"His & Hers" outfits are definitely a hit or miss! This trend has been in and out throughout fashion's long history and for good reason! These his & hers are not exactly what I would call high fashion!
Britany Spears and Justin Timberlake, the "IT" couple of 2001, tried this look... and I think that just about ended the trend...
But Rare Dirndl is bringing it BACK! I love using the same fabrics in a dirndl and a trachtenshirts and the matching dirndls and shirts have been über popular. I'm nearly sold out of every dirndl/shirt combo! For Spring/Summer 2014 you will be sure to see some more His & Hers ensembles, but not to worry... you won't look like Britany and Justin, you'll look more like all of these fabulous Rare Dirndl customers that posted their pics on social media! What do you think? Love the trend? Hate it?
Aric & Kelsey
Anne & Mike
Wally & Monika
Matt, Isabelle, & Mannie
Alex &; Kat (no the jersey is not Rare)
Anthony & Erika
Monika & Mark
Christel & Jerry
Teresa & Steve
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I am so excited about the fashion shows that are coming up at the brand new Hofbräuhaus Chicago in Rosemont. The two shows that are taking place during their Okotberfest are sure to be full of fun and energy because not only is the venue amazing, but Rare Dirndl is all about bringing high fashion and high energy to the American dirndl market
Runway at the Münchener Trachtentage
Tomorrow is the first show! At 6:00pm I will feature some great Rare Dirndl pieces that everyone loves and now, some of them even have stories to go along with them! At 7:00pm I will be showing new the fall/winter 2013 collection, "Nevermore"
"The City in The Sea" Dirndl
I hope to see you there and would love it if you would tell all your friends about it! You talking about Rare is always the best way for me to get new customers and if I get new customers, I can keep making the dirndls you love! YAY... which is what I need to be doing right now, so ttfn ta ta for now!
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After my first 2 collections were released, the most commonly asked questions was, "are you going to design men's clothes too?" So in 2011, I started making menswear... primarily trachtenhemden, or traditionally inspired shirts. Lets dive right in and see how a shirt comes together.
One of the things about men's shirts that's funny, is that it takes just as much fabric to make a man's shirt (if not more) as it does to make a dirndl. The difference is the time it takes to sew. Men's shirts take approximately 1.75 yards of fabric, more if it's a plaid. Plaids need to be placed very strategically in order to create the right look so the stripes line up and match! Sometimes, I incorporate two fabrics to create a very unique look that has a bit of contrast to it, like the black accents on the Turquoise Plaid Trachtenhemd.
Laying out the pattern for a new shirt
Then its time to add the fusible interfacing. Fusible is a reinforcement fabric that is fused or melted to the shirt fabric. It makes it stiffer and more durable. The fusible is added to areas of the shirt that need more structure like the collar and under collar as well as places where there are buttons, like the pockets, center front, and cuffs.
Then its time to sew it up! Some of the details in my menswear, like the roll up sleeves, front button flaps or shoulder accents are what take extra time and make Rare Menswear special. Its also about the design. When designing a menswear piece I always keep in mind certain things that I know my customer is looking for. What does the average American tracht-wearing man want in a shirt? Comfort, ease, tradition and individuality.
Almost finished sewing a new sample
I am very aware that my menswear is expensive, but there are details in them that you simply won't find on other trachtenshirts. I'm most proud of the fact that while they are indeed trachtenshirts, sporting edelweiss buttons, traditional embroideries and classic cuts, they are completely wearable outside of an Oktoberfest. Most of my shirts wouldn't look out of place at a concert, cousin Stefan's birthday or out running errands.
Designing Trachten menswear can be a challenge, but it pushes me to think more creatively. I'm also very proud to say that at the Münchener Trachtentage, Rare Dirndl, hands down, had the most interesting menswear.
Thats all folks... If you are interested in seeing all my menswear designs, click here and see what I've got!
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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!
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.
#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!
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.
#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.
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!
Today is November 26th. And on this day in 1986, I was born, so today I turn 26.
Happy Golden Birthday!! Oh why thank you!
So today... simple... 26% off everything! Order anything online today get 26% back as a paypal refund within 24 hours. Dirndls, Men's Shirts, Sweaters, Sale Items... EVERYTHING!
I'm going to go enjoy my birthday by seeing my fabric rep and shop for fabric, then cutting some dirndl bodices for inventory and then having dinner with my family. Crab Legs!!!!!! So Excited!
So 26% off everything online to celebrate my golden birthday... and oh ya, cyber monday blah blah.
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After the photo shoot a few weeks back, I knew the shots were going to be great because I had such a fabulous team working with me! My lil' sis took her knowledge of fashion (from her personal style and her new job at Buckle) and mixed with her vast collection of jewelry to help accessorize the amazing Claire Shillingburg and Dylan Solon who modeled that day. Katherine Rally did, hands down, the most amazing hair and make-up! She always does good work, but this one took the cake. (took the cake... takes the cake... whatever, it was outstanding).
Kat's amazing work!
My boyfriend scoped out the perfect location, my dad set the stage and my mom kept us fed! Lets not forget about Mark Bappert who was busy taking video and last, but not least, (because without her it there would be nothing) Vanessa Buholzer of VKB Photography! We've worked together on many shoots and she is always amazing. Her editing after the shoot made the pics even more dramatic.
Monika, Kat, Vanessa and I working behind the scenes
Inspired by the Grunge Music movement that started in Seattle in the early 90s, I was going for a more melancholy, dramatic, "I don't give a flying f*ck" kind of look. We achieved that in spades and I couldn't be more proud to show my new collection, 'Beautiful, Dark Days' to the world!
Come as You Are sweater and Flannel Skirt with Brown Flannel Trachtenhemd
The pieces are titled after 90s grunge songs and its a mix of plaid, winter wear, lace and edge. Along with the dirndls, trachten shirts and skirts you'll find pieces like the "Come as You Are" sweater and "Deep Refection" pants that bring a great mix of ready-to-wear with the German style garments.
Deep Reflection pants with Warrior vest and lace blouse
I seriously could look at the website home page with the rotating pics for days. I hope you enjoy this new collection as much as I loved creating it! All of the pieces are available online and (for sure after thanksgiving) you can make an appointment to come stop by the studio and see the garments in person.
Thanks for reading... here's my fav shot from the whole shoot for you to enjoy!
Black Hole Sun
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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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Back in January I bought flooring for the studio space because Lumber Liquidators was having a big new years sale... had I known that it would be august before we would lay the floor I would have waited, but oh well! Anyway... its that time! Walls are painted so its time to lay the floor... right? Wrong! First we need to level the floor, then cut out the area for the tiles (since the ceramic tiles are 1/4" and the other flooring is about 1/16") Thanks to my handy dandy daddy, we got it done!
Cutting out a section for the ceramic tile
Next we needed to put in more screws to the creaky squeaky sections. After that it was time to lay the subfloor. This will insure that there will be a very level, nice and clean surface to stick on the laminate tiles. So last night my dad and I cleaned the floor, glued the sheets and stapled it down!
Yes, I am now the staple gun master!
We only got about half way through before it was 8:30 and time for some dinner. So my dad headed home, I cleaned up a bit and proceeded to have a nice bowl of cereal, Gotta have my Pops! Tonight, while I get my hair cut my dad said that he is going to bring my grandma over to "see the space" (and or help him finish the floor.)
Half way there!
I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful family and support system that is willing to help me with this project. I don't know where I would be without them and I can't wait until its finished and I can have a very special Friends and Family night for all of them to show my appreciation.
but until then, I always provide my helpers with the key ingredient to success, a cold beer!
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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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Not much to report... this week was pretty quiet. Lights are going to be put in next week and then I believe its our turn to get to work; starting with the ceiling.
The facade has also not changed at all this week, but it sure did change last week! I'm very excited to see the beginning of the Bavarian style store front.
5051 N. Lincoln Ave
Everyday, people ask me, "So when is the studio going to be ready?" "When is the grand opening?" and the truth is... I have no idea. The contractor said that the interior was going to be complete last week and the facade this week, but its not. So I can't gage when its going to be ready, plus I don't know how fast I'll be working either... I've never laid tile in my life, so it may take me a little while.
I'm hoping for an August opening, but we shall see... we shall see.
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Thanks the wonderful people at the DANK Haus for graciously welcoming Rare Trachtenwear to the Lincoln Square Neighborhood by offering their windows to us for the month of June!
To kick off the Maifest May 31st - June 3rd, we put up some of our most sought after pieces in the DANK Haus's new windows!
Men's New Polo and Bundhosen with the Sunflower Dirndl
Bringing some pops of bright colors to the night life of the fabulous Lincoln Square!
Rainforest Queen Couture Gown
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Today is Sunday, which means its the last day of Maifest and the last of the Maifest Daily Deals. We are going to end this little sale with something for the men! The Beige and Red Plaid Trachtenshirt is imported stretch cotton short sleeve shirt with red plaid details and metal edelweiss buttons.
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