protectant is like my hair body guard, protecting my hair from the heat of my wand curler and fights off that annoying frizz that always tends to get the best of me in summer. I’ve tried styling my hair with and without this and the difference is kind of insane. Hair protector and frizz fighter? This product just became my new best friend.

So what are your favorite pre-styling products to use?! Any advice for long bob must-haves? Share with me in the comments below! Thanks for reading and have an amazing weekend!

Special thanks to Drybar for sending me these products to try!

Hair Debut and Lucy Marie

If you’ve been following along over on Instagram or snapchat, you’ll know I made a pretty big chop last week. But for those who didn’t catch it, I CUT MY HAIR! I’m mildly obsessed with my new ‘do and don’t know why it took me so long to take the plunge! I don’t even miss my longer locks. Not even a little. 

Huge shout out to Nadine over at PR at Partners on K Street for such a sick chop and golden locks. She gave me partial highlights, but I’m heading back to see her in a few months so she can paint strands, which will take it to an entirely new level of amazingness. 

Onto the outfit - I wore this for a night out with a few girlfriends. I had to wear my new Tibi top, but kept it simple with my new jeans from Lucy Marie and M.Gemi pumps. Let me just talk about these jeans for a sec…ever since starting my healthy eating regimen, I’ve been on the hunt for jeans that fit. And these have the “Lucy Lift” which lifts the bum area and hugs your curves in all the right places. If you love them as much as I do, they suggest ordering a size down.

Thanks for reading! If you want to be the first to hear about awesome hair cuts, killer mail days and what I’m cookin’ up, follow along on Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter! (@juliengarman) And stay up-to-date with posts by subscribing!

On Julien: Jeans, Lucy Marie c/o. Top, Tibi. Pumps, ‘The Riveli’ by M.Gemi. Clutch, Vaska via Estiletta c/o. Necklace, CC Skye via Rocksbox (you know the drill, get your first month free using code JULIENXOXO). Earrings,

Photos by Alicia

The Julien Top

GUESS WHAT GUYS?! - It’s my birthday! And I’m gonna party like it’s my birthday. 

Just kidding. I’m going to work then eating something yummy with the hubs after. Adulting is hard.

BUT on a super awesome note, I have something really fun and awesome to share! After trying on a sample of this gorgeous custom Zophia top, I loved it so much that the founder, Betsy, decided to name it The Julien Top! 

I love The Julien Top for a million reasons. First of all, this pattern is everything. It’s giving me all the happy beach vibe feels and it’ll be the first thing I pack for my trip to St. Lucia next month. Second, I love the juxtaposition between the crop top and the bell sleeves. Bring me all the 70s goodness, please. And I’m in love with this lightweight fabric. Even though it’s long sleeves, there’s plenty of air getting through. This top truly embodies everything I aim to be...effortlessly chic, breezy and fun!

If you love this top as much as me, Zophia is offering It’s Julien readers a $50 discount on all her custom tops and skirts! Just use code: friendsofjulien (and be sure to sign up for her newsletter, where she frequently offers even more discounts!)

AND if you missed last year’s birthday, be sure to catch my post on “26 Things You Didn’t Know About Julien.” 

On Julien: The Julien Top from Zophia, Express skirt, Via Spiga booties, Hanuel necklace and earrings.

A Good Read

This past year, I’ve really been focusing on what makes me happy. What styles bring me joy, what activities fulfill me, what people make my day? Through this journey, I’m honestly surprised how much I’ve learned. I discovered that I hate roller coasters, I abhor culottes, and I do not enjoy late nights out. One thing I’ve rediscovered my love for? Reading.

There’s something about reading an incredible book that gives me life. I was a huge nerd in elementary school and participated in every reading program offered. And when my school partnered with Pizza Hut for the most read books? You best know I conquered that ish.

And now that I take the bus into work each day, I use my kindle daily, there’s nothing like flipping through pages of your favorite book or magazine. Lately, I have been super drawn to thriller novels (The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, Luckiest Girl Alive, anyone??) There’s nothing better than picking up a good book and gettin’ down with my bad ol’ mysterious self.

So who is this girl in the photos? She’s the part of me that swings by the library a few blocks down from work during her lunch break to browse her favorite books. The kindle is great to immediacy, but you can’t ponder through the shelves like you can in real life. It’s a bit chilly in the library, so she wears her favorite fingerless armwarmers from Denada. Now she can keep cozy while still being able to snapchat her trip. I’d call that a win-win.

On Julien: Fingerless armwarmers, Denada c/o. Skirt, Express. T-shirt, Halogen. Belt, J.Crew (similar.) Necklace, Hanuel. 

The Coziest Scarf of All

…And the fall inspiration continues! Yes, I know it’s blazing hot today but how could I not share another cozy look when Denada is doing ANOTHER giveaway for $100 to her shop?! (Just head to her Instagram and Facebook to enter!)

I’d like for you to meet the coziest scarf I’ve ever felt in my life. Not even like, “oh there’s another one almost as soft…” NO. This is it, folks. The softest scarf there ever was.

Since it’s hard to really imagine cozy feels when it’s 90 degrees outside, let me paint a picture for you. It’s nearing the end of Fall, and winter is just around the corner. You have a weekend client meeting (you bloggers know where I’m at) and want to portray your best cold-weather self. You throw on your high waisted black jeans and a tank top - the perfect base. Next, you search out the perfect jacket that says, “I’m professional but I’m also not trying too hard and it’s the weekend…” so you grab your cotton grey blazer from your closet. Booties because your toes get cold and a little pop of something gem-like. Subtle but stylish. Lastly, before you run out the door, you grab your favorite scarf. Because it not only keeps you warm but it’s the perfect finishing touch.

On Julien: Infinity scarf, Denada c/o. Jacket, Sweats by Norma Kamali. Pants, NYDJ. Bag, Coach (old.) Boots, Impo Ochoa via DSW.