Awards & Features the month of May & Guest Post on GingerSnaps!

  Hello, all my lovely readers, I'm so glad to share with you the Features and Awards I received for the month of May. It being my Birthday Month, it was just a great feeling to be noticed and rewarded for all your passion and hard work. Thank you all for the love and support too. Promise to keep the good content coming.

 

~ Awarded Style Icon for May'13 on Leading Fashion Website StylePile.com ! 



~ Featured by British Vogue on their Homepage for the Street Chic Section !

~ Fashion Feature Articles published in the Indian E Magazine Tamarind Rice

 

 

 

~ Featured on  Top Fashion Blogs

 

 

~ Featured as the ,Fashion Bombshell of the Day', one of the most Influential Fashion Websites : FASHION BOMB DAILY

   May, 21 2013 1:16 pm
    Fashion Bombshell of the Day: Stephanie from Mumbai

      by Claire

 

   I have also written a Guest Post titled Aztec & Stripes : Mixing Up Prints! , for the Lifestyle& Beauty Blog GingerSnaps. Do hop over to GingerSnaps and have a read. 

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Bohemian Chic in June Bloom !

  Call it an effect of the shift in global consciousness or a gypsy revival, the fashion world is witnessing a Bohemian Bonanza this summer. Boho Chic has gained popularity over the years with glamorous renditions of it. What started out as a modern day interpretation of the 1960s flower child is now an independent look with its own personality and traits.The look is storming the ramps and the high street with fresh zeal and modern updates.
  Today's my Boho Chic Look is a pretty Yellow Pleated Long Maxi Skirt paired with a Coral Tank top with Crochet. I accessorised with lots of colourful 'Arm Candy' with coloured wooden bangles and bracelets. I wore long dangling multi coloured Earrings with a little ethnic feel and a Blue beaded Neckpiece. I also donned a Floral Neon Hat,wore a Neon Orange Clutch bag across my torso and Neon Orange Peep Toes.
It is a very modern day Boho Chic look with a colour burst. It's June Bloom time and we shot amongst the beautiful surroundings of garden, trees and flowers. Today's pictures have been shot by talented photographer Pooja S .

 

 

    Boho is short for bohemian and by definition,unconventional. The reimagined trend has found elegance hence the term 'chic'. Boho is all about looking individual and natural. In essence it means putting together your outfits in such a way as to be uniquely stylish and unusually, unexpectedly elegant. The look is free-spirited. A woman who prefers this look is considered fun, ungoverned by mainstream fashion rules and independent.
    Some of its famous practitioners include  Nicole Ritchie, Kate Hudson, Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, the Olsen twins and Sienna Miller.

 

  

Boho Chic Styling Tips
 
1. Clothing: Boho chic has moved from simply being an earthy flavour and loves tones such as greens, oranges, yellow and magenta. Look at the length of your skirts and dresses. They tend to be floor-sweeping, making it a critical part of this look. The skirts are flowy, hair is loose and print from floral to animal is on. Look for tops with beading, embroidery, floral prints, crochet details. This summer, some of the dress trends are super long dresses, prints, floral patterns, and bright colours paired with earthy tones.
 
2. Accessories: This is probably the most important part of all. Boho chic is synonymous with "accessories galore". This means plenty of bracelets, ankle bracelets, mix-and-match necklaces, and dangling earrings.. Layers of bracelets make the phrase “arm candy” very boho. Long, dangling earrings and wooden bangles are perfect and you can  also wear a small purse across your torso.
Your sandals can be in neutral tones, but pops of colour can be a fun way to make this trend your own.

I Accessorised my Look with some Coloured Wooden bangles and Bracelets, Blue Beaded Necklace, Multi coloured dangling earrings and a Neon Floral Hat.
 

