One Suitcase…30 Outfits

Packing is always a Hot Topic for my blog.  And it appears that every year just about this time, especially when I return from a meeting which I attend each January, and one in which my arms hurt from lugging my properly packed luggage (or not, which is why my arms are aching as I’m penning this blog)  I always think about packing better and more efficiently, which is why I’m penning this blog now.  While I fancy myself a “savvy packer”, sadly, as revealed many times in the past, some of my friends, especially those whom I travel with, may beg to differ with that…as do my aching arms.  So in keeping an open mind and always yearning to learn new things, I  found this handy illustration of how you can pack these 14 items into one suitcase and make 30 outfits.  Now, even I, a self-proclaimed clothes horse,  wouldn’t need 30 outfits (which all appear to be “business-attire”, btw)  for any trip, but I love how it illustrates how you can mix and match.  You can look in your own closet and use items you have and see how they all work together to many more than 4 outfits!

This breaks down to:

2 sweaters – one cardigan and one v-neck

2 dresses – one wrap and one sheath

1 blazer

2 tanks

2 skirts

1 pair jeans

1 pair black pants

1 blouse

1 tee

1 long-sleeved tee or cotton shirt

Accessories feature one pair of flats and one pair of high heels.  One belt, and several necklaces and a watch.  I’d add a pair of boots.

I would add 2 scarves, a neutral shawl, and more pieces of jewelry (all of which I”d put into my carry-on).

This would be extremely easy to feather in items you already have and mix and match

Here are some other options

Let us not forget the Guys…so, I present…For Men!

Great tip to ensure you don’t forget any items in the hotel safe in your room…Put a shoe you plan on wearing the last day in the safe, with your valuables, to ensure you don’t forget your jewels!

Due to the recent announcement about the Bears new coach, Marc Trestman, I am postponing my blog, “Chicago Bears…a season in review” till next week, as I’m really on the fence about this new coach…I’m going to noodle this over, and sort out my thoughts, as I was hoping for a Jon Gruden or Mike Singletary announcement.  My initial thoughts are this guy is indeed an “offensive guru”, but so is Chip Kelly.  Did we get him from the CFL because he’s cheap?  I’ll let you know my thoughts.

Happy Packing and Go Patriots!

xoxo,

T.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

I don’t like football…actually, I love football…and those who know me, understand that September – February (hopefully my Bears will be playing through Super Bowl Sunday), I’m all about Football.  I know the game, enjoying watching it and love to talk about the game and share my thoughts on how they should be doing it better.   Not sure if  it’s because I grew up with 4 boys in the house (and my lovely sister, Megan, of course) but I truly get giddy on Sunday Nights when I hear Faith Hill start singing, “Alright Sunday Night Where are you…Hey Jack, it’s a fact, the show’s back in town…”  I do know, however, that not every woman (or even every man) understands the game.  I found this cheeky article  about things Women (or people who don’t understand the game) should know, and since we are emerging into Football season, I thought I’d share it, so in case you catch yourself watching a game, and enjoying it, you’ll actually know a bit more about it!

Before I share that article, if you don’t think the NFL is Big Business, take a look at what the Top 5 Football teams are worth:

1. Dallas Cowboys ($2.1 billion)

2. New England Patriots ($1.64 billion)

3. Washington Redskins ($1.6 billion)

4. New York Giants ($1.47 billion)

5. Houston Texans ($1.31 billion)

8.  Chicago Bears ($1.2 billion)

My Bears come in at #8 at a cool, $1.2 billion…With a $65M profit, did they really have to do a 3-year contract with RC Cola (and yes, RC Cola still makes soda, but not Diet Coke nor Diet Pepsi, sadly, which means I must drink Heineken at Bears games)?  And they can’t afford to have real half-time entertainment, but we’re subjected to a punt, kick and pass, “sponsored” by some car company?  Please…Give us a marching band, or a Chicago-based band, for crying out loud!  How about Styx or Off Broadway?  Or perhaps, Chicago?  And it wouldn’t hurt to  dial-up the music with some snappier tunes to get the crowd riled and motivated to cheer on the team…and snappy music can also motivate the team!    And seeing as I’m probably “past my prime” to be a sideline NFL reporter (actually, I’m not, but no one has hired me for that position), I most certainly can go to work for the Bears to give the fans (the best fans ever, btw), a better NFL experience.

10 Things Every Woman (Or anyone really) should know about Football

(Source:  Marie Claire Magazine)

ON THE FIELD

1. GET TO THE POINT. Know the basics. A touchdown is six points. An extra point is worth one (but teams can go for a two-point conversion, where they get another play to make it in the end zone, rather than kicking an extra point). A field goal is worth three points. And a safety (when a player with the ball is tackled in his own end zone) is worth two points.

2. THIN YELLOW LINE. The little yellow line indicates how far the team has to go to get a first down. And it works through the magic of television — the players cannot see it, nor can you see it while you are sitting at the game.  They have also started indicating when a play is in the Red Zone — that means when the offense has possession of the ball at the 20-yard line or closer. It means there’s a good chance that the offense is going to score soon. And no, the players can’t see the red part either…nor can those sitting in the stands.

3. TRUE OR FALSE START? A false start is when a member of the offense moves before the play actually starts. Offsides is when a player on the defense moves before the play starts.

4. DOWN BUT NOT OUT. Say you hear the announcer say that it’s “2nd and 10.” This means that it’s the second down and the offense has 10 yards to go in order to get a first down. There are four downs in total, so if it’s 4th and 10, the offense will probably punt the ball. If it’s 4th and inches, they might go for the first down. The risk is that if they don’t get it, the other team gets the ball right then and there.

5. FLAG ON THE PLAY. A yellow flag on the play indicates that the referee is calling a foul on the play. We all have to wait on the edge of our seats to find out which player did what and when. If you see the coaches throw down a red flag, this is called a “coach’s challenge,” and it means that the team charged with the foul disagrees with the ref’s call. If the coach tosses a red flag, the play is reviewed by the refs and if they reverse it — great: All is fine and the team is happy! If the play is reviewed and not reversed, the team that threw the red flag is charged with a time-out. Keep in mind that coaches can only throw a red flag in the first 28 minutes of each half. (In the last two minutes of each half, any questionable plays are automatically reviewed by the refs.)

OFF THE FIELD

1. PLAY TO THE CROWD. If you’re at a bar or tailgate with a group of die-hard fans, now is not the time to ask questions like: “What does ‘FG attempt’ mean?” or “Can they see that yellow line on the field?” But the beginning of the season is the perfect time to sit back, have fun, and enjoy the pomp and circumstance of the NFL. Commit to watching this season and absorb all of the drama.

2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Take a few minutes to do some quick preseason homework. Check out the usual suspects for all of the nation’s sports headlines. There are also great sites that focus on other elements of sports, besides stats. Visit gogameface.com or femmefan.com.  They all cover sports from a girl’s-eye view. Plus, the NFL puts on “Football 101: Workshops for Women” in cities all over the country.

3. FANTASY ISLAND. Try joining a You Pick ‘Em or Salary Cap fantasy league.    They provide a fun, not-too-time-consuming way to get involved and stay on top of the games every weekend. Apparently a company “I do business with” has a fantasy league, but girl’s aren’t allowed.  I find that rude and unbecoming”.

4. PREGAME FESTIVITIES. If you like entertaining as much as I do, make Sundays a regular gathering for you and your football-loving friends. Plan some fun pregame festivities, like a Madden video game tournament, or create your own temporary tattoos that declare your love of your team (or disdain toward the opposing team). For your game-day menu, go beyond chili and wings and create a menu inspired by the city your team is playing. Philly cheesesteaks…Chicago deep-dish pizza…Dallas BBQ…New Orleans muffulettas. You’ll bring a whole new meaning to “devouring the competition”!  My friend Donna has a Super Bowl party each year, and serves foods from each city playing in the big game!  Here’s a copy of the article featuring her as Cook of the Week!

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120123/entlife/701239857/

5. SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS. Many people think that women love anything pink. Even pink jerseys. Me? I prefer to wear my team’s true colors. If you love pink, go for it. But if you don’t, look for cute, sporty clothes like Alyssa Milano’s Touch collection, NFL’s line with Reebok, or 5th & Ocean vintage tees…or some small indie spots with cute apparel, like Football Chicks Are Hot or perhaps our “I Watch Sports Like a Girl” tees. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to wear your heart — and your team spirit — on your sleeve!

As I’ve mentioned before, but it Bears repeating (pun intended)…I don’t wear football jersey’s (or any jersey’s for that matter), as I don’t like looking like a Linebacker (no offense to Brian Urlacher)…and I have yet to find one that is even remotely flattering, so I like to wear my team colors.  Blue and Orange.  Here are some cute outfits, in navy, orange, but not necessarily together, that could be good options.

Go Bears !

Navy twin set with white jeans

I actually wore something very similar to this last year, with either a white scoop neck tee, or a white blouse…but I also was rockin’ the cheetah flats.

The above dress should be worn to a Pre Season game, with metallic flip flops…not strappy pumps!

These almost look like Dockers…I may pair this orange sweater with a pair of jeans or walking shorts (weather permitting, of course).

These shoes, while darling, are NOT appropriate to wear to a Bears game…

Have a Fantastic Weekend…And Go Bronco’s!!

Patrick is #15.

xoxo,

T.

Related Posts:

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/are-you-ready-for-some-fashion-for-the-guys/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/bears-ballyhoo/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/09/10/are-you-ready-for-some-football-2/

Related articles

• Are You Ready for Some Football? (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)
• Why Jay Cutler’s Immaturity Is Chicago Bears’ Greatest Obstacle in Title Quest (bleacherreport.com)

Jay Cutler needs a Life Coach

Since this week commenced the arrival of my Bears season tickets (though we still don’t know if there will be an NFL season) I thought I would make a few comments regarding our “illustrious” QB.

I have spent way too much time defending Jay Cutler…and quite frankly, I’ve never met the man.  I think he’s a good quarterback.  Make that a great quarterback.  And based on this magazine cover, he is, indeed, Stylish!  But does he have a bubbly personality, that can win over the masses, I think not.  Does he have the smile, and charm of Walter Payton?  Nope.  Does he have the outward  passion of Brian Urlacher?  Don’t think so.  But, I think he plays with his heart, and his head…but, to the city of Chicago, he hasn’t won them over…yet.  Of course we want a winning season, and that’s what is most important (again, if there will even Be a season this year, but we are close)…but I truly believe Jay Cutler would be a whole lot happier, and a lot better quarterback if he played in a city that was able to embrace him, and he in turn would embrace the greatest city in the world.

So, my suggestion, is he needs a Life Coach.  Actually, I think  most professional athletes need a life coach, financial planner, and a minister, or priest, and their Mothers  to keep them on the straight and narrow.  I’m tired of the  immoral, unruly behavior by these new mega-millionaires…But let’s concentrate on Jay for now.  And as my friend Cinda says, and I get my best material from her, “If you are gonna be somebody’s Life Coach, you’d best have your own life in order”!  For the record, I didn’t indicate I should be his life coach, I just said he needs one.   Though I am quite certain that Cinda was offering me up for the job.

A Life coach would tell him he needs to develop a personality.  Think Jim McMahon!  That Punky QB was chock-full of personality.  He not only played with Heart…but Showed Heart.  The city of Chicago loved him.  The city of Chicago could love Jay Cutler…but Mr. Cutler needs to give the city a reason to.  He doesn’t have to win a Superbowl to get our fair city to embrace him.  He needs to show us he has a personality, and cares about us.  If he does that, We will also care about him.

