New Column, Fashion from a Press Level Perspective: Preseason Boston vs. Detroit

I’ve been asked on countless occasions, what press level is like, the experience and last of all the clothing expectations, it’s different for everyone. Photographers and camera crew tend to wear jeans, jackets and sneakers, as they are trekking all over the arena on game night. Any team or league personnel are in suits, scratched players, suits. That leaves the media core, who range from jeans or khakis and button downs to, well, suits. It’s a free for all. Obviously being a female member of the media nixes quite a few of the aforementioned clothing options.

What’s a girl to do? Get creative of course!

I was broached with the idea of featuring my media outfits this season by one of our contributors and one of our readers on two separate occasions.

“Put yourself out there Winter,” our contributor said. “Make fun of yourself, be witty, talk about press level life.”

I assure you, press level life isn’t exactly exciting. It’s viewing the game from a REALLY high vantage point and praying you don’t trip and fall to your death into a group of college guys on the balcony.

“Hey Winter,”  our reader cooed. “Why not embarrass yourself all season and post photos of your press level outfits.”

In retrospect, it probably wasn’t presented with the terminology of embarrass yourself all season. But that is how I perceived it for the first few times the suggestion was on the table. Then, I got to thinking, we have such a strong fantastic readership comprised of fashionista types, working women and females trying to break into journalism, why not chronicle my season of press level and media event outfits.

Maybe my embarrassment will give some of you ideas for your workplace attire, if nothing else a good laugh.

Warning:  I’m never one to follow trends, I love a bargain and I’ve been labeled by many to have an eclectic clothing vibe 85% of the time. I love my media job and for about 3/4 of the season, I get excited getting dressed for the game. The other quarter I’m tearing apart my closet screaming that I have nothing to wear, all the while staring at the 5 new pairs of shoes, two blouses and 4 pieces of jewelry I picked up the day before.

Last night kicked off the start of my fourth season covering the Boston Bruins, second for the Pink Puck and I’ve learned a few things along the way. In the coming season, I’ll share with you a variety of things, from the must haves in my media bag on game night, and embarrassing moments, to clothing tips that I’ve learned the hard way and probably much much more. It’s going to get personal.

For the remainder of the yet to fully face-off season, my closet is your closet, so hop along for the ride!

Preseason Boston vs. Detroit

Preseason Boston vs. Detroit

Breakdown: 

3/4 Sleeve v-neck white blouse, TJMaxx, $16
Navy Blue satin, silk blend skinny leg dress pants, JCPenny, Clearance $9.50
Brown and Gold Peep toe pumps, 5 euro on a street corner in Germany
Yellow and Gold Studded bag, Marshalls, $25 (team spirit unintended, I just love the bag!)

Upon further inspection, I realize that I look overly patriotic, thanks in part to the bright red, soon to be switched out CCM lanyard for my snazzy media pass.  USA, USA, USA!

Media Clothing Tip: Always pack a lightweight jacket or sweater. In the majority of the arenas I’ve visited, it’s been subarctic. It could be the Sahara outside, but press level will somehow manage to make you feel like you’re in Winnipeg in January with a 100% wind chill.