To Talk Or Not

Shot By - Sahil Nanda

In a very long time perhaps, penning a post (again) seemed liked a challenge. With the exploding real-time bomb a.k.a the social media you already know about the Spring/Summer'16 trends, must-haves, dos and don'ts. Is there any particular trend this outfit conveys? Lace, crop-tops, culottes...you get the clue. Should I talk about life post marriage? Do readers really have time for it? Should I create a 'virtual' zone for my wedding festivities? Or should I tell you about the projects I am flooded with with or how stressful March endings are supposed to be with all the tax returns. Should I interest you with projects in the pipeline or with selfies at the fashion week. Maybe, I can do a house-tour and delusion you guys with the fanciness of a blogger life. I can pitch in my wedding outfits, venues and jewellery too. Do I sound cynical?  Does the blogger life seem much of a fad? Maybe you can join me on Snapchat (@TrimmingsNdLace) to have a glimpse of mine. Subtle Marketing. Or maybe for now, we can just hope for India to beat Australia in Cricket tomorrow.

Wearing - 

Top - Forever 21

Culottes - ZARA (Also wearing here and here)

Pumps - Naturalizer for BATA (here)

Sunglasses - Miss Bennett (Available at Jabong)

Accessories - Bonia Watch and Mom's Bangle
Bra - Marks&Spencer 

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

2016 : I Owe It To You

Shot By - Sahil Nanda

As each year comes to an end, it is inherently natural to reflect back on the journey so far and visualize what lies ahead. I am someone who has always had a mental to-do-this-year list but has never affirmed myself to any resolutions. That is largely because I feel much of the adventure called life is lost when you confine it to rules and game plans. I am also someone whose list this year isn't as fancy or decorative to write home about - to travel more, to build an empire, to look my best - you get the drill. And that's also because the year is commencing with a positively life altering phase and that's "getting married." I am in all honesty at a loss of words to describe my feelings but all I can say is that I am so ready and excited to witness and experience the many valuable moments, experiences, lessons and a holistic growth this phase will bring for me, both personally and professionally. 

Classic Pieces For Every Fall

Spending That Wedding Budget Wisely

Like each of us who blogs, TrimmingsAndLace has been a personal diary of mine, a memoir that has captured the mood behind every post, the story behind each shoot and the general stage of life I was in. It might have been concealed by the words published but the memories of it are stronger and shall always be. Like a faithful book, it has helped me explore fashion ideas, concepts and ideologies like never before. By way of connecting and following such brilliant other blogs, it has made me strive and share a passion with such creative forces and influencers. By being a participant in their journey, I have seen their city through their eyes and have been utterly inspired by their thoughts and ideas. It is through this channel, that I could dream of being someone and have received a conscience resonance of an identity. None of this, would have been possible without each one of you who has shared my journey, become my virtual well wishers, stopped by my posts, commented, shared or even told me if it wasn't good enough. Each of you has contributed in making me who I am as a person today - be that in a professional role, the role of a daughter, sister, friend and now the role of a soon-to-be wife. The journey is just getting started, so do stick around as we explore and make it grand. 

Wearing - 

Turtle-Neck - ZARA

Poncho - ZARA (old)

Skirt - Levis (here)

Stockings - Forever 21

Boots - ZARA

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

TrimmingsAndLace For The Quirk Box : A Day In The Life Of The City

 

Shot By - KamKha PhotoArtist, @tejindersinghkhamkha

My love and appreciation for the wonderful team at The Quirk Box has been no secret. Like many of you pursuing professions you love, the adrenalin rush of being a stylist comes when clothes, outfit pieces and silhouettes challenge you. Much like other forms of art, pieces from The Quirk Box satisfy my pangs in this regard. From styling an everyday chic look by pairing this Stuck With Stupid Vest amidst contrasts to letting this Boyfriend Jacket be the statement while incorporating the latest trend, my endeavour with this post (much like the previous one) was to shift focus and lend an editorial appeal to these kitsch pieces. The framework within which I structured this look and the brief I provided to Tejinder was, that it's an outfit depicting the housewife of the early 90s. How weird or how apt is what we leave for you to decide. 

We shot this look in one of the busiest streets of Chandigarh and it was an experience to say the least. Much kudos to Tejinder for capturing the pulse of the street while keeping the dynamism of these pieces alive. Stay tuned for the second edition of these pictures! 

P.S. Don't forget to participate in the TrimmingsAndLace X The Quirk Box giveaway, currently live on our Instagram.

