Fashion Game On

Local company ups the sporting apparel game offering team gear in high style

It’s hard to dress for sporting events without sacrificing style. Running Game Clothing might just have the answer to that fashion challenge.

The Houston-based company specializes in sports apparel that’s upping the fashion game for Houston Texans, Rockets, and Astros fans.

Kicking off the 2016 football season, Running Game Clothing launched its new line of game day gear this month, available now on the company’s website. “We don’t follow fashion seasons, like fall or winter. We follow sports seasons,” company co-founder Travis Drake notes.

The new collection takes its sporting roots seriously, with tank tops and jersey shirts for both men and women, brandishing slogans including “Tailgates and Touchdowns”, “Hustle Town,” and "Is It Sunday Yet?"

Throw on a T-shirt with leggings for a tailgate outing. A fitted tee under a blazer makes for casual office attire, transitioning seamlessly from daytime to game time.

Apparel is made of a high-quality, extra soft poly/cotton blend as well as an eco-friendly semi-organic poly/cotton blend, all preshrunk and made to hold up through multiple wears and washes.

Accessories include posters and caps available in a range of colors, including red, navy, and gray, with hand-stitched embroidery and mottos from “Bulls on Parade” to “The H-Town Republic.”

Running Game Clothing counts Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown, Houston Astros right fielder George Springer and pitcher Collin McHugh, and rapper Bun B amongst its fans, as well as former Texans lineman Chris Myers, who partnered with the company in 2014 on the DQ Strong line created to help raise money for Texans offensive lineman David Quessenberry in his fight against cancer.

All hailing from Houston, company founders Travis Drake, Austin Drake, Bryan Dunlap and Adam Puskorius, who is also chef and owner of Stoked Tacos & Tequila in Midtown, started Running Game Clothing in 2012. “The whole reason we got started is we got sick of going to Academy and buying a $50 Nike shirt that you don’t like but has the team logo on it,” Drake explains.

Although the entire staff pitches in, Drake, who studied graphic design at Texas State, is the creative force behind Running Game Clothing’s designs, inspired by such organizations as the NFL, MLB, and NBA. “We pull references from slogans and from what’s happening with each team. Our guys go to just about every football game and they keep their ears to the ground.”

Future plans include pieces for cooler temperatures (think hoodies and jackets) and designs for Houston Dynamo and Houston Cougars fans.

Also in the works: The company is looking to expand into the San Antonio and Dallas markets, giving Spurs and Cowboys fans something fashionable to cheer about.

Shop for items on the company’s website. Prices range from $19.99-$24.99 for apparel and $9.99-$19.99 for posters.

Chris Myers and JJ Watt wear DQ Strong shirts, created to help raise money for Texans offensive lineman David Quessenberry in his fight against cancer.

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A Clear Choice

Texas handbag brand Consuela debuts clear collection for stadium use

Photo courtesy of Consuela

These bags fashionably comply with stadium rules.

Transparency is key for this new stadium-friendly product line by Austin handbag brand Consuela. The new line recreates the brand's top-selling silhouettes in a clear material that makes them easy to carry at venues with long security lines.

This is the first time Consuela has produced clear bags, press materials say.

It's certainly possible to pack any small bag and spend a minute on a security check at the gate, but if attendees want to carry more, sometimes venues require a clear bag; at Reliant Stadium, for example, a non-see-through bag can only be four-and-a-half inches by six-and-a-half inches or smaller.

Conseula clear bags You don't have to put bags in the "tool bag" silhouette.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Each clear Consuela bag has a bit of personality thanks to a printed, opaque strip of material across the top and a colorful strap that's interchangeable for different carrying styles: wearing the bag crossbody, on the shoulder, or as a clutch. Leather accents also elevate each piece, which contains interior pockets, a credit card holder, and a removable piece that gives the base structure or, when it's removed, allows the bag to collapse.

With three shapes and three patterns or colorways, there are nine distinct bags in the collection. The largest style is 11 inches by nine and a quarter inches, with a three-inch depth. Two smaller styles are more clutch-sized. The top material can show off a colorful paisley-like design, leopard print, or an understated cream leather to match the rest of the trim.

Conseula clear bags Grouping items in smaller cases can make a clear bag look neater.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The new collection ($125-235) is available now at consuelastyle.com. Shoppers can also check the bags out in person at Consuela's Katy store at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard. Other retailers selling Consuela bags can be found through the brand's store locator.

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Fashion Game On

Local company ups the sporting apparel game offering team gear in high style

Chris Myers and JJ Watt wear DQ Strong shirts, created to help raise money for Texans offensive lineman David Quessenberry in his fight against cancer.

A Clear Choice

Texas handbag brand Consuela debuts clear collection for stadium use

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