Diwali As The Bride

Among the many moments in life, when adrenaline rush thrives and the monotony of life comprises itself in a time frame ever so characteristic and dynamic, is the "festive season". If you've been a regular reader of my blog (or an occasional one around this time of the year), you aren't stranger to my indescribable love for the festive season. Maybe it is because of the faint celebratory sounds that make way through the quietness of the night or it is the unison with which the roads gets jam packed, sweet shops get flooded with people or the sight of your city beaming in a sea of lights. Or so because, I believe that October Speaks To Me.

From much awaited get-togethers with family to endless conversations till the wee hours of the morning. From card parties with friends to all those exciting food menus. From the absolutely necessary shopping trips to planning for all the upcoming shaadis. The festive season is a bountiful of moments, occasions and celebrations All Brought Together.

For two years now, I've made it my tradition to share with you all my ideas on festive dressing. Much like our lives, our sartorial choices also pace and evolve. Though, each year I have tried to very practical and realistic when it comes to my choices but this year I am all prepared to go unabashed. This festive year is rather very special (and huge) for me because I get to spend it with my husband, my main man. So this, Once Upon A Princess is all set to head-out for the hustle, bustle and bang and cherish each moment of this beautiful gift of life in its complete glory. Join me?

Wearing - 

Suit - Vanasvi Boutique (New Delhi)

Maang Tikka - Mom's

Sandals - Charles & Keith

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

TrimmingsAndLace For Vajor : Once Upon A Princess

This remains my favourite look from the Vajor series because it gave me a chance to exhibit my inner Dolce and Gabbana girl. I absolutely love the gold tones in this outfit which so gracefully reflect the setting golden light of Fall. A textured skirt and a stylishly structured top calls for smidgen yet impactful styling. This look is perfect for all those card parties you'll be hosting and attending. Add on a pair of statement earrings or a neck-piece or a headband like me if you reckon, and you are bound to make many heads turn. I am sure you've experimented and explored multiple dressing options when it comes to festive dinners and parties - from completely Indian to completely western - a look like this stylishly sits in between and is a winner in all respects. We know that during this period, your routine gets happily hectic. With all the running about, it can be difficult saving those feet for the dance floor. Which is why, I finished the look with those gorgeous wedges that are extremely comfortable and give the outfit the proportions it demands without making it look bulky. 

Especially during Diwali, when the time comes for action, the last thing you want is to worry about the multiple elements in your look. Which is why an outfit that speaks for itself is ideal. It lets all the fashion trends do the talking while you head-out for the hustle, bustle and bang and to life in its complete glory.

Wearing - 

Royal Blooms Skirt and Top - c/o Vajor (Shop)

Victorian Tiara - c/o Vajor (Shop)

Metallic Gold Wedges - c/o Vajor (Shop)

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

TrimmingsAndLace For FrenchConnection : Entwined

         

So it’s taken a month to get back to this space, and to those who read me regularly the guilty is charged. The past one month has been a whirlwind of a time for me as I embarked upon several life altering changes, situations and lessons – personally and professionally. So much so, that they deserve an individual post of their own. It isn’t a fallacy that all good things are worth the wait, and I couldn’t have asked for a better “comeback” post. 

About two weeks back, the wonderful team of FrenchConnection India, invited me to their Chandigarh store to ransack their shelves and my styling cells and pick pieces that will make for ideal sale buys. The FCUK sale begins this week and here I am ladies, making your shopping experience a tiny bit easier. 

Blame it on my current state of mind and a clean slate hiatus, I picked up three statement pieces which are a canvas in their own right. They checked the bills of being wardrobe essentials, can be styled as per individual tastes and their simply structured silhouettes are bound to compliment all body types. 

Look 1

My first pick was a pale pink, lace overlaid top which is an easy, no-brainer when it comes to styling. For starts - your favourite jeans and a pair of sneakers and/or printed pumps, cutesy shorts and skirts for those Sunday picnics, tucked into trousers or pencil skirts for the week’s work routine. A breezy colour and a stylish cut, this top pretty much completes your outfit with comfort and style playing peek-a-boo. I decided to go boho with this top. I added a head chain as an accessory of choice, pairing the top with jeans and my favourite leopard pumps. I added a pop to the look with the classic red lips. 