Wearing - 

Dolls Crop-Top - c/o The Quirk Box (Shop)

Maxi Skirt - Thrifted

Dupatta (draped) - Mom's 

Belt - ZARA

Clutch - ASOS

Sunglasses - c/o Vajor

Earrings - Gifted
Flats - Myntra.com

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

Lifestyle #InstaLife - The Yellow Life

                                                                   

                                                                 

                                                                        

                                                                

                                                                

                                                    

                                                                  

                             

                                                              

Spring marks an enthralling transformation in the life of the living beings and in the many processes of life. The gloomy days of the winters begin to fade in memories, the frozen earth sprungs new buds in anticipation of growth and brightness and the senses of sight, sound and smell rejoice in absolute harmony. As the living beings delight in resurrection, quickened sensibilities and youthfulness, the fashion world opens new reins to colours and prints. Like fashion and style trends, the glamour of spring remains unchanged. But it seems to have found a lasting companion in colours, textures, prints, cuts and Instagram. In March, I associated with Lifestyle International to showcase their Spring/Summer'15 collection which celebrates the energy, zeal, passion and immense talent hosted by individuals across varied fields and how dynamic is their #InstaLife. True to idea, the Spring/Summer collection at Lifestyle is an amazing conglomerate of trends and fashion moments. From florals to stripes, from fringes to laces, from yellows to summer whites, from military to denim, from crop tops to culottes, the list seems endless. But if you are someone who wishes to be bang on trend without burning the pocket, this collection is surely a haven for you.

For this styling project, I stuck to the books and trend reports and picked up pieces in yellow, a pair of denim culottes, a basic white lace dress and an Aztec print blazer (here). For this very look, I decided to keep the whole look very minimal and carefree and paired this lace crop top with a pair of culottes. The day started with clear skies but quite unlike my idea of spring, it suddenly changed into one downpour of sorts. Which is why, unlike last time, I decided to keep it relaxed in brogues with my messy, wind affected and half wet hair as company. But isn't doing it 'now' and capturing the real time is what #InstaLife holds for? To finish the look and still keep it a little dressy, I added a contrast by these purple statement drops.

Though, our shoot was a pack-up in 15 minutes, I am thrilled with the job done by Saajan (@sajanaroraphotography) and Ravit (@ravkdesigns) on the pictures. Don't forget to stop by their work and show some love. I hope you enjoyed the post and my experience of it all!

Wearing - 

Lace Crop-Top - c/o Ginger

Crop-Top (underneath) - Own

Culottes - c/o AND

Earrings - c/o Ginger

Necklace worn as bracelet - c/o ToniQ

Brogues - Own

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

Fruitful Delays

                                                                              

                                                                    

                                                                

                                                              

                                                            

                                                              

Pictures - Sajan Arora

It feels like quite some time since my last post. Well, September is it? Fifteen days down is it? No, not that I am not in 'touch' with the regular, just that time seems to have been set on a bullet. The last I knew I was planning my sister's wedding in February and here we are almost at the threshold of a new year. As much as this period excites me because it brings in all the festivities and celebrations, it kind of gets me under pressure because it also mirrors the journey so far and the milestones that are yet to be achieved. For me personally, I feel blessed to have the kind of people in my life who always help shape this pressure as a positive, launch pad for me to push my limits and seek the various adventures of creativity. It is natural for us to bog down under time frames and targets but we must remember that what's worth it is what has every drop of our sweat and perseverance. Plus delays are never denials.

Luscious fruit prints have been ruling the summer'14 platforms for a while now. The sheer deliciousness at sight attracts me more towards them than an element of associated quirk. Cherries and pineapples did their good, but where a print involves shades of green set against the white - it belongs to me. Hence, these kiwi print trousers are such a score and I simply cannot get over them. To highlight the print to its full potential, I made a last minute switch from a pale pink top to this cobalt number. With the weather smoothing by the day, I can't wait to romance more and more of colour. To add an element to offset this look and another layer in terms of styling, I contrasted the top and mixed prints with the pants by way of my favourite leopard pumps.

I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Sajan Arora for this post. Do drop by his page and Instagram profile (@sajan_arora_photography) to show his photography brilliance some love!

Wearing - 

Top - Thrifted (some good 4 years old)

Trousers - ZARA (Here) (Love These Too)

Pumps - Dune (Here)

Cuff - Forever21

Sunglasses - Myntra.com

Thank you for stopping by...

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

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam