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.