Rare Dirndl's 5 Year Anniversary!

As an entrepreneur, January is the season for reflection, crunching numbers and setting goals… all some of my least favorite things. Last night I spent the evening carefully going over all the expenses, the budget, and setting 2015's projections, but then I took a minute and thought, "Hey Chica! This is Rare Dirndl's 5 year Anniversary. Whooop Whoop!" (then I put down the paperwork and got myself a glass of wine to celebrate!)

A lot happened this year so, I'm really excited for 2015! There are some things from 2014 that I'm going to try not to dwell on, like finding out that a Pakistani manufacturer is stealing my photos and designs… but there are so many great things that happened in 2014 that I'm very proud of!

This quote by fashion icon, Coco Chanel really rings true to me, because ever since I was little, I was always "a little different", but now I get to use that to my advantage! When people are going to criticize my work for copy my designs, it is very important or me to remember that I've arrived  2015 because of  hard work and innovation.

I'm very proud to have come so far in only 5 years and I've updated the ABOUT US page of the website to reflect that. Click here to check out the changes! 

Included on that page is a new video that explains what Rare Dirndl is all about! (although it's not as quirky as my usual videos, it gets the job done, haha!)

Here are some videos and blog posts that highlight 2014

Dirndls on the Mancow Show (haha that was interesting!)

The introduction of the most innovative blouse and only one of it's kind, the Blouselette!

Germany Wins the World Cup and there is a dirndl to match!

Most popular Video of the year!

Our best selling accessories make a comeback and we designed new ones! 

Our beautiful Brides of 2014

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 

Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here  

Ironing your Dirndl

Recently I wrote a blog post about caring for your dirndl and this week, I thought I would do a quick follow-up video about how to iron your dirndl. Most Rare Dirndls are designed for easy care and little to no ironing needed, because let's face it… who likes ironing!? I specifically choose synthetic fabrics that don't wrinkle easily or need much ironing, however… there are a few that are made of cotton because I thought the design called for a cotton fabric. Those particular dirndls will need some ironing, so here is a quick video about ironing your dirndl.

If you have questions about what your dirndl is made of and whether or not your should use a hot iron, low iron, or steam feel free to give us a call or shoot me an e-mail and we will try to answer your questions as best as possible.

Do you have any dirndl ironing tricks? We'd love to hear them! Put them in the comments below or tell us about them on Facebook!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here  

From the Runway to Oktoberfest to Every Day… Dirndls are Here to STAY!

Bridesmaid Dirndls from a Wedding in June

As an avid dirndl wearer, I find myself in situations where I can get some funny looks from people at times… like in the grocery store, filling my car up with gas, or walking down the street. However, every year, Americans are becoming more and more enamored with Okotberfest and all things German.  It's clear to me that with over 16 Oktoberfest celebrations in the city of Chicago alone, wearing dirndls is becoming more mainstream. (And that's very exciting!!)











Not only are dirndls being seen more at smaller local Oktoberfests, but also on the runway. The latest Spring 2015 Collection by Givenchy, recently seen on the runways in Paris, is very clearly inspired by the dirndl silhouette and style. One look at the collection and I'm instantly excited to start wearing some of my dirndls everyday! Looks like this spring (according to Givenchy) is going to be the time to start wearing your dirndl out on the town.

Givenchy Spring 2015 Collection

Me in my dirndl in the streets of Basel during Fasnacht.

I expect that if this trend continues, it could very well be that in the near future, all us dirndl loving folk will be able to wear our favorite pieces out to the store and out to dinner without anyone thinking twice about it!

I'm excited to wear my dirndl everywhere!! How about you? Do you have a funny story about when you wore your dirndl to an unexpected place and people had interesting reactions… like the time someone asked me if I worked at the Apple Pickery while I was driving home. Share them in the comments and the maybe next year we can all celebrate being able to avoid those silly comments, like, "Are you an irish dancer?"

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here  

World Cup Dirndls?! Actually just "In Bloom" Dirndls!

With the World Cup in full swing, the Rare Dirndl Design Studio windows are all set up with dirndls representing Group G: Germany, Portugal, USA, and Ghana! How did I have time to make 4 dirndls to represent each country? I used the In Bloom Dirndls and Vest and it was super easy!

Germany vs Portugal

The first game on Monday had Germany playing Portugal! 

Our German representative in the window is wearing the In Bloom Dirndl with an Off-the-Shoulder Blouse with gathers, Yellow Semi-Circle Skirt and a German Flag themed custom apron!

Our Portuguese representative is wearing the In Bloom Vest with the Sweetheart Blouse with Lace, a Black Semi-Circle Skirt and Portuguese Flag themed one-of-a-kind apron!

USA vs Ghana

The next game was the USA versus Ghana!

Our American representative in the window is wearing the In Bloom Vest with the Sparkle Organza Blouse, Royal Blue Semi-Circle Skirt, Modern Bavarian Scarf, and an American Flag themed custom apron! 

Our Ghanaian representative is wearing the In Bloom Dirndl with a Black Blouslette, Red Semi-Circle Skirt and one-of-a-kind apron (the fabric I used celebrates 50 years of independence... I bought the fabric in Ghana when I was studying abroad in 2007!)


All of these pieces are available online! [except the Portugal apron... which is just pinned for the window and the Ghana apron... which is mine ;-) ]

Click Here to get stared building your own In Bloom Dirndl look to represent your country! But if you are a little confused as to how this dirndl works… why its so versatile and what makes it the perfect dirndl for Oktoberfest or any other occasion, watch this video!

This weekend I'll be keeping a close eye on the games in order to update the scores in the Design Studio Window. If you have any questions or would like more details about the In Bloom Dirndl, simply reply to this e-mail.

Happy World Cup!!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here