Wearing - c/o FCUK (Top), c/o FCUK (Sunglasses), Forever 21 (Neck-piece worn as head chain)

Look 2 

My idea for this look was a semi-formal brunch with the ladies. If you are someone who stammers when it comes to accessorizing or simply wish to avoid layering, the safest bet is to invest in a dress, skirt, blazer or even a pair of trousers in a statement colour. For this very look, I picked this cherry romper in cobalt – a colour that suits every skin tone and has a mystical effect in lifting your moods. To let the beauty of the colour stand out aloud, I accessorized with these subtle faux pearl earrings and added a minimal contrast detail via the cuff. To keep the look easy and relaxed, I skipped my heels and wedges and opted for my very dear brogues. This look can also be adopted for a movie and/or a coffee date. 

Wearing - c/o FCUK (Romper), ZARA (Brogues), Forever 21 (Cuff), Ginger (Earrings)

Look 3 

For this very look, I decided to ditch the quintessential FCUK bodycon and opted for a relatively relaxed silhouette of the LBD. Yet again, the edgier shoulder details make this dress a statement piece in its own right which is why it doesn’t demand any heavy accessorizing. Keep it classy with a pair of simple studs or solitaires. If you may choose to go a little heavy, I’ll suggest you avoid some strong contrasts so that the focus stays on the dress. I added a studded belt to clinch the dress at the waist and extend the edgier details of the dress. To render a sleeker illusion to the entire look, I wore these trusted single strap stilettos. A satchel sling carried as a clutch and a diamond cocktail ring were my additions to the look.  

Wearing - c/o FCUK (Dress), River Island (Sandals), c/o FCUK (Bag), Earrings and Ring (Gifted), Belt (United Colours of Benetton)  

I hope you all like the effort behind this fashion film. All suggestions and comments are welcome. Don't forget to connect with FCUK and me on Instagram - FCUK, FCUK (Facebook) | TrimmingsAndLace

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam 

 

 

 

A Traditional Recline

                                                              

                                                               

                                                           

                                                                 

                                                                    

                                                      

                              

While fashion ideas and trends might change and reverse, a form of dressing that remains strictly conventional for me is Indian dressing. The lines barring domestic and global fashion are rapidly bleaking into the horizon and traditional wear has been witnessing a major revolution in terms of modernized cuts and silhouettes. However, I personally feel I've been rather stuck when it comes to the same. My sister got married last year and on our countless trips visiting boutiques and designers, a self-discovery that came through was my natural inhibition towards trying the contemporary versions of Indian wear. That doesn't mean I don't love the designs, I love them and admire the skill and art that goes behind creating such gorgeous pieces. Just that, it might take me a while (or one dressing occasion) to step out of this ideological zone. With the wedding season being on it's temporary recline, taking a moment on the blog today is this lehnga I wore on my sister's sangeet.  

Wearing - 

Lehnga - TrimmingsAndLace

Pipal-Patti Earrings - Mom's 

Haathphool - ALDO (here)

Kadas -Thrifted (here)

Sandals - ALDO (here)

On my lips - Non-Stop Red in 510 by Maybelline (DIY here)

On my nails - Colorbar Twisted Peach 

 Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

Do-It-Yourself : Lip Stain

Shot By - NehaC Photography

When it comes to make-up, my knowing and my doing are two extremes. I am turning into a huge Liza Eldridge fan and a part of me believes that mimicking those 'beauty' movements and strokes is easy and achievable, yet the other part of me remains shy and restraint when it comes to make-up. The only weapon which has been symbolic of my stepping into lady-hood has been the ohh.so.loyale lipstick. I do wear lipsticks on a regular basis, but I opt for a complete or fuller coverage only for shoots and special occasions like events, weddings or parties. For every other occasion, my trusted and comfortable bet is to wear a lip stain. Though there are so many products like sheer lipsticks, glosses and balms which do render the effect, but I believe owning your favourite lipstick and being able to use it in more ways than one is not only economical, but also helps you space and pick make-up products that suit you best rather than just hoarding on products. So without much adieu, here's how I wear my lip stain.

You'll need:

1. Your favourite lipstick - Lancôme Pret-A-Plum has been my all time favourite when it comes to wearing a stain. But recently, I've gotten into the Maybelline's '14-Hr Super Stay' range and I swear by these lipsticks like no other.

2. Lip exfoliant/Lip balm

3. Concealer/ Setting powder

4. Tissues

5. Few Q-Tips

Steps:

1. Moisturize and prep your lips for lipstick by gently scrubbing them to get rid of the dead skin. You can use any exfoliator for the same. I usually like to smear a Q-tip with some balm or baby/coconut/olive oil and buff it over my lips.

