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Street Smart: Smita Thomas’s guide to style and eccentricity

Smita Thomas delights us with her web space ‘Multitude of sin’

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Photos: Smita Thomas

Colourful, Complex, Chaotic: A dress for Frida

This particular shoot that I did on the streets of the gorgeous French quarter of Pondicherry was filled with some fabulous moments! It must have been my supremely snazzy and sparkly outfit that made the laid-back folks of Pondicherry want to hang with me. Two cops on their bikes kept a watch on me irrespective of where I went. A cycle rickshaw guy decided to strike up a conversation about life (to walk around looking so shiny you must be on to something), a school teacher who saw me pose and returned 15 minutes later with a bunch of young school girls, who gathered around and exclaimed and applauded. An old gentleman who walked over to let me know that he likes Japanese people and that my traditional Japanese dress was gorgeous (obviously, the familiar collars from the Far East!)

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The Punk Princess: lace, leather, buckles & spikes

For the Punk Princess story that I had in mind, I got lucky with this beautiful, dilapidated, and ostensibly uninhabited fort that I found on the outskirts of Bangalore. I happily spent an hour posing, all the while not realizing that the ruins houses a tiny, fully functional temple. All the while, the temple’s priest had been observing my shenanigans! When I was done, he came over and summoned me to pay my respects to the Gods. I must admit, I initially felt a tiny bit awkward. I wasn’t sure if I had offended any sentiments but to my delight, while placing the crimson tikka on my forehead, he remarked that it would match my jacket with a smile on his face!

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Brass, Baja & Bijli

Hanging out with the brass band boys was a blast! They were fantastically enthusiastic at 8 AM on a Sunday morning. Within just a few minutes, they completely got into the spirit of the shoot. They played, marched, strutted, suggested poses, struck poses, cracked jokes and were bent on making me laugh! As you would imagine, the noise and drama drew quite an audience. While one would assume that the band would be comfortable with all the unwanted attention, at one point when there were dozens of phone cameras focusing on us and lots of tiny flashes going off. One of the band members finally ended up asking the crowd if they had nothing better to do. The collective ‘No!’ from the crowd just cracked everyone up! That was definitely one of the most fun-filled Sunday morning that I have had in a while.

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Floppy hats, flowing maxis, and a dazzling Maharaja

Have you noticed the gigantic murals that adorn the walls of Bangalore? They’re super-epic and made for the perfect backdrop for my very first street shoot for the blog. I love the fact that these murals are so varied-some truly artistic, some humorous, and then some that are quite terrifying (like a hyena that is chewing what appears to be a severed bloody ear, a gigantic sparrow with a homicidal gleam in its eye!). For that shoot, I posed with my favourites the podgy maharaja with gold spectacles, the pot-bellied puli-aattam dancers, and the great royal entourage. All that posing resulted in quite a spectacle, with motorists and auto guys happily parking themselves by the kerb to watch the show. I am pretty sure they thought I was insane! Anyway, if you want to be creative with your selfies, a session with this funky street art is highly recommended.

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Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas

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Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure

Shimmer Glam

How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous  in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

Chic Style

Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

Regal Beauty

Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World. 

Mythical Magic

Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look. 

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Explore the Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Places on Lakshadweep

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Lakshadweep, meaning “a hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit, is a mesmerizing archipelago nestled in the Arabian Sea. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Lakshadweep is a paradise for travelers seeking serenity and natural beauty. Lakshadweep offers activities for all types of visitors, including nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and beach bums. These are the top  activities to do in Lakshadweep when visiting.

The only ways to get to Lakshadweep are by air or boat. There are frequent flights from Kochi and Bangalore to the single airport, which is located on Agatti Island. Another option is to travel by ferry from Kochi, which takes between 18 to 20 hours. To enter Lakshadweep, visitors must get a special permit, which can be obtained online or through the tourism department of Lakshadweep. When the weather is nice and sunny, from October to March is the ideal time to visit Lakshadweep. Since there aren’t many resorts or guesthouses in Lakshadweep, it’s crucial to reserve your lodging well in advance.

Agatti Island:

Agatti, the gateway to Lakshadweep, welcomes you with its breathtaking beauty. The island boasts stunning coral reefs, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. Take a stroll along the shimmering white sands or indulge in water sports like kayaking and windsurfing. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Minicoy Island:

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Lakshadweep on Minicoy Island. The island is renowned for its traditional Maldivian-influenced culture, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and customs. Explore the charming villages adorned with colorful houses and visit the iconic Lighthouse built by the British. Don’t miss the chance to savor authentic Maldivian cuisine and witness captivating cultural performances.

Kadmat Island:

For those craving solitude and tranquility, Kadmat Island is the perfect escape. This serene island is renowned for its untouched beaches fringed with swaying palms. Dive into the azure waters to explore the vibrant marine life teeming with colorful fish and coral formations. Relax under the shade of coconut trees and savor fresh seafood delicacies served by local vendors.

Amini Beach:

If you’re searching for quiet tourist destinations in Lakshadweep, Amini Beach is a great choice. This beach is well-known on Amini Island because of its coral sandstone surface. Adventure sports like as snorkelling, scuba diving, reef walking, and kayaking are available for you to try. Amini Beach is a great place to unwind and spend the day drinking cocktails and soaking up the sun.

Bangaram Island:

Dubbed as the jewel of Lakshadweep, Bangaram Island is a postcard-perfect destination. With its powdery white sands and emerald lagoons, it’s a paradise for beach lovers. Spend your days basking in the sun, snorkeling amidst the coral gardens, or simply unwinding in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree. Indulge in a romantic beach picnic as you watch the stars illuminate the night sky.

Lakshadweep beckons travelers with its pristine beauty, diverse marine life, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the islands offer a myriad of experiences to cherish. Explore these must-visit places on Lakshadweep and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Kiara Advani’s Soft Glam Makeup Look

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Kiara Advani is proof that a look may be beautiful without always requiring intense contouring and layers of makeup. The actor from Satyaprem ki Katha has a natural, luminous, and unquestionably head-turning approach to soft makeup that is worth emulating. Lekha Gupta, her makeup artist, created the ideal mix between a clean, glowing complexion and a subtle brown smoky eye. Whether it’s for her big day or multiple red carpet appearances, the actor has a reputation for doing minimalist makeup flawlessly.

Kiara Advani, wearing a body-hugging pink gown by Tran Hung, was spotted having a pink moment that was enhanced by her bold beauty appearance. Her face was defined by the delicately bronzed cheeks, her glossy nude lips completed the ensemble, and her gently smudged out makeup accentuated the shape of her eyes.

Lekha Gupta, the makeup artist, accentuated Advani’s eyes by using mascara to lend drama to the lashes. She gave Advani’s skin a dewy base and then defined the cheekbones with a warm, peachy bronzer. Her lips were covered in a glossy lip gloss that complemented the brightness of her pink costume, and her brows were nicely shaped and filled in. In terms of hair, the actor sported a glossy, blow-dried mane that had a contemporary centre part to complete the symmetry of the ensemble.

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