Press Level Perspective: Fashion With a Side of History

Working in a hockey arena at times can be chilly. Working in an historic hockey arena, at times, can be even chillier. From my previous Press Level Perspective post I mentioned that I am currently completing my graduate school practicum with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning) in “Sponsorship Services.” The Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club plays home games, practices and has their front offices located in the historic War Memorial at Oncenter, in downtown Syracuse, New York. The building opened in 1951 and has had several sport teams as tenants through the years.

For those of you familiar with the 1977 hockey comedy film Slap Shot, starring Paul Newman and Michael Ontkean, the War Memorial at Oncenter was one of the various arenas used as shooting locations for in-game action. The Syracuse arena was used as “Hyannisport” where the Hanson Brothers charge into the stands to accost a fan and are subsequently arrested.  The cult classic just celebrated its 38th birthday this past week.

Aside from the history lesson, my point is that sometimes historic buildings, especially those that house a sheet of ice, can be chilly. This ensemble is from the game on 01.23.15 vs. the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. I kept it business professional, because as an intern you have your game day responsibilities; however, in sports it’s best to “expect the unexpected.” You also never know who you may meet. This season I have met team owners, general managers, agents, scouts, and even celebrities making appearances. This outfit is a simple fitted, ribbed black knit Lauren, by Ralph Lauren dress. I paired it with opaque black tights and Coach black leather booties. For jewelry, I played up this simple dress with some “rocker” accessories. The black bead statement necklace is by Bauble Bar and I layered it with an art deco vintage necklace from the 1930s. The layering theme continues with my “arm party” – my gold watch from Nixon, gold stud bracelet by Alex and Ani, and black leather cord and gold bead bracelet from Emerson and Oliver. I completed the look with simple diamond stud earrings from a local jeweler and my purse for the night by Landau.