Rare Dirndl Customer Spotlight: Christina Forst

Christina Forst - North White Plains, NY

My name is Christina Forst and I currently live in New York. This past September, I had the opportunity to travel to Germany for two weeks to visit Berlin, several small towns of Bavaria, and Munich, including attending Oktoberfest for three days. In advance of my departure, I wanted to make sure I was uniquely “outfitted” with some stylish German tracht. When I came across Rare Dirndl online (based in my hometown of Chicago, no less!) I knew that I had found my winner. I loved all the diverse styles and accessories, and, after ordering one dirndl, several off-the-shoulders and aprons to mix & match, as well as a Bavarian hat with a matching blouse that I simply couldn’t resist, I was ready for my adventure. I received so many compliments on my outfits from friends, fellow party-goers, and even local Germans. I think the uniqueness and versatility of all the styles are my two favorite things about Rare Dirndl, as well as the personalized service I received from Erika in the lead-up to my shipment.

My mother was born in Nuremberg, Germany and I also have German heritage on my father’s side, so I was very honored to be able to go there for the first time and better understand that part of my family history. And, although my boyfriend is not German by birth, you can see from the photos that he too fully embraced the experience in his lederhosen. We have had so much fun this past year preparing for our trip, not only with our outfits, but also by learning about German culture, visiting all of the amazing beer halls in and around NYC, becoming Bundesliga fans (we even attended a Bayern Munich game while there!), and believe it or not, learning about the intricacies and complexities of German beer and brewing techniques. In truth, I think we suffered a fair amount of “Germany withdrawal” after returning to the States, but we managed to resurrect our outfits back in New York in late October at Bear Mountain State Park’s annual Oktoberfest celebration, as well as at a family party where we passed out gifts we had brought back from Germany for our nieces and nephews. Thank you to Erika and the team at Rare Dirndl for helping to make this entire experience most unforgettable. (I’m addicted to dirndls now, so I will be back!)




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It's Getting Hot Out There… So Take Off Your Blouse?!

As the 4th of July approaches, we are reminded that the Summer is in full swing. We're feeling hot, hot, hot! With this in mind, the past 3 custom dirndl clients I've had were very adamant about having a dirndl that they can wear without a blouse. However, I only have a few dirndl styles that can be worn without a blouse. For the most part, Rare Dirndl styles are meant to be worn with a blouse, why? Simple… I love the look of a blouse! I think the addition of a blouse can change the entire look of a dirndl in seconds. Here is a quick overview of some of our best blouses and how & why they can make a dirndl take on a whole new look.

The Off-the-Shoulder Blouse (our most popular blouse) is a classic dirndl look and is the perfect blouse for an Oktoberfest! Whether it is gathered in the center or ungathered, it is a great choice for pretty much any dirndl. Pop on some comfortable little heels and your ready to go to Okotberfest. And… if you're worried about the Off-the-Shoulder Blouse annoyingly popping up onto your shoulders, Forgetaboutit!! This blouse is designed to stay off the shoulder and this video proves it!

For a more elegant look, I have two favorites… the Sweetheart Blouse with Draped Sleeves, or the Sparkle Organza Blouse. Both have a flattering adjustable sweetheart neckline and sleeves that are classy and unique. This past weekend I was at a wedding, and I wore the Sweetheart Blouse with Draped Sleeves with my dirndl, some fancy high heels, elegant jewelry and I certainly didn't feel underdressed!

The last blouse I'm going to mention that can totally change the look of a dirndl is the newest blouse in the Rare Dirndl collection, the Blouslette! This is a sleeveless blouse that is not only comfortable, but can give you the feeling of not wearing a blouse without showing off your bra ;-) Pair the Blouslette with your dirndl, some flip flops and you're ready for an outdoor festival or picnic. This blouse is great in all 4 colors and I think it is a must have for the summer months.










So just with these blouses, you can give your dirndl an Oktoberfest look, Elegant and Classy look, or a Casual Summer look! Hence why I love blouses!! A dirndl worn with a blouse gives you the opportunity to mix it up and design it to fit any event. If I still haven't convinced you that dirndls and blouses go together like spätzle and gravy, then check out these styles that can be worn without a blouse. If you need to add another blouse to your collection… use Coupon Code: JULY4th this weekend and save 10% on your entire order! Click Here to shop this sale!

"The Tell-Tale Heart" Dirndl

Campfire Dirndl

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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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Finally an Off-the-Shoulder Blouse that STAYS Off-the-shoulder!

The Leopard Dirndl with Off-the-Shoulder Blouse

Back in 2010, when I started Rare Dirndl, I knew I had to do 3 things: make an all Leopard Print Dirndl (check), create a couture Dirndl gown to create buzz (check), and design an Off-the-Shoulder Blouse that actually stays off-the-shoulder. A wonderful woman from Germany taught me a few things about sewing dirndls and she made me an off-the-shoulder blouse, but I hardly wore it because every time I moved my arms… it would pop-up onto my shoulder, dig into my armpit and I was constantly futsing with it. It was annoying, but I loved the look.

Check out the video below to see why the Rare Dirndl Off-the-Shoulder Dirndl Blouse is so great, or feel free to keep on reading and checking out the pics from some of our happy customers!

It took a couple samples, some trial and error, but I finally figured out a way to make the sleeves stay off-the-shoulder! The secret is… well I probably shouldn't share because, then it wouldn't be a secret… but I really love you guys and think you want to know… hmmm… OK! I'll share! The secret is in the elastic. I use 4 separate pieces of elastic in just the top portion of the blouse instead of 1, and then each piece is tacked in place, making the elastic tighter around the upper arm and less likely to pop-up.

And I'm not the only one who loves my Off-the-Shoulder Blouse, these are a few comments I've heard throughout the years. "I make all my daughter's dirndls for them… but I can't replicate that blouse. I'll take 4!" or "I play the trumpet for my band and I had no problems with the blouse on stage, I'll take another one in black!" or my favorite, "Our dance group would like to order 30 because we can't find anyone who wants to make them and we hear your's are the best!"



I love that last one because of the "no one wants to make them" part… They are a pain in the ass to make. One of the seamstresses I work with told me politely, "please don't bring me anymore of those blouses, it takes too long". I still sew many of the Off-the-Shoulder Blouses myself and only trust select local manufactures to make them because some people overlook the tiny details that are so important to that blouse!

I offer this blouse in my favorite blouse fabric (a poly/cotton blend that washes beautifully and comes out of the dryer like a dream) in White, Black and as of today, Ivory and Grey! It is hands down my most popular item. Every time I produce it, I run out! I have stock now, and hopefully it will last me through the summer and Oktoberfest season.

Even the Detroit Red Wings Team loves their Off-the-Shoulder Blouses! 

Have you had struggles with keeping an "off-the-shoulder" blouse off-the-shoudler? Do you have a Rare Dirndl Off-the-Shoudler Blouse? I would love to hear your comments below!

NEW! Wildflower Dirndl

Also if you want to make sure you get your Off-the-Shoulder Blouse before they are sold out, click this link http://bit.ly/QCsaRz  

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