Do-It-Yourself : Tasseled Sandals

Tassels and fringes are pretty much regarded as the trend of the 70s, but making a glorious appearance on shoes this Spring/Summer'16 made them absolutely delectable. Laced up to the mid-calf, sitting pretty on ankle straps, platformed, wedged or stilettoed, fringes and tassels add a striking dynamism to the entire look. I've personally loved the infamous Aquazzura Wild Thing Sandals and did pick up similar ones from Daisy Street (here). But if you're wanting to embrace the trend without burning a hole in your pocket and unlike other DIYs existing on the web, don't want to shelve and cut paste your existing pair of sandals, this tutorial might be of help. So, let's get started! 

You'll need:

1. A classic pair of sandals. Try picking a pair which is simple and minimalistic in virtue. If you have a pair that fastens on the ankles, its a bonus!

2. Tassels in the colour of your choice. These are easily available at all craft stores.

3. Suede, faux leather strings. Avoid using ribbons because they tend to slide and don't really hold on the legs.

4. Tape.

5. A pair of scissors. 

6. A straightening iron (optional).

Steps:

1. I started by trimming and refining the ends of the tassels to make them look neater and even.

2. Next, I used a straightening iron to smoothen any wavy and wiggly threads and strands.

3. This step is optional. I secured the loop of the tassels with a tape to make it smaller so that it doesn't move around, once slipped through the suede strings. 

4. Weave the strings through the straps of your sandals. Pretty much like this.

5. Finally, just when you are about to knot the strings slip in your tassels and secure them between the strings. 

Though I admit that the outcome can't match the grace of the original, but I still feel that revamping your sandals once in a while can be a fun activity and an interesting change. What do you think? 

Wearing - 

Dress - Tailored

Sandals - River Island

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Love

Agam

TrimmingsAndLace For Fervour : Complexity Amidst Simplicity

In an environment where everything - from societies in general to industries in particular -  is a live-wire and is constantly evolving, the complexity is in the simplicity. Fashion as a genre is expanding exponentially and each day has a newer dimension to adopt and follow. The challenge herein remains to perfect the classic and better the simple. Something as timeless as a black and white outfit can have multiple layers when it comes to styling and representation. That basically was my challenge, when this gorgeously ruffled Dsquared2 blouse was sent to me by the wonderful team at Fervour. Fervour is a Bangalore based luxury house that shelves and retails a number of luxury brands - from Dsquared2 to Marc Jacobs, from Nina Ricci to Iceberg - all under one roof. For the longest time ever, the Indian connect with these luxury brands has rested in the hands of holiday travels and visiting relatives. Thankfully, with houses like Fervour, luxury indeed is at our doorsteps. Not to miss mentioning, all apparels and accessories retailed are one hundred percent originals.

On receiving this top, my reflex response was that how difficult can it be to style a white top. A printed skirt or a pair of shorts with a bright blazer, anything would work. But once I began playing with these ideas in my dressing room, I realized that the challenge herein lied in keeping the look simple and letting the structure and details of the blouse speak for themselves. Which is why, the entire concept of this post is positioned to reflect a play of textures than merely a styling endeavour. These sandals and cuff, I feel, added another dimension to the entire look and incorporated a sense of directional contrast to the look. Finally, not to let go colour completely, I added the mini Dsquared2 cross-body bag from Fervour again.

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I hope you like my take on the obvious. I am thrilled to be announcing the Fervour-Iceberg giveaway winner on my Instagram. Make sure you check that to find yourself getting lucky. And, don't forget to follow Fervour - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Wearing - 

Ruffled Top - Dsquared2 c/o Fervour

Pants - Tailored

Bag - Dsquared2 c/o Fervour

Sandals - ALDO (here)

Cuff - Vajor

Earrings - Mom's 

On my nails - Mischievous in 455 by Revlon

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Love

Agam

Do-It-Yourself : Gladiator Sandals

Gladiator sandals have been enjoying a mainstream moment for quite sometime now. Having crept into the fashion circuit last year, thanks to multiple designers and bloggers embracing this trend, it has made an official shift from the ramp to the streets. Whether knee-high or ankle-high, heeled or flat, wish as much as you want to scream sparta, there is no denying that this trend is sexy, edgy and oh-so-chic. Not only are they a stylish compliment to your outfit but are also an interesting DIY to attempt. Although, flat knee-high sandals are my favourite version of the gladiators, thanks to your love on this post I couldn't help but share the 'shoe-secret'. 

You'll need:

1. A pair of sandals - T-straps work the best. I chose these because of a relatively caged and covered effect they render.

2. A faux leather trim - Try to match the width of the trim with the straps of your sandals. 

3. Scissors

Steps:

1. Start by measuring out the trims. I used about 3 meters of the trim, divided into half for each leg.

2. Next, weave the trim through or under the existing straps of your sandals. Make sure you have half on each side and have an equal length to hold. Alternatively, you can also glue the trim to the straps. 

3. Make a firm loop around the strap so that the trim and the straps are held together firmly. Repeat for both.

4. The fun part is to weave and criss-cross the trim around the legs. Here you need to be sure that you are raising the trim symmetrically and at an an equal height for both legs. Also, make sure it is firm and doesn't slip while walking.

5. Weave it as high depending upon how dramatic a look you prefer. Secure it by tying the trims into a bow and voila!

 

 

For regular updates on my personal style and more, don't forget to join me on Twitter - @TrimmingsNdLace and Instagram - @trimmingsandlace. 

 

 

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Love

Agam

                                                                    

                                                     

                                                      

                                                                

Spiriting The Two Dimensional

                                                                          

                                                                       

                                                                        

                                                               

                                                                   

                                                           

                                                                        

                                                         

Shot By - Ravit Kailay

What's made black and white an epitome in fashion classics? Why has Coco Chanel's, Calvin Klein's and Helmut Lang's ideologies rendered an influence past time? Being a forever admirer and a recent practitioner of minimal art, the one theory I reckon about minimalism is that it is timeless. A great silhouette in black, white or gray is the basic building block in any wardrobe, and can never really go out of style. Further, you can maneuver these pieces to adapt to your mood. You can go bold in the colour and miss out on accessories or add some jewellery or a belt for contrast. Minimalism is a form which is not temporal in trends and perhaps that is what makes it classic and elegant.

And that's perhaps why, when the wonderful team at Fashionatclick sent over these goodies for me to style, this asymmetrical hemmed dress was my instant pick. The runway is the biggest source of inspiration for the world of fashion. Not many of us are exposed to the glitz and glamour of this world, yet are always enamoured by it. Fashionatclick, brings you this world of ‘fashion fantasy’ where the styles walked on the ramp are offered at affordable prices and are just a click away! 

For me personally, this dress spelled two elements that inspire me as a woman. It has a very strong and bold cut when you see it, but when worn it drapes itself fluidly reflecting all facets of feminism. Also, I feel that an asymmetrical cut, clever draping and folding are techniques that have a certain enigma attached. Clearly, this dress ticked all those boxes for me. Further, it serves as a perfect canvas to try some layering options. Throw on another classic - a basic white shirt, cringing it on the waist with a tan belt for a day out shopping. Else wear a sequined blazer or a vest with your favourite stilettos for that date night. A solid dress gives you multiple variants in styling. 

Keeping in line with the bold and the feminine, I completed the outfit with these gladiator sandals and a pearl choker, respectively. 

I hope you liked the post. You can also see me wear Fashionatclick here and here. Have a fabulous week guys! 

Wearing - 

Dress - c/o Fashionatclick (Shop)

Also love this one.

Choker - ZARA (here)

Rings - Romwe

Sandals - ALDO + DIY

On my nails - O.P.I Alpine Snow

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Love

Agam

Jacquard Called Me Back

                                                                            

                                                                     

                                                                           

                                                                        

Summer dressing for me means treading the crossroads where fashion and comfort coincide. English print dresses, breezy cottons, flip-flops, wedges, minimal jewellery, nude nails and make-up, cut-offs and that old T-Shirt which has been worn to death, cross all boxes when it comes to my summer style. Personally, I feel any wardrobe is incomplete without the understated yet classic shirt dress. Ever since I ventured into designing, I realized that the basic cut of the shirt dress is something that largely defines my design sensibilities and hence also reflects in my everyday style. Collared, pleated, clinched the shirt dress spells easy, prim and dressy. Needless to say, a silhouette like this tops my list of summer dressing.

Much like such effortlessly stylish dresses, I have been sporting and loving jewellery that is simple, no-fuss and compliments outfits in a diverse range. If you have been following me on Instagram, you must be aware of my on-going project with Miss Flurrty. These gold bangles have become my everyday favourites and have been lying on my bed side, being a quick fix for meetings and shoots alike (check and here). Do you have any summer staples when it comes to clothes and jewellery? Don't forget to share it with me in the comments section below or tweet me at @TrimmingsNdLace.

Thank you for your love on my last two posts (Culottes and Lilac Love) (Undecided Love). I am truly grateful to each one of you. Thank you!

Wearing - 

Jacquard Shirt Dress - TrimmingsAndLace (worn here)

Wedges - Marie Claire

Belt, Ring, Earrings - Forever 21

Bangles - Miss Flurrty (here)

Bracelets - Aldo, Splash 

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Love

Agam

Culottes and Lilac Love

                                                                                

                                                                                    

                                                                                 

                                                                             

                                                                               

Shot By - RanaGurtej Photography

                                                                             

Trust your mom to give you the best fashion advice for life. She can battle all the notch heads to be a visionary when it comes to trends, statements and come-backs. Case in point these culottes, which my mom insisted me to HAVE and since then have been lying shunned except for those lazy days at home. Skinny and ankle-cropped pants have held the court for years now, and though they will never go out of style, it’s time to welcome some drama with culottes.

