Football and Fashion - Blue and Burnt Orange

1. Vestique Positive Energy Dress in Royal

1. Vestique Positive Energy Dress in Burnt Orange

SEC Weekly Feature - Columbia, SC - Forever to Thee

University of South Carolina

Stadium: Williams-Brice Stadium

Colors: Garnet & Black

Nickname/Mascot: Gamecocks, Cocky, & Sir Big Spur

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Head Coach: Steve Spurrier, aka Head Ball Coach

Biggest Rival: Clemson University

Notable Alumni: George Rogers, Sterline Sharpe, Hootie & the Blowfish, Darla Moore, Ainsley Earnhardt (Fox News), Leeza Gibbons, and Amos Lee.

Where to Tailgate

The most coveted spot to tailgate in Columbia is the Cockaboose Railroad.  Cockabooses are actual converted train cabooses.  They are located less than 50 yards from the stadium.  Essentially, they are stationary RVs.

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In recent years, full condos have sprung up around the stadium.  Places like, Carolina Walk and The Gates, have grown in popularity.  They are ideal for those that get in town on Thursday and stay until Monday.  Many recent grads tailgate at the Memorial Lot.  You are bound to run into that random person you and freshman English with.  The Fairgrounds and Farmer's Market is where you will find the die-hard families and people who have been parking in the same spot for years.

The tailgating atmosphere in Columbia is not like most schools where the stadium is located on campus.  It is spread out, but it does not stop everyone from hopping from friends' tailgate to friends' tailgate.  There are several places up and down Bluff Road that fans pay for season passes to park and included in that pass is weekly entertainment and food.  Having our stadium off campus allows for such tailgating opportunities.

What's on the Table

South Carolina fans have three places they love to get food for tailgate.  They are Bernie's, Lizard's Thicket, and Maurice's BBQ.  Bojangle's is conveniently located right across from the stadium.  Platter's of chicken and ribs will line tables.  It is not uncommon for tailgate goers to throw together a big pot of lowcountry boil.  A southern tailgate is not complete without bourbon and there is always plenty flowing.

Where to Watch

The best place to watch the game when you don't have a ticket would be any bar in 5points.  Located a few blocks from campus, this area is a hot-spot for co-eds.  Within its five points, a bar for every style of co-ed can be found.  Students will be huddled in the booths around buckets of beer cheering on their Gamecocks just as fervently as if they were in attendance.  If you are looking for a more adult atmosphere, I suggest the Vista area where Carolina Ale House and Wild Wings are located.

After the Game

Salty Nut and Jake's will be packed with students and grads celebrate a Gamecock victory.  Be prepared to "Sandstorm" and to hear "2001" several times before the evening is over.  Tin Roof is the newest bar in the Vista to celebrate after a win.

Traditions

The Mighty Sound of the Southeast leads the crowd in cheers.  Throughout the day, fans will randomly yell "GAME" expecting someone to return with "COCKS."  Recently, the Gamecock faithful have adopted the techno song "Sandstorm" as their unofficial hype tune.  The entrance to "2001" has been voted one of the most exciting entrances in college football.  The favorite cheer among the fans is
"U-S-C...Goooooooo Cocks!"  During the last line of the alma mater, all students and alumni give a toast to the school.  Everyone raises their hand and form a u-shape, as though hold a cup.  It was one of my favorite traditions as a student and still is as an alumna.

We might not be a school rich in football {victory} history, but we still love to cheer on our Gamecocks with reckless abandon.  Even when we went 1-21 in 1998 & 1999, WBS was still selling out.  We were just further perfecting the art of tailgating.  The 2000s proved to be our most successful decade on the gridiron.  We are setting up for a pretty amazing ride this season, and I can't wait.

I will be attending the opener in Charlotte against the ECU Pirates.  I am ready to paint the town GARNET!!


xoxo,
Ashton

ACC Weekly Feature - Raleigh, NC - Wolfpack in the House!

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   School: North Carolina State University

Town: Raleigh, NC - Part of Tobacco Road

Head Coach: Tom O'Brien

Football Stadium: Carter-Finley

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 Mascot: Mr. and Mrs. Wuf

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 Colors: Red, White, Black

Traditions: "and it's a Wolfpack.....FIRST DOWN!", "WOLF....PACK....", Alma Mater after games, Free Expression Tunnel on main campus, BBQ and Tailgating, Walk of Champions before football games, and the Bell Tower is lit up with red lights for a variety of special occasions, including athletic victories.

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Famous Alumni: Jimmy V, Bill Cowher, Philip Rivers, Torry Holt, Jerricho Cotchery, Mario Williams, Zac Galifianakis (ok, so maybe he didn't exactly graduate and has nothing to do with football, but he's cool..)

Biggest Rival: UNC Tarheels (Go to He!! Carolina!)

Where to Stop for Food: The tailgaters that don't have double pig cookers attached to the back of their trucks go to Bojangles.  BBQ is a huge part of tailgating at NC State, our football stadium and facilities were built from hog money.

Where to Watch the Game if You Don't Have a Ticket: RV Lot, The Brickhouse on Hillsborough Street, Tobacco Road on Glenwood

Where to Party After A Win: Glenwood South, Fayetteville Street

 We are a school that loves our football program.  Good or bad we tailgate and support our team the same.  I am proud to have gone to school at such a great place and God willing, will be rocking NC State sweaters when I'm 80! 

~Jana


Starting this coming Monday, we'll be doing a weekly link-up so that everyone can share their tailgating and gameday pictures from the week before.  Get excited!!

Jack Rogers - College Colors

Belles turn to their Jacks for everything - game day to wedding day.  Jack Rogers finally decided to design sandals just for game day.  Now, a simple dress can be spiced up a bit with a pair of game day Jacks.

Alabama, Arkansas, Miss State, & South Carolina

Florida State & Boston College

Clemson, Auburn, Virginia, & Virginia Tech

Vanderbilt & Wake Forest

Auburn, Duke, Ole Miss, & Virginia

All can be purchased here

Recipe - Breakfast Casserole

photo courtesy only via

Who else dreads a noon kickoff?  One, it is so blooming hot.  Two, there is not near enough time to tailgate before the game.  Nevertheless, it means a breakfast spread complete with mimosas and bloody marys.

My last game as collegian was at noon.  We went all out for breakfast by scrambling eggs over the grill with the flat-top attachment.  I wish I had thought of this recipe to make this more simple.

Breakfast Casserole

1 lb. sage pork sausage

1 can crescent rolls

1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

5 eggs

3/4 cup milk

2 tsp. minced onions

Pinch of garlic salt

1. Fry and drain sausage

2. Place rolls flat in bottom of 9x13 pan to make crust

3. Crumble sausage, then cheese over dough

4. Mix eggs, milk, onion, and garlic salt in bowl

5. Pour mixture over cheese layer

6. Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes

The bonus for this recipe is that it can be made the night before and refrigerated.  It can be taken straight from the fridge to the oven.  By cutting out all that prep time in the morning, you have more time to stress about getting pretty.

Enjoy!

Pigskins & Pearls 101: Defense Formations

This week's addition of Pigskins & Pearls 101 will be covering the defensive side of the ball.  Defense schemes are more flexible than the offense.  The players are allowed to more around without penalty, unless they encroach into the neutral zone, where they will be flagged for offsides.  There are three main positions on defense - defensive lineman {tackles and ends}, linebackers, and defensive backs {cornerbacks, strong safety, & free safety}.  The secondary, think of it as the second line of defense, is the area where the safeties lineup.

4-3 Defense

1 & 2 - Defensive Tackles (DT)

3 & 4 - Defensive Ends (DE)

5, 6 & & - Linebackers (LB)

8 & 9 - Cornerbacks (CB)

10 - Strong Safety (SS)

11 - Free Safety (FS)

This is a basic defensive scheme.  It is termed the the 4-3, because there are four lineman and three linebackers.  It is easily be switched to a 3-4 defense by having three lineman and four linebackers.  The cornerbacks match up with the wide receivers.  The strong safety is likely to line up on the same side that the tight end lines up.  The free safety is "roaming" defender.  He is used for pass coverage and to top the runs up the middle.

You might hear the term Nickel defense.  It is called this because 5 {five cents} defensive backs are utilized.

When an opponent is heavy on the run game, the defense will look more like the 4-3 or 3-4.  If an opponent is a passing team, the defense may go to a nickel scheme.

Then, there is the blitz.  This is where the linebackers rush the offensive line rather than falling back into coverage.  They may go up the middle or around the end.  It might be a single linebacker blitz or a full blitz.

Remember, defense wins games!

Football and Fashion - Purple, Burnt Orange, Red, Black

1. Vestique Kickoff Cutie Dress in Purple

 

 1.Vestique Kickoff Cutie Dress in Burnt Orange




1. Vestique Kickoff Cutie Dress in Red




1. Vestique Kickoff Cutie Dress in Black & Red

Football and Fashion - Garnet/Maroon/Crimson

1.eShaki Cotton Dress

(Garnet, Maroon, and Crimson are technically different colors, but dresses in these colors have proven a little hard to find...)

One Week...

Belles, we are SEVEN days away from kickoff!

Who is ready!? Who is excited!? Who can't wait!?

What is your prediction for your team this season? 

Guest Post - Collegiate Wreaths

We are so excited to have our fist guest post today! When I saw these wreaths on Kelly's blog, I knew we had to feature them on here. Thanks for sharing these Kelly!


Hey Ya'll! My name is Kelly Smith and my blog LowcountrySpoiled started after years of collecting memories, ideas and southern culture of my hometown of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. I grew up with a Mom who can cook better than Paula Dean, a Dad that works harder in the yard than he does in the office, a older Sister who can make trash gorgeous in minutes and a husband who lives on our boat. I've loved sharing everything that surrounds my life making me very Lowcountry Spoiled! To me Lowcountry Spoiled is college football oyster roasts, walks on the beach with our dog any day of the week, endless marsh views on the way to work and everything in between.

Since we are just a week away from college football season my guest post will be on how you can create your own easy and affordable wreath. It's sure to be that little something unexpected to welcome your guests this football season!

Since college football season is quickly approaching I had to start on my Gamecock decorations. My outdoor decorations are in some ways more important than the indoor ones {my neighbors are a mix of Ohio, Georgia and Clemson fans...yikes}. While flags are great I wanted to have a huge wreath for our front door.  I already had a 24 inch vine wreath so the only supplies I needed where ribbon and my letters for "GO USC". I purchased wooden letters from Michael's {$1.49 each}, along with Tacky Glue and Martha Stewart's Garnet Glitter {on sale for $1.29 a jar, normally $3.99}.

If you are going to wrap the ribbon around the wreath be sure to use an odd number of colors and wrap each one in a different direction than the one before.

I used my fingers to spread the glue on each letter covering every side. The best part is Martha's glitter truly is amazing and it's doesn't take much to cover all five letters. Once they dry completely you can add them to the wreath. {Most wooden letters have a small staple in the back. I left this staple in and then ran some red thread through it so that I could tie the letters to the wreath.}

Including the glue, ribbon, glitter and letters I spent $23.70!  With just a week til kickoff, I hope you have a chance to make a wreath of your own! If you do be sure to post a photo of your College wreath and decorations on the Lowcountry Spoiled Facebook Page.

Football and Fashion - Gameday Necklaces

ASU, Boston College, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt

Georgia, Maryland, NC State

Clemson, Florida, Tennessee, Miami, Virginia, Virgina Tech

Arkansas, Maryland, NC State, Ole Miss

UNC

Maryland

ECU

Arkansas, Georgia, Maryland, NC State, Ole Miss

UNC

All necklaces and images from Vestique.com

North v. South

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We have stated before that football in the South is more like a religion than just a game.  There are some major differences between the atmosphere surrounding a Saturday in the South and a Saturday in  other parts of the country.  The following are just a few of the differences....

Women's Accessories

North: Chap-Stick in back pocket and $20 bill in the front pocket

South: Longchamp purse with two lipsticks, waterproof mascara, and a fifth of bourbon.  Money not necessary - that's what dates are for

Stadium Size

North: College football stadiums hold 20,000 people

South: High school football stadiums hold 20,000 people

Fathers

North: Expect their daughters to understand Sylvia Plath

South: Expect their daughters to understand pass interference

Campus Decor

North: Statues of founding fathers

South: Statues of Heisman trophy winners

Homecoming Queen

North: Also a physics major

South: Also Miss America

Heroes

North: Rudy Giuliani

South: The Manning Family, Bear Bryant, Steve Spurrier, and Hershel Wakler

Getting Tickets

North: 5 days before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus

South: 5 months before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus, make a large financial contribution and put name on a waiting list for tickets

Friday Classes After a Thursday Night Game

North: Students and teachers not sure they're going to the game, because they have classes on Friday

South: Teacher cancel Friday classes because they don't want to see the few hung over students that might actually make it to class.

Parking

North: An hour before game time, the University opens the campus for game parking

South: RVs sporting their school flags begin arriving on Wednesday for the weekend festivities.  The really faithful arrive on Tuesday.

Gameday

North: A few students party in the dorm and watch ESPN on TV

South: Every student wakes up, has a beer for breakfast, and rushes over to where ESPn is broadcasting "GameDay Live" to get on camera and wave tot the idiots up north who wonder why "GameDay Live" is never broadcast from their campus

Tailgating

North: Raw meat on grill, beer with lime in it, listening to local radio station with truck tailgate down.

South: 30-foot custom pig-shaped smoker fires up at dawn.

Getting to the Stadium

North: You ask "Where's the stadium?"  When you find it, you walk right in.

South: When you're near it, you'll hear it.  On gameday it is the state's third largest city.

Concessions

North: Drinks served in a paper cup, filled tot he top with soda

South: Drinks served in a plastic cup, with the home team's mascot on it, filled less than half way with coke, to ensure enough room for bourbon.

When the National anthem is Played

North: Stands are less than half full, and less than half of them stand up

South: 100,000 fans, all standing, sing along in perfect harmony

The Smell in the Air After the First Score

North: Nothing changes

South: Fireworks, Gunpowder (from the cannon in the end zone), with a touch of bourbon

Commentary (Male)

North: "Nice play."

South: "Dammit, you slow sumbitch - tackle him and break his legs."

Commentary (Female)

North: "My, this certainly is a violent sport."

South: "Dammit, you slow sumbitch - tackle him and break his legs."

Announcers

North: Neutral and paid

South: Announcer harmonizes with the crowd in the fight song, with a tear in his eye because he is so proud of his team

After the Game

North: The stadium is empty way before the game ends

South: Another rack of ribs goes on the smoker, while somebody goes to the nearest package store for more bourbon, and planning begins for next week's game

Disclaimer: We post this in pure fun and innocence.  We in no way mean to offend anyone.

Are there any other differences between Southern football and football in other parts of the country?

Football and Fashion - Navy, Orange

1. ModCloth Orange Ap-peel Dress

Football and Fashion - Purple and Gold

 

1. ModCloth Sun Come Down Top

2. Target Mossimo Flat

Football and Fashion - Blue

1. eShakti Strapless Ruffle Dress

Pigskins & Pearls 101: Offense Formations

For our first football lesson, we are going to start with the two most common offensive formations.  Even these formations have variations depending who is on the field.  There are eleven players on each side of the ball.  I am sure you know the main players - quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.  The players that get all the big accolades and headlines.  But, what about those guys on the line who get those extra yards on the goal line or those few inches when its 4th and inches.

Baisc I Formation

1. Quarterback (QB)

2. Fullback (FB)

3. Tailback (TB)

4. Center (C)

5. Right Guard (RG)

6. Left Guard (LG)

7. Right Tackle (RT)

8. Left Tackle (LT)

9. Tight End (TE)

10/11. Wide Receiver (WR)

In this formation, the quarterback is likely to hand the ball off to one of the running backs.  If he hands off to the tailback, the fullback can become an extra blocker in the backfield {the area behind the line} or out to the side.  The quarterback is directly under the center to receive the ball.  The other members of the line will have specific blocking assignments depending on the play.  The tight end is a blocker and a receiver.  He is the only player on the line that is eligible to receive a pass down field.  He will not always be in on every play, and when he is not, there will most likely be another WR on the play.

Shotgun Formation

1. QB

2. C

3. RG

4. LG

5. RT

6. LT

7. TE

8. FB

9. TB

10/11. WR

The shotgun formation can have two running backs in the backfield or one.  If there is only one, a third WR will be put on the field.  Most pass plays are ran out of the shotgun.  Some plays place as many as five receivers out wide.  This removes the TE from the line and the RBs from the backfield and "replaced" with WRs.  In the shotgun, the quarterback is not under center.  He lines up about five yards behind the center.  This allows for the quarterback more time to get the pass off.  On a pass play, the running back(s) help the line in pass protection.

We hope this helps all the Belles better understand the offensive schemes of your favorite team.

Football and Fashion - Orange, Yellow, Red

This is such a perfect dress for tailgating!

Vestique's V is For Victory Dress in Orange, Yellow, and Red

Football and Fashion - Gold and Gray



Ruche Daylight Hours Dress



Football and Fashion - Red and Black

 

1. Vestique Stately Lady Dress II

2. Vestique Stately Lady Dress 

Football andn Fashion - Garnet/Maroon/Gold

1. ModCloth You and Ikat Dress

T'was A Month Before Football

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Even though we are closer than a month to football {Thank goodness!}, we would like to share a lovely poem with y'all to express our sentiments towards football and the excitement it brings.  We apologize now for it only covering the SEC.

T'was A Month Before Football

T'was a month before football, and all through the South

Rabid fans everywhere were running their mouth.

The recruits were all arriving to show off their wares,

In hopes that playing time soon would be theirs.

The fans were nestled all snug in their beds, 

While visions of championships danced in their heads.

And Momma in her Orange, and I in my blue,

were patiently waiting for the season to ensue.

When out on the field there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet see what was the matter.
Away to my front door I flew on a rail,
Only to see a Bulldog brandishing his 'bell.

I went to the internet to find out the reason,
it seems they're hoping for a championship season.
I decided to look at the other teams' prospects,
and there I found all of the usual suspects.

While Bama fans keep claiming judgment day is near
The Auburn fans keep saying there is nothing to fear.
The Gator fans are joyfully embracing their new leader,
And Georgia fans are hoping their season don't teeter.

LSU is hoping they don't need any luck,
To get by a team of high-scoring Ducks.
While Rebel fans are just now leaving their casinos,
Hog fans are dreaming of crowning Petrino.

On Rocky Top, Bray seems to be the magical word
While Gamecocks hope to keep their opponents spurred.
Poor Vandy and Kentucky, as in seasons past,
Are just hoping their teams aren't playing for last.

And then, in an instant, I heard on the news
Everyone was picking the champion to lose.
I looked at their roster, scratching my head,
I couldn't believe what they had just said.

While across the state at that other school,
These same pundits were saying the Tide would rule.
While one school is dissed because of their losses,
The school that is picked first lost way more hosses.

That's life in this conference, I readily admit,
And what you did last year doesn't matter a bit.
Championships in this conference are hard to come by,
But repeating as champion is an even farther cry.

So now we sit and wait for the veterans to report,
And hope they are ready to hold down the fort.
Many who waited their turn on the sidelines,
Will now be hoping to become the next headline!

While injuries and suspensions can wreck someone's season,
Let's hope they stay healthy and for good reason,
For most of us this is nothing more than a game,
But for them it's their livelihood if they come up lame.

Here's hoping for a good finish to the season this year,
And may twelve SEC teams celebrate holiday cheer.
We all have our dreams of postseason glory,
But let team play and sportsmanship be the main story!

To win the crown, there's one thing to remember.
You've first got to get to that game in December.
Winning championships is what it's about,
Here's wishing every Saturday was a Saturday Down South.

poem courtesy of Saturday Down South

Football and Fashion - Purple

1.Vestique One Love in Purple