Top 3 German Inspired Gift Ideas Under $100 (2014)

This time of year is all about family and friends! I love it when I find the perfect gift for the people on my list and a lot of those people would be super excited about these great German gifts that I found/made. So here are my top pics for this year!

#1- Purse-a-palooza!

Apron Purse
No one likes schlepping around a clunky purse at a German club picnic, German Fest or Oktoberfest… so we have a fabulous solution. The Apron purse! So easy to slip onto the ties of an apron or a belt, and it holds just the things you need… phone, wallet, chapstick, etc. Handmade by Heidi Kelly of HKelly Designs and available in 3 simple and classic colors, it is sure to be a big hit this year. The purses start at $49 and there are 2 styles to choose from. Click here to get one for the dirndl wearer in your family.








Lederhosen Clutch

This is another great gift for any lovely lady who loves unique gifts that have a German touch to them. The lederhosen clutch is slightly larger than the typical wristlet and it's made from the leg portion of genuine leather Bundhosen. "I'm always surprised with how much I can fit in it. I use it all the time', says Katherine from Chicago. This is a limited edition purse and is available on the Rare Dirndl website for $45.00. Click here to add this must have to your cart.








#2- Celebrate our Weltmeisters!



Jerseys for you, and something for the little ones too! 
After the epic World Cup win this year, any German lover on your list would love a new Germany National Soccer Team Jersey with 4 stars! Home and away jerseys are available for $89.99 at worldsoccershop.com. But let's not forget about the little ones in your family who need to start supporting the greatest soccer team in the world asap! How about this adorable onesie available for $14.43 on etsy. (Click here for link)


















#3- Always the perfect fit… Jewelry!

Custom Jewelry Designs by Kristen Hunger
I'm so excited to be working with local jewelry designer Kristen Hunger this year. She has designed a gorgeous selection of jewelry to match Rare Dirndls. Some of my favorites are the Beer Stein Earrings, Industrial Style Edelweiss Necklace, and Oktoberfest Charm Necklace! She creates each piece to be a perfect compliment to both a dirndl and an everyday outfit. Ranging from $15-$79 her jewelry designs make a wonderful holiday gift and you can see the whole collection by clicking here.






The Edelweiss Wrap Bracelet
To put it simply, this is the greatest bracelet I've ever owned. I don't even feel it when I wear it and it looks so chic. Layer it with a second bracelet or layer it with other bracelets and again… your ready for the Christkindlmarkt, Oktoberfest or for work! At $20 each or double up for $30, this is a no brainer gift for the edelweiss-obsessed on your list.

Speaking of lists… Every year I make a list and always forget someone, not because I'm not thinking of them or do not want to give them a gift, but because my brain is moving 90 miles an hour and I simply forget. So this year, we did it for you! We made a Holiday List, so you don't miss anyone this year. It's an editable excel file that you can download to use to help make sure that no one gets forgotten. There is a second doc with gift ideas just in case you get stuck trying to think of something for them.

Click Here to download the Weihnachtsgeschenk Liste
and Click Here to download the Weihnachtsgeschenk Liste with Ideas

I've also made a quick video to show you my Rare Dirndl favorites!




BONUS!!!

This year we are offering Holiday Gift Wrapping for only $1.00! You can add it to your cart at checkout and even include a message. Wrapping gifts and getting it all organized is such a hassle, so let me do it for you!

If you think any of this info would be helpful to your friends, I would be honored if you would send them to this blog post so they can get some fresh holiday ideas. I hope this helps you with your Christmas shopping for those crazy-fun Germans on your list. I know my list is full of them… and I love them all!! Merry Christmas to your family from ours!

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Vintage Deutsch & Rare Dirndl Open Studio Weekend

This weekend is full of fun events to accompany the German-American Days here in Lincoln Square!

First is Thursday's event, Vintage Deutsch! The DANK Haus - German American Cultural Center is staging an upscale fashion and wine event celebrating the emergence of Berlin as a "City of Design" and the panoply of German wines. Guests will enjoy mingling with fashion and accessory designers, glass in hand in the gilded Skyline Lounge. Sommeliers from Knightsbridge Wine Shoppe will enlighten guests on the broad spectrum of German wines. Ingrid Kaltenbach, longtime fashion importer with a discerning eye for quality, will exhibit an array of Old World fabrics and trims while I finish up the show with Rare Dirndls that "turns traditional dress into a Saturday night option" Jewelry designer Kristin Hunger offers finishing touches and twists to the Rare Dirndls and all three of us will have a space set up where you can check out the clothes up close! Space is limited, reserve today. So Click HERE to get your tickets today!

Then Saturday and Sunday, I'll have the studio doors open and you can come on in and shop the newest styles, fresh accessories and snatch up the last of our Bavarian Style Hats! 

Plus you'll save 10% when you buy a dirndl and a blouse!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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When I saw this, I almost screamed! Rare Dirndl are ALWAYS made in the USA!

Well…. last week, it was brought to my attention by Debra from Trachten-Quelle in Canada, that there is a Rare Dirndl Impostor out there!

I guess I've really made it big because a Pakistani manufacturer is copying my designs. I was quite upset about the whole thing, not because they were copying my designs (it's bound to happen in this industry) but because they are so blatantly using my photograph!

I had fire running through my veins! What if people start thinking that Rare Dirndls come from a sweatshop in Pakistan?! Debra also did a little investigating for me and asked for pricing on my designs, and at the price that they are offering, there is no way that the quality can be there! It's impossible… their wholesale cost is less than the cost of just the fabrics! (not to mention that fabric is sold out… so it must be a "similar fabric") Anywooooo… before I get all riled up again about this, let's get to the good stuff!

I want to show you some details that go into a Rare Dirndl that you can't see and I'm sure that the Pakistani manufacturer is not including in their dirndls. The details that we put inside Rare Dirndls is just as important as what is on the outside. Without the inner structure: extra fusible, boning, and pressings… the dirndls wouldn't last very long, look as nice, or fit as well.

All of the dirndls have an extra layer of fabric that is fused to the center front to make it more durable. This way, when we add the extra weight of the hardware, hooks, spikes, chain etc… the center of your dirndl doesn't start tearing, ripping, or buckling under the pressure!

Another SUPER important detail that we include in our dirndls is the boning (or stays) at the center front. Along the front zipper is a type of boning that is stitched to the inside and keeps the front from collapsing.

This particular style of boning is expensive, (probably why you don't find it in cheaper dirndls) but this boning is my favorite. Sometimes after lots of wear and tear, small pieces of it may start to poke out the top, but a quick trim with scissors or filing with a nail file can fix the problem. Cheaper boning can poke out completely and once it breaks through the fabric, it creates a hole that is very difficult, if not impossible to fix.








Rare Dirndls are also pressed frequently throughout the sewing process. This is more time consuming, but really makes the final product look much more polished and more likely to stay looking fresh.

Another thing that is very important to me is that anyone who is working for Rare Dirndl, whether it be the seamstresses, the pattern makers or the window washer, is paid properly. Rare dirndls, menswear, blouses etc are all created in ethical conditions, NOT in sweatshops! (I mean the studio does get hot in the summer, but that doesn't count ;-) haha!)

The details that are inside Rare Dirndls that you can't see are what make them really great. Also, they are sewn with care! If I don't sew them myself, they are made by a local Chicago manufacturer (5 miles from the Rare Dirndl Design Studio) and these ladies are awesome! They can sew circles around me and their attention to detail is beyond impressive… that's why they're the only people I trust to make Rare Dirndls!

So there you have it, what makes a Rare Dirndl… well… RARE! If you ever have any questions about Rare Dirndls, feel free to send an e-mail or give the studio a call and we'll answer your questions as best we can. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get an inside look at the daily goings on!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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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? 
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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!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Behind the Scenes: Let's Think Spring!

I don't know about you, but this past month has brought miserable cold weather to the mid-west… and I'm over it! I am very ready for spring… and very excited to talk about the Rare Dirndl Spring/Summer 2014 photo shoot!

Photo Bomb!!

Inspired by camping and the beauty of calm nature… I did not want to have the photo shoot inside, so I had to finish sewing the samples asap, so we could have the shoot while it was still nice outside. Well… kinda nice… by the end of the day it wasn't "a little chilly in the shade" anymore, it was just cold. But our models were troopers! They both pretended that it was summer outside and smiled like they were having a great time.

I saved the best shot for last… the canoe! The final shots turned out great and I am very happy with how they turned out, but getting those shots were no easy feat.
* 1st it was cold and windy… the morning was actually really beautiful outside, but in the late afternoon on the lake, it was windy and chilly!
* 2nd there was the fact that they were on the water battling the wind and the waves and
* 3rd, my poor photographer/dad kept getting water inside his boots, and that water is real COLD!

brrrrr!!

All in all the look was accomplished! Calm, relaxing, and easy going

I'm really excited about this new look and I hope you enjoy this behind the scenes video from the Spring/Summer photo shoot.

The new Day at the Lake Collection will be arriving on our online store at the end of February and that little promise of spring can't get here soon enough!

The Rare Dirndl Team!

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2013… What a Year!

It's hard to believe that tonight will put an end to 2013 and we'll be ringing in 2014. Looking back, it has been a very exciting year for Rare Dirndl.

Some of the great highlights include our participation in the Münchener Trachtentage

The Sunflower Dirndl being featured in the Nickelodeon Original Movie Swindle

And seeing Lisa Mateo in the Warm Night Dirndl on NYC's PIX 11 during the Oktoberfest season!

Here is a quick video that features other exciting things that happened this year!

All of this excitement would not have been possible without your support and there are seriously no words to describe how grateful I am, I can't wait to see what 2014 brings for Rare Dirndl. 

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

Open Studio Weekend!

I'm so excited to announce our next open studio weekend! We'll kick off the weekend on Friday night from 7pm-9pm with free Jagertee provided by Glunz Beers and yummy appetizers like cheesy bread balls, spicy homemade ranch crackers and an assortment of sausages.

Then we will have the doors open from 1pm-5pm both Saturday and Sunday with 10% items on display in the studio including all the new winter items, 2013 fall/winter dirndls and menswear, as well as the new bavarian style hats!

Come grab those perfect gifts and enter to win a prize package worth $100!





I look forward to seeing you!!!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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*Video* Small Business Saturday with Rare Dirndl!

Black Friday gets a lot of attention, but I'm more excited about Small Business Saturday and the fact that it coincides with our 1 year anniversary! (approximately) So, In honor of of that, I've put together a quick video featuring the evolution of the now Rare Dirndl Design Studio. See how it went from real drab to super fab in less than 5 minutes!

On Saturday November 30th, we will be open from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Come early to get the best selection of our new winter items such as the Loose Knit Scarves, Slouchy Hat with Peacock Feathers, Lederhosen Bow Bracelet, and my personal fav the new Ushanka with Lederhosen Details (Russian Style Hat)

Ok… so the studio will be open on saturday, but my favorite part is that there will be a German style breakfast from 10-12… wurst, käse, semmel, eier …. omg yum (you should come early otherwise I might eat it all! I'm getting hungry just typing this!)

And there's more!! Starting on Black Friday (which i'm not particularly a fan of, but everyone keeps asking me if i'm doing something for it… so i'm going to start by calling is Schwarz Freitag… anyway) I'm giving away a Rare Tote bag packed full of goodies! 

Inside the tote will be:

•  A Rare Dirndl Sticker
• A Germany Scarf
• An adorable Children's Beret
• A New Lederhosen Bracelet

Thats a $60 value and it can be yours when you spend $100 with Rare Dirndl anytime between Schwarz Freitag and Cyber Montag (while supplies last)

So thats about it, so much going on… I better got to work making all the things I'm going to give away to you for free ;-)

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Open Studio Weekend! Today! (& tomorrow)

WOW! I'm not going to lie, this weekend totally snuck up on me, but its the best weekend to be a German-American in Chicago... cuz its GERMAN DAY!

I'm super stoked to be working with one of the best German restaurants in Chicago, Laschet's Inn! The owner, his wife and daughter, along with me and a bunch of fabulously Rare ladies and gents will be riding on the Laschet's Mobile Beer Garten in the Steuben Parade today! I'm up early to head over there soon to start prepping the float (bring a little Rare touch to the big thing ;-) The parade starts at 2pm and starts from Lincoln and Irving and ends the German Day grounds on Lincoln, Leland and Western.

After that it'll be time to head back to the studio where I have the New Nevermore Collection on display, Chicago sports dirndls, and the Sunflower dirndl which was recently in the new Nickelodeon original movie, Swindle. Everyone is welcome to come by and browse, shop etc!

Also... I am SO excited that DAVI jewelry has teamed up with us this year! We will have lots of their amazing pieces available in studio and you should come early before I decide to keep them all... and I wish I was kidding ;-) I love love love these pieces!








The studio doors will be open today from 4pm-7pm and tomorrow from 2pm-7pm. Even if you just want to come by to see the place (considering last year it looked like this....) I'd love to see you!








Don't forget to follow Rare Dirndl on Facebook, Instagram (@raredirndl), and Twitter to see all the fabulousness that will be going on today!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Newest Member of the Rare Dirndl Team: Meet Samantha!

I'm so excited to welcome Samantha Petkofski to the Rare Dirndl team. She is my new right hand lady and helps me with everything from sewing and cutting to research and marketing.

Samantha is currently a junior at Dominican University. She is studying apparel design in addition to biology-chemistry. As a child, she learned how to sew by watching her Oma design and create dirndls for all of the girls in their family. In high school, Samantha won "Most Outstanding" at a sectional competition through the FCCLA organization for constructing her own dirndl. She is very excited to be a part of the Rare Dirndl team, where she can continue to utilize her passion for sewing as well as pay homage to her heritage.

She's also excited about the release of the new "Nevermore" Collection next week. It combines fashion forward details, elegant fabrics, and some sexy new silhouettes. Check out the new video to get a behind the scenes look at the photo shoot and a sneak peek at the new styles. 

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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New Fall/Winter Collection is almost here!

Launching: August 19

Inspired by the eerie nature of the works of Edgar Allen Poe, the Nevermore Collection is full of rich jewel tones, plenty of subtle detailing and fresh modern designs that you're used to seeing from Rare Dirndl. This collection is not one to miss and like always the pieces will be produced in small quantities of 3-10, maintaing the exclusivity that you've grown accustomed to.

 

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Um... My Dirndl Doesn't Fit! Now What?

As seasons change, sometimes our bodies change to. So, what happens when you try your dirndl on before a summer picnic and... o jeeze... it doesn't fit! Luckily, most dirndls (including all Rare Dirndls) are easy to alter. Let me show you how!

The first step is to open up both the side seam and the area around that seam that connects to the skirt. These are usually the only seams that need to be altered.

grab that ripper!

Sew up the side seam to make it either bigger or smaller, whichever you need.

just a bit of sewing

Re-pleat the skirt so it fits the new waist size. Make sure the pleat is going in the same direction as the others. Then sew up the waist seam. 

pleat the skirt

Last but not least, you'll want to press your new side seam open to make it look professional.

press like a pro

Tada! Nothing's better than a great fitting dirndl.

Don't have a sewing machine or simply don't want to sew, no problem! Since it's a relatively easy fix, any dry cleaner who employs a professional tailor can alter your dirndl for you. But now you know how... juuust in case!

I'd be honored if you would help spread the word about Rare Dirndl and tell your friends and family that might be interested in being fresh, modern and edgy in their dirndl!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Sample Sale Explained!

Tomorrow is the first day of the Maifest Sample Sale and I've already had a few questions that keep popping up. So lets answer them!

Q: "Can I buy the samples online? / Will the Sale be online as well?"
A: Unfortunately the samples will not be available online and here is why...

Q: "What is a sample?"
A: A sample is the first dirndl style made for a collection. When I designed S/S 2013 I made 8 new pieces. Those pieces are the samples. They are used as guides during production, for photo shoots, fashion shows, advertising, promotional events and window displays. I typically make a size 4, but I have some samples that are a 6 and 12.

My sister and I wearing some samples to promote the F/W 2012 Collection at the AAS Schlachtfest

I can't sell them at their reduced price online for a few reasons.
       1) Some of the samples have some wear-and-tear to them. I don't want you to buy it online and then not be happy with certain aspects of the dirndl that are imperfect.
       2) Some of the samples have been altered to fit models. For promotional events when I have models wear the dirndls, sometimes the samples need to be taken in or out in order to fit them.
       3) A lot of the samples are dirndls that are discontinued. The dirndls are not even on the website at the moment because they are discontinued and no longer available.

I Love Lucy Sample Dirndl being worn during a fashion show

Q: "I don't live in Chicago, does that mean I can't take advantage of the sale? I really wanted a dirndl"
A: There will be an online promotion announced later today, but if you are a size 4-8 and you are interested in a sample dirndl, shoot me an e-mail (erika@erikaneumayer.com) or give me a call (312-806-5099) And you can order one of them over the phone. This way I can talk to you about the specific details of the sample, the wear-and-tear, any spots, sun damage, fit issues, etc.

Still have questions? Shoot me an email or give me a ring-a-ling! I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Happy Maifesting!