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

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

TrimmingsAndLace For Vajor : Focused Bohemians

My final take (first, second) on the series of work-wear from Vajor has been to style a look for the freelancer in you reflecting an un-curbed, undisturbed creative personality. I chose to keep this look a little edgy and androgynously sexy. The pieces in this collection are designed in relaxed and breezy fabrics and are a blend of some gorgeous earthy tones. With sharp cuts and a tailored appeal, these pieces can take you throughout the day and do not demand any specific accessorizing or detailed styling. On viewing the collection, I could label it belonging to the ‘focused bohemians’.To do justice to the same, I styled my favourite pieces from the collection and finished the look with one contrast element, which I felt pulled the look together without swaying away from the genre.  

Wearing - 

Jacket - c/o Vajor (Shop)

Crop-Top - c/o Vajor 

Trousers - c/o Vajor (Shop)

Bag - c/o Vajor (Shop)

Oxfords - c/o Vajor (Shop)

Ring and Bracelets - c/o Vajor (Shop, Shop)

Neck-piece - Forever 21

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

TrimmingsAndLace For Vajor : Building The Empire

My second look (first, in case you missed) featuring the work-wear collection by Vajor, is a tribute to all you corporate, power women who often feel contained in the silhouette of shirts and trousers and the perceived world of monotones. The latest corporate collection at Vajor, covers this zone albeit very fashionably. From gorgeous pencil skirts to dresses, from subtly embellished peplum tops to as-good-as tailored trousers, this collection is bound to transform all the mundaneness to corporate chic-ness. Many of you might have concerns with wearing body-con figurations to their corporate workplace. I have repeatedly vouched for Vajor's understanding and quality when it comes to this. Their fabrics and cuts are extremely superior and beautifully shape enhancing. So if you are worried about any underlines or your natural shape in general, I bet this collection is definite to make you love your curves like never before. I kept this look very minimalistic and sleek. To avoid any lure to a complete black and white look, I added a subtle contrast by way of these reading glasses and these delicate stud earrings.

Wearing - 

Dress - c/o Vajor (Shop)

Glasses - c/o Vajor (Shop)

Earrings - c/o Vajor (Shop)

Bag - LIU JO

Sandals - River Island (here)

I hope you liked the look and are excited for the third. Well for those who follow me on Snapchat (TrimmingsNdLace), might already have a clue! 

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

Butterflies, Buckets and Bites

Shot By - Sahil Nanda

A Shift Dress to fashion is what mindless television is to weekends. It's a no-brainer when it comes to styling, can be dressed up or dressed down and allows you to miss out on the accessories. All you need is a pair of your most comfortable heels (yes, sense the irony) or your oxfords/loafers (yes, in case you are lucky) and your world in your bag and you are good to run multiple errands during the day or step in and out of meetings. This pretty much has been my last week and the shift dresses of the closet have been my saviour. Also largely because, given the weather and the soaring humidity, there is nothing better, quick or comfortable that I can think of. Having been the fashion circuit's newest baby, the bucket bag has made a large space in my heart as well. I mean it's chic, ultra spacious and all you need to do is to be lazy and throw your stuff in. Now, who doesn't love that? 

Wearing - 

Dress - Promod

Bag - Mango

Peep-Toes - Charles & Keith

Jewellery - Mom's 

On my lips - M.A.C Chatterbox 

I am happy to let you all know that now you can follow TrimmingsAndLace on Snapchat - @TrimmingsNdLace. And in case you don't, follow me on Instagram - @trimmingsandlace. 

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 

 

 

 

Layering Essentials : Ten on Ten

                                                            

                                                            

                                                        

                                                           

Shot By - HimShootz

So it's been a while. Between the weather that forces you to stay stuck to your bed, blankets and coffee, and shuffling through the work and to-do-lists for the new year, I haven't really been able to put together my thoughts for the maiden post of 2015. The past few weeks and this unplanned sabbatical worked wonderfully for me since it gave me time and reason to sit back and be a spectator. Blogs, books, television, nature, stores, displays, architecture, shopping sites, makeup counters, virtual travel diaries and what not, I've been in a world of my own. And this really with a hope that all my thoughts and actions are channelized towards making TrimmingsAndLace an experience that you enjoy.

Unconsciously, winter does confine you to the monotone basics in terms of colour palette and all that layering and texture play does come at a cost of turning you into a human artichoke. But winter is also one season to do a wardrobe rain-check and stock yourself with essentials that can easily take you one season after another and prove to be an investment you wouldn't regret. I've picked a quick list of essentials for you to take on winters and pile on fashionably.

1. The Perfect Trench - A trench/overcoat is literally my saviour for the winter season. Trust you me when I say that you can get away with wearing anything underneath, as long as you've polished and concealed your look with that quintessential overcoat. Need proof?

2. A Thick Cardigan - A thick, warm, long cardigan for me in an extension to the trench. Besides the fact that it is super warm and again gives you the leverage to be less fancy in what you wear underneath, I feel it looks ideal (in terms of length) with a pair of leggings. 

3. Leggings - Coloured, printed or leather, leggings for me are an absolute must have. I say a big no to jeans especially during winters, because denim by nature does very little to protect you from the chill. Leggings on the other hand, take your body shape and hence shields from the cold keeping you warm. And, if you are someone like me, you've also been wearing two pairs to fight the cold.

4. Turtle Necks - A turtle-neck T-shirt or a pullover is the ultimate winter ninja. For me, this piece in the wardrobe is something I can tuck myself in to stay clear of the cold. I would suggest investing in basic, simple silhouettes and colours since they can be styled and worn in multiple ways either as an outer layer or underneath another cardigan, blazer or a coat.

5. Wrap Scarf - Blanket scarves and belted scarves are a rage in the fashion circuit at the moment and rightly so. Remember that feeling of not letting go yet and wanting those extra two minutes (this could have been less dramatic though) in the blanket every morning, a good scarf lets you live in that feeling a good deal.

6. Flannel/Plaid Shirt - A flannel/plaid shirt is an extremely utilitarian wardrobe essential for all seasons. Wear it on its own or play peek-a-book under your layers, it helps create a print contrast like no other. Make sure you pick the one that fits like a dream. Pay extra attention to the length you choose.

7. A Sweater Dress - A sweater dress for me is a fancier version of the long cardigan. Bright stockings, boots, accessories - a stylish sweater dress is your call to be the Serena van der Woodsen.

8. Faux Fur - Having worn a faux fur cape here, I feel this indulgence shouldn't pinch. A faux fur cape, poncho or a scarf adds a great textural dimension to your outfit, looks highly classy and sophisticated and undoubtedly stylish. Did that pinch? No!

9. Parka - For me personally, a parka doesn't score full points when it comes to being on the higher end of being "fashionably stylish", but if you are looking for that one wardrobe essential which is your absolute must-go to bear the chill, this is it.

10. High Socks - From pajama nights to that hint of leg or adding another layer beneath your jeans or leggings, we girls have a trusted friend from our good old school days in knee-high socks. 

Wearing - 

Look 1

Cobalt Trench, Plaid Shirt - TrimmingsAndLace

Pullover - ZARA

Scarf - Marks&Spencer

Bag and Peep-toes - Mango

Trousers - Local Store

Look 2

Lace Moto Jacket - Mango

Sweatshirt - Gifted

Jeans - Levis

Pumps - Done By None (here)

Earrings - Gifted

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

The Person A Watch Makes Me

                                                        

                                                         

                                                              

                                                               

                                                           

                                                            

Shot By - HimShootz

                

When it comes to identifying and understanding this broad term called fashion, I have always maintained that fashion and style are a reflection of you. It is your beliefs, ideologies, the discussions you have amongst your friends, your choice of music and art, the books you read and what lessons of life you've imbibed from your parents, teachers and family - for me fashion sensibilities are a product of the above. One of the very early lessons in dressing that I was taught and live by is the importance of wearing a watch. I've grown up seeing my parents keeping their respective watches in that anchored space of the cabinet. When my sister and I were kids, whenever my dad used to travel one of the most precious components of his gifts bandwagon used to be a watch for my sister and me. I remember my dad getting this limited edition Swatch watch for my sister, which incidentally broke one day at school. Needless to say it made my sister extremely upset and adding to her dismay was the fact that no possible store in India could fix it. Years (and yes I mean years) later my parents 'discovered' someone who managed to fix it. Yet again, needless to say by then we were a little old to wear it. 

For me a watch signifies your take on life. It makes you feel more in control of the uncontrollable and acts as a reminder that those bullet needles cannot beat you. A watch is your constant benchmark, teaching you discipline like no other. And strongly said not wearing one, unless the occasion demands you skip, is a turn off.

A few weeks back I received this elegant Classic Trinity Lady in rose gold from Daniel Wellington. Without a second thought, I knew that when it came to styling it will be all about the person a watch makes me. I hope you like the post. 

Don't forget to share your stories with me in the comments section below or tweet/Instagram them to me. Also, if you haven't heard and see it around as yet I am happy to share that TrimmingsAndLace is amongst the selected few enjoying an exclusive access to the newly introduced #ViberPublicChats feature. It is an extremely engaging platform and perhaps the most personal I am having a chance to be on. You can be a part of my conversation at -TrimmingsAndLace. 

Wearing - 

Crop-Top and Pants - TrimmingAndLace

Blazer - TrimmingsAndLace (here)

Watch - Daniel Wellington

Sunglasses - RayBan

Sandals - ALDO

Earrings - Gifted

On my lips - Lancôme Pret-A-Plum

On my nails -  Colorbar Twisted Peach

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam