chicka-d

How Chicka~d Gets Ready for the Bowl Game!

Your team has had an outstanding year and has been invited to a bowl game! But what to wear? We're highlighting three bowl games to look out for and showing you how to style your chicka~d with a little help from our friends at Pinterest.

Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl

One of the newer bowl games, the Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl takes place at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL and features teams from the Big East Conference and Conference USA (unless one of the conferences does not have enough teams bowl eligible, in which case the Sun Belt Conference is eligible to send a team). This year Florida International University will face off against Marshall on December 20, 2011 at 8 PM EST on ESPN and will be the first time a Sun Belt conference team (FIU) will play. 

However, whether you're at the game or cheering from the closest big screen TV, we want to make sure you look fabulous in your chicka~d. We found this fun way to style your hair with a simple waterfall braid. Next, we chose a smoky gold eye shadow to liven any eye color and also works for an easy transition to celebrate after the win! To keep you warm while cheering for your team, we've paired our chicka~d tank dress with a knee-length black winter jacket, sheer black tights and an amazing pair of riding boots!

S.D. County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

The Poinsettia Bowl began in 2005 and is annually at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. The second-place team from the Mountain West Conference is guaranteed a spot in this bowl through the 2014 season and will face a team from the Western Atheltic Conference (WAC), provided it has enough bowl eligible teams. This year the game will take place on December 21st at 8 PM EST on ESPN and will showcase TCU and Louisianna Tech.

If you're a TCU fan, then we have the perfect outfit for you to show off your school spirit! We've paired our chicka~d fitted dress with a sequin sweater to add that touch of sparkle and festivity for the winter season. Next, we found this easy way to do a friendship bracelet with just a simple ribbon and some beads. For makeup, we suggest a deep purple eye shadow with a touch of teal as contrast. The best part yet? You can use the eye shadow mixed with a base coat to create a matching nail polish too!

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl

It is named the "Independence Bowl" after the timing of its inaugural game in 1976, the United States bicentennial year. This game takes place in Independence Stadium  in Shreveport, LA and will feature Mizzou and North Carolina. This is North Carolina's first time at the Indepence Bowl and Mizzou's third.

For the Mizzou fan in your life, we recommend adding a pattern to our chicka~d bright gold drop waist dress color such as this polka dot clutch from Anthropologie. For hair and makeup, we opted for a traditional smoky eye paired with a fishtail braid to keep your hair smooth and stylish in this cold weather! Top it all off with a cable knit scarf tied as a bow that can be worn in front or to the side for a cute, fashionable flair!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Good luck Chicka-d Teams!!! We can't wait for bowl season to start.

 

So whether you're at the game or at a party, we hope you have fun, stay safe and be fashionable as your favorite school battles for the title! In addition, congrats to all of the college seniors who have recently graduated, you're off to a great start already! For more information about chicka~d or show us your chicka~d style, be sure to "Like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest updates and more!

Chicka~d in the Heisman

Here at chicka~d, we're so excited to see our favorite teams represented in the Heisman line-up and we're bringing you everything you need to know to make your vote!

About the Heisman

Founded in 1935, The Heisman Trophy has been awarded to the most outstanding collegiate football player of the season and is the oldest of several awards in college football. It was originally called the Downtown Athletic Club trophy but was renamed after the passing of John Heisman. Heisman was a former Illinois University football player and football coach for numerous universities, most notably Georgia Tech (where he acted as the Athletic Director, football coach and baseball coach). 

The trophy itself weighs 45 pounds and is made of bronze. Sculptor, Frank Eliscu, modeled the design after his former high school classmate, Ed Smith who later received a Heisman of his own in 1985. 

The winner is determined through a series of votes casted by sports journalists, the public and previous Heisman recipients. No freshman has ever won the award. On the 72nd anniversary of the Heisman, a sophomore was given the award and would for two more years. Each year the top five finalists are invited to New York City to celebrate their accomplishments among sports professionals and previous Heisman recipients. 

Trent Richardson, Alabama

This Junior Running Back from Pensacola, FL is a force to be reckoned with. Known as a "rare combination of size, speed and elusiveness", he can run 100 meters in only 10.5 seconds (the World Record set by Usain Bolt is 9.58). The only game the Crimson Tide has lost this season was to LSU in OT but will have the chance to redeem themselves in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game in January. He is also up for The Maxwell Award for the best player of the season.

Andrew Luck, Stanford 

A long time favorite amongst voters and runner-up for the 2010 Heisman Trophy, Luck has shined throughout the season and is expected to be first round draft in the NFL next year. Only 19 of the 76 Heisman Trophy recipents have been #1 in the NFL Draft. He was named the Offensive Player of the Year in the Pac-12 (Pac-10) Conference in both 2010 and 2011. Stanford will play OSU in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in January.

Robert Griffin III, Baylor

After huge wins against Texas and Oklahoma, the spotlight has shifted to Junior Quarterback from Copperas Cove, TX, Robert Griffin III (also known by fans as RG3). Griffin is also a candidate for the Davey O'Brien Award to be presented on Thursday evening. Big 12 blog contributor, David Ubben, stated

"RG3 set the NCAA record for passing efficiency this season, putting together a statistical campaign that rivaled every other passer in college football. Only three passers threw more touchdown passes. Five threw for more yards. Four completed a higher percentage. Add it up and you get an epic season, one deserving of the honor given to college football's best quarterback, and that's without even factoring in Griffin's 644 yards rushing and nine scores." 

If RG3 is selected, he will be the first person from Baylor to receive the trophy.

Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

Known as the "Honey Badger" by fans, the Sophomore Cornerback for LSU has helped lead the team to an undefeated season. Most notably, his 92-yard punt return touchdown against Arkansas and 62-yard punt return touchdown against Georgia. Bill Cannon (1959) is the only Heisman winner from LSU, and Mathieu will be the first LSU Heisman finalist since Charles Alexander in 1977.

Montee Ball, Wisconsin

According to the New York Times, Montee Ball is the "dark horse in the stable of finalists for college football’s greatest treasure. Wisconsin’s junior running back leads the nation in rushing yards (1,759), rushing touchdowns (32) and total touchdowns (38)". He needs one more touchdown to match Barry Sanders' NCAA record. In his spare time, Ball enjoys basketball, reading and video games and is currently majoring in sociology.

To see the latest leaderboard and vote for your favorite candidate, visit http://espn.go.com/college-football/heisman11/. 

Ways to Wear It... for Every Occasion!

We love having options, who doesn't? That's why this week we want to show you how to style one of our favorite pieces (the boatneck tunic) and achieve multiple looks!

If you're looking for something comfy to study in pair the boatneck tunic with these Lulu Lemon yoga pants for a comfy look! The 95% cotton, 5% spandex blend is perfect to lounge around in and hugs any body type just right!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now it's game day and you have a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear! By combining simple wardrobe staples, you can transform our basic boatneck tunic into a trend, chic outfit! Grab your jeggings or dark wash denim and tuck them into your favorite cognac riding boots. Then, wrap a skinny leather belt around the natural waist to accentuate your figure! Don't forget to comb an anti-frizz serum through your hair before blowdrying to keep the dry winter air and static at bay! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You've just won the game and your friends are ready to celebrate, but there's no time for a wardrobe change! Tuck your tunic into a simple winter white body con skirt. Accessorize with sparkly jewelry and bags like this chunky bangle and sequin satchel! You're sure to be a show stopper wherever you are!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lady loves her options and we hope you are loving these! 

Chicka-d Wants to Hear From You & Chance to Win FREE Chicka-d!

Chicka-d has teamed up with marketing students at The University of Texas at Austin to measure merchandise performance and fashion trends in the college game day market. We'd love to hear your opinions on how to better our business!

Did we mention there's also a chance to win FREE chicka~d apparel?! So get excited and share the love! 

To take the survey and enter to win, please follow the link below or use the QR code. The more feedback we get, the better so don't forget to share the love!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=246500325408683

 

 

Football Pick of the Week: The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party

 Whether you're a Bulldog or a Gator, this weekend is sure to bring some excitement! With record-setting attendance, chicka-d is here to make sure you look your best and impress your friends with style and savvy!

Chicka-d at Gameday

Jacksonville is expected to have a high of 70 degrees (F) during the day with a 30% chance of rain on Friday, according to The Weather Channel, so be sure to bundle up in your chicka-d with a cute blazer, scarf and fall's best boots!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

History

A rivalry so strong that even the fans don't agree on when it started. Georgia counts a game played in Macon, GA in 1904 (52-0) but is not counted by Florida as they were not considered under the modern-day Florida title. However, the game they both finally agreed on as the starting point is the game held in Jacksonville, FL in 1915. Since then, Georgia has won 47 (or 46 if you're asking Florida), Florida has won 40 and there have been two ties in 1930 and 1969. The name dates back to the 1950s when Florida Times-Union sports columnist Bill Kastelz called it "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" after spotting a drunken tailgater offer a drink to a policeman.

Division of Colors

Tickets for the game are split evenly and the "home team" for the neutral site alternates from year to year. In the past, fans from each school were placed in alternating sections around the stadium to create a beachball effect but this has recently changed to a longitudinal division corresponding to the side of the field their team is on.

Stats & Facts

• The term "Run, Lindsay, Run!" was derived from the 1980 game when Georgia, ranked no. 2 at the time, was trailing behind Florida towards the end of the fourth quarter as they were pushed back to their own 8-yard line. Suddenly, QB Buck Belue threw a pass to Lindsay Scott who ran down the field to complete a 92-yard touchdown and win the game. The term comes from the radio announcer yelling "Run Lindsay!" as Georgia achieved victory.
• There is no official trophy for this game. The city of Jacksonville offered the winning team the goal posts for hopes that this would prevent fans from the storming the field but both schools declined. However, the student bodies exchange what is known as the "Okefenokee Oar", carved from a 1,000-year-old cypress tree from Okefenokee Swamp, which straddles the Florida–Georgia border. 
• As of 2009, the game generates $3.4 million in revenue and is considered one of the busiest weekends for Jacksonville local businesses, especially in The Jacksonville Landing, a riverfront plaza facing the St. Johns River. 

Whether you're at the game or watching from the tailgate, choose chicka-d for all your chic and fun game day styles! Be sure to check out chicka-d on Facebook or Twitter for the latest tips and trends for all your game day needs!

Ways to Wear It... with the Seasons!

Summer, spring, winter or fall... Every day is a day to show your school spirit! For this week's edition of "Ways to Wear It" we're showing you how to style your school's chicka-d tube top with the seasons! 

• Winter - Baby, its cold outside... but you don't have to be! Pair your top with some cute dark wash skinny jeans and an oversized cardigan. Then, add a pop of color with a fun scarf and hat to complete this winter look! In this look, we paired the chicka-d Kansas State Wildcats tube top with the Zara Cable Stitch Cardigan ($79.90) with black leggings and fun purple accessories like The Limited Bold Border Square Scarf ($32.90) and Urban Outfitters Striped Fitted Beanie ($24.00).
• Spring - An iconic pattern of spring, you can never go wrong with florals! Tuck the tube top into a skirt with a fun lace handband for a touch of feminine! To play off the fun pinks this season, we've paired the Lilly Pulitzer Anamaria Skirt ($188) with our chicka-d Kansas Jayhawks tube top!
• Summer - Best thing about this tube top? No tan lines! Pair it with some white shorts and shades for a great sunny day look! Just don't forget the sunscreen! For this seaon's look, we paired our chicka-d Baylor Bears tube top with a J Crew Multistrap belt ($55) and Iquitos Necklace from Anthropologie ($498) for a touch of boho chic to this everyday look. 
• Fall - The leaves are turning, and it's finally getting cool! Go vintage this fall with a pleated skirt and cardigan over the tube top with tribal jewelry. Here we've paired our chicka-d California Bears tube top with a rich burgundy cardigan from Forever 21 ($14.50)!

Rain, sleet, sun or snow, chicka-d is the go-to for all your game day fashion needs! Have a style tip you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Be sure to Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more chicka-d updates!

 

Ways to Wear It... for a Cause!

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer? In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're showing you how to sport your chicka-d this weekend and support finding a cure for cancer.

Pink Out Game Day!

1. From The Zoe Report, Rachel Zoe gives her top 10 best picks of products that are not only good for your wardrobe but for a cause! From these, we selected the Diptyque Roses Pink Candle ($32) a perfect way to make your room (and closet!) smell great.
2. Always on trend, Forever 21 has released a collection of pink inspired cosmetics and accessories as well as nightgowns and robes for a comfy way to a cause. Their nail polish trios ($5.80) are the perfect way to add that touch of pink to your game day outfit.
3. Sephora, one of the most popular Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns, offers limited edition pink products at an amazing price. This curling iron rod ($130) is perfect for those fun pin-curls with your game day dress!
4. The ANN Cares Necklace ($58) from Ann Taylor adds a flare to any outfit may it be a t-shirt with jeans or our v-neck halter and a skirt!
5. Susan G Komen recently released their own line of fragrances specifically for breast cancer research. This eau de parfum ($59) filled with scents of peony and rosewood will keep you smelling fresh throughout the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Know Your Body

In her latest debut in a short film on Lifetime called Five, Demi Moore spoke about breast cancer.

 “But I think that so often there is that ‘out of sight, out of mind’ feeling, like breast cancer is happening to other people, not you. Before this project came up, even I really didn’t want to pay attention. I feel that this came to me to make me pay attention.”

May it be in purchasing your favorite product for a cure, running a race, making a donation or talking with your doctor, the cure and treatment of breast cancer starts with you. To find out more about self-examination, please visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org.

 

Can't Get Enough? Other Pink Campaigns

Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Clothing Line and Card Collection

KitchenAid Cook for the Cure

Nordstrom Fits America 

Yoplait Save Lids Save Lives

1-800-Flowers Pink Ribbon Bouquet

Feline Fido Pink Ribbon Pet ID Tag

Ways to Wear It... Off the Field!

Love college? We certainly do! We're all about showing our school-spirit daily! In this edition of "ways to wear it", we're showing you how to take your favorite game day outfit and wear it anywhere. 

• With a button-down blouse -  Pair our pleated tank dress with a chic button down underneath for a fun, preppy look! 
• With a oversized tee or tank - For a boho chic look, take our maxi dress and layer an oversized tee or tank with a skinny leather belt and long-chain necklace. 
• With a cardigan - Add a touch of luxury to a game day tee with a dolman sleeve cardigan, just in time for fall! Wear it to class for a perfect conversation starter with that football player you've been crushing on!
• With a sweater - Glitz up your favorite form-fitting game day dress with a pullover crop sweater. In this look, we paired our one-shouldered dress with a sequin pullover and dark tights for a perfect go-to for a night on the town! 

From left to right: Pleated Dress with Pockets - University of Alabama, chicka-d; Kiran, Abercrombie & Fitch, $68; Maxi dress - University of Oklahoma, chicka-d; Short sleeve Textured Knit Top, Forever 21, $17.80; Tube top - University of Alabama; chicka-d; Dark star sequin popover, J Crew, $398; Asymmetrical Dress, chicka-d; Hacci Dolman Cover Up, Charlotte Russe, $19.99

 

 

 

Football Pick of the Week: Red River Rivalry

For any UT or Oklahoma fan, this weekend is a holiday in itself. What could be better than fried food, good fun and a little football? Since 1900, these two teams have met along the Red River in Dallas, TX to fight for the Golden Hat. It's considered to be one of the biggest games in the conference, since one of these teams has also won the Big 12 South title 9 out of 14 times since its formation.   

Fun Facts about the Game

Over the past 105 years the two teams have played, Oklahoma has won the Red River Rivalry 41 times and Texas has won 59 times with 5 ties in 1903 (Oct.), 1937, 1976, 1984 and 1995. Dallas was chosen as a "neutral" site since it is situated approximately halfway between Austin, Texas and Norman, Oklahoma — the locations of UT and OU, respectively. The seats for the game are split 50/50 amongst the two school with the dividing point at the 50-yard line. The winner of the Red River Rivalry takes home not just one, but three different trophies. The oldest is the Golden Hat, a bronzed ten-gallon hat, which is given to the athletic department of the winning school. The Red River Rivalry trophy, first created in 2003, is given to the student government of the winning school. And the Governor’s Trophy is exchanged by the governors of each state.^[1]

About the Texas State Fair

The Texas-OU football game has been played during the Fair every year since 1929. The first State Fair to be held in Dallas was presented at this location in 1886. Fair Park was the site of the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition which ran for six months and attracted 6 million people. An extended 31-day Fair in 1986 celebrated the Texas Sesquicentennial and drew almost 4 million visitors.^[2] Best known for the assortment of fried food, corny dogs were invented in 1942 by State Fair concessionaires Carl and Neil Fletcher. With over 200 food service locations on the grounds, it has even caught national attention with its fried, gourmet selection ranging from salsa balls to sweet tea pickles.^[3]

Our founders, both Texas alumni, were inspired in the spirit behind the game and hope to make every game day fun and fashionable. We wish both teams the best of luck this weekend and for a safe trip for all of their fans. If you're heading out to the game, we hope to see you there in your chicka-d for a chance to be featured on the next "Spotted in the Wild".

Photo: To find the game day attire featured in this graphic in a store near you, please visit www.chicka-d.com for more information. Background for photo provided by the AT&T Red River Rivalry 2011

Ways to Wear It... Patterns!

We've all seen the sea of blues, oranges and greens at the stadium or on TV. Want a sure way to stand out?  Inspired by University of Alabama's popular houndstooth wear, we're showing you how to put a little pattern into your chicka-d game day! 

• Skirt - Tuck your favorite team shirt into a striped pencil skirt, or maxi skirt as the weather gets colder to help add a touch of boho glam to a basic tee!
• Scarf - A must-have for the fall season! Choose a fun floral or animal print to add to any t-shirt and jeans to any occasion!
• Outerwear- Polka dots are back in style! Add a sweater with a retro pattern, or for those less daring, a solid color cardi with print trim to dress up your outfit and keep you warm!
• Patterned dress - Sport your favorite patterned dress and take a ribbon or cloth of your school colors and use it as a belt around the natural waist or where the seam is on the dress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(From left to right) ¹Oversized Tank Top - Mizzou, chicka-d; Seamingly Maxy, Anthropolgie, $98.00; ²V-neck Halter - University of South Florida, chicka-d; Orange/ Green Floral Scarf, World Market, $16.99; ³Ruffle Racerback Dress - University of Arkansas, chicka-d; Paley Caridan, Lilly Pulitzer, $118.00 ⁴Tube Dress - University of Alabama, chicka-d

At chicka-d, we're dedicated to making game day fun and stylish every time! We love coming up with new ways to wear our merchandise and want to hear from you too! Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on all the latest chicka-d fashions!