Top 5 Tourney Trends

Every NCAA Tournament brings its own unique crop of fashion trends, which is almost as fun to watch as the actual games. This year was no different, so let's break down the Top 5 Tourney Trends of 2012 (in no particular order):

1. Neon Yellow

Baylor bears sole responsibility for this tourney trend. This uniform choice begs the question: Is this just a fashion statement or a clever tactic to make it difficult for your opponents to look directly at you during play? Whatever the reason, Baylor definitely stood out this season in more ways than one and props to the team for posing as human highlighters.

2. Statement Sneakers

The shoes apparently make the player and they could be seen in all shapes, colors and sizes this tournament season. Perhaps another ploy to distract their opponents, so they're too busy looking at each others kicks to take care of the ball? Clever, boys!

3. Flashy Socks

Saggy, worn-out socks like these are SO out.

Tight, high, colorful socks like these are SO in. They were all the rage this year as an array of teams strutted their socks appeal on the court.

4. Basketball Sleeves

You've probably seen NBA players wearing basketball sleeves, but they're actually worn by many athletes. They're more than just an accessory - they increase blood flow,  reduce muscle fatigue and help prevent arm injuries. Plus, they come in different colors!

5. All About Ties

Basketball coaches traditionally wear suits, so there's little left to work with when it comes to making a personal (yet conservative) fashion statement. Thankfully, there's a world of ties to choose from. Coaches rocked a rainbow of ties from the sidelines, maybe in hopes it would help their players pick them out among all the screaming fans.

What other trends did you spot in the 2012 NCAA Tournament?

XO,

The Style Ref

The Final Four "Bring It On"

After a month of madness, we've finally arrived at the Final Four. The four NCAA basketball teams still standing will battle it out this weekend and a new champion will be crowned on Monday night. Sure, the players and coaches get a lot of credit and rightly so, but what about the "sixth man?" No, not the fans - the cheerleaders.

The cheerleading squads representing each of the Final Four teams have been working just as hard as the basketballers and have to look good doing it. While both have their physical demands, cheerleaders have to perform their routines with style, class and smiles even when the scoreboard doesn't favor them. NCAA cheerleading teams vary and not all are created equal. In fact, they deserve their own Final Four! So in the spirit of the cult-classic cheerleading film, TSR presents:

MATCH-UP: University of Kentucky Cheerleaders vs. University of Louisville Cheerleaders

1st Half:

2nd Half:

TSR's Call: It was close in the first half as both squads came out looking strong, but Kentucky pulled out an impressive human + mascot pyramid for the win! Kentucky blue and white is a tough color combination to beat when compared to Louisville's generic black and red. The Wildcats' classic uniforms also scored them points since the Cardinals' squad looks more like they're heading to the gym.

Winner: University of Kentucky Cheerleaders


MATCH-UP: The Ohio State University Cheerleaders vs. University of Kansas Cheerleaders

1st Half:

2nd Half:

TSR's Call: Another great match-up between some impressive squads! Kansas dominated in the first half with a dazzling ensemble, coordinating pom poms and plenty of attitude. Ohio State came back strong in the second half with improved uniforms and an exciting formation, but KU never faltered with yet another stylish uniform choice and high-energy moves.

Winner: University of Kansas Cheerleaders

CHAMPIONSHIP: University of Kentucky Cheerleaders vs. University of Kansas Cheerleaders

1st Half:

 2nd Half:

TSR's Call: This was it. The final stop on the road to the championship. Winner. Take. All. Both teams donned their most eye-catching uniforms and gave it all they had. At the end of the first half, it was tie game and the squads regrouped to come out blazing in the second half. Kentucky went big and bold with a return to their classic uniform and an impressive formation proclaiming their Wildcat pride. Kansas also revived a crowd favorite ensemble and turned up the energy. In a narrow finish, the Jayhawks cheerleaders defeated Kentucky with their consistent style, stage presence, confidence and superior fashion choices. (Hey, this is a blog about fashion AND sports!)

Congratulations to the 2012 NCAA "Bring It On" Champions: 

University of Kansas Cheerleaders

Do you think the best squad won?

XO,

The Style Ref

Rulebook: Show Your True Colors

Rule #6: Every sports fan should be proud to represent their team, but some team colors can be challenging to wear, not to mention hard to look at. Although the color wheel may validate some choices, it's clear that quite a few sports teams didn't consider style when choosing their color palettes.

Here are a few of the usual suspects:

Clemson Orange & Purple

Milwaukee Bucks Red & Green

Miami Dolphins Orange & Green

Pittsburgh Penguins Black & Yellow

New York Mets Blue & Orange

While they may be difficult to look at, it's easy to see that these color combinations don't work well and therefore, wouldn't look good on most people. They're either too bold, blindingly vibrant or hopelessly clashing.  

If your team is guilty of a poor color combo, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your style to represent. Choose black or white options (which look great on everyone) and even consider non-traditional colors depending on what suits you best. You can get apparel for most teams in every color of the rainbow, so the choices are endless. No matter what hue you wear to support your team, your true colors will always shine through.

Which team do you think has the worst colors?

XO,

The Style Ref

It's Time to "Get Pumped"

Here's a tip, boys: The way to a woman's heart is through her feet. It's no secret that women love shoes, a guilty pleasure known to cause varying amounts of physical and financial distress. Although TSR typically recommends casual, comfortable fashion for female sports fans, it's always fun to inject a little team spirit in unexpected places. If you love shoes and sports, get ready to fall in love with Get Pumped.

Gina Corrao, a senior graphic designer at Million Dollar Media in Woodbridge, NJ, started Get Pumped by accident. Her office colleague was a diehard New York Giants fan and in celebration of her 30th birthday, Corrao decided to make her a pair of Giants-themed pumps. She did it jokingly, hoping it would be a fun surprise, but little did she know where those shoes would take her.

Corrao teamed up with the girls from her All Girls Fantasy Sports League and made a pair for New York Knicks sideline reporter Tina Cervasio. She did and the Knicks noticed. The team purchased 26 pairs for their dancers and now, Corrao's shoes are considered the "official dress shoes of the Knicks City Dancers."

Corrao's creative process is collaborative and flexible. Customers can create their own design or rely on her skills to transform these shoes into their own personal fashion statement.

Check out some of her featured designs:

Giveaway Alert: Get Pumped has teamed up with TSR to give away a FREE *custom* pair of Get Pumped shoes to one very lucky reader! Corrao will personally work with you to design a pair of shoes in your favorite team. To enter, you must do ALL of the following:

1) Comment on this post to tell TSR which team you'd feature on your pumps (be sure to include your name, too).

2) Subscribe to The Style Ref's mailing list: Click here. (If you're already subscribed, great!)

3) "Like" Get Pumped on Facebook.



The deadline to enter is Friday, March 30. One winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail. TSR is so "pumped" for this giveaway!

***This giveaway has ended.***

Can't get enough of these shoes? Check out Get Pumped's website, Facebook and Twitter! For more information, contact handpaintedpumps@gmail.com. 

XO,

The Style Ref

Going Mad

With all the excitement swirling around the highly anticipated return of Mad Men on Sunday, March 25, TSR couldn't help but wonder: If Don and Betty Draper were sports fans, what would they wear during March Madness?

The show is known for its striking 1950s and 1960s inspired fashion, so there's no doubt it would be classic, flawless and perfectly tailored with just the right amount of team flair. It's difficult to envision Don or Betty dressed down like the rest of us for a game, but it's fun to imagine...

Don Draper was born in Illinois, so if he was a University of Illinois fan, he might wear:

Hoodie, Wallet, Hat, Belt, 8 oz. Stainless Steel Flask ,  

Heather T-Shirt, Pewter Business Card Case

Betty Draper grew up in Lower Merion township, a suburb of Philadelphia, so if she was a Temple fan, she might wear:

A-Line Dress, Pumps, Earrings, Pendant, 

Jewelry, Scarlet Red White Fast Track Poms

Even style icons can show a little team spirit! What do you think of Don and Betty's gameday looks?

XO,

The Style Ref

And the March Madness Bracket Tee Giveaway Winner Is...

Thank you to everyone who participated in TSR's March Madness Bracket Tee Giveaway with The Original Retro Brand! TSR randomly selected one winner: Leslie Arriaza! Congratulations and thanks for reading The Style Ref! We'll be in touch soon with more information about claiming your shirt.

We all love free stuff, so stay tuned for more fun giveaways for the fashionable sports fan!

XO,

The Style Ref

P.S. - Don't forget: In honor of the Sweet 16, The Original Retro Brand is offering 16% off their College and Final Four apparel. Use checkout code SWT16 on any purchase now through Monday, March 26! 

March Madness Bracket Tee Giveaway

Brackets are so hot right now because of March Madness and thanks to The Original Retro Brand, they aren't just for filling out. Now, you can wear and share yours with pride. Featuring a clever statement on the front, this fun tee is sure to get you noticed for more than your tournament picks!

Giveaway Alert: TSR and The Original Retro Brand are giving away a March Madness Bracket Tee to one lucky reader this weekend. The deadline to enter is Sunday, March 18 at 11:59 p.m. and the winner will be notified on Monday. Giveaway instructions are below and it only takes a minute to enter.

Good luck and enjoy the Madness!

XO,

The Style Ref

P.S. - In honor of the Sweet 16, The Original Retro Brand is offering 16% off their College and Final Four apparel. Use checkout code SWT16 on any purchase now through Monday, March 26!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tournament of Roses

Tis the season for NCAA basketball, a time of year marked by incredible highs and heartbreaking lows. March Madness can weigh heavily on the emotions, so why not surprise the special superfans in your life with a beautiful bouquet in their school's colors?

The FTD College Rose Collection features uniquely bi-colored roses in a variety of NCAA teams, delivered in a matching gift box with optional etched keepsake vase. Win or lose, any fan would be delighted to receive this one-of-a-kind arrangement. They also make a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, homecomings, graduations or just for fun!

While some color combinations don't work as well together, others are a perfect compliment. Here are a few of TSR's favorites from the Collection:

The FTD® University of Wisconsin Badgers™ Rose Bouquet 

The FTD® University of Michigan™ Wolverines™ Rose Bouquet

The FTD® University of Texas® Longhorns® Rose Bouquet

The FTD® University of Alabama® Crimson Tide® Rose Bouquet 

Don't see your college? FTD wants to hear from you on Facebook!

XO,

The Style Ref

TSR's Hall of Fame: Ashley Judd

Hollywood is filled with beautiful people who put their careers first, but only one star would pick college basketball over the pilot premiere of her new television show. Actress and humanitarian Ashley Judd, whose new series Missing premieres this Thursday on ABC, takes team spirit to an inspiring level as an incredibly devout Kentucky Wildcats fan.

She's a frequent fixture at UK basketball games, but she doesn't just stand there and look pretty. She's a widely respected expert on Kentucky basketball with the knowledge to back it up. Judd's one smart cookie - she graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1990 and earned a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard University in 2010. It's no wonder she's one of Kentucky's most famous and beloved alums.

Judd is much more than a role model for female sports fans; she epitomizes why we need more of them. Her passion, loyalty and enthusiasm are refreshing in a world where women are becoming an increasingly large and influential fan demographic. Her intensity for college basketball is not only impressive, it's intimidating and challenges the traditional notion that women don't care or know anything about sports. Judd also has great fan style, turning Kentucky blue into her own personal fashion statement both on and off the basketball court.
 

It's hard to relate to most celebrities, but when Judd talks about Kentucky basketball, it's easy to see how she won the hearts of Big Blue Nation and a place in TSR's Hall of Fame:

"One thing I love about going to UK games is that I don't feel like a movie star, 

I'm just another passionate fan," said Judd.

Correction: she's clearly not just another passionate fan, she's the definition of one.

XO,

The Style Ref

P.S. Judd isn't the only celebrity Kentucky fan. Click here to find out which hip hop star helps her cheer on the Wildcats!

The Washington Wizards Brand: Old School vs. New School

The Washington Wizards take plenty of heat, commonly appearing in the same sentence with words like: mediocre, inconsistent, embarrassing, disappointing, irrelevant...and what's up with that creepy wizard? While it's definitely old news that the team unveiled a new logo in May 2011, fans and casual observers are now noticing the change as the NBA's season is in full swing.

In true capital city form, the Wizards took the safe route, transitioning to the patriotic red-white-blue color scheme and incorporating the Washington Monument wherever possible. It could be worse - the team could've given into fans' calls to revive the famed Washington Bullets brand, but that would've made the Wizards a punchline yet again in the running joke that is Washington sports.

The Wizards have quite a history: they began as the Chicago Packers in 1961 and later changed their name to the Zephyrs. In 1963, the franchise moved to Baltimore, Maryland and became the Baltimore Bullets. Let's take a look at how it all began:

The original Bullets logo from 1963/64 - 1968/69: It's hard not to *wince*

The team logo from 1974/75 - 1986/87: Thankfully, the flying
bullet is gone and we're playing with two hands

Official team logo from 1987/88 - 1996/97

The original Washington Bullets uniform

Major brand overhaul from 1997/98 - 2006/07: We meet the wizard

Alternate logo from 1997/98 - 2006/07

The old school Washington Wizards uniform

The 2011 Transition: Quite a dramatic shift, no? {read: sarcasm}

Alternate logo #1: In tribute to the team's history, this graphic mimics
the “i’s” in the former all lowercase Washington Bullets logo,
as well as the hand reaching for a ball

Alternate logo #2: A nice graphic incorporating the Washington
Monument, but it doesn't seem to fit with the overall brand package

Alternate word marks: Can you spot the Washington
Monument? Enough already! There's also a lack of
consistency with the use of uppercase and lowercase.

The new school Washington Wizards uniform: It all comes together
pretty nicely here, but that's mostly due to the use of color-blocking
and the arrangement of elements than the brand marks

So the "monumental" question is: Did the Wizards get it right? Does their attempt to blend old school and new school qualify as an improvement, a major disappointment or is it simply "meh"-worthy?

TSR's Call: As they so often do on the court, the Washington Wizards missed a golden opportunity. There is no winner here.

This was their chance to make a statement. With Ted Leonsis' leadership, the Wizards could've made a major change to excite fans and the basketball world by doing the unthinkable: getting rid of that stupid wizard. As one of the lamest mascots ever, there's just no way to make this team's identity cool with a wizard attached to it. So please, give it up!

Washington could've polled fans to pick a new franchise name (a la the Oklahoma City Thunder) and reinvigorated the city's sports scene with a completely new look. They could've gotten really crazy and even considered NOT using red-white-blue to distinguish themselves from DC's other teams. In theory, it's nice to unify the city's sports teams, but when you can't tell the difference between a Capitals, Nationals and Wizards shirt from the back, everything just seems too similar. Teams thrive on their unique identities and fans want to be part of that.

In predictable fashion, the Wizards had their shot and missed. There could be a comeback in their future, but they have to be willing to take the risk and finally make that creepy wizard magically disappear.

Do you agree with TSR's call? Sound off in the comments!

XO,

The Style Ref