The Break Up + Giveaway

I know I may have several of you pretty worried at this point based on the title of this post, but have no fear. I am still madly in love with the beau, but have ended a rewarding relationship for a new, fresh start (and one still equally emotional and difficult to execute). The relationship I have ended is the one with my hair stylist. I'll explain.

If you follow the blog regularly, you know my hair is sort of my thing. I have never been someone who has invested a lot of time or money into beauty products. I rarely wear any make-up at all with the exception of mascara and lipstick. I don't have an endless obsession with Sephora or lose sleep at night in anticipation of a Nordstrom beauty sales event. I do, however, invest a lot of time into making sure my locks are cared for well. This has been the case since I was a little girl. My hair is very thick and has almost always been long. I have also been coloring with various shades of highlights since I can remember.

So, when I moved to Chicago, and formed a lasting relationship with my previous stylist, Nichole, our friendship was immediate. We were like long lost girlfriends who shared everything. She has seen me through life's good times and bad. She has talked me out of really bad hair decisions and walked me right into really good ones. She cared about my locks just as much as I did. My feelings shifted recently when I was introduced to the Custom Hair Lounge.

Right before the holiday's I learned about this great salon located here in Lincoln Park that was really making headlines with big clients and recently voted Chicago's best salon for hair color. When a girlfriend urged me to give them a try I was hesitant as I had not let anyone, and I mean anyone!, touch my hair besides Nichole for 11 years (that's a long damn time!) I felt like such a cheater. How could I betray her? How could I possibly end this great relationship that we have formed over the years?

As soon as I got to the Custom Hair Lounge it was love at first sight. The open loft space was airy and chic, the staff was beyond kind, there was wine!, and my salon service was impeccable! I worked with co-owner, Tania (also awarded Best Make Up and Hair Expert by Bridal Beauty of Illinois), to add a little jazz to my overall look. Together we chose to darken up my locks for the New Year (why not, right?) and went a bit shorter than normal. She was wonderful and really helped me understand how a darker color would bring out more of my features - specifically my eyes - and boy did it! 

While my appointment started at 6:00, I was there well beyond 10:00 chatting with her about life and beyond. What really struck me as spectacular is a client of Tania's was there with me as well. She had begun her appointment shortly after mine, but was leaving the following morning on a long trip to India. As I overheard their conversation, and asked questions about her trip, I realized her services were going to take Tania hours to complete - well past their closing time. When I asked Tania in shock that she would be there so long past closing, she happily explained she was glad to stay for her long time client to make sure she left feeling great before her trip. I understood later, this was a regular occurrence at the Custom Hair Lounge. I was blown away by the committed staff to their family of clients. I knew I wanted to be part of it as well. 

Besides the exceptions styling and customer service, I also feel in love with the CHL mission to use eco-friendly products and practices. You cannot go wrong with this salon. They have won me as a new client. I cannot wait to return for a refresh here in a few weeks. If you care to give them a try, mention you were sent by A Lily Love Affair for 20% off your next service!

Enjoy your weekend, all! XO

Also, don't forget to enter for your chance to win a $380 Nordstrom gift card!