The NFL Kickoff is tonight – Vikings/Saints – are you ready?  If you’re heading to any games this season – NFL or NCAA – you should follow a few quick rules to be the hit of the tailgate!  First, my non-fashion-related rule is to eat!  Besides the obvious “we need to eat” reason, remember that when mixing booze, heat, thousands of people, and expensive concession stands, it makes most sense to eat beforehand.  Besides, tailgate food is yummy!

Next rule is to wear your best sports apparel.  It’s possible to look great in non-sports gear, but you’re more likely to be the hit of the tailgate if you’re supporting your team.  Also – I recommend not mixing sports.  Please don’t wear your Yankees gear to a Patriots football game.  People get way involved in their teams and there’s no point throwing another sport in the mix.  Tailgates and games in September are great because the weather hasn’t gotten cold yet (what to wear to a game in January is a different post).

This is a great option for the ladies who don’t have a team preference!  Stay neutral while supporting the NFL (and look super cute at the same time)!

Pair your sports apparel (hat, jersey, tee, etc) with jeans/shorts/something comfortable.  I would advise against a skirt (I can recall one too many keg stands that would not have happened in a skirt – so maybe I should encourage skirts to avoid the keg stands).  Either way, I think it’s best to stick with something that will make you look even more down-to-earth.  I prefer jeans or jean shorts which are on sale everywhere right now!

If I were going to a game this weekend (which I’m not, tear) I’d wear my Seven jean shorts that I bought from Nordstrom for $99.  I bought them months ago, but they’re still available online.

Lastly, don’t get caught at a tailgate with a big, bulky purse!  The guys don’t want to deal with it, the fans near you in the stands don’t want to deal with it, and most likely you won’t either.  I strongly encourage you to invest in a cross-body bag.  I’ve been using the same black, Prada Nylon Messenger for 8 years now and it’s never let me down.  It fits just enough stuff (wallet, keys, phone, camera…you don’t need anything else)!  Now that cross-bodies are all the rage, pick one up and don’t let it go!

If you’re like me, you’re going to be dressed in your team colors every Saturday and Sunday for the next three months.  I’ve been stocking up on my team apparel for months now, but it’s not too late for you!  You can find traditional jerseys and tees as well as the more feminine designs from NFL Shop, Victoria’s Secret Pink, and Football Fanatics!

Happy Football Season!

shops love

ps…Go Canes (Saturday) and Go Skins (Sunday night)

This shopper is a big football fan!  I love summer sooo much, but I can’t wait for football season!  Not only do I love to watch the games, but you’ll see me decked out in my Skins gear every Sunday that they play (and in the post-season when the Skins aren’t playing) – I have hope for this year, which just means more gear!  So if you’re like me, you need a wardrobe full of paraphernalia ready to go before the first kickoff.  Well www.nfl.com is having their Christmas in July sale which includes 20% all orders and free shipping on orders of $99/over.  So now is the perfect time to pick up your new McNabb jersey – or whatever you team you choose – for a fraction of the price! 

Remember to use the code: NFLJULY to get this great deal!

shops love