Fashion Behind America’s Sweethearts

“It is arguably the most famous uniform in all of professional sports. The white and blue star-spangled outfits of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders have unquestionably become an iconic symbol of America.”-CMT.com

Have you ever thought of how much thought goes into the fashion of the outfits for NFL cheerleaders? Let’s take a stroll back in history to see where it all began.

Let’s take a classic example, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, or better known as America’s Sweethearts. The first cheer team for the Dallas Cowboys was formed in 1972 after Cowboys General Manager Tex Schramm realized that sports was becoming entertainment.

The cheerleaders wore their star spangled uniforms with white boots and strutted the field for their big debut. Before long, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were known worldwide. The team grew and began performing with celebrities and traveling the world. They now have a show group and put a lot of time into serving the community as well as our troops.

Their well-known uniform  was originally hand-made by Ms. Leveta Crager. For twenty-four years she made and hand tailored every uniform worn by a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Once Crager retired in 1996, designer Greg Danison was selected to continue Crager’s tradition.

Their uniform has made small changes over the years, but the original theme still exists.

The uniform itself is a carefully guarded trademark and may not be duplicated in any way without the written permission of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC.) Consisting of the blue blouse, white vest and shorts, the uniform is one of a kind originally created by Paula Van Waggoner of the Lester Melnick store in Dallas. Only six modifications to the uniform have been done since the formation of the squad in 1972. The “go-go” boot went out of style and was replaced with a more western design in 1989. The large buckled belt was cut from the uniform in 1991 for shorts with a more flattering cut. The boots again changed in 1992 with a cowboy style boot. Crystals were added to outline the fifteen stars on the vest and shorts in 1993. The blouse lapels became more western in 1994, and crystals were added to the fringe line of the vest in 1999.

Each modification of the uniform is considered by Director Kelli McGonagill Finglass with the hopes of enhancing the image the uniform has represented from the very beginning.

Although changes have been made throughout the years, the DCC uniform still remains similar to the original design created twenty-eight years ago.

Information from this blog can be found at the official website of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

With Spring here and Summer right around the corner, lets take a look at some fun swimsuits to wear in the sun.

Of course everyone prefers a different type  of swimsuit, from a one-piece to a bikini or tankini. For a bikini, you can go with a solid, print, or mis-match one. For a classic solid color, check out one like this. It is under $20 and is available in a variety of colors. It has a simple triangle top. For a tube top, check out this one. This one comes in a solid color as well.

If pattern is your preference, then check out one like this or this. These are two different styles in two different patterns. One is more subtle while the other more vibrant.

If you want a mismatch suit, try this one. Mismatch suits can look really stylish, even though the two pieces are not identical. In this case, the bottom is a pretty coral while the top is white with embellishments. The coral straps on the traingular top match the coral bottoms.

If you don’t want to show your stomach, there are still options. A tankini or one-piece will do the trick. For a cute tankini, look at this one. It covers the stomach and is available plenty of colors and designs. For a less forlonger one, try this. It is longer so it won’t show any skin, and is paired with a miniskirt as oppose to bikini bottoms, in case you want to cover more.

A cute one-piece is here. This is sure to get just as much attention as a bikini. If you want a one-piece that is a little more conservative, try this one. It is a limming black color and can be worn three different ways. It has an attached skirt, which can be worn shorter or longer.

Whatever the occasion, remember it is possible to have fun in the sun. Every swimsuit is different, and they exist in many different styles and colors. Don’t let a bad swimsuit ruin your fun in the sun.

“Easter is a beautiful day, but those bonnets need not to stay.”

Do you look back at those childhood photos on Easter morning when your mother put you in a hideous dress and bonnet? Some people go all out for Easter from the big hats to the frilly dresses. Easter isn’t quite as fancy as it used to be, but it is still a holiday full of fashion.

