The Style Ref | Calls on Life + Style + Culture: June 2012

Figuratively Speaking

There are some things that make us feel like a kid again, no matter how old we get. Disney and its iconic figurehead, Mickey Mouse, bring us back to childhood and the marvelous years when our responsibilities were limited to having fun, learning and dreaming. The nostalgia of those years gone by has been captured by Disney's Vinylmation, a creative collection of figures featuring Mickey's signature mouse ears in themes ranging from the Muppets to classic Disney villains to sports. These cute collectibles are unique, fun and perfect for an eye-catching display in your home or office that's sure to delight kids of all ages.

Here's a sampling of Disney's Vinylmation figures for sports fans:

Vinylmation NFL Series 3" Figures

Vinylmation College Series 3" Figures

Vinylmation MLB Series 3" Figures

Vinylmation NBA Series 3" Figures

Vinylmation Mascot Series 3" Figures

Which Vinylmation series is your favorite?

XO,

The Style Ref

Sportin' Sandals

Free your feet this summer with a pair of sandals that pay tribute to your favorite team! There are a variety of styles available that you can wear for a stroll on the beach, lounging by the pool, chowing down at a barbeque or running a few errands. Best of all, these sandals are stylish and subtle enough to be worn all season long even if you're not going to a game.

Take a look at TSR's top pairs for male and female fans of the MLB, NCAA, NHL, NFL and NBA:


Chicago Cubs MLB Sequin Flip Flops


Reebok Baltimore Orioles MLB Summer Time Flip Flop Sandals

Tennessee NCAA Ladies Orange-Black Rhinestone Flip Flops

ComfyFeet Virginia Tech NCAA Pro Sandals

Los Angeles Kings NHL Women's Sequin Strap Flip Flops

New York Rangers NHL Unisex Basic Flip Flop

For Bare Feet Carolina Panthers NFL Women's White Sequin Flip Flops

Men's New Orleans Saints NFL Contour Flip Flops

Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Women's Sequin Strap Flip Flops

Boston Celtics NBA Unisex Khaki Frayed Flip Flops

Which sandal style is your favorite?

XO,

The Style Ref

All-American Arm Candy

League seasons come and go, and sporting events don't happen every day, so fashionable fans need to incorporate things into their personal style that express their passion for sports. Jewelry is one way to add a subtle accent to your outfit whether you're dressing up for the workday or dressing down for a night out. Thanks to Alex and Ani, an eco-friendly, American-made jewelry line designed by Carolyn Rafaelian, ladies can treat themselves to some arm candy that not only looks great, but feeds the fan's spirit.

Designed to wear alone or layered for a custom look, Alex and Ani’s patented Expandable Wire Bangle is an innovative concept, allowing the wearer to easily adjust the bangle for a perfect fit. Through their affiliations with MLB, the Kentucky Derby and the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) U.S. Olympic Team, Alex and Ani have created a stylish collection of high-quality bracelets for women who want to carry the energy and spirit of America's sports heritage with them every day.

Check out some of TSR's favorite Alex and Ani pieces for stylish sports fans:

Boston Red Sox MLB Cap Logo Charm Bangle

New York Yankees MLB Primary Logo Charm Bangle

Los Angeles Dodgers MLB Cap Logo Charm Bangle

Horse Saddle Charm Bangle

Iconic Horseshoe Charm Bangle

Mint Julep Charm Bangle

Team USA Shield Charm Bangle

USA Charm Bangle

Giveaway Alert: Alex and Ani is giving one stylish TSR reader a set of three bangles in celebration of the upcoming London 2012 Summer Olympics!

To enter, you must do ALL of the following by Friday, June 29:

1) Comment on this post with your name and e-mail to confirm your entry.

2) "Like" The Style Ref and Alex and Ani on Facebook.

3) Subscribe to Alex and Ani's mailing list: Click here and go to the bottom left.

4) Subscribe to The Style Ref's mailing list, too: Click here. (If you already are, you're all set!)

*For an extra entry, tweet or status: Just entered @TheStyleRef giveaway w/ @AlexAndAniUSA because I heart #TeamUSA!

The deadline to enter is Friday, June 29. The winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail. Go Team USA!

