Denada Oversized Shawl

We’ve come to my favorite Denada piece. Guys, I don’t like to play favorites but this one has to take the cake for me. The way it’s made is so thoughtful and the drape is incredibly flattering (THIS ONE is also outrageously gorgeous!) There is nothing more that I want than to wear this shawl every single day.

This shawl was handmade by artisans in Peru and designed by my girl, Virginia of Denada. I’m wearing this the long way, but you can actually wear it another way, a shorter shawl with an oversized collar. It’s so versatile. I would wear this in summer over a slinky dress to keep warm out at a nice restaurant (seen here!) or in fall over jeans and a tee (coming soon!)

So who’s the girl in these photos? She’s taking a staycation in DC at the Hotel Monaco (not to get off topic but have you seen their bathrooms?!) After lounging around in the oversized shawl all day, reading in her swank room and ordering room service, she's decided she wants to dress up a bit for dinner. She throws on a lightweight silk dress, and grabs the shawl at the last minute in case she gets cold in the restaurant (hint: she will.)

The shawl comes in a variety of colors and is actually on sale from $115 to $80! Denada is gearing up for their FW 15 line, so grab this piece while you still can! Head over to their website, browse through the photos, and you might even see a familiar face! ;)

On Julien: OVS Collared Shawl via Denada c/o. Dress, J.Crew, old (similar cotton J.Crew dress for $15 and fancy-pants version in army green.) Pumps, Nine West. Cuff, Hanuel.  Earrings, Hanuel.

Tied

This past weekend, I went through a second round of editing down my closet. I ended up with ANOTHER full bag of clothes to be sent to ThredUp! That’s not even counting the accessories and bags. I mean, holy smokes, you guys. That’s kind of insane. 

I took a look at my closet this morning and literally heaved a sigh of relief. All my clothes actually fit on hangers, the clothes aren’t strewn across our room (for lack of other storage space) and I realized I have quite the affinity for neutrals.  I used to get mad that I had so many neutral tones, but now I’m quite satisfied. You don’t always have to be wearing bright clothes to make a statement (case and point here.)

Since pairing down, I’ve really tried to be creative with the pieces I’ve decided to keep. One way I’ve done that? Simply tying some of my button-up tops. It totally changes a look and feels like a new top. I tied it here for an alternative to my usual tuck-in for work. I paired a this simpler look with a few of my favorite new Hanuel pieces. This bracelet has been on repeat ever since I laid eyes on it (but can you blame me?)

Although I’m in love with the jewels and crazy about the tied top, can you guess my favorite accessory of all? Iced coffee. ;)

On Julien: Top, Halogen. Skirt, Express. Boots, Via Spiga. Necklace, bracelet and earrings, Hanuel. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)

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.