Super Bowl Showdown: Bill Belichick vs. Tom Coughlin

Two of the NFL's coaching titans are headed into Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5, but they're both known for a lot more than their football prowess. New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick and New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin have a very specific personal style on the field that they take as seriously as a team uniform. They both work in northeastern cities where freezing temperatures are the norm during football season, so they're used to weathering tough conditions and coming out on top.

In this week's match up, TSR asks which Super Bowl-worthy coach is best dressed for success and the elements?

Let's take a closer look at Coach Bill Belichick:

Coach Belichick fancies short-sleeved cutoff sweatshirts

In a rare long-sleeved version and head wrap

Wearing a throwback Patriots puff ball beanie

Another serious head wrap with matching facial expression

Next up is Coach Tom Coughlin:

Coach Coughlin keeps it simple with NYG gear

Sporting a Giants beanie

In another NYG blue windbreaker

Noticing a pattern?

Let's break this down: Both coaches are clearly consistent - in wardrobe and wins. As for appropriate winter wear, they seem to have a variety of options to choose from. However, one of them gets higher marks for making the same ol' look fresh.

The winner of the Super Bowl Showdown is: Coach Tom Coughlin.

With all due respect to Coach Belichick, cutoff gray sweatshirts don't do him justice. Frankly, it makes him look unprofessional and sloppy, which is not who he is or what he's about. He's notorious for his intensity and attention to detail, but that doesn't come across in his appearance. It also doesn't look very warm. Really, what is the point of a sweatshirt with short sleeves?! On the other hand, Coach Coughlin sticks to his tried and true windbreaker and hat ensemble in that vibrant Giants blue. His look might be routine, but it's tailored, protective and put together in a way becoming of a successful coach. Consistency isn't all bad, especially when you're winning.

Did TSR get it right?

XO,

The Style Ref

Home Field Advantage: A Piece of History

The Super Bowl is days away and the sweet smell of football season is still in the air. This time each year, as we look forward to crowning a new national champion, we also reminisce about the past and all the great memories we share as fans. The NFL has come a long way since its inception in 1920 and so have its teams, many of which have undergone significant identity changes. For the nostalgic fan, take a trip down memory lane with some items featuring historical football teams and remember the way they were:

Boston Patriots Pennant

Chicago Cardinals Charley Trippi 8x10 Autographed Photograph

Houston Oilers - 48 Yard Line vs. Chicago Bears Panoramic Photograph

Dallas Texans Authentic Pro Line Riddell Throwback Full Size Helmet

Baltimore Colts: "Colts 1958" Framed Giclee

Super Bowl VXIII (1984): LA Raiders vs. Redskins Program Print

Fans of any age can appreciate the history behind teams like the Houston Oilers, Baltimore Colts, the Chicago Cardinals and the Boston Patriots as many of them are still around today, but now have a different mascot and/or hail from a different city. Pay tribute to your favorite team by adding a piece of history to your collection!

Do you have any of your team's memorabilia on display at home?

XO,

The Style Ref

Coach's Corner: Joe Paterno

On January 22, 2012, the world lost more than a college football coach - it lost an icon. Regardless of the unfortunate events that unfolded last year in what would be the final months of his life, Joe Paterno will live forever in the hearts and minds of Penn State fans and college football devotees forever.

Joe Paterno spent 61 years at Penn State University and 46 seasons as head football coach, transcending the roles and becoming a seemingly permanent fixture of State College, PA. Over his life's work, he built an indelible image that will remain imprinted in the collective memory of American sports fans for generations.

Aside from being a dedicated educator, coach and mentor, "JoePa" was a true original in every sense. We will remember him for so many things, but in true TSR fashion, let's take a moment to remember the unforgettable image of a man we'll all miss seeing on the sidelines:

Paterno was a member of  Brown's Class of 1950 and was
selected as one of the NCAA's 100 Most Influential Student-Athletes

After finishing his playing days at Brown University, 

Paterno was hired as an assistant at Penn State in 1950

The 49-year love affair between Joe and Sue Paterno
began when they married in 1962

Shortly after the 1965 season ended, Paterno was named head coach 

of the Nittany Lions, where he remained for the next 46 years

Paterno in February 1966 with his wife, Sue, and two daughters

Joe Paterno talks with legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant before a game. 

An eerie similarity in the life trajectories of these coaching greats:  

Both Paterno and Bryant died less than 60 days after leaving college football.

