Tailgate Clothing + Boat House Apparel = One Epic Pop Up Shop

Some of you are new to our store, and some of you are seasoned veterans, no matter which category you fall in to, you are invited to our pop up shop with Boat House Apparel this Thursday and Friday!

Boat House Apparel is a high-quality brand inspired by life along Lake Okoboji, but that's not all! They make all sorts of adorable tees and tanks, but we're most excited about are the University of Iowa graphics the brand is showcasing in the store! 

Boat House Apparel will be popping up in store from 6-8 on Thursday and from 10-6 on Friday! One of the graphics that will be available is this sweet Iowa graphic that can get you through all of the seasons! For the warm weather, throw it with a pair of shorts and flip-flops, and when it gets chilly layer it up with a jacket and jeans. This simplistic tee is cute as can be, so grab it while you can!

Hey, you're a babe! You know it, we know it, and the rest of the world can see it. What's more important though is making sure they know you're a Hawkeye Babe, because is there anything better? We don't think so!

Sometimes we all need a little reminder to remain happy and positive, especially when we have midterms that keep popping up! What better reminder than this tee? It'll keep a smile on your face and remind you that negativity is not allowed!

Could it really be called Boat House Apparel without at least one anchor graphic? We love it, don't you? And though it's hard to read, the print at the bottom of the anchor says "always smooth sailing." How cute is that?

And after you fall in love with this brand, just like we have, you won't be able to pass up this graphic. It's a Boat House classic you need in your closet!

We are so excited to be partnering with Boat House Apparel for the second year in a row! These sweet graphics are only here Thursday and Friday, so catch one while you can! Can't wait to see you there!

10 Things To Do Before Summer Ends

While summer is coming to a close there is still plenty of time to check off items on your Summer Bucket List. Everyday is a weekend in the summer! This is the time to live it up before the summer ends and we resume our normal lives as Iowa City fills back in with students, work begins again at full speed, and classes resume. Just in case you thought your summer was seeming a little empty, here are ten things you must do in the last month of your summer vacation.

10. Hit Up A Festival

Festivals are a great way to spend your day In Iowa City. What's better than cute little vendors and greasy food? Festivals scream summer! Not only is there great food and drinks, but live music as well, and you just can't beat that! So make sure to reserve one day of your summer to hit up a festival, where you can walk around with a strawberry daiquiri, eat a funnel  cake, and enjoy the live music and everything the IC vendors have to offer.

9. Grab Your S'well and Soak Up the Sun

If you can make it to a beach, we are all very jealous of you, but if you can't, there's no reason you can't still work on your tan! Grab a beach towel, something to read, a pair of sandals, a few of your besties, and don't forget your trusty S'well bottle to keep your drink cold, then head to the Pentacrest, or even your back yard, to catch some rays. Even if you can't go anywhere tropical, you can still look like you did!

8. Crack Open a Beer on Your Porch

Make it a party, or just a low key night with the cutie next door! There's nothing more relaxing than spending the day drinking a few craft beers from good ol' Dirty John's Grocery and laughing about "that one time freshman year" with your friends before life goes back to textbooks and lectures. 

7. Play Frisbee in The Park

Do you remember the last time you played frisbee? If you can't recall, then it has been way too long, which means you need to gather up your crew and head somewhere with plenty of green space. It can keep you all entertained for hours, and what's more fun than a day out playing around? Extra points to the team who can carry their team mate on their shoulders and still catch the frisbee.

6. Try a Moscow Mule

There's a reason these bad boys have become so popular, they're super yummy! The drink and the copper mugs they're served in have become a staple for summer. This ginger beer is mixed with vodka and lime juice and garnished with lemon to make it the perfect drink for summer. The copper mug, while being super stylish, also keeps your drink nice and cold even in the summer heat!

5. Dance, Baby, Dance

Did you know that an hour of dancing burns roughly 400 calories? There's no way more fun to get in shape to see all of your friends and that guy from math lecture who you want to make jealous. So put on your dancing shoes and head to the studio, or if you have two left feet, have a few more Moscow Mules! If you drink enough of them surely you'll gain some skills for the club!

4. Buy Some New Kicks

If you live in Iowa City odds are you walk almost everywhere. From class to class during the week or bar to bar on the weekends, you need a new pair of shoes to replace the ones you practically wore through last year. P.F. Flyers are the perfect city shoe, and we've got them here for you at Tailgate (men's and women's sizes available)! Not only are they extremely trendy and stylish, but they make it feel like you're walking on clouds!

3. Do a Photo Shoot With Your Friends

Ever dreamed about being a model? Well, who says you can't be? Grab your phone and some friends and do a mini Iowa City photo shoot! There are so many great spots in Iowa City to take pictures, and it'll be a blast! Plus, there's bound to be some great shots to spice up your Instagram and make your followers that don't go to Iowa wish they did!

2. Patio Hop With Friends

Summer is prime patio hoping time, and since summer is almost over, now is your time to jump from one patio to the next enjoying the cold mixed drinks and beers and late nights with friends! Cheers to the summer!

1. Stop In To See Us!

Lastly, remember to pop in and see us before the year starts so we can make sure you're dressed for success! We've got all your school essentials right here at Tailgate! Sick shoes, awesome S'well Bottles, and t-shirts so soft you won't be able to pass them up. The best part about heading back to school is shopping for new school threads, and we've got tons of new graphics for you this school year! From classes to tailgates, we have the apparel you need to make a statement this year!

Have a Great Summer Hawkeyes!

The Art of Sporty Chic

Headed to the big game? Make sure you look game day ready with the help of Tailgate! The sporty chic look can be hard to master, but with the help of your girls here at Tailgate, we'll help you nail your March Madness look!

Our first tip is to pick out a cute oversized tee! This old school Iowa basketball tee will make you the girl to look to for fashion inspiration. The vintage look is in, but to bring this retro tee to date pair it with a some vegan leather leggings!

The key to making any sporty chic outfit actually look chic is to accessorize! Everything from your head to your toes matter with this look, so bring on the bling! Layer a few necklaces of different lengths to add some girly to your sporty look. A trendy arm cuff on one arm and a large faced watch and bracelet on the other makes for some seriously cute arm candy! Timberland boots really help tie this look together and keep those toes safe from any stray basketballs or wild fans jumping around! Finish this look off by throwing on your favorite beanie and cutest pair of aviators!

Then you're game day ready! Go Hawks!

Mastering the Staycation, Tailgate Style

So you didn't get to hit up the Caribbean this spring break, huh? Stuck in Iowa City? No worries, here at Tailgate we're here to help you master the art of a staycation in style. Instead of being bummed that your besties are working on their tan in a bikini, you get to relax and take the week off in IC, and really, is there anything better than that? We may not have beaches or or sand volleyball, but there are a few things to do this spring break, so long as you do them in your Tailgate best of course!

Your first stop, needs to be Tailgate! Where else would you go for your spring break essentials? Just like you, we're spending our spring break in Iowa City, and we're here to help you get your look just right for your staycation!

Once you're staycation ready, it's time to hit up the Pentacrest when it's not crawling with students! Take the time to enjoy the scenery of Iowa City without rushing off to class or work, we think you'll find it's quite beautiful. Sometimes it's hard to remember that Iowa City has such a historic feeling when we're all running late and trying to make it to lecture on time or to the coffee shop before our shift at work. So use spring break to embrace this amazing town we live in! And look cute doing it!

Next up is rubbing that big brain for some luck in your life! The legend in IC says that "The Brain" gives students the luck they need to ace their classes, and after midterms the last couple weeks, most of us could probably use that bit of luck! The brain is a great place to relax and pull out that book you haven't had time to read yet. You never know who you might see though, so you have to look fashion forward!

Lastly, dance like no one's watching... Because no one is! Your roommate is off soaking up the sun in Cancun, which means this is your time to be sing like you're the winner of The Voice and dance like you should be on Dancing With the Stars! Get on top of that vanity to showcase your moves, and for the extra feeling of confidence do it in your cutest Tailgate tee and Iowa apparel. It's spring break! There's no rules!

So there you have it! How to do the staycation right right here in good old Iowa City! Don't forget to stop in and visit us here at Tailgate so we can help you make this staycation a memorable one!

Spring into Casual Comfort at Tailgate

Spring is right around the corner in Iowa City, and we are ready as ever here at Tailgate! We've got the latest spring trends ready to wear, to offer you the cutest Hawkeye gear in all of IC. Every year the trends change, your wardrobe from last year never seems to make the new year cut, don't fear though, Tailgate's got you covered! This season we're seeing casual trends meet comfort, making this spring the spring of casual comfort that we've all been hoping for.

Flannel is in. It has been slowly making it's way in to the fashion scene, and we're predicting it to only become more popular from here. An over sized flannel offers so much, it's comfortable, loose fitting, and as fashionable as can be. By simply throwing on an over-sized flannel on top of an over sized Hawkeye tank, your spring look is comfy and as trendy as can be, and shows off your Iowa Hawkeye pride!

So, flannel isn't your thing? No worries, you can still be just as trendy and cozy this spring season. An over-sized raglan sleeve top will do the trick! Tie a hooded sweatshirt around your waist for added trendiness, and for the added benefit that if it gets chilly you have a way to keep warm. Complete your look with a pair of PF Flyers, the most comfortable shoes for spring, and you're all set for the day!

Spring is almost here, and we've got the looks that will keep you looking casual, trendy, and cute, while keeping your comfort in mind! How can you go wrong?

Mama Mandolin and the Kiddos for Tailgate Clothing

 Blogger Mama Mandolin, as well as her little kiddies, have been spotted representing Tailgate Clothing! In case you haven't heard of Mama Mandolin, she is a lifestyle blogger who lets her creativity shine through with her stylish fashion sense, her children's adorable outfits, and other day to day activities. Recently Mandey and her little munchkins modeled, very well, some of our Tailgate apparel. Spring is right around the corner (at least we hope!) which means it's time to start styling our wardrobe as such. With the help of Mama Mandolin and her kids, Isaiah and Julian, we get a taste of spring, Tailgate edition.

First up, Mama Mandolin herself showing off our "College" t-shirt. She pairs this navy blue shirt with a red, white, and blue plaid top, a pair of skinny jeans, a pair of super cute light brown ankle boots, and a little knit beanie. This is an ideal outfit for spring, when it's not quite warm enough for shorts and bare arms!

Next up, we have adorable little Isaiah! He's showing off his American pride with our "American Peace" t-shirt from Tailgate. He's paired it with a very cute jean jacket, and a pair of cargo khakis. This is a great look for the little ones in spring, it's casual enough for a trip to the playground or grocery shopping with mommy, but still as adorable as can be.

The last little kiddo representing Tailgate today would be the darling Julian (he's the one on the right)! Julian is looking super comfy in Tailgate's "Darth Vader Iowa" t-shirt with a pair of gray sweats for a relaxing movie night. This goes to show how versatile our t-shirts are, they're great for everything from a day out to lounging around.

To check out Mama Mandolin's blog click on the link below!

http://mamamandolin.blogspot.com/

An Introduction...

As the first Tailgate store front to be created right here in Iowa City, we are very proud of where we came from and how we came to be. What started as a father and son sharing their passion for collegiate sports with others turned into something that we not only are proud to call our career, but something that we too are passionate about.

Tailgate started with a man named Dennis Snyder, an engineer from Ames, Iowa, and his son Todd Snyder. At first it was just a hobby, a way for them to bond; making t-shirts for sports fans and selling them out of the back of a car during games. Soon though, the idea of collegiate sports fans selling t-shirts to other collegiate sports fans turned into a bigger idea, an idea of being together and sharing similar interests. Todd's passion for the company is how Tailgate got to where we are today. The goal of simply creating college sportswear for other like-minded people turned into a passion of creating clothing that shows off the story of America through its prolific icons.

Todd always dreamed of opening a Tailgate store, but he never thought it would truly be a reality, that is until Nate Kaeding, a former Iowa football player who went on to play in the NFL, ran the idea past Todd. Together, with Nate's know how behind the venture and Todd's designs, Tailgate was opened in July of 2014.

As part of the Tailgate community we are proud of how far our team has come. Getting to be a part of the adventure of a new store is an exciting and thrilling process. We want to share with you clothes that you will love to wear, just as much as we all do. With that, we want to show you just how trendy and stylish a graphic tee can be.