***This giveaway has ended.***

XO,

The Style Ref

Home Field Advantage: Get Your Grill On

It's summertime and the smell of grilled hot dogs, burgers, steak and chicken are in the air. This Fourth of July and all summer long, sports fans across America will be firing up their grills and serving up traditional favorites, so it's important to have the right tools and accessories. With TSR's help, you can be the ultimate grill master and still represent your favorite team!

Check out these great fan supplies to help you get your grill on:

Boston Red Sox MLB Deluxe Grill Cover

Oregon Ducks NCAA Deluxe Grill Cover

Miami Heat NBA Tailgate
& Kitchen Grill Combo Set

Atlanta Falcons NFL 4 Piece BBQ Set

Minnesota Twins MLB Propane Tank Cover

Iowa Hawkeyes NCAA 11x13 Cast Iron Grill Topper

Oklahoma Sooners NCAA Hot
Dog Cast Iron Grill Topper

Chicago Bears NFL Football
Tailgate Barbeque Condiment Set

LSU Tigers NCAA Spice Set

Ohio State Buckeyes 3 Bottle
Grilling Sauce Gift Set

Which of these items would you use at your next grill out?

XO,

The Style Ref

The Cool Factor: Tennessee Orange

There is one unmistakable hue in sports that has become so synonymous with a particular team that it's simply known as Tennessee Orange. The University of Tennessee's school colors, orange and white, are famously recognizable, strikingly unique and clearly challenging to wear.

Although the color combination seems out of place in the broader sports landscape, Tennessee's colors were actually inspired by something commonly found in nature. Charles Moore, former UT football player and president of the University's Athletic Association, chose the colors on April 12, 1889 after observing the common American daisy which grew in profusion on The Hill, an area of campus surrounding Ayres Hall. The colors were later approved by students at a special meeting in 1892. Two years later, dissatisfied students voted to drop the colors, but couldn't agree on an alternative, so the original orange and white were reinstated one day later and have remained the official colors ever since.

It's obvious that the Tennessee Volunteers were destined to wear this particular shade of orange, which is nothing like any other orange, including Syracuse Orange or Oregon State Orange. Make no mistake, orange isn't just a color at the University of Tennessee, it's a state of being. According to their website:

Orange is vibrant. Orange is energetic. Orange commands attention, on the field or in the board room. Orange leaves an impression.

Despite the truth in this statement, Tennessee fans face a tough challenge when it comes to representing their beloved Volunteers: that specific shade of orange just doesn't look good on everyone and everything. To help Tennessee fans dress to impress with just the right pop of color, TSR handpicked some sweet, orange styles for lady Vols and gents:

University of Tennessee Women's Rhinestone Jelly Watch

NCAA Men's CM-TEN MVP Series
Tennessee Volunteers Watch

adidas Tennessee Volunteers Women's
Slanted Stencil Tri Blend Tank

Tennessee Volunteers White Color
Block Half Cusion Crew Socks

Tennessee Volunteers Spring Breaker Swim Separates

Tennessee Volunteers Endzone Stripe Boardshort

Tennessee Volunteers NCAA Wishing Bracelet

Tennessee Volunteers NCAA VIP 47 Franchise Cap

Tennessee Volunteers Ladies Cross Over Tube Top

adidas Tennessee Volunteers It's a Celebration
Raglan Long Sleeve Tri-Blend T-Shirt

Tennessee Volunteers Ladies Sorority Girl Sundress

Tennessee Volunteers Tennessee Orange
Retro Letterman Full Zip Fleece Jacket

What do you think of Tennessee Orange?

XO,

The Style Ref

And the Giveaway Winner Is...

Thank you to everyone who entered the LogoArt^®giveaway! One lucky winner will win over the wedding party with these great gifts.

After a random drawing, the winner is:

Peter Odahowski

Congratulations, Peter! You'll receive an e-mail shortly with details about how to claim your prizes. TSR hopes you and your bride have a beautiful wedding day!

If you're still looking for gift ideas to win over the wedding party, check out TSR's post and LogoArt^® online.

XO,

The Style Ref

Fan Find: The Ultimate Tailgate

Summer is the perfect time to take stock of your tailgating supplies and decide how to up the ante for next season. With this slick, smartly-designed Deluxe Portable Tailgate Bar Set, everyone at the tailgate will wish they were invited to your party! It carries a hefty price tag, but this set is an investment that comes with everything you need for a successful game day gathering: