Our Best of German Fest 2014

This year at German Fest Milwaukee we met a ton of new people and had a wonderful time. The weather cooperated (for the most part) and everything went really smoothly from set up Thursday to the final tear down on Monday!











Three things stood out most! So here is our "Best of German Fest Milwaukee" 2014

#1- Schnitzel on a Stick!!

We met the Graf family who own the SCHNITZELs & GIGGLES food truck. They were parked right across from our booth and we had a great time with them. Not only was their food amazing (the Schnitzel was probably the best I've ever had and their fries were soooooooo good!!) but the family was too! Their energy was contagious and it made "going to work" at German Fest that much more fun! Check out their website by clicking here and be sure to like them on Facebook!






#2- CHIKERIA!

I had been in contact with Sonja from CHIKERIA for a few weeks prior to German Fest working on a custom design for her to wear on stage. Finally meeting her on the Friday of German Fest was so exciting, but what was more exciting was seeing my dirndls on stage! She wore her custom dirndl on Friday and Sunday nights and she wore the "Tell-Tale Heart" dirndl on Saturday night. I was totally geeking out and I felt so proud to have my work on the Harley Stage at German Fest. (probably not many designer's idea of fame… but I'm pumped about it!)

#3- The Footsie Wootsie Foot Vibrators!

Working German Fest is tough on the ol' feeties… we are on our feet from 8am-1am and so by Sunday, we are ready for a serious foot massage. Luckily German Fest has these strange foot massager things all over so we decided to give them a try. For 25 cents you get about a minute of ridiculously weird foot vibrating action and it worked! Our feet felt much better… for about 30 minutes and then they hurt again, but it was so fun! We made sure Meagan from SCHNITZELs & GIGGLES tried it too because the feeling is hard to describe and it's just too funny!

And the top seller this weekend… you could probably guess… The Limited Edition "Weltmeister" Dirndl! We still have a few left, but the beautiful yellow dirndl was hands down the best seller of the weekend.

Well, that was one busy weekend down… are on to the next. We are setting up tonight for the Edelwiess 100 Jähriges Jubiläum this weekend! We will be a vendor along with a few others for this wonderful celebration of the oldest Schuhplattler Verein in the country!

Be sure to follow Rare Dirndl on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see pictures from the weekend and keep up with all the fun goings on.

TTFN ta ta for now!

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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. 

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Maternity Dirndl with No Mama Drama

This summer I've been asked this question a couple of times, "Could you make a maternity dirndl?" My response... yes, but do you really want to spend $400-$600 on a custom dirndl that you might not wear more than once? Probably not... but I have a solution!

First thing is to find a simple sleeveless knit dress, like this Michael Stars Hampton Stripe Midi Dress

Then add our off-the-shoulder blouse and a Rare Dirndl hat... and your ready for Oktoberfest!

Any sleeveless knit dress will do and any dirndl blouse can take that dress from ready-to-wear to German momma-to-be! We are going to be coming out with our own line of hats this fall as well, so follow up on facebook to be sure you know when they are available! TTFN tata for now! 

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Our Best from German Fest

Last weekend the Rare Dirndl team and I had a great time at German Fest Milwaukee despite the unusually chilly weather. We had to cover up our dirndl with sweaters, but we enjoyed listening to the music, eating the wonderful food and talking to so many great people!

The top selling dirndl last weekend was the Wicked Garden Dirndl. This edgy, fashion forward dirndl caught the eye of so many people and the smiles on those who tried it on were priceless! One of our customers said "I know I have gym shoes on... but I don't want to take it off!" And she didn't... that's one of the fabulous things about getting a dirndl at German Fest, you can try it on and walk out of the dressing room and onto the dance floor!

The top selling blouse for the weekend was the blouse that is paired with the Wicked Garden dirndl, the Sweetheart Blouse with Chain Sleeves. There are only a few left and they are going quick, so don't forget to grab yours before they are gone! Since it's all black it can easily be worn with many dirndl styles and the chains make it not only elegant, but edgy and modern as well.


We only make our blouses and dirndls in small batches which make them exclusive and if we sell out, for most styles, that's it. For example, I have no more chain to make the Sweetheart Blouse with Chain Sleeves... so once the little bit of stock we have left is gone, it's gone.







Thanks so much to everyone who came by our pop-up boutique last weekend and don't forget, the new Nevermore collection will be released on August 19th! Monika and I were sporting some new pieces last Saturday!

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German Fest Secrets Revealed!

German Fest Milwaukee is just around the corner and we've got 3 secrets about the weekend you may not know. Long time German Fest goer, southern Wisconsin resident, and fellow Erika, Erika Hutz told me about a few fun things that even I didn't know about!

#1) Niche Schnapps' Garden: NEW for this year, located just south of the Main Gate, the Schnapps' Garden Bar will be serving the official German Fest spirits, as well as traditional German Spirit Specialties from some of Germany's oldest and renowned distillers. There you can enjoy some shelter from the sun, while drinking and sampling some great schnapps. 

#2) For the non-beer drinkers: There are a variety of Schlink Haus wines served at select bars. And for kids and those looking for something non-alcholic there is the award winning Sprecher Root Beer that is brewed locally in Milwaukee! 

#3) 8th Annual Dachshund Derby: "Every year it gets bigger and bigger and lately, people have started training their dogs for the race," says the coordinator of the races. It is such a fun event that is super family friendly and is a nice change of pace from the rest of the events. Also not to miss is the Wiener Dog Costume Contest. Maybe Rare Dirndl should enter into the contest... if only we had a wiener dog!

Got other tips and tricks for the weekend? Comment below so we can share with everyone on facebook and via e-mail!

Also, don't forget to visit the Rare Dirndl pop-up boutique at the south corner of the Marketplatz!

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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!

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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!

Let's Hear it for the Boys!

In Detail: Menswear

Turquoise Plaid Trachtenhemd

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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Getting to the Bottom of Things: All About the Undies!

Underneath every great dirndl is a great set of underwear. Sometimes the perfect bra can make or break your Oktoberfest look. So lets start at the top and work our way down, finding out which undergarments work best for your dirndl and what to avoid.

#1 Gotta have a great bra!
There are so many different types of bras out there... probably to go along with all types of boobs! I find the key to giving yourself a great dirndl body using undergarments starts with the right bra. I have small ones, so I use the Victoria's Secret Bombshell push-up and I love it! It really makes my dirndls fit so much better and creates the illusion of an even smaller waist. If you have big boobs, my friends use the Body by Victoria's Secret Demi Bra. "My bra has natural support, no extra padding or push-up... it lifts them up without pushing them all out and in your face!" Now don't think your bra has to be from Victoria's Secret, the key is giving your bust a nice shape, fits well, and puts the ladies where they are supposed to be.

Whether you have big tatas or you are a member of the itty bitty titty committee, my number one advice is a NUDE bra! One of the biggest bra mistakes that I see women make is wearing a bright color or a print. It's the easiest way to find yourself looking silly when your bra color shows through your blouse. Sometimes, even with a black blouse you can run into trouble. So if your going to spend the money on a dirndl bra, go nude! You won't regret it!

#2 Nice fitting underoos!

Everyone has their panty preferences, but with a dirndl I have 2 suggestions depending on your dirndl activities. For those who are going to be primarily dancing, go with cotton! No one wants super swamp ass while your polkaing. For those who are primarily drinking beers, eating German food and enjoying company, go for some shapewear. With a shaping underwear you can enjoy more of the decadent German items like a nice Hefeweizen and Schweinshaxen without worrying about your dirndl shrinking ;) Something like the Spanx Undie-tectable Panty is a great choice!

Either way... you may also want to consider some bloomers! The Rare Satin Bloomers, super cute, sexy little shorts that will allow you to really dance and spin on the dance floor without any unwanted wardrobe malfunction.

Satin Bloomers

#3 Tights and Tanks

Although you may not always need a pair of tights or an undershirt, sometimes they can be very important. Tights can add a personal spin on a traditional dirndl or a great way to stay warm if you know that its going to be a bit chilly at the Oktoberfest. Control top tights can also give you even more slimming shape if thats something your looking for. Speaking of chilly... a simple way to give yourself more layers without changing the look of your dirndl is to wear a tight tank top. My new favorite is the nude BKE Super Long Strappy Tank Top. Its a tight slimming tank that doesn't interfere with your blouse neckline. I love it and it's what the model wore in the In Bloom Dirndl Video!

Those are my 3 tips for what goes under your perfect dirndl! Did I miss something? Comment below about your favorite undergarment brands, styles, shapes etc. I'd LOVE to hear what you have to say about what you wear under your dirndl.

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The Most Versatile Dirndl Ever!

I've been waiting for so long to finally introduce one of my new favorite dirndls. The In Bloom Dirndl is a completely new way of thinking about a dirndl. Its lace skirt without a lining may be shocking at first... but not when you think about all the possibilities that it allows for! With so many skirt, blouse, and apron colors available, you can mix and match until the end of time! Take belts from your closet, use those cute black leggings, or bust out one of mom's blouses for a little vintage flair. I've gotten so much use out of this dirndl and the summer isn't even here yet!

Confused? Don't worry! Check out the video to see how this dirndl works... and it only shows a handful of the endless possibilities the In Bloom Dirndl has.

All the choices may be overwhelming at first, but start small and expand. Start with one color group and go from there. Don't see your favorite color? E-mail and ask about a custom color group!

Aprons

Off-the-Shoulder Blouse

Semi-circle Skirts

Still have questions about the In Bloom Dirndl? Feel free to shoot me an e-mail or give me a call!

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More from Munich!

At the Münchener Trachtentage earlier this month, I met many amazing designers and I'm very excited to share 2 designers stories with you. To see the full list of exhibitors simply click here!

Lina Schiller - Dekadenza

This Munich based company specializes in glamourous and high fashion trachten hats. Adding fresh and luxurious details to a very traditional dirndl accessory makes these hats one of a kind. Designer, Lina Schiller, uses modern feathers, bright colors, and vintage style charms to create the Dekadenza signature looks. My favorite is the "Beauty Queen" and I can't wait for the next event so I can wear mine!

Eveline Stoesser - D'Urban Dirndl

I first met Eveline Stroesser when she so kindly let me borrow her iron and ironing board at the Trachtentage, but I've known about D'Urban Dirndl for years. I love, love, love African prints and her designs incorporate traditional Bavarian dirndl silhouettes with bright, bold and unique African prints. She brings a one-of-a-kind style to the German dirndl market and the craftsmanship is impeccable. I tried on one of her pieces and I wish I could have taken it home with me. Maybe one day I'll get to have my own D'Urban Dirndl.

Nadine Batista Santos - Dirndl Magazine

For everything you would want to know about dirndls, grab up your copy of Dirndl Magazine! Editor Nadine Batista Santos and I have only talked via e-mail over the past 2 years, so finally meeting her was very exciting. Also very exciting was discovering that she featured Rare Dirndl in the Exhibitor Catalog! I am so honored to have my work featured in the special edition of Dirndl Magazine and look forward to continue working with her!

Would you rather have this kind of info delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Rare Dirndl e-mail on the website. You'll even get to take the Free Quiz "Which Dirndl Style Are You?" www.erikaneumayer.com

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Münchener Trachtentage: The American Invasion!

March 16th & 17th was the first Münchener Trachtentage and I am very proud to say that I was one of the Ausstellers (exhibitors) at the event! Everyone who came to visit the booth was very surprised to see an American there... selling dirndls. "But Erika Neumayer is such a German name!" They were really impressed by the designs and the fact that Americans also embrace the traditional dress of Bavaria.

The Rare Dirndl booth at the Münchener Trachtentage

The venue was really fabulous! The MVG Museum is usually a street car museum, but during those two days it was transformed into a "everything tracht" extravaganza. The ambiance of vintage street cars and the industrial look of the building really added to the atmosphere and created an old meets new feeling, much like many of the dirndl designs. 

The Biergarten within the Trachtentage!

Many of the other exhibitors were also excited to learn that there was a market in the US for dirndls and that I was taking that bull by the horns. I met so many great people and got to meet many of the German designers that I have been looking up to for years! 

Me with Andschana from herzhirsch and her husband 

The fashion show was, hands down, the most exciting part of the weekend for me. In Chicago, there are not many (or any) opportunities for me to participate in professional fashion shows... so seeing my work walk down the runway was exhilarating and (this may sound silly) but I felt like a real designer! The bright colors and fun prints looked great on the runway and the crowd responded well to the pieces.

The Leopard Dirndl making its runway debut

Dark Purple Trachtenshirt and Adventurous Alice Dirndl on the runway

Although our sales consisted mostly of lederhosen bracelets, the experience was worth the trip! The German dirndl market is worlds apart from the American market, but now I can say that I've dabbled in both. I can't wait to see what the next few months bring and I'm most excited to apply what I've learned to my designs, collections and business. 

The Rare Dirndl Team!

Check out some of the sites from some of the other exhibitors that I love! I've starting working together with some of them and can't wait to see what the future will bring. Also check out the full trachtentage photo album on the Rare Dirndl Facebook page.

http://www.alpenherz.de

http://www.alpenkult.com

http://www.durbandirndl.com

http://www.dekadenza.de

http://www.herzhirsch.de

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