Monday, January 28, 2013

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?

Thursday, January 17, 2013

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?