In press conferences he needs to lose the arrogant attitude.  He needs to smile more (and not only for magazine covers).  He needs to embrace and cheer his team while on the sidelines (no need to bring up that game again).  He needs to show his personality on TV and in newspaper interviews, not just when he mugs for Magazine covers.    He needs to act as a gentleman, and a role model to his young fans (and not so young fans).  And yes, he is indeed a role model, so he needs to act like one.

Easy.  And not easier said then done.  He can do this!  We’ve seen him smile, it just doesn’t happen that often.  Someone…and I am recommending a Life Coach, needs to sit that young man down and explain his behavior, and lack of personality has had a negative effect on the way  the city of Chicago views him.  Chicagoans are the greatest people in the world.  We want to love our quarterback.  I mean, we still love the Cubs!  I rest my case.

Come on Jay…make the call.  Huddle with your advisors, and make a change.    The city of Chicago would just Love to Love you!

xoxo,

T.

p.s.  Go Bears!

The Agony of Da-feat

It was a Heartbreaking loss.  Packers 21 – Bears 14.  The week leading up to the game was magical.  Everyone was in the spirit of the game.  It made you proud to be a Chicagoan.   Proud to be a Bears fan.   All the way up till 2:05PM cst on Sunday.  Then it got ugly…and stayed ugly till the 3rd quarter.  But, alas, it was too late.   Not sure what happened, but I truly felt heartbroken.  Crushing loss.  We left before the presentation of the George Halas trophy on our own field.  A girl has her limits.  Thankfully the empty feeling gets better each day.  I should be good by opening day in September!

I am fortunate to have 4,  1st row seats on the 35-yard line.  My seats rock.    Apparently a Packers fan also thought they rocked and put his money where his cheesehead was.   $10,000 to be exact.  The address I was instructed  to send the tickets, Menoqua, WI.  I couldn’t do it.  I could not have 4 Greenbay fans sitting in my seats.  So, I made an executive and clearly appropriate decision and decided to go to the game.  Which, truth be told,  was always the plan, based on a mistake I made in January 2007.  Plus, a friend told me I needed to go to the game, as there are some things worth more than $$$ and I listen to my friends.

Four years ago for the Seahawks v Bears game for the 2006 season, Patrick, and 2 of my brothers , Luke and David went to that game.  It was another magical game.  The game went into overtime, the Bears Won,  Patrick and I were on TV, and we stopped at McDonald’s where Luke treated us to double cheeseburgers and shakes.  The day could NOT have gotten any better…when I woke up the next morning, I had forgotten I had listed my tickets on StubHub, and received this email, “Congratulations, your 4 tickets have sold for $8,000″.  I was giddy with excitement over the new-found influx of cash, but didn’t know how to tell Patrick we were not going to the NFC Championship game vs. New Orleans.    He handled it like a trooper, though not sure Luke and David did.    I knew not to make that mistake again.  Here are pictures from the Seahawks game in 2007:

4 Bears v Packers tickets — Face value $800

Offer from a  Greenbay Packer fan  in Menoqua , WI – $10,000

Not letting 4 Greenbay Fans  sit in my seats - PRICELESS

So, yes, I truly am a die-hard Bears fan, and am so sad the Bears season is over…and we only have one more football game left this season.  But, we need to cheer on our NFC team, the Packers…and don’t worry, I won’t post Packer Facebook posts, won’t post cute Packer v Steelers jokes, won’t sport a Rodgers jersey…but know we want our NFC rival to beat the Steelers.  Ben Roethlisberger is a “scoundrel”.    He’s a talented quarterback, but not sure he’s a really good guy…the jury is out.

Go Pack!   (Sharon and Ali, this is for you).

UGH!

xoxo

T.

I received this “humorous” photo from my brother-in-law Bruce.  He indicated “Jay Cutler’s knee looks pretty good here”.  The controversy over Jay Cutler’s injury has not helped the post-bears blues this week.   Jay Cutler was hurt.  He did not quit.  I think he was lambasted for no reason, and the professional football players who attacked him, without knowing the extent of his injuries, are a bunch of hooligans.  But since I’m an equal opportunity blogger, I thought I’d share this photo.   And I did not lose a bet either. 

 

Next week back to Syle blogs…thank goodness

Catching Bears Fever

In this cold and flu season, Bears Fever is the Only fever you want to catch.  You cannot help but catch this illness.  All the Chicago-TV news and newspapers are about our beloved Bears.  I love it…every last story.  Every last Bears flag flying on a car.  Every Facebook post and joke.  Every person sporting their Bear’s jerseys all week long.  The lions at the Aart Institute wearing the Bears scarves and helmets. 

This Fever is infectious.  I want Everyone to catch it…Here are some of my favorites:

Disclaimer…not caring for the word su*k above, but I think it’s really funny.

While mall-walking with my friend Carol this week (please keep your judgement to yourself…it’s really, really cold outside), I loved all the stores who also got into the spirit of the Bears. 

Michael Kors displaying Only blue and orange handbags in the windows:

Mrs. Field’s prominently displaying a Chicago Bears Football Field Cookie:

I was also surprised how many stores did Not get into the spirit… there were sporting goods stores (Nike), which had nary a mention of the Bears…even if most NFL apparel is Reebok, they can show a Bears jersey under a Nike jacket.  Jewelry stores should have displayed some bling on a Bears Jersey, and other clothing stores should have put Bears helmets on the mannequins.  Book Stores should feature books about Chicago Bears Players or past teams.  At the very least a store window could certainly feature Blue and Orange items, or a Chicago Bear stuffed animal or football.     I think it’s a missed marketing opportunity…but that’s just me, a girl who lives/loves to shop.  Plus, as my friend Carol noted , I am a  ”business woman”  that knows capitalizing on a town’s beloved team gets attention.   30% of the people at the game are women and most of my friends watch all the games.  Yeah, I’m sure the marketers out there wouldn’t want to market to any of my friends.

and I mean, I really can’t!

What do Mike Ditka, Phil Jackson, Ozzie Guillen, and Joel Quenneville all have in common, other than 4 world championships?  Yup…they All sport Mustaches…I think it’s time for Love to grow one himself!

Go Bears!

xoxo

T.

As posted on Facebook this week:

Q. What do you call 47 people sitting around a TV watching the Super Bowl?
A. The Green Bay Packers

Here’s hoping..and if this link of Jim Cornelison, singing the National Anthem at last weekend’s game,  doesn’t send chills up your spine, you’re Not an American…and Not a Bears fan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgDyip44TZo

Bears Ballyhoo

It seems all of Chicago is talking about the Chicago Bears and their “unstylish” play on Sunday against the Washington Redskins.  I was at the game, and I must say, it wasn’t their finest game…may have been one of the worst I have Ever seen.  So, in keeping with the theme of the week, I thought I’d add an extra blog about some of my adventures (or misadventures) while attending the Bears games.  They may not always play well, but I always have some good stories to share. 

As many have come to realize, it’s no secret that I’m a Chicago Bears fan.  Even when they are playing lousy, I’m still a fan. ( And on a brief baseball note, people Always ask me…Are you a Cubs fan, or a White Sox fan…and I always respond…I root for chicago, but angle towards the Cubs).  Back to the Bears…I may not like the way they’re playing, but I do try to look on the bright side of things…and the bright side of things will be some of the shenanigans that have occurred this year.   

1.  While attending the game with Patrick and 2 friends, one of my friends got 2 bags of Popcorn, the combo caramel/cheese kind, from Nuts on Clark.  To be shared by 4 of us.  The bag was Dripping in grease.  Loved it.  My friend (let’s call her “Carla”)  was indulging a bit (her words) , and the guy behind us (who was rather unbecoming and a jerk) told her, “You’re eating that popcorn like you’re on your way to the chair”.  She asked, “electrical chair?”, and he said, “Yup”.  She was not happy and told me that was a “life-changing comment”.   Good news is we still had a blast.  Bad news is the Bears lost.

2. While waiting in line to get the bus to our parking garage, the “gentleman” behind me commented on my cheetah-print flats, which was paired with my boyfriend-ripped jeans, my Bears studded t-shirt (from my friend Cathy), white t-shirt underneath, and Kate Spade backpack.  He was giving me a hard time re: my choice of footwear.  (He probably should have commented on my poor choice of jeans…as women my age shouldn’t be wearing “boyfriend-ripped jeans).    We bantered a bit (he may have been over served, I was not).  He argued that I haven’t been to near as many games as he has.  I told him I’ve been a season ticket holder for 10+ years, then may have boasted about my 1st row seats  (not My finest hour)… and he said, and this will be plastered on my tombstone, “What are you, all of 32?”.  Good news he thought I was 32.  Bad news the Bears Lost.  Excellent Day!

3.  Pam Oliver is a Fox Sportscaster, and has my dream job.  She’s beautiful, intelligent, well-spoken, knows the game, but, I must say, she is  the Worst Dresser.  Now, we know I’m not into dissing what others wear, but when the guys Behind me are commenting on her “b**t” (their term was more crass), ill-fitting jeans (and they were actually grey), and poor choice of jacket, then it’s a problem.  A big problem.   The outfit didn’t fit, and was unattractive.  Perhaps she didn’t realize she’d be on TV?    She needs to comment on the game, not allow her appearance to become part of the sport (or unsportsmanlike conduct) .  She must make decent money, and my suggestion is she needs a stylist.   A good one. 

4.  I guess I have a resemblance to Trisha Yearwood.  I don’t see it, but apparently many people do.  Three times at Bears games, I have been asked for my autograph…The first time, I was sitting in my seat, and a guy came down, kneeled down next to me in the aisle, and said, “My wife is a Huge fan…can I have your autograph”.  I smiled, and shook my head No.  I wasn’t sure what was happening, and thought maybe someone was playing a joke on me.  He never said anything about Trisha Yearwood.  When he left, I heard the people behind me say, “that’s Trisha Yearwood”…and the other guy said, “No, it’s the girl from Wings”.  I am neither.  2 weeks ago, when heading up the stairs to the restroom, a woman grabbed my arm, smiled and said, “OMG…you’re Trisha Yearwood”…Nope.    You get the idea…this is a picture of Trisha Yearwood…and in trying to show myself in the best possible light  (as most 32-year olds do ), I did choose the best picture of her I could find through google, and one in which she looks “thin”.

5.  My last point is restroom Etiquette at Soldier Field.  This happened last December in one of those 15 degree days…a bathroom attendant thought it a good idea to have all the women come INTO the bathroom, squeeze in, and not have to form a line out of the door.  She thought 2 lines would do the trick.  The only problem is one side has 10 stalls, the other had 4…so , the people on the left were moving more than twice as quick as the line on the left…and the people coming into the door, were taking the stalls near the open door.  The women waiting in line were NOT happy…So, I took matters into my own hands, approached the bathroom attendant, congratulated her for thinking “outside the box” (I don’t like that term, but it works here ), and told her I was with the Bears organization and had been called to investigate the problem with this bathroom.  While we appreciate the initiative, it clearly is not working.    She acquiesced to me, and allowed women to wait in line like we have done for years.  The women in the restroom were giving me high-fives and a whole lot of “atta girls”…Good news is the women were able to take care of business.  The bad news is the Bears did not.  They lost.

6. Actually, there are indeed 6… after the Bears lost to the Redskins on Sunday (boo)… Cutler appeared at the post game press conference.  He was wearing a cowboy-style plaid shirt (not His finest choice).  The announcer said, “I guess he didn’t realize he’d have to speak at the post game conference, based on his choice of shirt”.  See…everyone notices what everyone else is wearing! 

“When his wife asked him to change clothes to meet the German Ambassador: If they want to see me, here I am. If they want to see my clothes, open my closet and show them my suits.”
Albert Einstein

I guess Cutler is on to something.  Though he does clean up pretty well.

And, as always…Go Bears! 

xo

T.

Are you ready for some football?

I am so excited and not because it’s September and my anniversary, birthday and Meredith’s birthday all happen to be in this month (although those events are fabulous as well), I am giddy because it’s football season. True football season, not pre-season, not training, but good ole Chicago Bears football. I love football! Which ponders the question, what’s a girl to wear?

While knowing what to wear on a daily basis comes more naturally, I don’t think it’s as easy when attending a football game. Now we are speaking of attending an NFL game not Patrick’s 8th grade football game – I think I have that dress code covered, which is whatever I choose to wear that day.

So… NFL Attire. Well, I am not a girl who wears football jerseys. So many girls (and most guys) and women can wear them, and look great. I look like a linebacker, which, let’s face it, is never the look one should be going for. Mer and Patrick look adorable, as referenced by this photo…but this was a few years back when the Bears were actually a “contender” and it was fashionable to have a huge giant blow up of a Chicago Bear in front of my house.

So, when attending your team’s football game (or even watching with family and friends), these are some basic guidelines…now, I don’t always follow these guidelines, as I’ve been known to march to the beat of own drummer, but again, some good basic guidelines:

1. Wear your Team’s colors – Love the Chicago Bears, but not digging the team colors of Blue and Orange. Why can’t they be Red and Black like the Arizona Cardinals, or Atlanta Falcons?! I have a plethora of items in my repertoire to choose from in the red or black palette…not so much in the blue and orange range. But, I do have navy and orange sweaters, or a navy and white twin set . So jeans and a white turtleneck and navy sweater or an orange sweater , suit me just fine. Or, a zebra print top may have been seen at a Bears pre-season game. It appears I forgot about Rule #1…Wear your Team’s colors.

2. Must wear comfortable shoes. I love my friend Kathy, but when I picked her up to attend a game, and this is true, she was wearing a pair of cheetah-print mules. In December! It was around 15 degrees and I was wearing Ugg Boots. I ridiculed her enough that she changed to a pair of cheetah print flats. At least her heel was not exposed, and she looked darling. NFL stadiums are big, really big and chances are your parking is really far away, so you will be walking. You must wear comfortable shoes. In Chicago in winter, you have to wear boots.

3. Your purse – there are very specific rules re: the size of the handbag you can take into a game. Leave the Hermes Birkin bag at home ( and in a safe, as I hear they are really expensive). I have a small, Kate Spade, black backpack, which works great. It’s small, made of nylon, doesn’t mind getting wet or snowed on and is user-friendly. Plus, you never know when you are going to get Field Passes and it also holds a small camera!

4. Face Painting. HaHaHa. Not me, but for my 13-year old son or my friend Carol’s son, who was probably 14 at the time, it was terrific! Plus, it usually attracts the TV camera’s…another plus if your face is painted, and you aren’t wearing a shirt. Men only please.

5. Wear sunglasses, because even in the winter, the sun can be brutal. Some may choose to wears a Bears hat, but for me, a hat is an all day decision and rarely do I ever make that decision, so I stick with sunglasses.

6. And in the Dead of Winter, when it’s freezing cold, bundle up, throw on a heavy scarf (or My Shawl) and throw caution to the wind! Note to self, that coat is Not Slimming.

This season I am going to make a concerted effort to sport Blue and Orange, and hopefully will be able to blog about it at a later date when I’m at the Super Bowl for the Bears game! And, oh Happy Day…I have just the right jacket to wear to Sunday’s Opener! You won’t miss me. I figured there were enough photos of me in this blog, so will post just the jacket and not Terry in it.

xoxo

Go Bears!

T.