2. The former helps remove the dead skin and leaves a moisturizing layer of the balm/oil over your lips. This way your lips are soft and supple and ready for the lipstick.

3. The colour I've chosen for this tutorial is a really bright, popping shade of red with a pink undertone. This particular range of lipsticks from Maybelline are extremely hydrating and long lasting. Because this colour is amazingly rich and highly pigmented, the best way to apply it is with a lip brush. However, since I am working to create a stain (and wear down its effect), I used it directly from the bullet.

4. Tap the lipstick into your lips so that it stains the very base of the lips and gets into the nooks and crannies of your lips.

5. Blot your lips with a tissue paper. If you've been successful in step 4, at this stage you'll notice that hardly any colour comes off on the tissue. You can repeat steps three to five for a stronger stain. Alternatively, you can also use a lip pencil to fill in the lips and then use the lipstick to create a stain.

6. Once done, come back with your concealor and/or setting power to cover any spots and smooth the irregularities and harsh lines.

I feel wearing a stain is perfect while attending school parties, for college, for everyday work routine, for interviews, for a day shopping or a casual brunch with friends or in general if you prefer your make-up to be natural looking. So ladies, love thy lipstick and dab, tap, blot and stain!

Products - 

Lip Balm - Sweet Narangi Juice by Forest Essentials

Lipstick - Non Stop Red in 510 by Maybelline

Setting Powder - M.A.C Studio Fix Powder

On my nails - Mischievous in 455 by Revlon

Wearing - 

Embellished Cardigan - J.Crew

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

TrimmingsAndLace For Swarovski : A Sparkle A Time

                                                                             

 

                                                                 

                                                    

                                                 

                                                                 

                                            

                                                    

A woman and her love for jewellery can never really be summed up in words, let alone contained. From the time she watches her mother adorn her treasures to dreaming of dressing up in heirlooms. From the inherent consciousness of collecting and savouring her jewellery pieces to stopping at those large, inviting display windows...woman and her love for jewellery wasn't really meant to be put into words, let alone contained.

Earlier this month I collaborated with Swarovski to style a look for this party season. I have always been a huge fan and an admirer of Swarovski crystals and jewellery. The finesse with which a simple piece of glass is so beautifully maneuvered to create something this delicate, is a form of unmatched art and skill. To celebrate this association and the timeless Swarovski appeal, I knew I had to save this look for the last. When it came to my outfit, I went ahead with the classic bling. If you are someone who prefers a look that is comfortable, easy and an extention to your personal favourites, the best is to stick to the classics. Doing so, leaves room for experimentation in jewellery, accessories and make-up. And that's pretty much what I did with this look. You can wear these pieces on their own, layer them or mix them to create a balanced look. I am sure you'll agree when I say that they'll look beautiful and appealing in every way. To balance the modern silhouette of the dress and giving in to old world charm, I added elements like this faux fur cape (Gifted by my grandmother, but never worn. This is for her) and did my lips in classic red. For the eyes I tried the Hollywood glam winged-eye (similar).

Now for the good bit. I need no Swarovski, said no woman ever. This year has been so overwhelming for me, in more ways than one. I feel I can never thank any of you enough for the love and support you have given this little endeavour of mine. If you are the one who is a regular reader of my blog, the one who likes and comments regularly or the one who never does but also never fails to stop by, I express my sincerest gratitude. As a gesture and with a very special thank you to the wonderful Swarovski team, here I am to make the party season a little more memorable for you by letting one of you win THIS exquisite piece. Here's all that you need to do - 

1. Like Swarovski on Facebook - Here.

2. Follow TrimmingsAndLace on Instagram - Here.. Don't forget to invite your friends as well. 

3. Tell us how would you like to style this piece for the party season. You can leave your answers as comments below or on my Instagram - @trimmingsandlace. You can also  tweet them @TrimmingsNdLace. Don't forget to #trimmingsandlace. 

*Contest closes 01.01.2015.

**Blog comments will be approved after the contest closes.

***Contest open for India residents alone. 

****Winner will be announced across all social channels. 

T&L FOR HIMALAYA : LET’S TALK ANTI-AGE

Detox Waters – You Need To Know

Simple isn't it? Then why wait...make a star yours today. Wish you all a Merry Christmas and unbound joy and happiness for 2015. Lots of love! 

