3 Ways to Wear a Sweater with your Dirndl

Although the winter months are not typically the season for wearing dirndls, many of us will find a way! Whether your going to a local German restaurant, or you have a German club event, wearing a dirndl can get chilly… cuz let's face it, it's cold outside! (I mean unless you live in Florida, Texas or southern Cali… in which case I'm very jealous and don't want to think about your weather compared to the balmy 3 degrees outside here in Chicago.)

But should you want to wear a dirndl, you'll most likely want to wear a sweater and I have 3 ways to help you decide what sweater to wear.

#1 - Cropped Cardigan


A cropped cardigan is your best bet for a dirndl. Why? Because dirndls have a natural waistline and cropped cardigans stop at the natural waist. This sweater style is the best way to compliment your dirndl without taking away from the essence of the dirndl style. One of our customers said that she found some at Old Navy for $20 and I got mine at Target a few years back. They are still in style, but sometimes hard to find in a long sleeve (mine is 3/4 length).







#2 - Draped Sweater

If you don't have a cropped cardigan then I would go with a sweater that drapes in the front like this one. Although it changes the silhouette of the dirndl, it doesn't cover up the detailing of the bodice. These sweaters are pretty easy to find and if you go with a color like black or grey, you can get lots of use out of it, because it's a great style for every day. However, should you find one in a classic loden green… that would go perfect with our bonus item! (Keep scrolling down ;-)








#3 - A Trachten Sweater


Don't like either of those options… then I would go for a Trachten Sweater like the Rare Dirndl Long Sweater. Wear something that says dirndl, without actually wearing a dirndl! Whether it is a traditional wool sweater with embroidery, or our comfy cotton loop knit sweater with edelweiss trim and buttons, you can go out to those German events in style! Right now there are only 3 Long Sweaters left (L and XL(2) in Black) Click here to get yours before they're gone for good.











BONUS! Not a sweater kind of gal? Check out our new Infinity Scarf! This scarf can accent any black dirndl or bring some German flair to your everyday outfit. Its classic grey color with the traditional bright red & green Edelweiss trim juxtaposed with the black ribbon with silver spikes will certainly dress up your dirndl, sweater, or t-shirt!

Click Here to make this scarf part of your winter wardrobe!

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Great Traditions to be Passed Down

This past weekend was the 3rd International Fair and Wine Tasting that took place at the AAS Clubhouse in Chicago. One of the items that usually sells out the fastest are the home-made German cookies. Last year I did a little trial and error, teaching myself (with a recipe from my best german recipes) to make classic Hazelnut Macaroons. The 2nd attempt was good enough to contribute to the cookie pile, but it is still just amateur hour compared to the magnificent cookies that my grandpa used to make. Here's the video… you can see for yourself why I think I'll focus my energy back in the studio making dirndls, haha!





My Grandpa started learning his trade at the tender age of 11 and throughout the years received multiple awards for his baking (and I would call it artwork). Now 90 years old, he doesn't do anymore baking, but those who know him and tasted his cookies, especially his macaronnen, still crave just a little taste.

Grandpa Jacob's famous Macaronnen

Traditions like baking family cookie recipes and making classic German dinners can unfortunately be lost. I encourage anyone who still has the ability to learn from the older generation about the traditions to do so, because it would be such a shame to loose them. I've spent a lot of time learning the craft of creating traditional Donauschwaben trachten, but in doing so, I didn't put enough (or really any) time learning my grandfather's craft. However… as seen in the above video… I don't think it's quite my calling, but it never hurts to learn from the best.


Now I'd like to hear from you! What kind of family traditions do you carry on? Which traditions do you wish you would have learned? Write your thoughts in the comments and let's get a conversation going… maybe we can even swap some recipes!

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Old Favorites and New Must Haves: Open Gloves and Edelweiss Wrap Bracelets

Last week released our newest accessory, the Edelweiss Wrap Bracelet and at first I thought maybe it was just me who thought they were fabulous, but apparently not, because they are the talk of the town.

Available in 8 colors they can easily be mixed and matched and layered and I could go on and on! They make great gifts at $20 each and as a bonus, you can get 2 for $30 in select colors!











There have been a few questions surrounding the new bracelets, so I made a quick video to explain a little bit more about them!

