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

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

TrimmingsAndLace For MaxFashions : Florals At Degree Nine

                                               

                                                           

                                                           

                                                          

Shot By - HimShootz

With their hothouse hues and a magnitude of prints, MaxFashions has always been among my favourite stores. To picking up a complete outfit or adding elements as basic as a crisp white shirt to complete a look, Max always stands up to those fashion needs without burning a hole in your pocket. More often that not, we all attempt to create a utilitarian wardrobe that consists of pieces which we can wear everyday and include them in our day to day routine. I have always advocated in being money-wise when it comes to this and Max as a brand truly resonates this ideology, albeit stylishly. Earlier this week, I was invited to the Max stores for a preview of their Fall/Winter'14 collection. The collection is buzzing with bright colours and some interesting kitsch and geometric prints in knits, pullovers, jackets and coats. This being so ideal for the dull, foggy, no-sun days. I absolutely loved the floral and baroque print sweatshirts from the collection. One can easily mix them with prints or wear them with a basic pair of jeans, to let them hold their own and make a statement. 

What caught my eye, however, among the panorama of prints and colours, was this dainty floral number. Less feminine than the summer floral bunch, sporting florals in winters always is a perspective to brighter, sunnier days (although, shooting at 9 degrees doesn't leave much space for thoughts like these). I picked up this number also to experiment with a certain amount of luxe and edginess that is usually associated with winter florals. Instead of jewellery, I accessorized with a tie to add a dash of colour and another layer in terms of styling. As I wasn't attempting to present an androgynous look, I balanced the effect with a pair of very vintage and à la french brooches.

Welcome To TrimmingsAndLace

HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON STICK CANDLES: 7 STEPS

This is a very simple and an easy look which can be worn in a multiple ways. You can opt to wear the dress on its own or layer it like I have. Instead of greys and blacks you can also add a bright pink blazer to the dress. Skip the stockings or add colour. Swap the boots for pumps or wedges. Belt the dress to structure your look. Add a faux collar or wear a collar necklace. The options are endless. Isn't that true for dressing anyway?

Wearing - 

Shirt - c/o MaxFashions

Dress - c/o MaxFashions

Sweater - Dad's (here it started)

Trench - Mom's (the story here)

Stockings - Forever 21

Boots - JC Penny

Tie - Dad's

Brooches - Gifted (here)

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

TrimmingsAndLace For Vajor : One Against One

                                                              

                                                       

                                                      

                                                       

                                                          

                                                  

                                                 

Shot By - HimShootz

Talking of classics, I feel nothing complements a lady more than the classic sheath dress. For me what makes it timeless is how the hemline sits mid or below the knee, clean, sophisticated cuts and flattering necklines. Neutrals or solids, a simple sheath dress can be dressed up by adding accessories or worn on its own to make a demure statement. Being an ardent lover of minimalism and contemporary art, last week when I got an opportunity to style for Vajor, needless to say this fabulous dress caught my eye spot-on. White may not be a colour for fall for the faint at heart, but the unbound canvas it provides in terms of fashion and styling is hard to ignore. Besides, white is a colour that compliments all skin tones and works to soften the features. Power and immaculacy for me are the twin sides of white, depending on the silhouette you choose to adorn. And an elegant sheath dress certainly confirms to the former. This largely defines and supports the fashion basics at Vajor. Simple, sleek, sharp cuts in apparels, contemporary prints and modular jewellery and accessories, Vajor is for those who like making a serious and one-stop statement. I was torn between styling their wide range of skirts (this number being such a huge hit at the show) and gorgeous pieces from their latest The Wild Tribe collection, but this dress and an idea of putting together a minimal, monotone look got all votes. A red lip to add a strong colour pop and a beautiful sunset view to soften the frames, this outfit for me defines those little, unsaid pleasures of life that are fun, extravagant and fanciful.

Wearing - 

Dress - c/o Vajor (Shop)

Bag - c/o Vajor - Threads of Kaashi Collection (Shop)

Rings - c/o Vajor (Shop, Shop, Shop)

Sandals - River Island for Jabong

On my lips - M.A.C Ruby Woo 

Don't forget to connect with Vajor on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

 

 

  

 

I Believe In Pink

                                                    

                                                         

                                                            

                                                         

                                                   

                                                                

                                                 

Shot By - HimShootz

Audrey Hepburn probably said aloud a notion that's unconsciously and consciously existed in the world, atleast in the female part of it. "I believe in pink" - an expression that has been acknowledged, accepted and endorsed timelessly and how. I believe in pink because pink is delicate and symbolizes sweetness, playfulness, tenderness, cotton candies, bubble gums and babies. I believe in pink because its a universal colour of love - of oneself and of others. I believe in pink because it represents friendship, affection, compassion and contentment. But most importantly, I believe in pink because it symbolizes strength, patience, endurance, survival and victory. Embracing the winter sun and deeper berry hues, my outfit for this very post is a little tribute to the power of pink.

I am also very excited to be sharing this with my Chandigarh readers. The connoisseurs of luxury shopping experiences - The Pink Post-It are bringing together another fashion extravaganza for you all. Be a part of this dynamic event which introduces new designers, talent and a fashion and style finesse like no other. You can find them on Instagram as well - @thepinkpostit. Friday, the 21st at The Lalit Hotel from 11am to 8pm. I hope to see you there! 

Wearing - 

Dress - TrimmingsAndLace

Haathphool - ALDO (here)

Earrings - Mom's

Pumps - Naturalizer for Bata

Bag - Nine West

Thank you for stopping by...
Love
Agam