Many people like to wear fun, bright colors in the honor of spring. If you want to wear a colorful dress, I will show you a few possibilities. For those who love flowers, be careful. Flowers can look great on a dress, but you must be careful not to go flower crazy. Luckily, floral patterns are coming back into style. A dress such as this one would be great for Easter. The blue and pink colors pop but without being too overwhelming. It is a good length, and would look great with a simple white cardigan in case Easter morning is a bit chilly. White shoes would work well with the dress and simple jewelry such as pearls or sterling silver. The dress is very bright and colorful, so you want to be careful not to over-do it with accessories.

For those girls who prefer solid colors, a dress similar to this would work great for not only Easter, but other occasions as well. It is an elegant soft pink with ruffles and a sweetheart neckline. This is a great spring dress great for nice dinners or birthday celebrations. Since this dress is busy with ruffles, accessories may look best kept at a minumim. A simple necklace or dangling earrings would look nice, but be careful if wearing both. Just one or the other may work best. A soft-colored shoe would work with this dress, whether it be a light brown or a similar pink. Again, be careful not to wear too many accessories. Since this dress is already busy, too many accessories may be overkill.

Easter is a time of family and celebration. A fun dress makes the day even better. Remember, skirts or pants can also be worn on Easter, not just dresses. Floral patterns or solids are great for Easter, but do not kill the outift with too many accessories. It is important to remember that less is more. Go outside, enjoy the weather and don’t be afraid to be bright and colorful on Easter Sunday.

“I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity-all I hope for in my clothes.”-Yves Saint Laurent, fashion designer.

So you’re in a hurry to get ready, and you’re just going to the store, so you pick up your boyfriend’s jeans that he left at your house and throw them on. Then you look in the mirror and realize that you look like a slob in huge guy jeans rolled up, tennis shoes and a t-shirt. The boyfriend style jeans are a new fashion hit, but don’t take this name literally and pick up your boyfriend’s jeans and put them on. Let’s take a look at the new style of jeans.

The boyfriend style jeans can be found at many various stores such as Express, The Limited, American Eagle Outfitters, The Gap, Nordstrom and others. Just like most styles of jeans, they come in cropped styles, different wash colors and different fits.

They look great and comfy if you pair them with flats or sandals for the summer. The do not look as cute if you wear them with tennis shoes, unless they are the flatter style such as these.

They are great for throwing on with a fitted t-shirt to run errands for the day.

I personally think the cropped ones look cute with heels as well. It all depends on your body shape and your pesonal style.

Keep your eye out for the boyfriend style jeans. A lot of popular stores sell them, and they are meant to be lose and comfy. Next time you want to wear your boyfriend’s jeans, remember, his will make you loook sloppy, but yours will make you look cute.

“What a strange power there is in clothing.”-Isaac Bashevis Singer, author.

Spring weather has finally arrived, but what do you wear on those days where it is too warm for jeans but too cold for shorts? Spring can bring the prettiest days, but the ugliest fashion. Let’s take a look at how to dress for those pretty spring days.

You wake up in the morning, and it is around 50, but 60 is expected by the end of the day. You have a day of errands planned but want to look cute, but yet comfortable. Throw on a pair of denim capris such as these. Capris are perfect for those odd temperature days. Pair them with a pair of flats similar to these. Flip-flops may make your feet cold, and tennis shoes weren’t what you had in mind. Flats are a happy medium.

Now for the top. It’s too chilly for sleeveless tops right now, but you’re afraid when the afternoon sun hits, no sleeves will be just right. Put on a pretty sleeveless shirt like this one. It matches your denim capris and cute flats. Grab a lightweight sweater to throw on over your shirt. A pretty grey goes with almost anything. You will be comfy doing your errands, and if you get hot, take it off.

Now to jazz it up with some accessories. A purse such as this one would go perfectly with the outfit because the color compliments the flats.

A gold necklace such as this butterfly one or this key one will go great with the outfit, complimenting the coral top and brown shows and handbag. A fun ring like this will add flare to the outfit.

The shirt can also be worn in the summer with the same denim capris or denim shorts. Flip-flops can be worn in place of the flats for warmer days.

Now you have a perfect outfit for beautiful spring days. The denim capris and the coral top compliment each other well, and the brown flats and handbag are great additions to the outfit. The jewelry is fun and can be worn with other outfits as well. The grey cardigan is a nice touch for warmth, but the outfit will still look great without it. So next time you wake up on a pretty spring day, but it is not too hot and not too cold, try an outfit like this.

“For ’tis green, green, green, where the ruined towers are gray, and it’s green, green, green, all the happy night and day; green of leaf and green of sod, green of ivy on the wall, and the blessed Irish shamrock with the fairest green of all.”-Mary Elizabeth Blake.

Have you ever gotten pinched on St. Patrick’s Day because you failed to wear green? If so, make sure you wear green this year to avoid getting pinched from every person you see.

With St. Patrick’s Day fast approaching on March 17, green is a must-wear color. Just because green is supposed to be worn on St. Patrick’s Day, does not mean it has to be worn from head to toe. A hint of green here and there will do the trick.

If you are Irish or simply want to get in the St. Patty’s Day spirit, go all out with green clothes and accessories. For a casual look throw on a pair of jeans and a green fitted t-shirt, found at target for under $10. A green tee would be a good investment because it can be worn any month of the year.

Green accessories can be found at Nordstrom, Forever21, Zappos and other stores. If you don’t want to go all out, throw on a headband such as this one . It has blue in it as well but enough green to avoid getting pinched. Feahter headbands are currently in style, so you could wear it throughout the year. A necklace like this would be great. It is only $15 at Target. A green scarf would also work. If you are in a warm part of the country, a light-weight scarf would be comfortable or a heavier material would be fine for a cold day.

This green ring would be perfect for St. Patty’s Day. It is bright and bold and will get everyone’s attention. You can also wear this throughout spring and summer with a simple white t-shirt.

If you have to dress appropriate for the office, wear a simple green blouse under your blazer such as this one for only $10, or wear a stylish St. Patrick’s Day buttonon your blazer if you aren’t feeling like looking like a Leprechaun for the day.

Lulu’s carries a great green dress that would be great for a night on the town to all those Irish Pubs. Pair it with simple shoes and accessories, and you will be ready for a night of fun.

St. Patrick’s Day is supposed to be fun, don’t let it ruin your day by getting pinched. Keep your eye out for those little green accessories you can wear not only on St. Patrick’s Day but all throughout the year.

“We aim to give eco glamour legs, a fabulous look and a slammin’ attitude that stops traffic and shouts the message: eco can be edgy, loud, fun, playful, feminine (or not) and hyper-cool.”- Linda Loudermilk, couture designer.

Eating organic foods, using fluorescent light bulbs and using reusable shopping bags are not the only ways to go green. Fashion can be applied without harming the environment. There are brands dedicated to carrying eco friendly clothes. Green is the new black.

How many times do you hear ads on the radio and see advertisements in stores about going green? Now you can go green with style.

American Apparel, Levi Strauss, Jonano, Rawganique and REI carry eco-friendly clothing lines at affordable prices. Ruche carries a lot of eco-friendly clothes at affordable prices. They carry clothes for all seasons as well as accessories and shoes.

This peacoat is a bit pricy, but would be great for winter. It cold be worn furing the day with a casual outfit or at night for a dressier look. It is grey, so it would easily match a lot of outfits. The neckline is perfect to show off a colorful scarf, and the length is great-not too short but not too long.

These brown sandals would go well with almost any outfit in the summer. Brown is a neutral color and matches a lot of outifts. Pair these sandals with shorts and a tank top or a casual sundress. They are made out of recycled products and are even on sale.

Thsi ring looks vintage. It is fun and would go great with a simple pair of jeans and white t-shirt. It is adjustable, so you don’t have to worry about it not fitting.

Wearing eco-friendly clothes has many advantages. Organic clothing helps skin protection because the clothing is made without harsh dyes and chemicals. Organic clothing is trendy as well. A lot of the same styles are made, just in organic fabrics. It also helps causes around the world. Many organizations will agree to donate a certain percentage of the earnings to causes that help the environment. By wearing organic clothing, you can protect your skin, help the environment and be trendy.

Next time you put on your favorite top, just think of how you could be helping the environment if it were organic. You can’t put a price on fashion, but more importantly, our environment.

“When in doubt, wear red.”-Bill Blass, fashion designer.

The one day of the year that some people love and some people hate is Valentine’s Day. This is the one day of the year most people wear red or pink. I am going to demonstrate a few ways to touch up any Valentine’s Day outfit with a hint of red or pink.

Some accessories that are very easy to incorporate with any outfit are headbands, belts and scarves. Here is a red scarf that would go perfectly with jeans and a white or black top. This red belt would also go perfectly with jeans, and it is only $2.99. A headband such as this one is a cute touch for Valentine’s Day but can also be worn any day of the year. It has shades of pink and dark red with jewels for sparkle. Feather headbands are in style right now, so this would be a great investment.

If you don’t have any accessories for Valentine’s Day or are afraid you will never wear them again, you can always go with a classic pink or red tee. Target sells plain classic tees for under $10.

If you love Valentine’s Day, and you want to go all out, Lulu’s carries red and pink dresses for reasonable prices, and Victoria’s Secret carries red and pink pumps. Throw on a red dress, red high heels and red lipstick, and you will be ready for your Valentine.

Remember, you don’t have to go all out just to be in the holiday spirit. A simple red or pink accessory will do the trick.

“I base most of my fashion sense on what doesn’t itch.”-Gilda Radner, comedian and actress.

Do you ever wake up and just want to throw on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt with the hopes of still looking cute? Sweatpants don’t have to make you look like you just rolled out of bed. They can be cute and stylish, so you can look cute and comfy all day long.

Sweatpants can easily be paired with a cute t-shirt and tennis shoes. Victoria’s Secret, Nordstrom, Bluefly and Alloy are a few places that carry stylish sweatpants. Take a pair of sweatpants such as these in light blue from Victoria’s Secret, and pair them with a t-shirt such as this one from American Eagle Outfitters, and you have a cute and comfy outfit. You could also buy the same sweatpants in white and wear them with this t-shirt.

As for tennis shoes, Journey’s, Finish Line and many others carry cute tennis shoes. I am personally a fan of Puma’s with sweatpants, but other brands look great as well.

Another cute and comfy look would be pairing these Capri-length sweatpants in pink from Victoria’s Secret with this t-shirt from American Eagle Outfitters. This outfit would be great in the summer with a pair of flip-flops or even when it is a bit chillier in the fall with tennis shoes and a jacket.

Felling comfortable in what you wear does not mean you can’t be stylish, even if it is sweatpants.

If the Shoe Fits…

“I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes. I had one thousand and sixty.” -Imelda Marcos, beauty queen.

Shoes are a girl’s best friend. How many times have you walked into a girl’s closet and noticed her never ending shoe collection? Shoes can make an outfit go from zero to ten or vice versa.

Whether you prefer sneakers or pumps, shoes are a crucial element to every outfit.

Sneakers can easily be worn with jeans, or possibly leggings, while being comfortable but also adding style. Sneakers can be worn with jeans and a cute shirt, sweats or even a casual sundress. Fashionable sneakers can be found at Converse or Journey’s.

Every woman must own a pair of heels. Solid black pumps are essential to a woman’s wardrobe. They can be worn casually with jeans or dressy with a nice dress or work pants. Solid black pumps can be found at Victoria’s Secret, Nordstrom, Alloy and many other stores.

Of course most women like to add a fun pair of heels to their shoe collection such as a bright-colored style, open-toed pumps or heels with accessories on them. A fun pair of heels can easily be worn with a pair of jeans and something as simple as a white tee-shirt. If you see a pair of hot pink pumps you just can’t resist but then see them dusty in your closet a year later, get them out and put on a cute pair of jeans with a white v-neck. Accessorize with a pink belt and pink jewelry. This outfit would be perfect for a day of shopping or lunch with friends.

We all have those shoes that are adorable and fashionable, but the thought of wearing them make our feet hurt. If you have a pair of shoes, especially heels, you can’t wear without getting blisters or limping, try Dr. Schools inserts or a Band-Aid blister block. These will make those adorable shoes bearable for a night on the town.

For some of the latest styles in shoes, check out Alloy, Delia’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Zappos.