HOOK MY LOOK

~ Coral Tank Top with Crochet Detailing - CHARLOTTE RUSSE

~ Yellow Pleated Maxi Skirt - PULL & BEAR

~ Coloured Wooden Bangles & Bracelets - Local Store

~ Blue Beaded Necklace - ALDO
~Neon Floral Hat - Bangkok

~ Multi Coloured Dangling Earrings - FOREVER NEW

 

I Remember The First Time (20)

"Sometimes you never really know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory..."
-@AdamDelane- (via twitter)

"I'd have less of a headache if I put my phone away each time I have free time..."
-@b_jai2012- (via twitter)

"Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe in you..." -@Okema_07- (via twitter)

"You're never too old to be young..." -@Starlight2112- (via twitter)

"Everyone's all like "summer's finally here" and I'm over here like "summer started a month ago"..." -@luhoral- (via twitter)



I remember the first time that I knew that somebody lived in San Marcos...  As soon as I read that last tweet above, I KNEW that she had to be a Bobcat...  Forecast high of 91 today, in case you were wondering...

I remember the first time that I was quick...  Last night "Socks" (one of our regulars who is a local tattoo artist) walked by while I was going through my usual ritual.  He commented "you and your poker chips...," and I instantly fired back, "you and your tats..."  ;)

I remember the first time that I got positive feedback about Bikini Hill's new look...  Everything that I've heard about the changes here has been upbeat, especially in comparison to the bright green that I had recently implemented.  If you have any more feedback for me (good or bad), please let me know...

I remember the first time that I wasn't surprised...  Stephen Strasburg and Jake Peavy both went on the disabled list yesterday.  Strasburg is one of my fantasy pitchers, and Peavy..., IS ONE OF MY FANTASY PITCHERS...  Shocking, I know...

I remember the first time that I was punished for doing something positive...  George Karl was named the NBA's 'Coach of the Year' less than a month ago, so naturally the Denver Nuggets fired him today...  As bad as I feel for Coach Karl, it's strangely reassuring to know that I'm not the only person who's ever been unappreciated and ambushed - hang in there Coach...

I remember the first time that I felt even better about being a Spurs fan...  Last night at work when I looked up at one of our t.v. screens, I saw a shot of Justin Bieber wearing a Miami Heat ballcap... That's all...  :)

I remember the first time that it was my last weekend at Harper's/Slackers/The Veranda...  This is it folks - it's time to start a new chapter in my life (I'm really wishing now that I would have learned how to read)...  Ba dump, ching!..  ;)  ANYWAY, if you want to give me that goodbye handshake, hug, fistbump, pile of cash, list of complaints, etc..., come by and see me tonight, tomorrow night, or Saturday night...

Have a great day, and remember that the first game of the NBA Finals is TONIGHT!  See ya on Monday... :)







  

Could You? (20)/NBA Finals

"When you become number one and everybody talks about how much you're going to kill the other team and they've done nothing but lose and you're on the road, it's at night and it's cold, it's a trap game..." -Mack Brown- (University of Texas/Head Football Coach)

"We need to play.  We don't need to play a game, take a week off, play a game, take another week off.  That's not a very good schedule for us..." -Dennis Franchione- (Texas State University/Head Football Coach)

"We have guys that are inspired by these types of moments in the bright lights..." -Erik Spoelstra- (Miami Heat/Head Basketball Coach)

"I asked them if it wasn't too much trouble, if I wasn't being too pushy, if they could execute what we were trying to do.  And if it didn't make them too angry, if they also wanted to play some defense on the other end, that would be great..." -Gregg Popovich- (San Antonio Spurs/Head Basketball Coach)




Could you write a lot about sports and colleges today Coach?  Yes, I believe that I could, and good evening everyone...

Could you leave the predictions to me brother?  So after the first game of the Bruins/Penguins series, a game that Boston won 3-0, my brother predicted that the Pens would change goalies before the series was finished.  Fast forward to the second game of the series last night, where Pittsburgh pulled their goalie at the 3:29 mark of the first period after the Penguins fell behind 3-0 - good call Pete...

Could you tell us about another text that your brother sent you?  I have to admit that I don't watch even close to the amount of college softball that I used to since I stopped coaching it as a high school coach.  Last night I get a text from my brother that says, "how about this softball game?"  I change the channel to find Tennessee and Oklahoma tied 3-3 in the top of the 12th inning, after each team had just scored all 3 of their runs in the 11th inning.  After Tennessee was retired in their half of the 12th, the Sooners got a runner on base.  At this point, Oklahoma sends a batter to the plate that has been hitting very well, and the commentator says, "Will they walk her? No..."  And then, BAMMMMM!!!  When I look up from my computer monitor, I see a ball clearing the fence just inside the left field foul pole, and the game is over.  The Sooners now lead the championship series of this year's NCAA Women's College World Series 1-0, with the second game taking place tonight at 7:00 p.m. CST (ESPN).


Could you tell us something about Texas State University and the University of Texas?  Well, yesterday was the first day of summer classes at Texas State, and Thursday will be the first day that summer classes meet at UT.  You know that this only means one thing:  the upcoming football season is now less than three months away...  ;)  Being the team player that I am, I researched the 2013 football schedules for each of these programs today, and I'm about to type them for you below...


Texas State Bobcats 2013 Football Schedule

Aug. 31  @ Southern Mississippi
Sep.   7  vs. Prairie View A&M
Sep. 14  OFF
Sep. 21  @ Texas Tech
Sep. 28  vs. Wyoming
Oct.   5  @ Louisiana-Lafayette
Oct. 12  vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Oct. 19  vs. Georgia State
Oct. 26  vs. South Alabama
Nov.  2  @ Idaho
Nov.  9  OFF
Nov. 16  @ Arkansas State
Nov. 23  vs. Western Kentucky
Nov. 29  @ Troy


Texas Longhorns 2013 Football Schedule

Aug. 31  vs. New Mexico State
Sep.   7  @ BYU
Sep. 14  vs. Ole Miss
Sep. 21  vs. Kansas State
Sep. 28  OFF
Oct.   3  @ Iowa State
Oct. 12  vs. Oklahoma (@ Cotton Bowl)
Oct. 19  OFF
Oct. 26  @ TCU
Nov.  2  vs. Kansas
Nov.  9  @ West Virginia
Nov. 16  vs. Oklahoma State
Nov. 23  OFF
Nov. 28  vs. Texas Tech
Dec.   7  @ Baylor

The thing that pleases me the most about these schedules (and that should make San Marcos and Austin businesses smile) is that the Bobcats and Longhorns do not host a single home game on the same day as each other this fall...  That's the reason that I chose the specific Coach Fran quote above that I did.  Between open dates and one team being on the road while the other is at home, I will have the opportunity to see any home game that I choose to attend this fall...  :)  I have also decided that as a part of making my weekly football predictions, I will predict the final score for all of the Texas State and UT football games this fall... :O

Could you please stop stalling and give us your prediction for the NBA Finals Coach?  Well, before I do that, let's take a look at the previous rounds...  After the first 3 rounds of the playoffs, I am now 10-4 picking the winner of each series.  Below is a recap of my predictions for the last round, and my prediction for the finals:


Third Round - My Prediction/Actual Result

Heat over the Pacers in 7 games/Heat in 7 games
Spurs over the Grizzlies in 7 games/Spurs in 4 games


NBA Finals Prediction

Spurs over the Heat in 7 games


As a Spurs fan, I obviously want the Heat to lose, but I try not to be biased when I make my predictions here.  If you remember my preseason predictions, I predicted that the Thunder would meet the Heat in a rematch of last season's NBA Finals.  At the time I made that call, OKC still had Harden, and Westbrook hadn't suffered his playoff injury.  That is the reason that I don't like making "prop bets" - too many things can happen over the course of a season.  Well, these developments opened the door for the Spurs.  The Spurs and the Heat played each other very closely in each of their games in the regular season this year.  As  you might recall, each team played a game without its superstars.  I'm sure that David Stern remembers, since a team is supposed to make sure that its stars are on the court to please the road fans instead of looking out for its own best interests evidently...  Anyway, one reason that I like the Spurs in this series is that they got the chance to rest a little bit.  Another reason that I like them is that they seem to be more disciplined that the Heat.  If somebody is going to get frustrated or is going to be ejected from a game in this series, I would see that happening to someone on Miami's team first.  I also believe that the Spurs have a deeper bench than the Heat.  And yes, I do realize that the Spurs will have to win a Game Seven in Miami if the series goes that long, but I just believe that it's going to be a great series, much like the Spurs/Pistons series of 2005.

I hope that you have a great day and I'll see you again on Thursday!

I Panicked

"I think my new dream job would be a host for a show on the Travel Channel - the show would be all about eating at buffets and working out..." -Zane McCoy- (via facebook)

"I wonder if Vegans are ever concerned that animals are going hungry because they are eating up all their food..." -@LeroyTee- (via twitter)

"Love is what is left in a relationship after all the selfishness is taken out..."
-@jjblonde84- (via twitter)

"My friend told me I'm delusional, so I set him on fire and took off on my dragon..."
-@_InsanelyNormal- (via twitter)

"You haven't truly made it on Twitter until someone recognizes you in the unemployment line and asks for your autograph..." -@carlyken- (via twitter)



Good afternoon everyone, and welcome back to something completely different...  I did a short post on Saturday, where I explained my reasoning for the new name and background for the blog, but I assume that most of you are seeing it for the first time today.  Like I asked of you when I made the changes before this, please let me know what you think of the new look - I really do appreciate the last round of comments, and they in no small part led to this new look.  You told me that the green under the new format was too bright (especially on cell phones), so hopefully this will be readable now (you know, the words..., not that my content will start making any sense)...  ;)  I tagged a big group of you to this post on facebook because I know that you'll be honest with me.  However, don't feel slighted if you're not in that group - please let me know what you think of the new name and look, whether that be via the comment section here, through facebook, twitter, or in person.


As I give you my completely horrid weekly fantasy baseball update, let me also give a shoutout to those of you in my leagues who have been reading Bikini Hill.  The way that the view tracking is set up here by blogger, I only get a 'sampling' of where pageviews come from (websites, etc...), but I have seen cdmsports.com showing up on a regular basis, so I hope that you're enjoying reading about my misery...  :)  Now onto this week's wonderful news...

League 1 (25 entry fee - 1st place - 125, 2nd place - 25)

1)  Neshanic                                     76.50
2)  DraftDodgers                                69.00
3)  Pappys Boyz                               60.00
10)  The View From Bikini Hill            38.00 (Yes, I renamed the blog out of shame)...  :P


League 2 (50 entry/40 w/discount - 1st place - 300, 2nd place 50)

1)  Breaking Bats                              90.00 (NINETY freaking points...)  Punk...  :)
2)  4troublemakers                            68.00
3)  Loons XXIV                                  67.00
5)  The Bikini Hill Bobcats                  54.00


League 3 (50 entry/40 w/discount - 1st place - 300, 2nd place 50)

1)  Nappy Heads                               71.50
2)  jonnylove7                                    59.50
3)  Mad Men                                     59.00
5)  The Bikini Hill Nine                        55.50 (Fishing For Trout, Loons XXI tied for 5th)

As for my "favorite" fantasy horror stories this week...  Well, The View From Bikini Hill is now back to SEVEN players on the DL after Huston Street and A.J. Ellis decided to join the crowd (oh, and A.J. Ellis was my catcher for ALL THREE TEAMS) - "and the hits just keep on coming..."  So I'm at work on Friday (I believe), and Clayton Kershaw has a 5-3 lead in the 9th inning, with a reliever in the game against the Rockies.  There's a runner on base when the batter just CRUSHES THE BALL!  Anyway, the game is now tied 5-5, and no win for Coach...  #shocking  THEN I see that Strasburg was pulled in the 2nd inning of his start with an injury - BEAUTIFUL...  Just for the sake of you being kind enough to stop by and read my blog, I hope that y'all are a bunch of sadists...  :)


Speaking of sports, things have broken right for my San Antonio Spurs to this point.  The Heat and Pacers will be playing a Game 7 tonight, and the winner will have only 2 days of rest before tipping off the Finals with the Spurs on Thursday.  I'm hoping to watch a triple overtime game tonight...  ;)

Let me give you a little story from work last night...  :)  I'm working at the front door, and in the right lane of the street in front Harper's, a car starts cruising slowly behind the row of cars that is parked in front of the businesses on our side of the Square.  The guy on the passenger side then leans out of the window as the car comes to a stop behind one of the parked cars, waving his right arm as he starts yelling, "LET'S GO!!!"  Of course the car that he is motioning to and shouting at is COMPLETELY EMPTY...  :)

As I write my blog today, let me retell the story about how I wouldn't even have a blog if it wasn't for --S, who writes 'Life as a Las Vegas Poker Dealer' (link on the right).  When I was dealing poker in Las Vegas, --S was dealing poker at the Flamingo (sorry, the Pink Chicken), and he would often come to our "bustling poker room" to play.  In his most recent blog entry, --S stated that a move to Hawaii with his wife is pretty much in the works.  One of the reasons that he gave for this was that he finds the thought of spending any more time in Vegas depressing...  This is something that I have said about the desert before, as I continue to wonder why we can't just have an intersection of Bikini Hill, 6th Street, and the Strip right here in Central Texas.  :)  I want to wish my friend and his wife the best of luck as they make plans to move to paradise, and I won't even address the INSANE CLAIM that if he had his life to live over again, that he'd do nothing in his past any differently...  :)

Speaking of friends who are trying to annoy me, I mentioned fellow blogger Lucki Duck (Small Potatoes Poker and Sports Betting - link on the right) here recently, and that he was going to be playing in Event 7 of this year's World Series of Poker.  Well, the $1,000.00 No-Limit Hold 'Em event began yesterday, and out of 1,837 entries, our friend Pete finished in 154th place, for a $2,033.00 cash...  :)  I can't be in Vegas, and he's CASHING in WSOP events...  Congratulations Pete!

And speaking of annoying people that my little blog can't seem to get rid of, our friend Alyssa (yeah, that one) made a trip to South Texas this weekend.  I'll let her tell you the story about what happened:  "Drove through Dairy Queen to get a snack to eat while driving, and when the lady asked what I wanted to drink, I panicked and responded, "cheese"..."  You can take the girl out of San Marcos, but you can't get her out of the blog...  :)

I'm not going to improve on that, so have a great day and I'll see you again tomorrow!




      

Aztec with a Fashion Turban - Tribal & Arabian Blend!

   I am quite excited about today's outfit post, I couldn't wait to style my favourite shopping finds from my holiday: Today's Look is an interesting blend of Tribal and Middle Eastern culture. I wore an Aztec Print Dress (Mexican tribal influence) and paired it with the uber chic accessory the Fashion Turban (Middle Eastern influence) - an Embellished Royal Blue and wore a Peach Sheer Jacket over the dress. My Neckpiece and Earrings also had a Tribal influence.: Metallic with geometric shapes, in the form of varied triangles. I wore two solid colour Leather studded Cuffs Bracelets, matching the dress colour tones, to complete the look.

 

 

 

   I love the bold colours and pattern play of this Aztec Print Dress I'm wearing. The Aztec style originates from Mexico and was influenced by a long history of tribes. It made its debut on the modern runway way back in 2009 at the Matthew Williamson spring/summer show. In the fashion world, Aztec prints have become the style du jour among the trendy and hip. Known for their daring colour combinations with black outlines, bold geometrical shapes like triangles and circles, lots of strong colours and a mix of patterns and lines. These fearless prints have become a dominant theme in fashion runways all around the world.  

