Last week my photographer came over for our first shoot of the year. I had worn this outfit out to dinner with some girlfriends the weekend before, and I wanted to share it here because I loved it so much. But that morning it was freezing outside. As in 20 degrees freezing.
I remembered a shoot from last January where it was so cold and windy that I thought I legitimately had frost bite. I made a decision in the moment of that memory to never put myself through that again! I pride myself on being as authentic as I can be, and standing around in freezing temps isn’t something that I do on a regular basis, and it’s completely unrealistic for real life.
When I originally wore this outfit, I never intended to stand outside in 20 degree weather posing in the middle of the street, so why would I do that now? So I told my photographer, Julia, that today my hallway was going to be my catwalk. Street style inside, if you will. And that’s where I’ll be shooting outfits until it warms up a bit. It might not be the blogger way, but for now it’s my way. Because I’m too old to freeze my butt off in bare legs in January.
The best part about our little indoor shoot? Boots made a guest appearance! He lovessss to photobomb my blog photo shoots, and really works the camera.
The skirt is from my favorite Nordstrom brand, 1901. I bought it with a gift card I got as a Christmas gift, and I wanted to treat myself to something pretty and different instead of a basic or something I needed. This skirt is so much fun to wear and could really be styled for any season.
I paired it with my go-to turtleneck tee that I’ve had for 8 million years and have worn in countless ways. In fact, the turtleneck is the star of next week’s first post in my rewear it series!
J.Crew Turtleneck / 1901 Pleated Skirt / J.Crew Headband / Valentino Slingbacks
J.Crew Turtleneck / 1901 Pleated Skirt / J.Crew Headband / Valentino Slingbacks
Photos by Julia Dags.
I was always wondering why bloggers feel they HAVE TO shoot every outfit outside. I mean, there are so many beautifully decorated locations that can serve as a backdrop… including their homes. If it’s an outfit post, the focus is clearly on that, so a simple white backdrop is just fine sometimes. I mean, we already know that you plan your shoots in advance and what we see is not what you actually wear that day, so really freezing outside is just not necessary. Speaking of bare legs, I’ve always wondered if it’s an American thing or pantyhose just dont’t look good in photos? In Europe, we only go without in the summer, aka when it’s too hot, but otherwise I always wear them with skirts and jeans, for added warmth.
Hahah right? I don’t know! I think it’s because everyone else does it so we all assume we have to. In regards to pantyhose, it must be an American thing. My friends and I will wear black or dark tights but not the nude ones!
I started wearing the nude ones because I wanted to continue to wear my favorite bare legs looks in the winter (or skirts with OTK boots, etc.) You’re not alone, it’s definitely a thing to not wear them, but I feel like I’ve totally seen the light, haha. No one has ever said anything to me, and when I’ve pointed it out to my friends they are surprised and didn’t notice I was wearing them. I’m a total convert, they’re great and allow me to either A. stay warm B. wear non-black skirts/dresses in the winter. (And Kate Middleton wears them!!!)
Hahah maybe I should see the light too! You may have sold me…
Several years ago I bought a pair of nude fishnet stockings from Nordstrom to wear to a wedding in Denver in January, and I love them! They’re a nice update from nude pantyhose, and I always get compliments on them (when people realize I’m wearing them). Look into them! (And coming from a Wisconsin girl – don’t bother to freeze outside! Your inside shots are gorgeous too!)
Another advantage is that it’s far less likely to get blisters, especially when wearing high heels.
Ok SOLD! Trying it next time I wear a skirt or dress.
I second all of the pro’s of pantyhose! I will also add that despite being very thin they actually do keep your legs (and thus your whole body) much warmer, and also that they add a nice smooth texture to your legs and stomach, depending on how high up they go. Very sexy, in a 1950’s classic kind of way, not in a slutty way 🙂
I’m with all of you! I wore them on Christmas with my skirt and my sister even made a comment about me still wearing nude or black stockings. I said hey if they keep me warm! Plus Kate Middleton wears them too lol. They are practical!
In regard to your “indoor catwalk”, are your walls painted white? We currently have our walls painted a cream, but they have taken such a yellow hue lately. If they are white, does it ever feel cold and sterile? Thank you! I agree by the way for the indoor catwalk-!
The top half of the walls are actually a light grey (Farrow & Ball Cornforth White) and the bottom half with the wainscoting is Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White. I think it it were all completely white, it would be a bit too sterile, but the grey gives it more depth!
Did you ever consider shooting weather appropriate outfits? If standing around in bare legs outside in January isn’t authentic, how is the outfit itself authentic? Is that what you wear around your house to hang with Amalia and Boots?
I think there is value in many types of blogs- those that show “real life” outfits and budgets and so on… and also that show more “high fashion” or aspirational looks that don’t always make sense for real life (like bare legs in January or the dress in field, etc.)
What’s annoying to read is these proclamations and declarations that rarely hold for more than a post or two and honestly don’t always make a lot of sense.
Fair enough, Stephanie! That’s actually a really good point. I wore this out to dinner a few weeks ago with friends and wanted to share the look so it was authentic in that sense, but I also can’t take photos when I’m with friends so decided to shoot it inside. I hope that make sense.
And I agree that it is super annoying when blogger declarations only hold for a post or two, but my point here is that I just can’t shoot outside when it’s freezing. On warm days, I’ll be back out again. I hope that’s clear in what I wrote!
I love that you did the shoot in your home!! It does make it feel more real, and that’s awesome!! This outfit is so so cute too!! I absolutely love the 1901 brand!!
https://premedwearspearls.blogspot.com
xoxo Libby
Thanks Libby! I love it too, I want everything in their collection each season 🙂
I love it. Your skirt and most importantly staying authentic and true to yourself!
Thanks Erica! This skirt is a winner in my book too!
Just wanted to say I love the hallway shoot!!
Thanks Rachel!! It was fun 🙂
oh my gosh love that giant tongue licking your face! dogs are the best (love my 5 year old lab mix Bruce)!
Hahaha his tongue is giant and he LOVES giving kisses.
I love that you aren’t shooting outside! I never have understood that about bloggers. How are we supposed to understand the outfit and how to wear it if it’s not real life? Thank you!!!
Good for you! Love the pictures inside. And they make me feel less like — “Man I really don’t spend enough time outside in the winter…but it’s so cold!” Love Boots’ cameos, too!
The Boots cameos are the best part obvs! 🙂
Love the head band, Julia! I’m totally on team indoor shoots during the winter!
xoxo, Jenna
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