Another item that is all the buzz, it the final return of the Open Gloves. This is the very last run of the gloves because I have officially used every scrap of the cotton loop knit fabric to make the gloves. I had a few yards left in olive so I decided to use all of it to make the last round of gloves! They make great texting gloves because it leaves your fingers free, and they are also perfect over those grab n' go gloves from the dollar store! A quick and easy way to spruce up those old and tired $1 glovies. Click here to get your gloves now!

What's even better… Pairing the gloves and new bracelet like Monika did! She posted this picture to instagram and used #raredirndl and now her picture along with any other picture tagged using #raredirndl comes up on our new website! How cool is that!? 

We also have 2 great events coming up if you're in the Chicagoland area. This Thursday is the Lincoln Square Fall Wine Stroll and Sunday is the 3rd Annual International Fair & Wine Tasting at the AAS. We will be participating in both events and will have both of these great accessories available! 

As always we love to hear from you! So comment below or on Facebook and tell us what you think of our winter accessories or what you'd like to see from Rare Dirndl. 

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Ask the Dirndl Designer! - 5 Most Common Questions!

This past weekend was one of Chicago's most beloved street festivals, the Maifest in Lincoln Square. I also had the Rare Dirndl Design Studio doors open for anyone who wanted to stop by and shop! It was a lot of fun and as usual… when people find out that I design a line of fashion forward dirndls for a living, the questions start rolling! It got me thinking that after 5 years of doing this there are pretty much 5 most common questions so I decided to answer them for you via video!

Watch this video to learn the answers to the most common questions I get asked. The very last one is the best one (and I was only asked that once, but it's probably my favorite question ever!!)

Do you have a question that I didn't answer? Feel free to write it in the comments and I'll be sure to answer it for you. Have a fabulous week!

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Perfect Gift for Mother's Day - Edelweiss Clip!

Mother's Day is right around the corner and usually I'm a big fan of the gift that never fails… a Big HUG! But this year I felt that all the women in my family have been extra supportive and extra fabulous and deserving of more than just a good ol' fashioned hug. I've been thinking about it and I've honestly decided to give them all an Edelweiss Clip!

Check out this quick video of how I make these fab little accessories as well as all the unique ways to wear it!

Edelweiss Clips by Rare Dirndl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSdWlL4V89M

I decided to give the clips to my mom and grandmothers this year, not because I make them, but because it's a simple gift that goes a long way! Here are just a few ways you could wear the clip:

• On a scarf (like I did pretty much all winter)
• On a bouquet of flowers
• On a teddy bear
• On a hat
• On a grumpy cat
• On a purse
• On shoes
• On a bottle of wine
• As a ring
• On your coat
• In your hair

I could really go on and on! At only $9 for a fabric Edelweiss and $18 for a Leather Edelweiss it is perfect on it's own or paired with another little gift.

Click HERE to get your own Edelweiss Clip or to order one for your Mom, Oma, Aunt, Cousin, Sister or any other mother in your life! They're going to love it! I can't wait to see my Oma's face when I give her the clip. I hope she likes it as much as my boyfriends Great Aunt did when I gave it to her while we were in Basel, Switzerland.

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The Ultimate Summer Blouse: The Blouslette!

I don't know about you, but I can't wait for some warm summertime weather! I'm thinking a bit ahead this week to June, July and August. I'm talking about the heat and how sometimes that heat can cause us to avoid wearing our dirndls... but I've got a solution that is totally innovative and brand-spankin new! The Blouslette!

Check out this video, where I personally introduce the Blouslette to you, or you can scroll down to check out the pictures!

Finally a Sleeveless Summer Blouse!

The Blouslette is the newest addition to the Rare Dirndl Blouse family and I'm beyond excited about it because the Blouslette's lack of sleeves is sure to keep you cooler during those hot summer months! I've been working on getting this blouse just right for almost 3 months, so I'm very happy to finally announce it's arrival. This blouse is available in White, Black, Ivory and Grey. Be sure to order yours before their gone. Click here to order now!

Karin from California said "Genius!"

Katherine from Illinois said "I love it!"

and Karen from Illinois said simply "AWWWWWWWW YEAH!"

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For the Love of Germany, this is a Busy Week!!

Somehow this week has suddenly become one of the busiest weeks I've ever had! I'm working like crazy getting all the production for Spring/Summer in motion and sewing custom orders, but an opportunity presented itself and I took it… I'm heading to NYC baby! Today (Tuesday) and Wednesday, I'll be in New York sourcing fabric and taking a few seminars on textiles, marketing, production etc. I'm so exited to experience the d.g. expo for the first time, but I'm also a tad nervous… but I'm not one to back down because of nerves (for the most part ;)


The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi start on Thursday this week and I'm soooo excited. I love watching the Olympics, maybe because I have no athletic abilities and I find every aspect of the events fascinating and incredibly impressive. I love hearing all the athletes back stories and learning where they come from. As an American I gotta root for Team USA, but all that aside, I love to cheer on countries like Germany, Austria and Switzerland! My ancestors are from Germany, my grandparents lived in Austria for a few years and my boyfriend's dad is from Switzerland so we cheer for them all!! GO TEAMS!







And then on Friday… I'll be accompanying Jason Bauer, chef and owner of Bauer's Brauhaus on the Mancow Morning show! Myself, Samantha and my bf Nikki will be sporting our Rare Dirndls on TV. So, we will be on MY50 Chicago between 6-8am on Friday morning! Can't believe it!

What a crazy busy week! But you better believe that for all these events, I'll be wearing Rare Dirndl items all week. For the dg expo, I'm bringing my accessories like lederhosen bracelets and scarves. For the Olympics I'll be sporting my Germany scarf and maybe the In Bloom Dirndl in Germany colors and then on Friday, for the Mancow show, I can't decide between "The Raven" Dirndl or "The Pit & The Pendulum" Dirndl… you'll have to watch and find out what I wear!

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Opening of the Hofbräuhaus Chicago!

The original Hofbräuhaus in Munich has an extensive history dating back to 1589! As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany, the current structure that was built in 1897 was the model for the newest Chicagoland attraction... the Hofbäuhaus Chicago-Rosemont!

Front of the Hofbräuhaus Chicago-Rosemont

Last night was the first official opening! It was buzzing with excitement and the beer was flowing. With all the beers brewed on site, the massive amount of seating and the live band, it is sure to be a great success. I met up with a lot of great prominent German/Americans from Chicago as well as many local people who came to experience a taste of Munich for themselves. 

Beer is brewed on site!

I personally am partial to smaller local places, but I must admit... it was a great time and I look forward to going back!

Rare Dirndls making a statement at the Hofbräuhaus Chicago!

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Do You Make Anything for Children?

One of the most common questions I recieve is "do you ever make anything for children?" I don't typically make children's clothing because creating fabulous little things usually comes with an unfabulous price and I can totally understand why a parent would not want to spend $120-$200 on a dirndl that may not fit in... 4 months!

But I have a few things that I love and work perfect for our favorite little ones! The children's fleece is so soft, 100% washable and perfect for a chilly spring day. It is a fun bright blue color with a splash of either pink or red down the front with the adorable edelweiss flowers on the trimming. The best thing about the fleeces are that they have a looser fit so your little cutie patootie can get more wear out of it.

Another fabulous little item I've made is the black edelweiss beret! Designed for a petite head, this little hat is too cute for words. Perfect for a snowy day or a spring day at the park.

Black Edelweiss Beret

There is always the custom option for a Rare Children's dirndl or trachtenshirt, but if your budget doesn't budge too much (like mine) I still have a couple fun items for your favorite little lovelies!

Custom made Trachtenshirts

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Shop In Studio!

Approximately 1 year ago, plans for the Rare Dirndl Design Studio started to come about. It took a lot of time, creativity and patience... and its still not finished! The bathroom still needs to finished and there are little things here and there to be done to the main space before I can have an official grand opening weekend.

The afternoon shadow in the studio highlighting the address, 5051 N. Lincoln Ave

But that doesn't mean you can come and visit! I'm open by appointment only because Rare Dirndl is still a one woman show. If I need to run to the store, meet with my pattern makers or take a break for lunch, I can't leave the doors open. Also, probably the greatest part of my job is have the flexibility to run out at any time to help a friend, take my grandparents to the doctor & grocery shopping, or take a day to refocus and regroup my scatterbrain.

Inside the studio... still stuff to do 

I'm super excited to announce that Rare Dirndl now has a phone number! You can call anytime to schedule an appointment to come to shop, schedule a fitting, or simply see the space. You can also e-mail erika@erikaneumayer.com

The number is (312) 806-5099.

Its not up on the website because I'm also working on a re-design of my website with designer Greg Bandy

This picture was from July... Its here now!!

I look forward to hearing from you on my new line!

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3 Great German Inspired Christmas Gift Ideas under $100!

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but finding the perfect gift for those who love all things German might be difficult at times. I've got three great gifts ideas (under $100 from a variety of online stores) for just those people! And you might find something for yourself along the way...

#1. Jewelry- love a little Deutsches bling!

My 1st pick is from German Import House. The Edelweiss 3pc set includes a necklace, earrings and a bracelet and is $39.00. I love this set because it can be worn altogether or one piece at a time. The antique finish gives the pieces a vintage look and would look great with any outfit!

Edelweiss 3pc set

My 2nd pick is from the Schnitzel Shop. The German Flag glass pendant is a fun little gift with Sprechen Sie Deutsch on it. Only $12.00, it's a more casual necklace that would look great with a t-shirt and jeans.

German Flag glass pendant

#2. Leather- Not just about the lederhosen anymore

My 1st pick in this category is a Rare lederhosen bracelet! The Lederhosen Bracelet with Buckle is an adjustable leather cuff style bracelet that goes easily with any outfit. Made from lederhosen, this piece is soft, comfortable and only $20.00. It's the most popular of the lederhosen bracelets and I can see why!

The Lederhosen Bracelet with Buckle

My 2nd pick is the Square Lederhosen Purse. This purse is made from goat skin lederhosen and is a fabulous way to give a nod to your love for Germany with an accessory. At $94.00, this purse has a braided and buckle strap, button closure and functional outside pockets. Measuring approximately 15in x 12in and fully lined, this item is one of my all time favorites.

Square Lederhosen Purse

#3. Beer Stein- Classic gift for the man in your life!

My 1st pick in this category is this Stein depicting the Oktoberfest Clydesdale and Beer Wagon from Northcote Imports. I love this one because it has an antique look to it and trimming on the top includes edelweiss, pretzels and wurst! It holds 0.4 liters of beer and is $79.95.

Oktoberfest Clydesdale and Beer Wagon

My last pick is a different style glass mug from 1001 Beer Steins.com. The Glass Deutschland Beer Stein is $88.99 and features the fabulous colors of the German flag and pewter embossed appliqué depicting the German eagle. It holds 0.4 liters and is a really unique stein for anyone!

Glass Deutschland Beer 

So there you have it... 3 Great German inspired gift ideas and my top 2 picks in each category! Fröhliche Weihnachten everyone!

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Making Lederhosen Mainstream!

Lederhosen are a staple at Munich's Oktoberfest and a fashion symbol of Bavaria. Last year I received multiple requests for some of the iconic leather pants, so I did my research and brought some in! I ordered black Bundhosen (longer... just below the knee) and grey/olive Lederhosen. I thought I'd get the bundhosen in mens sizes and and the shorts in women's... but they came in more of a unisex size. The sizing wasn't European, and it wasn't really US sizing either. It was a bit of a mess... not gunna lie.

Lederhosen with Suspenders

Even with all the little issues, they were still very nice quality goat skin pants with detailed suspenders and fully lined. I had them with me on the road for a year and found that even though many people asked for them, not many were interested in buying them. I've had them for a year now, sold 1 pair, and I wasn't about to sit on 50 pairs for another year. So I repurposed them! Making them into fabulous items that can easily blend into mainstream society.

I'm so happy with the way the new Lederhosen purses turned out and from the response I had last weekend lots of other ladies are also digging the new look!

Even more popular are my little leather bracelets. These are a cute way to bring a little "German-ness" to any outfit. Their wrap style look goes well with the current layered look and are a super light weight and easy way to wear.

Always trying to keep up with trends, but also making sure that I stay in business by coming up with new ideas and creative ways to turn what I already have into something fabulous!

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A Dash of Morning Perspective

Lets back track to last night... I got an online order from Germany for a dirndl that I just sold last weekend, so I was a bit frustrated because now I didn't have the dirndl in stock. Christian then looks over at me and says "can't you make another one?" "well, ya... but". Then he says to me "Isn't getting online orders a good thing? You should be super excited!" He was right!!! DUH!! I've got this dirndl going to Germany, so I guess I'm going back to the sewing machine next week!

Red Piranha Dirndl

Now on to this morning, as I drive from my apartment to work (at my parents house) I'm listening to the Eric and Kathy 36hr Radiothon and I heard a story about a little boy with a malignant brain tumor who passed away in 1995. He would have been 19 this year. This story hit me because... I am 25, a designer and business owner, and I am having a Grand (ish) Opening this weekend of my own studio space, and in 1996, it could have been over.

In December of 1996 my parents called 911 during the night because I was having a seizure. After 2 MRIs and finding nothing, my pediatrician pushed for one more MRI... and there it was, a brain tumor. Only about the size of a marble, but when your 10yr old has a brain tumor, for my parents it didn't matter how big it was... only that it was there. After surgery in January of 1997, Dr. Ruge took out the tumor and it turned out to be benign. Besides some anti seizure meds and regular MRIs... that tumor had met its match. 

Playing Dr a few weeks after surgery

Listening to the stories on the radio this morning just got me thinking about how lucky I was and still am. I have worked so hard for what I have, but at the same time... those around me have supported me from the time I was (somewhat hairless) and making rocks into dolls with my hot glue gun, to today making modern edgy dirndls for people all over the world. People thought I was crazy then... well I haven't changed!

My latest crazy idea... from start to finish

This isn't about making you support the radiothon, this isn't to try and make you feel bad for me that I had a tumor, this is just me writing because I thought it was important for me to put it out into the universe that I am happy to be alive and so excited to invite everyone to see the studio this weekend. 

Happy German Day Weekend!!!

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Grand (ish) Opening

This weekend is... GERMAN DAY!! German Day weekend in Chicago is 4 fabulous days of celebrating being German in Chicago and if you haven't noticed, I love being German! So this weekend I decided its about dang time we get some people over to see the new Studio/Boutique. However... you guessed it... its not finished.

So I'm calling it, The Rare Studio/Boutique Grand (ish) Opening. We are going to pop-up shop in the space on the sub-floor with photos of the transformation (so far) and some great products. You'll get to see a sneak peak at the Fall/Winter 2012 Collection, find out whats coming up for Rare and hang out amidst the construction! The address is 5051 N. Lincoln Ave. which is two doors north of Winnemac. From the fest grounds at Lincoln, Leland and Western, you would walk north on Western towards the McDonalds and turn onto Lincoln Ave. Its about another 5 minute walk from there and we are on the east side of the street (your right if you are walking up Lincoln from the fest). We will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-8pm.

Fall 2012!

It'll will be a fun way to see whats going on and then you'll still be surprised on the actual Grand Opening Weekend. "When's that?" - ya... good question! I have no idea. At this point I firmly believe that I need to take my time to ensure that its done right, I can't rush it.

Trying to "un-squeekify" the floor

Thank you all so very much for your support and patience. I look forward to seeing you all this weekend!!! P.S. We have a/c!

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Coming Soon?

As the summer slips away is almost comical that my initial goal was to be open by June 1st! I definitely underestimated how long construction takes and how many things go into making such a simple space turn into a beautiful studio boutique. So what is going on?!

Here's the plan. We will be open for German Day, Sept 6-9 but it will not be finished. This is the busiest time of year and I just can't focus enough time to working on the space. The final goal is to be finished and working in the space by Thanksgiving. "But thats almost 3 months from now!" - Yes... it is, but there is no way I'm going rush the finishing of the space that I've put way to much time and money into. I'm going to take my time, do it right, and make it perfect. We will have a grand opening party sometime in the winter.

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Finished with the Facade!

Yesterday was very exciting because when I came home... the facade was finished! My little Bavarian style front is complete! Can't wait to put out a flower box next year... and maybe re-paint the shutters so they stand out a bit more. 

5051 N. Lincoln Ave!

 The inside is ready for some paint and finishing! Before the German Day Festivities, the floor will be finished, walls and ceiling painted and some custom cabinetry will be installed by the front window. I've decided (along with my studio/boutique contracting advisor... aka dad) that those three things will take the entire month of August to complete considering he has a full time job and I still have orders to fill. I'm very excited about the space and have come to terms with the fact that it is realistically going to take until 2013 to complete.

Facing Lincoln Ave

Looking in from the front door. 

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