Styling Tips for the Aztec Trend:

  When wearing a tribal print, your look is instantly trendy. These fashion-forward pieces give you street-style flair with a cultured edge. This look stirs up dreams of far-off lands and ancient civilizations. Incorporating a few statement patterns will add a new dimension to your fashion sense.

1.If you aren't sure how to incorporate it into your wardrobe, think Classic. Balance Aztec prints with simple silhouettes and clean lines. Opt for classic shapes and styles like shifts or mini dresses, totes and flats. You can also pair the vivid prints with neutrals like black and white.

2.Aztec prints look brilliant with faux fur, leather and suede, which give body and balance to this heavy print.

3.The print itself is catchy enough, so keep the accessories muted and to the minimal to avoid looking tacky. When adding accessories, look for a subtle colour in the print and bring in out in your earrings or necklace. It will instantly add a pop of colour to your outfit.
4.Combine this trend with solid colours, that can anchor the look.
   

 

 

 

 

   I wore a solid colour Fashion Turban in Royal Blue, embellished with a centre brooch with crystals and a pearl. 

Turban chic may very well be the summer accessory trend that brings me the most joy. The turban trend has been making a huge comeback in the world of fashion. Turbans have been around for centuries, first as a symbol of religion but more recently as a fashion statement. Recently, this trend has reinvented itself and made a major come back. They have become the ultimate quirky, but elegant accessory. 

   Remember how sophisticated and glamorous Sophia Loren and Lana Turner looked when they graced the silver screens in their elegant turbans?   This time around it was Carrie in SATC2 and Salma Hayek made turban born once again.These days women again are looking to the turban as a bold fashion statement. Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kourtney Kardashian, Beyonce and Eva Mendez have been seen sporting turbans both on the red carpet and as casual street wear.

 Styling Tips for Turbans

1.Hair: Loose curls provide balance for the top-heavy head wrapper and ascertain a symmetry of sorts.

2.Make-Up: If you choose a high-colour, high-sheen turban, which undoubtedly captures attention, your make-up musts are smouldering, smoky eyes and flawless skin. A tangerine blush with a slight shimmer on the cheekbones and a nude lip will complete this look. 

3.Accessories: A sparkly brooch or a feathery addition to the centre of your turban works brilliantly on satin or silk. Always avoid bulk at the neck, whether with scarves, collars, or excessive jewellery.

 

  

   

 

  My Accessories complemented the Tribal Trend of the dress ,with geometric shapes of varied triangles. The Neckpiece  is metallic gold with orange inverted triangles and the earrings are white and orange .

    

 

  The Leather studded Cuff Bracelets I wore were in Solid Colours of Green and Pink with metallic gold, matching two tones of the Aztec Print of the dress.

 

 

HOOK MY LOOK

~ Aztec Print Dress - H&M

~ Sheer Peach Jacket - MANGO

~ Royal Blue Embellished Turban - TOPSHOP

~ Metallic Neckpiece and Earrings - DIVA

~ Green & Pink Leather Pyramid Cuff Bracelets - HERMES

~ Orange Lace Peep Toes (old) - ALDO

Bikini Hill, 6th, & The Strip

Good evening everyone.  After changing the name of my blog recently from 'The View From Bikini Hill' to 'The View From Bikini Hill & 6th' due to my upcoming move back to the ATX (Austin, Texas), I thought about the new name and what I write about in this blog, and I decided that 'Bikini Hill, 6th, & The Strip' more accurately reflects the blog's content.  For those of you who are regular readers, this will be the last name change (for a while at least)...  ;)  And yes Lightning, this does mean that you won't be reading a blog entry here next week under the blog name of 'Bikini Beach'...  :)  Also, for the guys who were waiting in line to get up to the Veranda last night and started yelling, "C'MON, THE VIEW FROM BIKINI ATOLL..." - NO, you won't be seeing that as the name of the blog either...  :)  Have a great weekend and I'll see you again on Monday!