Winter shoots & clothing

To kick start my blog, I've decided to the dedicate my first post to one of the most relevant topics at present: the snow!

This month, I have styled two shoots in the snow, both in temperatures below 0°C. The first was much more difficult, due to my own lack of preparation and complete ignorance to what a day in the snow involves. You see, I'm generally the sort of person that curls up with a hot chocolate in fluffy pajamas while the sounds of delighted screams float through my window, as the rest of the (apparently normal) world plays in the snow. Snow is not my thing at all, I don't touch it, I don't play with it, if it hits me in the face I will release a stream of colourful phrases that will no doubt offend 99% of people in the vicinity. Top tip: don't throw snow at me!

But after beginning my journey as a stylist this year, I've come to the conclusion that being prepared for all types of weather is essential for a job like this. There will be times when I will need to travel across the city to pick up collections, times when I'll be standing in the cold for hours with the responsibility of looking after clothes that need to be returned, models who are shivering (bless them).

So, as changed person (the girl who spent her last two winters in a leather jacket), I have compiled a list of what is keeping me warm this winter. Most of these items were forced purchases, but I am eternally grateful to those who introduced me to these wonderful secrets.

♥ Down coats

I was the type of person who would never have been seen in a puffy coat, but after seeing a beautiful beige piece in Zara, adorned with shining gold buttons and zips, how could I resist? Since buying it, I have only seen middle aged to elderly ladies wearing the same coat as me, but I take this as a big compliment: it's classic, timeless, and will hopefully last a long time! Grab them cheap at Uniqlo or invest in a classic from Burberry. Get one with a belt if you'd like to have a waistline!

Right: Burberry Single Breasted Down Filled Jacket, £350

♥ Wellington boots
Hunters are the big hype at the moment, and all for a good reason; despite almost falling down a flight of carpeted stairs in them, I have spent the last few days cheerfully trudging through the snow without the pain of frozen toes or wet socks. I advise everybody to stop ruining their £180 UGGs and invest in a pair of wellies with some fleece socks to simulate the sensation of fur-lined boots.

Left: Hunter Hampstead Tall Boots, £115



 

♥ Furry hats

I am not a hat person. I buy hats, I never wear them. They don't suit me, I don't feel comfortable, etc etc. However, a fur hat is of another breed; they hide most of your hair, so it doesn't matter if your hair resembles a hedge or has enough grease to fry up breakfast. They are big enough statements to do all the talking for your outfit, so you don't have to bother with much else. Lastly, they keep you warm and cosy, as though you're hiding in your own little world.

Right: Topshop Faux Fur Trapper Hat, £22

♥ Heattech
As somebody who has worked at Uniqlo for two and a half years, I love Heattech thermals. A long-sleeved top and leggings under your jeans really do keep you warm and cosy throughout the day. This is a fantastic invention not just for yourself but for models too, if you are working with them in adverse weather conditions. A nude coloured camisole and shorts under their garments makes a big difference...they are the ones who suffer the most on shoots, and deserve to be looked after.

Left: Uniqlo Heattech, from £6.99





Other things keeping me warm this winter

♥ Gregg's Tomato soup, served in a coffee cup to carry
♥ Thick snoods and scarves, soaked in my favourite fragrance
♥ Fur-lined gloves
♥ Uniqlo's fluffy yarn collection to lounge in at home
♥ Lots of tea and hot chocolate

Stay safe and warm in the weather conditions everyone!

♥ Aliya ♥