Unveiling 25 new styles for cheer/dance. Amazing. Having them modeled by Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Priceless!

At the recent NFL Cheerleader Director’s Convention at Cowboys Stadium, the fashion show included 25 new styles from Satin Stitches hitting the runway with the DCC as models. With no worries of labor strife hindering the next NFL season, 22 teams’ directors attended this convention, more than the past few years.

Deborah Nelson, Head Designer/President of Satin Stitches, reports that, “After a shortened season last year, when most cheer teams simply ‘made do’ with what they already had, with minimal, quick new orders, we are hopeful that most teams will have a budget for new uniforms this season.” As far as the latest trends in NFL cheerleading designs, Deborah reports, “Besides the ever popular low-rise shorts and skirts, the latest high-rise styling may start a resurgence, along with one-piece uniforms. Rhinestones remain a very important trim for most uniforms, and I expect even more to be used, this coming season. Retro looks could become more popular, as well as themed costumes for various team events. Branding will remain very important, with most every uniform piece displaying the team’s name or logo.”

And the Satin Stitches designs that Deborah heard the most comments about included, “Our military two-piece received the most notice of all of our looks. Our attention to detail and use of Swarovski rhinestones was commented upon. We have just partnered with Swarovski Elements as a design company that showcases their brand of ‘glitz.’ We were able to give out a gift from Swarovski, in addition to our gift of a custom-designed make-up bag to each director.”

In addition, Deborah and her customer service representative Melissa, a former Vikings Cheerleader, had the opportunity to see the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ locker room, with a locker that featured the iconic DCC uniform. As a designer, what does Deborah think had made that DCC uniform “iconic” for 40 years? “The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders have been very smart in keeping their ‘iconic’ look, with only slight updates from year to year, to keep it ‘current’ and ‘fresh,’” Deborah says. “Someone did a marvelous job with the original design, and insisting that it remain ‘the look’ for the cheer team, every year! It is their ‘brand,’ and branding is so important. It has become a classic!”

Here are some more photos of style show and the DCC wearing brand-new Satin Stitches designs:

Continue reading Project DCC: Cowboys Cheerleaders Model Satin Stitches Styles at the NFL Directors Convention

If you’re planning to audition for an NFL team this spring, now is good time to start thinking about what you’re going to wear.

With that in mind, I’d like to give a shoutout to DallasWear Uniforms, which launched their new collection of auditionwear separates this week. If it sounds a little familiar, that’s because you’re probably thinking of the company DallasWear, which used to advertise on this site. Dallaswear, owned by Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader alum Terra Watson, has been making custom uniforms for pro dance teams for years. Dallaswear Uniforms is Terra’s new endeavor, offering an array of mix-n-match pro styles that can be purchased individually, and customized in your choice of fabric and accessories.*

One of their standout characteristics is the wide variety of fun prints and patterns to choose from. I’m talking polka dots, plaid, zebra, gingham, camo, calico, houndstooth, tie-dye, geometrics, swirls, and more. If you’re feeling bold, you can go with a head-to-toe pattern.

Or not.Solids are offered as well, for those who prefer something a little more subdued.

And of course they will bedazzle it left, right, and center for you.

If you’re in the market for a cute audition outfit, this seems like a good site to peruse. Plus, if you “Like” them on facebook they’ll give you a little discount on your outfit.

Click here to visit DallasWearUniforms.com
Click here to visit DallasWear Uniforms on Facebook

*Standard disclaimer: I don’t own, work for, or make money from this company. And I have nothing whatsoever to do with the design and distribution of their products, ok? I just think their stuff is cute.

When the Islanders debuted the new third jerseys Wednesday night, the Ice Girls showed off their new threads
By Cory Wright
New York Islanders
11.17.2011

There’s a new look floating around Nassau Coliseum these days. It’s black, orange, grey and blue, cuts across diagonally, and is laced with sequins. After the successful debut of the Islanders third jersey on Wednesday night, the Ice Girls are ready to wear their new matching outfits on the ice.

The Islanders Ice Girls join their Islanders brothers as they debut a new third outfit on Nov. 23 as the Isles host the Philadelphia Flyers. The skirt and top combination includes the same new color scheme, but with a few additions and alterations.

“I love them,” Ice Girl Stephanie said. “When we skate, they flow with the wind and when we spin they look really beautiful. I’m excited to wear them on the ice and show them off.”

She compared the new cut of the skirts to figure skating attire rather than the blue cheerleader cut the girls had been wearing. The girls will wear necklaces with an Islanders logo and they traded in their white boots for a matching black.

“I never would have expected New York Islanders Ice Girls to be in the color black,” Ice Girl Ashleen said. “Normally, you would think orange and blue, but I do like them. The top is really nice and will be exciting for fans to see.”

Angela King designed the new look for the Ice Girls, adding more sequins, a belt and patches on both shoulders. The letters NYI fall off of the left shoulder, while the Islanders logo is on their right.

The Ice Girls will still wear their other two uniforms, but they are excited for the debut on Nov. 23 and their coach, Linda Beach, thinks it’ll be a real winner.

“The girls love it and I think it’s going to look sharp and I think it’ll be a big wow.”

So far, this is the only photo I’ve come across. The new outfits look a little like a cross between their two previous costumes. Can’t wait to get a better look!

I can’t believe I didn’t know about this. The Sea Gals asked fans to vote on whether they like the current blue uniform, or the NEW blue uniform with lots more green on it.

It hurts me that I missed out on this because, to be honest, I can’t take those ectoplasm-colored boots. I really…I just can’t. They make me cry.

Recently, we reported on pro cheer/dance designers Satin Stitches new Breast Cancer Awareness styles and fundraiser.  The styles were first shown at the Fashion Show held last month at the NFL Cheerleader Directors Convention in Miami. Two photographers were there from the Miami Dolphins to shoot the fashion show, and Deborah Nelson of Satin Stitches provided photos of some of the styles that were shown to the attendees, as modeled by a dozen of the Dolphins Cheerleaders.

I think this event should hit the airwaves (or whatever mode of television reception is applicable). Don’t you think broadcasting the fashion show is better than anything on NFL Network these days? Here are some pics plus some information about the fashion show and Satin Stitches.

The Fashion Show for the NFL Cheerleader Directors Convention was held on February 22, 2011 at the Miami Dolphins’ Sun Life Stadium, in their new LIV Club. The Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders hosted the event. Emily Newton (Dolphins’ Cheerleading Director) and her staff produced the show, complete with club music and twelve Dolphin Cheerleaders serving as models. With approximately twenty NFL Directors in attendance, each vendor at the convention, presented their latest styles.

Satin Stitches presented a variety of newly, custom-designed dance and cheerleading styles. As with any high-fashion show, fashions should tell the story of what a company is all about, showing simple and elaborate renditions of their new ideas.
Continue reading Fashion Show Photos: Designs from Satin Stitches at the NFL Cheerleader Directors Convention

Satin Stitches, a maker of cheer/dance apparel for over 30 years recently unveiled their first line of Breast Cancer Awareness styles at the recent NFL Cheerleader Directors’ Convention in Miami. Deborah Nelson, Head Designer of Satin Stitches, reports that the styles’ debut drew raves from the Directors. Deborah reports, “They seemed to LOVE them. All vendors are required to give a ‘gift’ to each Director. For our Satin Stitches’ ‘gift,’ we offered one of the tops or bottoms, and they seemed really excited. Many mentioned that they have Christmas costumes, Patriotic costumes, Halloween costumes, et cetera, and thought it was a really good idea to have ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ costumes, as well. They loved the variety of styles that we presented.”

Besides providing garments that can be used to raise awareness of breast cancer, Satin Stitches is also using this opportunity as their own fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Satin Stitches will donate $2 for every garment that is sold, and additionally, $1 for every individual ribbon appliqué that is purchased separately, to this Foundation.

Deborah reports the cause of Breast Cancer Awareness is close to the hearts of the Minnesota-based Satin Stitches family, saying, “Besides being a Women’s issue, one of our dear Satin Stitches’ sewers died from this horrible disease, back in the infancy of our business. She was an enthusiastic fan of our local sports teams, and had two young children who have grown up, without their mother. Maryanne was such a sweetheart; I am privileged to have known her, albeit for way too short of a time.”

On the design side, are there challenges to designing pink garments that are flattering and work with all skin tones compared to other colors? Deborah says, “Hot Pink (which we chose rather than Pastel Pink) is a great ‘stage color,’ and works well ‘on stage’ with all skin tones. We paired the Hot Pink with black. Pastel Pink does not work on all skin tones, and can fade and blend with lighter/mid skin tones and you end up with a ‘washed out’ look, as with any pink, tan, peach, or yellow pastel.”

With all this talk of Pink, does Deborah have a favorite song by Pink? She replies, “I am more a fan of Purple; I’m from Minnesota, don’cha know! I have loved all of ‘the Purple one’ (Prince’s), songs since 1982. As for Pink, I really have enjoyed her renditions of the songs from the Bluesy (as long as we are talking colors, here!) Janis Joplin! Pink did a really good “Summertime,” as we are longingly looking forward to, here in Minnesota!”

Thanks Deborah for filling us in on Satin Stitches new line and fundraiser! So “Let’s Go Crazy, Let’s Get Nuts” supporting the cause of Breast Cancer Awareness and Research!