Tailgating Trends

We are in the peak of tailgate season now. We've searched around for the top tailgate trends so far this season weather it be something all the girls or wearing or something all the men are grilling.
(note: these are not in any order of popularity)

1.) COWBOY BOOTS- For the ladies, this started in the south a few years ago but we are seeing the trend starting to dominate the rest of the country. They're being worn with cut off jeans, leggings and of course with the team colored sun dress.

2.) SUNDRESSES- still going strong in the SEC schools. With or without team logos,  girls are dolling it up with fashionable ways to show their team spirit. Of course, they will wear their cowboy boots with it ;)

3.) THE SUNGLASS- The expensive Ray Ban or $10 drug store wayfarer style…this appears to be worn by the majority of the student section.

4.) FLOWER POWER- A growing trend probably makes parents of students reminisce of 70's. We've started to see girls sport floral headpieces in their team colors or things as simple as white daisies.

5.) THE FANNY PACK IS BACK- Scary but true. I was wondering when it was going to make a comeback. If you think if it, it's quite perfect for your tailgate day needs and it's hands free so you can continue cheering on your time…and um drinking beer.

6.) PREPPY- Dominating the midwest in south we're seeing guys in polos (please hold the popped collar) with Khakis. Sounds boring. In my mind it is….but hey, it's there and NOT just for the fraternity boys anymore.

7.) GOURMET BURGERS- You can smell it in the air walking around a tailgate, but just wait until you take a bite. With the interest in culinary fusion growing across the country, grill masters and grill beginners are creating an interesting twist on the all american burger.

8.) ULTIMATE TAILGATE GRILL- If you're going to grill why not grill in style and with convenience. Tailgate grills that attach to the hitch of your vehicle are becoming easier to find and more affordable. We've spotted a ton of these…even tailgate smokers! nom nom.

9.) CRAFT BEERS- ok, so you can't shot gun 10 of these but thats ok. Actually most craft beers have a higher alcohol content. Darker, craft beers are growing in popularity with micro brews popping up all over the country. People have an appreciation AND there is less carbonation which means less bloating. Not to mention they sure are tasty with some of those gourmet burgers.

10.) GAMES - People are coming up with new games to partake in during the tailgate events. Cornhole and Ladder Ball will always be among the most popular but there are new takes on these traditional games. Girls are even putting their own touch by bedazzling and glorifying the equipment to claim their spot in the game.

Back to School Trends

School has gone back to session in most parts of the country. What kind of comfy yet cool BTS trends are you going to be seen in on campus? Here are some of our top pics for guys and gals this fall…

Girls: 1.) Fleece, Aerie 2.) Backpack, Francescas 3.) Lace-up Boot, Steve Madden 4.) Ankle Boot, Lucky Brand 5.) Dress, Forever21 6.) Camo Skinny Pants, Gap
Dudes: 1.) Graphic Tee, Forever21 2.) Utility Jacket, Clyde Oak 3.) Sneaker, Vans 4.) Leather Loafer, Olukai 5.) Denim, J Brand

Spring '14 Sales Meeting Prep

Here we go again…another national sales meeting around the corner! We've got a busy week a head of us preparing for next weeks national sales meetings in Atlanta and Chicago. Waiting for final samples to arrive, checking over the new graphics and art applications, fabrics…a retailers candy shop it seems :) It's always fun presenting a new line for the first time. I wish I could give you a sneak peak of some product you'll be seeing hit stores next year but you'll just have to wait a bit longer. Wow do we have some cool stuff coming out. The anticipiation is building! In the mean time....Any good pizza recommendations while were in Chi-Town??? we're a hungry crowd over here at Colosseum!

Trends we love…PATTERNS

It doesn't matter what kind of pattern…they are all hot right now. Polka Dots, Lace, Plaid, Vintage Florals. Here's a little bit of an art lesson today. There are 3 types of pattern categories: Geometric, Abstract, and Conversational. They all pretty much explain themselves but just incase I already lost you at 'art lesson' this should sum it up. Geometric prints are anything, well, Geometric with consistancy like polka dots, chevron, honey comb etc. Abstract would be abstract..there is no clear repeat visible. Splattered paint would be a good example of Abstract. Conversational would be things such as elephant or flower patterns. The best thing about this trend today is you can mix and match as many patterns on your outfit or in a room as you want AND get away with it (95% of the time). We love the pattern trend right now and have been testing it out on our College product.

RUN FOR BOSTON

What are you doing today?

