Did bowling ever go out of style? I think that the answer is both yes and no. Adults and kids alike are continuing to don rented shoes and eager to face the potential humiliation of gutter balls. Our friends and I still go for a few games, especially on those winter weekends when outdoor activities are out of the question. But where is the team spirit? Where are the matching shirts and community feel?

The sports channel occasionally airs bowling tournaments but this leisure sport isn't integrated into our daily lives as it was in the 1950's and 1960's. When I asked "What Happened to the Jello?" in a previous blog, that question also applied to the idea of community team spirit with activities like bowling.

Well, bowling might not be as popular today, but the fashions inspired by this sport are certainly still hot and trendy. A few years ago, bowling shoes inspired footwear were all the rage with both men and women. The quintessential bowling shirt is like a good tie - it doesn't go out of style but shifts in design bit by bit to suit current trends. Charlie Sheen's character on his hit television series "Two and a Half Men" seems to wear nothing but bowling shirt inspired tops.

Now group activities involve racing or fighing an avatar on your tv screen, or living vicariously as a virtual band member. Exercise classes have been replaced with you and a screen instructor who perform a variety of workouts while balancing on a small surf board type accessory. Get there once in a while and have some fun with your family and friends. Lost for something to do? Make a right and head for your local bowling alley.

Here are some vintage accessories that you might like...