Wearing - 

Stardust Beige, Fuchsia, Black, Blue Double Bracelets - c/o Swarovski

Spectacular Collar Necklace - c/o Swarovski

Louise Black and White Bangle - c/o Swarovski

Intervalle Black Bangle, Intervalle Bangle, thin (on the table) - c/o Swarovski

Simplicity Ring, Spiral Ring - c/o Swarovski

Begin Pierced Earrings - c/o Swarovski

Dress - Mango

Faux Fur Cape - Gifted

Peep-toes - ALDO 

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

TrimmingsAndLace For MaxFashions : Didn't Loose The Lesson

                                                             

                                                         

                                                           

                                                        

                                                            

Shot By - HimShootz

Our everyday routine (minus Thursdays) usually gives us lesser opportunities for a throwback. But around this time of the year, it perhaps is very natural and somewhat inevitable to look back at the year gone by. We all tend to relive the highs and lows of our life, smile again at what made us smile and feel sad for what didn't go as wished. Life is a giver and gives us a clean slate over and over again to write and rewrite our story. The question remains how well we write ours with the lessons learnt from certain incidents of life. Here's a story board of mine. I hope there is something for you to takeaway as I reflect back on my 2014. 

January - Learn. Learn everyday. Today be a person better than who you were yesterday. Feel gratitude to feel empowered. Admit your mistakes but never let your mistakes define who you are and who you can be. We as humans are bound to make them. Forgive yourself first and then those who hurt you. 

February - Celebrate. Family. Friends. Love. Love so much that it consumes you. Never let go the people who love you. Don't chase those who never could because that is their weakness and not yours. Love and love more each day. It is the only thing that truly rewards you in life.

March - Take your work seriously. Fall in love with what you do. Do not work in quest for 'that life'. Work to learn and grow as a person. Work to grow stronger. Because you'll dream and when you dream it you do it.

April - Meet new people. Make new friends. Share your life. Imbibe their lessons. Love yourself for others to love you. Make time for your family and yourself. Give little but give back to the world. It needs it.

May - Do not let others set goals or benchmarks for you. Professionally, what others do, have done or are doing is their chapter. Don't waste your time and energy in making their chapter yours. And don't let others do it for you. Cut yourself from people who set standards for you. You are way too capable to do that in your own, individual way.

June - Travel. Travel for yourself. Travel to learn. Travel to strengthen your bond with your loved ones. Travel like there's no tomorrow. And, besides all the SPF drama a little sun never harmed anyone. Embrace nature at its hardest. It always does!

July - Have a pet. It is empowering to love someone who cannot demand like us. Make time for them. Love them unconditionally. That's a stronger version of prayer, trust me.

August - Believe. Believe in people who believe in you and appreciate them for it. In life, to tread a road less traveled is always the hardest. Many discourage you, many tell you, you cannot make it and how you don't have what it takes, many will refuse to work with you for you. Believe in that one who said yes.

September - Exercise. Eat Healthy. Don't compromise on this valuable asset. Cycle. Walk. Squat. Give that ass what it deserves!

October - Husbands, boyfriends, friends, colleagues, teammates...do not tolerate a man who doesn't respect you. Do not tolerate a man who lacks some serious linguistic control while talking to a woman. Do not allow them to judge you for what you do. How incapable and weak they are is defined by actions like these.

November - People judge you by your 'social count' and that is largely they know and want to know about you. Don't be or become one of them. Modesty surprises people. Be modest anyway.

December - Organize your schedules. Plan ahead. Make others feel special. Play with kids. Walk in the chill. Feel it on bare legs. Eat that junk. Dance at weddings. Love. Give love. Jealousy is an emotion. Accept jealously in people. They are cause they never can be you. Smile. Feel blessed.

As part of my collaboration with MaxFashions, this is the second look I styled for them. Currently, I am in love with pairing pullovers with skirts and over dresses. Well, this being till the weather allows us to bare a leg. We shot this look in freezing temperatures which perhaps is evident from my expressions. Well, isn't that a part of overcoming what challenges you?

Three Summer Prints To Own

Here's Why You Need A LWD In Your Closet

Wearing - 

Pullover - c/o MaxFashions

Skirt - Gifted

Pumps - Dune

Clutch - FCUK

Earrings - Gifted

Ring - Forever 21  

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam