Looking Back on the NFL Cheerleaders

In honor of the Super Bowl this Sunday, it's time to highlight the best dressed ladies on the sidelines (well, at least the most festively dressed ladies) - the Cheerleaders! 

In 1954, the Baltimore Colts were the first NFL team to have a cheerleading squad.  Compared with the modern day uniforms their uniforms topped off with blazers look very conservative.

1954 Baltimore Colts Cheerleaders

During the 60s and early 70s cheerleaders were often seen wearing pinafores or short pleated skirts with sneakers. 

San Diego Chargers Cheerleaders

New York Jets Cheerleaders

 

 

Then the Dallas Cowboys ushered in a new brand of professional cheerleading.  

In the 1960s, the original squad was a co-ed group of high school students from the Dallas area called the CowBelles and Beaux. 

1966 Dallas CowBelles & Beaux

Although they cheered their team all the way to the 1971 Super Bowl, the Cowboys' general manager, Tex Schramm, had a different vision for the squad.  He wanted to bring beauty and glamour to the sidelines.  

The high school students were replaced by an attractive group of atheletic female dancers, and the traditional cheer uniforms were replaced by the mid-drift bearing short shorts and star emblazoned vests that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders still wear today.  
 

Wendi White (1980-1981)

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

The 1972-1973 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were the beginning of the modern era of NFL cheerleading. 

Love the addition of dance and gymnastics, but kinda miss all the cute pleated skirts.  Am I the only one?

My Kinda Exercise

As the new year begins, gyms around the country fill with resolutioners vowing to get back into shape.  Wouldn't it be great if it were as easy as these old photos make it seem?

Marilyn looks stunning as ever in her high-waisted shorts as she stretches and lifts weights without breaking a sweat.

Marilyn Monroe 1950s

Marilyn Touching Her Toes

 Who wouldn't love to look this gorgeous while working out?



The 50s and 60s made exercising look glamorous, but it was the 1970s that made it look easy.  

Below is an ad for a Twist 'N  Tone - and this looks amazing!  Just twist and turn your way into a a great body.  Added bonus, you can get some extra wear out of your suit or mini skirt since they can double as workout gear!

The best, however, is what Sears proposes for exercise - lounging in a onesie.  This is my kinda exercise!

1970s Sears Catalog

The woman in the front and I are on the same page...just add Tivo and a Snuggie and that looks like a great night of working out!

Wouldn't we all be in great shape if it were really that easy?

Top 5 Couples Costumes Inspired by Classic TV

Halloween is creeping up on us again.  If you are still trying to figure out your costume - think about doing something retro this year.  Check out the suggestions on this list and maybe you'll be inspired.

1.  Jeannie and Major Nelson - I Dream of Jeannie

 

2.  Gomez and Morticia  - The Addams Family

3.  Lucy and Ricky - I Love Lucy

4.  Samantha and Darrin - Bewitched

 5.  Herman and Lily - The Munsters

Who do you think should have made the list that didn't?

1960s Time Warp

Moschino's Spring/Summer 2013 runway show was a time warp back into the 1960s.

 































I like where they were going with these dresses, but I think the interpretation of the vintage style is too literal.  

Don't you think they should have added something unexpected?

Fashion of the Boardwalk Empire

The new season of HBO's Boardwalk Empire has finally started.  Whether or not you like the show, you have to admire the wonderful 1920s styling.  Gretchen Mol's character Gillian Darmody stole the spotlight with her sparkling sequined New Year's Eve dress pictured below.

The neckline and straight silhouette of her dress were both very popular in the 1920s.  Actress Alice Joyce is pictured in a similar style below in 1926.

We have already seen the influences of the 1920s on the fashion runway.  With the popularity of HBO's Boardwalk Empire and the buzz surrounding the upcoming Great Gatsby movie we are bound to see more fashion inspired by that roaring decade in the coming months.  

I'm looking forward to seeing more of the 1920s on the TV screen and in the fashion magazines.  Are you with me?

Polka Dot Fun

Enjoy the few last days of summer sunshine and be inspired by the lightheartedness of Polka Dots!  

 

Fantastic 1960s Ad

1960s Jantzen Swim Caps

1961 Arnold Scaasi Polka Dot Dress

Marilyn Monroe on the Beach

Polka Dots make everything feel so cheerful and happy, and couldn't we use a little more of that all year around?

Love the Contrast!

Check out these black and white suits with fantastic contrast taping - one from the mid-1960s and one new for 2013.

1960s Andre Courreges Suit

McQueen Suit - Resort 2013

It's interesting how retro the 2013 McQueen suit looks with the wide collar and bell bottom pant legs.
  
Both are pretty great suits, but I feel that the Andre Courreges jacket with the striped lining is the stand out piece!  

What do you think is the stand out?