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 Chumbak : That World Of Colour

Shot By - Sahil Nanda Photography

For any artist, I believe, eclecticism is a challenging side of the curve to be at. Your art must thrive in its exclusiveness but at the same time must resonate with the ideologies of your audience at large. For any artist to establish this reasoning as his identity is surely a feat. But to diversify and divulge and reinvent and yet remain grounded to the aesthetics is a sign of greatness. For me the husband-wife duo, the curators, the visionaries and the artists at Chumbak fit this definition like no other. Chumbak’s entrepreneurial journey that started five years ago has always been an inspiration to me. Mainly because, it isn’t any rags to riches story that fits the texts of a case study but a narration of how far your dreams and your belief in them can take you. It is a story of what passions are made of and how sometimes it’s all about that one plunge.

The same came this October when Chumbak ventured into the apparel segment with the launch of Collection One. Collection One is your entree into Chumbak’s world of design, colour and print. Not to miss, the quintessential dose of insanity that is associated with Chumbak. So expect a whole new take on space, ocean, Pixel Art and food, all manifested into a fashion line, that has been designed to start conversations that never end and even when they do they end in smiles. 

Unlike most of my posts, I didn’t shoot this look with a prior brief or perspective in mind. My only agenda was to have fun at the shoot and celebrate the genre of outfits that I haven’t really worn before. The designs and prints have an inherent playfulness to them, which automatically gets infused into you. And that is pretty much what happened to me during the shoot. So there were twirls and pouts, jumps and misses, hair flips and virtual kisses, ankle twists and laughs and a leap into this new sea of fashion. 

You Need To Know When To Say Bye

The Rs. 100 Setting Powder You Didn't Know About

Wearing - 

Triangle Town Long Tunic - c/o Chumbak (Shop)

Aztec Cats Raglan Sweater - c/o Chumbak (Shop)

Hummingbird Leggings - c/o Chumbak (Shop)

Magical Jungle Women's Wrist Watch - c/o Chumbak (Shop)

Fox Yellow Ballerinas - c/o Chumbak (Shop)

Shirt Dress - Mango 

Neck-Piece - The Little Bauble Box

Brooch - H&M

Sunglasses - Miss Bennett 

Pumps - Done By None

Sandals - River Island (Here)

Thank you for stopping by...

Love

Agam

TrimmingsAndLace For Lifestyle : Almost Fall

Shot By - Daas Media Works

One of the many things I missed at the onset of my blogging career was events and blogger meet-ups which gave a chance to bloggers to connect with their audience in person. Luckily, my wish wasn't kept hanging for long with the Lifestyle Style Circle event coming to Chandigarh. Like most moments in our life, when this moment actually came I was left anxious and cold-in-the-feet to say the least. From outfit fittings to media interactions, to seeing stand-ies of self to announcements in the stores and to finally meeting so many of you, these moments will remain etched in my memory to perfection and are utmost surreal. From the bottom of my heart I take this chance to thank each one of you for making this experience so memorable and every ounce of hard work put into this journey truly worth it. You all are wonderful and inspiring and beautiful. Also, many thanks to the Lifestyle team - from the event managers, media managers, store managers to the ground staff - for being on their feet throughout the event making sure, every minute of it, that we live our dream. Thank you! 

The Style Circle series was basically a presentation of Lifestyle's collection for Autumn/Winter 2015. The collection is a brilliant concoction of some timeless prints and classics like Ikats, denims, bold winter florals, aztec prints and boho silhouettes. For the main event, my outfit was a chic sequinned dress which I paired with a cheery coral blazer (both from CODE) and turquoise earrings for contrast (See look).

For this main feature story, I decided to pick pieces which the collection boasted of. No other garment makes itself so deliciously wearable and is also as uniquely reflective of personal style like denim. Denim is timeless and season-less and frankly something we cannot imagine our closets without. The designers this Spring 2015, presented denim in various iterations - from the perfect-for-all jeans to overalls, from culottes to shirt-dresses - and it seems to have transcended into Fall with perfect ease. For the base element of my look, I picked this denim dress because it spelled comfort, ease and a little surprise the minute my eyes caught it. I also felt that it is an absolute must-have for the closet because it can be taken from casual to uber glamorous and is an option that will remain safe nonetheless. I chose to complement this dress and introduce the quintessential Fall layering, with another gorgeous piece from the collection i.e. this aztec print, fringed long vest. I strongly believe that a complete closet is the one which includes statement pieces that can be styled with almost anything, and this vest/cardigan checks all boxes for me. To structure the entire look I clinched my waist with a contrast belt. Further to extend the boho element of this entire collection, I added a print contrast and finished the look with my ever-so-favourite leopard pumps (here).

For my accessories, I wanted to go a bit old school and in tune with the denim fashion of the 50s. Hence, a rush of gold, pearls and red followed with more of the fringe from the bag. Thanks to Lifestyle I am ready to welcome Fall with aplomb. 

Don't forget to check out the stores and pick up these pieces and style them as per your palette. And when you, don't forget to share it with us on Twitter - @Lifestyle_Store, @TrimmingsNdLace or Instagram - @lifestylestores, @trimmingsandlace.

Wearing - 

Dress, Vest, Bag, Belt, Earrings, Bracelets, Ring - c/o Lifestyle

Sunglasses - FCUK

Pumps - Dune

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

The Last Three Standing

                                                       

                                                         

                                                        

                                                           

                                                        

                                                         

                                                      

Shot By - HimShootz

Fashion and style fanatics across the globe have never been this thankful. To be able to 'dress-up' and then swap stilettos for sneakers and yet remain in the domains of being stylish, is a trend revolution like no other. From the streets to the red carpet, there has been absolutely no stopping this trend. Further to see it being adorned in countless ways (read jeans, boyfriend jeans, skirts, dresses, suits, you name it) brings yet another unbridled thrill in its being. Which is why when I was received this pair of sneakers by AdidasOriginals, at the very first thought I was clueless and undecided whether to stick to my styling aesthetics or opt for a normcore or a minimalistic look. My underlying idea though was well defined. To create a look which highlights comfortable dressing without sacrificing style. Which is why, I chose to step completely outside my comfort zone, wore my dressy maxi, threw on this sweater dress as an added layer and left the sneakers to do the rest.

The fashion circuit is certainly rejoicing as the sportswear turns couture (take a clue). So before you label those track pants as 'gym alone', that sweatshirt as 'weekend night at home alone' or your favourite sneakers as 'for running alone', think again! But don't forget to let me know by commenting below, or on my Instagram or Twitter. I hope you liked the look! 

Wearing - 

Sweater Dress - Gap (here)

Dress - c/o Rooja (here)

Sneakers - c/o AdidasOriginals (love these)

Cuff - c/o The Trunk Label (here)

Bracelet - Mango
On my nails - Maybelline Express Finish in Onyx Black 

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

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