The man known as "JoePa" is the winningest coach in major college football: 

409 games won, 37 bowl game appearances and two national championships. 

More than 250 of the players he coached went on to the NFL.

Paterno in his signature jacket and tie on the 
sidelines during the South Florida game in 2005

Paterno was a permanent fixture for Penn State students, alumni and fans

More than a football coach -
an educator, a mentor and the last of his kind

No matter what happened before or is yet to unfold at Penn State, one thing is certain - Joe Paterno is part of that university's history and everyone who participates in NCAA college football. His lifetime of dedication to the school and sport he loved harkens back to an era where loyalty mattered. In his spirit, we are loyal to JoePa's memory and celebrate the man in blue with the signature specs and trademark khakis who was undeniably Penn State.

So long, Joe. We'll be seeing you.

Official Review: Comfort is Key

Let's take a look at what gameday could be like without TSR's tips:

Victoria Beckham is used to stares, but she
probably just whacked someone with that purse.

And the male version:

It's hard to make the manbag work anywhere,
even if you're this guy.

Sitting in the rain is miserable enough
without having an umbrella in your face.

Your back aches for her.

Some pictures are worth a thousand words.
This is worth one: FAIL.

Yep, it does.

TSR's Call: Don't let any of these scenarios happen to you. Remember that comfort is key to a smooth gameday experience even though it may take a little extra preparation. Follow TSR's tips and you'll be able to focus on what really matters - the game!

What do you think, good call or bad call?

XO,

The Style Ref

Fan Find: You've Got Your Team to Keep You Warm

Wintertime can be a real drag: freezing temperatures, dreary skies, icy car windows and feeling like you can't ever get warm enough. Luckily, modern man invented a variety of accessories to keep our bodies nice and toasty all winter long. For sports fans, winter wear opens up a whole new world of possibilities to show off your favorite team.

Check out these stylish winter wear collections for the fashion-forward fan of every sport:



Boots, Knitted Scarf, Knit Hat
Philadelphia Flyers Game Day Team Mittens,
Philadelphia Flyers Earmuffs



 

Socks, Adidas Red Hat, Scarf,
Black Gloves, Chicago Bulls Women's Rainboots



Striped Scarf, Reebok Knit Hat,
180s New England Patriots Fleece Ear Warmers,
Boots, Fleece Gloves

Adidas Hoodie, Adidas Hat, Adidas Scarf,
D.C. United Big Logo Slippers, D.C. United Gloves



Adidas Scarf, Columbia Gloves, Hat, NCAA Michigan Earmuffs,
Michigan Women's Navy All-Over Print Rubber Rain Boots



Which of these items would you sport this winter?

XO,

The Style Ref

Best Baller Uniform of 2012

NBA uniforms have come a long way over the years and fashion trends have always played a part in their evolution. Today's players demand a high level of style and utility, and fans want something they can wear with pride. Every team has its own distinct look, but some get it right and some get it really wrong. In just the last several years, 16 of the 30 teams in the NBA have either changed their uniforms or added an alternate jersey, proving that every team is hunting for style points on the court.

In 2012, there's a whole lot of swagger in the game, taking the uniform's mystique to a whole new level. Some teams have kept it traditional, keeping with their signature designs and colors, while others have made radical changes to generate excitement among fans and the sports media. History has shown that the uniform doesn't make the player - the player makes the uniform - and with the larger-than-life personalities in the game this year, who's wearing it can greatly affect its appeal.

Of all the NBA teams, there is an undeniable energy and excitement around one particular squad this year. Forget the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics or the LA Lakers. This is the year of the underdog. Many people didn't know or care about this team before 2012, but with the key addition of a highly sought after point guard, everything changed and now they can't avoid the spotlight. The heightened attention ignited a renewed team spirit that's both old and new, modern and nostlagic, from the past and for the future, and it's all reflected in their uniforms.

They may not end up in the NBA Championship this year, but the LA Clippers are TSR's pick for the Best Baller Uniform of 2012.

Check out the Clippers' 2012 uniforms:

For the fans, it's also available in a black color scheme with a bold statement on the back:

What do you think of the LA Clippers' uniforms?