Culottes are a mark of innovative design. Cropped, wide-legged and falling a little lower than the Bermuda shorts, culottes encompass these stylish elements and spell élan and comfort in one.

Casual, sporty, sleek or tailored, I personally feel that the demure of culottes call for sophisticated dressing. Also, the silhouette and an over-flow of fabric can seem a little intimidating. Hence, minor attention to details never harms. A tucked boxy-top, a well-fitted top or T-Shirt or even your perfect fit button-down is the best way to accentuate the structure of culottes. Since I wore this outfit to a celebratory brunch, a little show of skin suited the occasion. Unlike the last time, I teamed this outfit with heels as they not only help elongate your frame and render some balance to the look, but also define the mid-calf area better. Now who can possibly mind that? 

With temperatures soaring I kept the tone of the look very monotone (and soothing if I may call it myself) with statement earrings, a printed clutch and a pop via the heels providing the adequate amount of colour and break.

However you may choose to wear them, I vouch that culottes are a summer staple. Besides, isn’t culottes a cool word to say? Your dependable fashion idol, breather for legs and a cool word…I hope the post has been worth a wait!

Don’t forget to tell me about it in the comments section below. Also, you can join me on Twitter and Instagram for everyday updates on fashion and more.

Wearing - 

Top - Forever21

Culottes - Mango

Sandals - Myntra.com (worn here)

Earrings - H&M

Clutch - ALDO

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Love

Agam

 

    

Neon-O-Matic : Acid Orange and Grey's

                                                                              

                                                                           

                                                                        

                                                                       

                                                                           

                                                                           

                                                                                 

Elle describes wearing neon as the style equivalent of texting in all-Caps. Neon is the one trend that doesn’t seem to be on its way out, but you can’t blame any for loving it. Neon has its elements of risqué but when worn right the powerful punch of neons cannot be missed. Just like a red lipstick, a shade in neon – be that hot pink, acid yellow or a vibrant orange complements all skin tones.

An all neon look calls for a rave blast, but I personally loved how its mash-up with pastels and monotones was presented on the Spring/Summer 2013 runways. Hence, the minimalism and slate grey finish of this dress made it an instant grab. To add in the pastels, I carried this mint clutch (from here) and finished off with mint nails, something I haven’t gotten over since last year (Check!). Further, neon’s foray into leather makes it a perfect addition into the Fall wardrobe.

On another note, with “orange being the new black” and taking the New York Fashion Week Spring 2014 collections by storm, I can’t wait to add more of it into my wardrobe and up on the blog. These being my favourites (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

I hope you liked the look. Many thanks for the wonderful wonderful response on The TrimmingsAndLace Collection. The collection would be updated soon so stay tuned.

Wearing - 

Dress - Sher Singh (bought off Myntra.com)

Heels - Myntra.com

Bracelets - ALDO and Accessorize

Clutch - Nine West

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Love

Agam

Chained Love : TrimmingsAndLace For ShopImagine

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If not a lover, I have been a forever admirer of baroque prints and chain prints. For me, they are reminiscent of the 16^th – 17^th century French royalty, perhaps from what I remember from my History textbooks. These prints undoubtedly spell creative genius as they involve completely different elements put together to create some harmonious artwork. Made covetable in the 1980s by Gianni Versace, chain prints advanced from the classic blacks and golds to the reds, blues, greens and even fuschias (love this). These prints particularly experienced a revival and a transformation from the couture to the wearable segment, a likely result of the Versace for H&M collections last year.

I couldn’t lay my hands on any such piece last year, so when I saw this play-suit at ShopImagine as part of their California Collection, I knew this one was an instant grab. The wonderful team at ShopImagine were extremely kind and generous to send it across to me. The laid-back drive of this play-suit crafted in a semi-silk luxe fabric, makes it my favourite for all those evening into the night events. Having worn it for a casual day-out and an evening getaway, for this particular look I just wanted to sit back, enjoy the monsoon showers over some hot chocolate. I added a mix of gold and silver via my cuffs, a neck-piece for texture, zipped up my gladiator flats and was on my way. 

ShopImagine houses the latest in chic fashion with pieces so multi-faceted that you can transform them from day to night and from formal to informal with minimal effort. The ordering process is easy and the delivery is prompt. But what makes you the happiest is the package your product comes in – neat, classy and simply beautiful. Also, ladies ShopImagine provides you with a lingerie shopping experience like no other. With much to choose from and a lingerie stylist on the go, your shopping woes are sorted with a mere click.

My ShopImagine  love affair now extends to all of you. Yes, all you lovely TrimmingsAndLace readers can avail an exclusive 30% shopping discount at ShopImagine. All you need to do is shop and use the discount code – SISTYLST30G

Wearing - 

Play-Suit - c/o Shop Imagine (Shop)

Bag - Forever 21

Flats - Thrifted (here)

Neck-piece -XOXO Accessories

Cuffs - Westside and Mom's (here)

Bracelet - Gifted

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam