It's tough to toss out a proper sideline cheer when game-day duds are more disaster than dazzling. Don't arrive at this year's big showdown in a tired tee from seasons past. Instead, take a nod from these rah-rah options, and march to the stands in a festive ensemble sure to help clench the title for best athletic supporter.
FASHIONISTAS
UNENDING POSSIBILITIES
At Funky Monkey, 14101 N. May, school spirit comes with a large selection of high-end leisure wear ideal for tailgating or an at-home sports soiree. The women and children's store is known for its selection of Juicy Couture, and also carries selections perfect for Cowboys and Sooner fans.
Juicy Couture's trademark velour tracksuits are available in red, orange and black (in addition to other non-school specific shades), and take comfort up a notch. Pair the hoodie-pant combo with one of the store's many Glitter Gear brand college T-shirts for women, infants and toddlers.
Headquartered in Norman and found in a number of local boutiques, Glitter Gear Apparel features contemporary logos for more than 30 universities, including the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.
OSU designs feature rustic motifs and burnout Pistol Pete graphics, while OU shirts showcase the Sooner Schooner and throwback logos. A signature of the line is the Swarovski crystal accents found on every shirt the company makes.
FASHIONISTAS
Norman fashionistas are familiar with Cayman's Clothiers, 2001 W. Main, and in this designer-laden locale, the crimson and cream reign supreme. Detailed T-shirts from Queen of e.vil feature sparkly, beaded designs in OU's school colors on a thin and comfy burnout tee that's been put through the ringer to feel worn in and years older than its fresh-off-the-rack age.
Although not officially licensed team products, the long- and short-sleeve shirts feature a bright red football helmet or a foam finger-esque "No. 1" that are unmistakably collegiate.
Cayman's also carries the popular Opolis line of T-shirts created by OU grads Pat Waddell and Zac Holland. Characterized by their soft, "destroyed" shirts and vintage designs, the Sooner shirts feature faded, low-key graphics from the 1974 and 1985 football seasons. OSU fans can get in on the retro vibe as well with Opolis tees fit for a Poke, and Hurricane devotees will enjoy the University of Tulsa collection.
In addition to Cayman's, check out the line at Envy, Gil's and Allyson's Closet in Oklahoma City; Isabella's in Edmond; and Tigerlily and Butter Bean in Stillwater. Opolis shirts are available for men, women and children, with onesies for babies and adorable tees for kiddos with the same classic designs and soft, weathered materials.
Another homegrown favorite setting the college sportswear scene ablaze is Ketch the Spirit clothing company, owned by Tulsa native and OSU alum Cortney Ketchum. Remarkably girly for a school spirit ensemble, Ketch the Spirit looks include a handful of easy-to-wear tops and dresses with school logos as a prominent aspect.
Launched in early 2009, the line carries OSU and TU as a part of its growing 10-school collection. Buy the flirty frocks at Wooden Nickel, 225 S. Knoblock in Stillwater.
UNENDING POSSIBILITIES
Need something beyond a tee or tank? The possibilities for spirited gear are practically unending, with virtually any household product available with a school logo or theme.
OSU's Student Union is one of the biggest outfitters for Cowboy-themed products that run the gamut from umbrellas and car tags to cake pans and barbecue tools. Toys, dolls and blocks are available for wee ones, while balls, bags, tees and head covers suit the fanatical golf pro.
The scene is much the same at OU Authentic, 798 Asp on Campus Corner, with grill covers, garden gnomes, wind chimes and house flags only the tip of its Sooner-themed iceberg.
Other game-day options in Stillwater include For Pete's Sake, 105 S. Knoblock, with loads of apparel and gifts for reasonable change, and Chris' University Spirit, 244 S. Knoblock, that features gifty items like key rings, jewelry and mugs " in addition to basics like tees and sweatshirts.
Norman choices include the Apothem, 784 Asp, for great apparel like hats and jackets, alongside memorabilia gift items and a variety of accessories like watches, headbands and earrings, and Balfour of Norman, 792 Asp, a super stop for unusual finds like OU cruiser bikes and Sooner-themed fire pits. "Andrea Miller