XO,

The Style Ref

Rulebook: Comfort is Key

Rule #3: For dedicated sports fans, watching their favorite team play in person can be a sacrifice - harsh weather conditions, uncomfortable seats, annoying children, food and beer spillage, random acts of violence and losing important stuff (tickets, keys, credit card, cell phone, etc.), just to name a few.

Make your gameday experience a little easier and stress-free by preparing for the game with comfort and convenience in mind. You can count on TSR for a few tips to help you do it in style:

Tip - Don't carry a big purse. You might knock over people sitting in front of you as you walk by and there really isn't a safe or sanitary place to stash it while you watch the game. Ladies, opt for a small wristlet that shows your team pride instead and carry only the necessities.

Quilted Wristlet from FansEdge.com

And the male version:

adidas MLS Seattle Sounders Gym
Sack from DicksSportingGoods.com

Tip - If you're watching the game outdoors and the forecast calls for rain, ditch the umbrella and avoid an awkward exchange with the fans behind you. Don one of these stylish rain jackets, so you stay warm, dry and fly not matter what the weather brings.

MLB Therma Base Premier Jacket from Sears.com

Tip - If you'll be sitting on bleachers during the game, spare yourself the cold, hard feeling of aluminum against your backside. Invest in a quality seat cushion and you'll be the envy of neighboring fans.

NFL Stadium Seat Cushion from FootballFanatics.com

Tip - It's safe to say a sports fan's single biggest fear is leaving the tickets at home. If you're prone to memory loss, save yourself a whole slew of emotions and self loathing, and get this handy lanyard that holds your tickets and ID safely around your neck, all with a touch of team pride.

Reversible Clip Lanyard Keychain/ ID & Ticket Holder from Amazon.com 

Tip - Losing your keys can turn an exhilarating win into an epic fail. Hold onto your keys with this nifty invention: the Key Biter. It stays firmly attached to your purse while your keys stay safely clipped inside. Forget fumbling to find them inside the dark abyss of your bag (ahem, which you shouldn't have with you at the game, but if you must) and there's no question who you're rooting for.

Key Biter by FootballFanatics.com

Convenience and comfort go hand in hand, but you should never have to sacrifice style for either. Stock up on essentials like these and you'll be prepared against most gameday hazards. As for the bitter, belligerent fans, you're on your own!

Which of these items do you need most for the next game?

XO,

The Style Ref

Famous Fans: Seattle Sounders FC

Major league soccer is a worldwide, cultural phenomenon that drives fans to do and wear some crazy things. Some make us laugh, smile, stare or buy ridiculous yellow whistles called vuvuzelas. As soccer continues to gain mass popularity in the U.S., TSR decided to profile some of the league's famous fans from right here in the States. For multiple, sometimes scary and confusing reasons, the Seattle Sounders FC fans jumped right out.

Seattle Sounders FC fans are serious about soccer

The Seattle Sounders FC is an American soccer club that competes in MLS, representing Seattle, Washington. Founded just a few short years ago in 2007, this team has formed a loyal, unrelenting following that rivals the fan bases of the most prolific teams in the country - in any sport. Their supporters have reason to rejoice: 

• In their first two seasons, Seattle has sold out every league match, set MLS records for average attendance and led the league in season ticket sales.
• The club qualified for the MLS Cup playoffs in each of its first three seasons.
• In 2009, Sounders FC became the second expansion team in MLS history to win the U.S. Open Cup, and in 2010 became the first ever MLS team to repeat as Open Cup champions.
• On October 4, 2011, the Sounders became the first ever MLS team to win the U.S. Open Cup three times in a row, defeating the Chicago Fire 2–0.

That's impressive. Part of their success could be due to the incredible home field advantage that the Sounders fans provide. They're loud, proud and not just in a yelling, screaming and slurring kind of way. Their unique style is their not-so-secret weapon that conveys their intensity, but instills a little fear, too. Maybe that's the point.

In any case, there is definitely strength in numbers - in their debut season, the Sounders enjoyed the largest average attendance in the MLS with 30,943 fans per game. With that many devoted fans clad in elaborate, over-the-top and occasionally scary fan armor, TSR can't help but give the Sounders fans the spotlight.

In honor of Friday the 13th, check out some striking photos of these famous (fear-inducing) fans:

Clowning around at a match

The stakes (and the hair) are high for the fans

Halloween comes early for these fans



The product of passion and face paint

Real fans don't let fans dress down

What do you think of the Sounders fans' loud, proud style?

XO,

The Style Ref