Announcing Colosseum 'Cal'

Welcome Colosseum Calvin, our new team member this year. We formally introduced him to our team at CAMEX a few weeks ago in Kansas City during the blizzard. He had plenty of time to circle around the show and rub elbows at happy hour. 'Cal' will be traveling across the USA this year representing Colosseum. He's already becoming quite the celebrity in industry. He'll be making appearances with our customers, campuses, stores, football games and more. You never know where in the world he will be. Follow photos of him on Facebook to see where he is and what he's up to. Oh…and yes…he is a gnome. I don't know about you but, in my opinion he should win mascot of the year.

Never Enough NEON

Neons are stronger than ever before. If you haven't noticed…Neon's are evvvverywhere. You can't look one direction without being blinded by the bright intense hues on someones sneakers, purse, cell phone cover or even lipstick. Well…we jumped on this trend before the fluorescence fades. Here's a little glimpse of our latest neon collection available in retailers this Spring.

The Holiday's Are Here!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving spending time with family, friends, stuffing their faces and watching the Lions! Of course, then there was Black Friday. (Ramdom Fact: The term 'Black Friday' was used because it was a day that retailers chart had a chance to go from from red lines to black lines). I've been studying the research that shows that the number of people out on the streets battling the Black Friday deals has significantly decreased over the years. Personally, I was never one to go out into the madness…I would much rather continue my food coma, while watching a Christmas Story or recaps of the Thanksgiving Day game and nibbling on left over pumpkin pie…and maybe go for a jog to make myself feel better. This year I have decided to keep a healthy routine going during the holiday season and encourage friends and family to do the same. By working out consistently and doing one minor thing differently every day could keep off the pounds, reduce bloating, make you feel less guilty when eating that extra desert or opting for hot chocolate instead of black coffee and keeping your energy levels high during the Holiday rush. Here are some tips to follow through with:

Happy Halloween!

Found some fun DIY ideas for the Halloween and Football Season. Helmets carved out of pumpkins, an adorable infant football onesie and pumpkin football cakes. Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Helmets: Gut out pumpkin guts, carve front of pumpkin to imitate opens of a helmet, paint your favorite team colors to look like a helmet.

Football Onesie: Buy a solid brown onesie. Cut strips of white felt fabric ( 1 long and 5 short pieces). Use fabric glue to hold pieces down. For infant safety make sure all pieces are securely attached on all ends.

Football Cakes: 
Cake Ingredients:                             Frosting Ingredients:
2 cups flour                                      1/3 cup butter softened
2 tsp cinnamon                                 3 1/2-4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder                   3 Tbl milk
1 1/2 tsp baking soda                       1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
4 eggs lightly beaten
1-15 oz. can pumpkin
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease twelve  oz. egg-shaped muffin cups
2. In medium bowl stir together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and cloves. In large bowl combine eggs, pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar and vegetable oil; whisk until smooth. Slowly add flower mixture to pumpkin mixture, stir until well combined. Scoop mix into prepared muffin cup, filling each about half full.
3. Bake 20-22 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Remove from pants. Cool completely. Split cakes horizontally.
4. For frosting, in large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add about half the powdered sugar, beating well. Beat in milk and vanilla. Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar.
5. Spread frosting over one cake half; top with remaining cake half. Pipe "laces" on top. Repeat with remaining cakes. Makes 12.
* if you have extra...you can use remaining batter to make cupcakes! :)

The Varsity Jacket Revival

The Varsity Jacket: A transeasonal staple. This fall the varsity jacket is making a strong comeback. The fashion industry has always been and will probably always be infatuated with preppy aesthetics. From run way to retailers throughout the apparel market you will be seeing this piece make a statement. We already see the varsity jacket as the athletic on-going sportswear trend. However, recently designers have redefined the look and meaning behind this classic. It is not just for the jock guy, an after gym cover up, the sporty girl. It is being reinvented as the item that girls of every type will wear all year long. We associate the varsity jacket with Fall but you will be seeing it stretch its life time 365 days. Bright colors, sequins, leather, fleece, satin and sweater knit versions…it's out there. Maybe it even has big patched heart instead of a number. We've been seeing it all…buttonless, applique free, long, cropped, classic to futuristic. Wear one to the gym, the grocery store or even with evening attire! We just can't say 'no' to this new trend. Perfect for us…our design team has been working hard to stay on track with the 'next big thing'…keep your eyes open for the Colosseum Athletics varsity jacket hitting stores later this year.

Take a look at some new varsity jacket trends we have spotted and love….

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

Summer is sadly coming to an end. If you're a summer loving girl like me you know how it feels to be putting away the flip flops, shorts, and bikinis. The cook out's are no more, weekend lake and beach trips with friends and family dissipate, the nights get cooler and that natural sun kissed tan begins to fade. Ok, enough of the mourning. In many parts of the country, the true crisp fall temperatures will be starting in a few weeks. I know what that air feels like being an original northern girl myself. When  you get that first cool night by the bonfire, you know it's back to school season. My favorite part of back to school was the shopping. Duh, of course…new pen's, notebooks, dorm/apartment decor, a couple new college tee's and sweatshirts, a new book bag ( a couple totes for each outfit perhaps?), new work out attire ( motivation to keep in shape during tailgate season), and most important a new outfit. Don't judge, I know many of you out there are thinking the same thing.

So what are this falls campus necessities? There are a few staple items many of us look for at this time.
The perfect boot, a bag ( or two or tree). and the technology must have. We'll be on the look out for the hottest campus accessory trends. What are your fall favs?

Behind the Scenes of a Colosseum Athletics Photo Shoot

It's the middle of summer but, we are already in action for Fall 2012. The Colosseum Athletics photo shoot to display the Fall 2012 line was conducted in Greenville, SC just recently. We were looking for a picturesque location that gave the sense of tradition and team spirit. Sirrine Stadium ended up being the perfect fit. Lush grass and trees, old brick, a stone arbor, and beautiful pathways were ideal. Sirrine Stadium was first used in 1936 by Furman University and holds 15,000 people. Sounds small but, when I tell you that the seating still consists of the original poured concrete from the 1930's it sounds more prestigious. For those of you who have seen the movie "Leatherheads" starring George Clooney and Renee Zellweger, Sirrine Stadium had an appearance in there. The movie was shot in various locations throughout South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. There must be something about the stadium everyone likes!

Regardless of the southern weather, the photo shoot was a huge success. We started early in the morning to help us out. However, it still ended up being 94 degrees, sunny and humid before noon. Imagine wearing hooded sweatshirts and pants while making it look like you're standing outside on a cool fall day. Yeah, not so comfortable. I felt terrible for the models but, wow, when you see these pictures ( on the website soon!) you will think they were taken in October. Thank you to our fabulous models and photographer! Here's a glimpse of some candid shots captured...

Summer Tees Guys Should Own

The best thing about guys clothing is certain items can be worn for years. With women, it seems like you just bought something and before you even get a chance to wear it you're already on the hunt for something "new" and catch yourself saying "I don't have anything to wear" ( while gazing into an overstuffed closet). I've been scoping out the streets, media, retailers and latest fashion show reviews only to find that men's casual apparel is making a big statement with simple tees. Not anything fancy…just basic old school tees ( guys have it so easy, right ladies? Old school tees is just one of the many fashion statements for us this season). There are 8 styles of tees that every man should have ready to wear this summer. Perhaps it's even already in the closet from last summer or 10 years ago. If not, head to just about any men's store or vintage shop. Pair it up with some cool shades, jeans, blazers or hat to kick it up a bit. Take a look at the must have men's tees...

A New Start

What do you think of in May? Come on ladies and gentlemen…it's not that hard. It's that time of year again…Graduation, exams, spring break, summer vacation, bikini season, new job hunts etc. Most people would say this time of year is bittersweet. We're all hard workers just like you but we strive to maintain a healthy and low stress lifestyle. Graduation is exciting, exams are stressful and warm weather makes you think "Yikes, I need to get my booty back in shape". There are so many little things you can do every day to get back on track to a healthy lifestyle. Not to mention, shed those pounds you may have put on in the past 4 years. Our company is more than a clothing company, we are also a lifestyle company. We care about the world and everyone in it. We keep into consideration busy schedules when designing our line. The activewear and yoga inspired clothing we create is made to be comfortable and versatile throughout the day. We want to help you be the best you can be :)

Here are 10 little things we suggest to give yourself a boost. Print this off and tape it up somewhere to give yourself a reminder. Enjoy! 

Team Looks for Spring

We're showing you how to wear your favorite college t-shirt this spring. Team tees are not just for game day anymore! The style on the right would be so cute for casual friday in the office.

(The looks are shown with the Colosseum Athletics "Rush V-Neck" now in stores)

Happy Spring!

Happy first day of Spring! The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and the sun is shining this morning. We are sure glad to see it warming up after a long winter and recent trip to snowy Salt Lake City, Utah for CAMEX 2012 (Campus Market Expo). The show was a big success thanks to all the hard work of our Merchandising and Sales teams. We had a great time showing off the new Holiday 2012 collection which features luxurious fabrics, advanced apparel technology, trendy silhouettes and more. The crowd was quite impressed with our unique take on outerwear that is new the the world of collegiate sportswear. We can't share too much information with you now…but if you stay tuned you may get a special sneak peak before the line hits stores!

We all had a great time exploring down town Salt Lake City. Coffee shops are always a must when we're on the road and Toasters was the winner that week. Everyone in the city was very friendly and welcoming, the night life was rockin' and we were completely surrounded by beautiful snow covered mountains all day. Our Sales Planning & Licensing Manager even had the opportunity to go to the Olympic Skating Oval. What a good time!