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!)




Do you want to be the next Rare Dirndl Customer Spotlight? As the winner you will recieve a $50 Coupon Code for any online purchase, a feature on the Rare Dirndl website and blog, and a gift package worth approx $100!! Click here to get all the details!

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Dirndl 101: How to Put on a Dirndl

Megan from SCHNITZels & GIGGLES in her dirndl.
Photo courtesy of George Nagata

Never worn a traditional German Dirndl before? No problem, we understand that not everyone wears a dirndl once, maybe twice a week like us... but in all honestly there are a few things you should know. Here is a quick guide to getting dressed and ready for Oktoberfest in your Rare Dirndl!

#1 Undies- Wear a good bra. It doesn’t need to be a push-up bra, but it does need to put the girls in the right place.

#2 Bloomers- If you plan on getting your polka on, bloomers are a wise choice. Not everyone is going to be looking up your skirt, but there are sure to be some wandering eyes and some judging Oma’s should your skirt go a-flyin... better safe than sorry.

#3 Blouse- Whether is the classic off-the-shoulder, full puff-sleeve sweetheart blouse or our newest innovation the blouslette, that is what goes on next. (This step is not to be skipped!!!)

#4 Dirndl- Most Rare Dirndls have a center front zipper, so throw it over your head (or step into it if you’re floor is “nice und putz”) and zip that baby up. Some sucking it in may apply, but better to have a nice tight fit than a loosey-goosey dirndl

#5 Lace Up Front- If your dirndl has a lace up front, you’ll most likely find the corresponding ribbon and/or chain in the pocket (yes... there’s a pocket!) Start by putting the ribbon or chain trough the top to hooks and then crisscross and go down from there and tie it in a bow (or knot if its chain) at the bottom.

#6 Apron- The final touch is the apron (unless your dirndl comes with a belt in which case, just put on the belt). The apron gets tied at the natural waist, covering seam. You can either tie the apron in a bow in the back or bring the ties around the front and tie it in a bow. Put the bow on the left side if you are single and on the right side if you’re married.

#7 Accessorize!- To complete the look add the accessories of your choice 

• Jewelry 
• Tights or Socks
• Purse
• Edelweiss Hair Clip
• Sweater if its chilly
• A sexy man in Lederhosen 
• und natürlich ein Bier Stein! 

So there you have it. The basic guide to getting dressed in your dirndl. Be sure to post pictures of you in your über chic dirndl on Instagram or Facebook using #RareDirndl and stop reading this and go have fun! Girls in dirndls always have more fun!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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5 Ways to Rock the Dirndl this Season

This time of the year is the busiest because so many Rare Dirndl customers are preparing to leave for the Oktoberfest in Munich in the coming weeks! Many local Chicagoans come to my studio looking for a dirndl to wear and often ask, “What do I wear with it? Socks? What shoes? I've never worn a dirndl before… What is traditional?" To that I usually respond, "well, I'm not the 'stick to the rules kind of gal' I think you can wear whatever you want." But there are a few things that are stand out trends for 2014 so I've put together my top 5 tips to help you Rock your Dirndl this Oktoberfest season!

1. Motorcycle Boots and Dirndl Socks: The traditional dirndl sock is a great way to keep your legs warm (since it is fall and could get chilly) and then, pair them with motorcycle boots instead of mary-janes! This look is so unexpected and mixes hard rocker edge with a soft traditional look that I think is so new and fresh. It also helps keep any beer from spilling on your socks ;-) The best dirndl socks (in my opinion) come from Ernst Licht, here is the link - http://www.ernstlicht.com/12-ladies-clothing/105-ladies-socks/trachten-kneesocks.html

The Look: Motorcycle Boots

Jackie and her daughters rocking the Look!

2. Trachtenhüte: A decorated trachten hat with feathers, ribbon, flowers and pins is very on trend for 2014 and it takes every dirndl to the next level. The hats are so popular this year that we only have 2 Bavarian style hats left! One red and one green, so get yours before they're gone! Click here to see view them in the Rare Dirndl Online Store.

The Look: Trachtenhüte

Jill rocking the Look!

3. Floral Crowns: If you’re not into hats, a floral crown is super on trend this year! (design assistant Samantha says "that's what all the cool kids are wearing these days" - good enough for me!) For my latest collection I featured very large, over the top, avant-garde floral crowns, but a simple (not cheesy) crown is gorgeous for Okotberfest! There are lots of tutorials on YouTube to make your own, that way it can match your dirndl perfectly.

The Look: Floral Crown

Bride Mary-Claire rocking the Look

4. The Proper Undergarments: Underneath every great dirndl is a great foundation. I did a blog post a while back on the proper undies to wear with your dirndl, because there is not a woman on earth that can pull off a dirndl with a sports bra! Set yourself up for dirndl success and get your push-up bra and bloomers ready because wearing a dirndl is meant to accentuate only the best a woman’s body has to offer.

The Look: Proper Undergarments

Karen rocking the Look!

5. And last but not least…Bright Lipstick to Accent that Smile! No one likes a German girl with a frown and there is no better way to accent a gorgeous smile then with bright lipstick. I don’t listen to trends when it comes to lipstick color… play off of the colors in your dirndl and go with it. Hot Pink, Blush, Bright Red, Dark Plum – any color that accentuates your dirndl is the color to choose.

The Look: Bright Lipstick

Kat rocking the Look!

Those are my 5 ways to Rock the Dirndl this Oktoberfest Season. All season long we are going to be posting pics on Instagram (follow me at @raredirndl) featuring ladies that are rockin it! Like Megan!


She wore her custom Burberry inspired dirndl to the opening night of Oktoberfest at the Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas and she rocked her dirndl all the way down the aisles of the restaurant with Sigfried & Roy!! Use #RareDirndl and #RockTheDirndl all season long and maybe you'll see your pic on our account too! 

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

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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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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Rare Dirndl Customer Spotlight: Eric & Elizabeth Brotten

Eric & Elizabeth Brotten - Minneapolis, MN

We're Eric & Elizabeth Brotten, residents of Minneapolis and German-themed party connoisseurs. We love to wear our Rare Dirndl attire to local cultural events at the German-American Institute (St. Paul), as well as at our privately hosted annual Oktoberfest party (we get upwards of 80 guests, offer bier and food, live music, and authentic steins for use)!

Our favorite thing about Rare Dirndl is the fun, modern prints and high quality construction. We frequently get compliments about how trendy they look and we've even had German friends in Munich say they wish they had Tracht like we do!














- I love the way they look in their matching dirndl and menswear! I recently added a new category to the online store called "His & Hers" Where you can easily check out all of the matching dirndl and menswear outfits. Click the link to see them for yourself! - http://bit.ly/1i4mSIO


Do you want to be the next Rare Dirndl Customer Spotlight? As the winner you will recieve a $50 Coupon Code for any online purchase, a feature on the Rare Dirndl website and blog, and a gift package worth approx $100!! Click here to get all the details!

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

*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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His & Hers Okoberfest Outfits? Yes Please!!

"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

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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A Rare Dirndl in a Movie!? YUP!

I'm so excited about the premiere of the new Nickelodeon Original Movie, Swindle! Primarily because actress Jennette MCurdy is wearing the Sunflower Dirndl in one of the scenes. Many people have asked me how I got one of my pieces in a movie, so here is the quick back story!

Last year around June (I can't remember exactly, but I know that I was cleaning our apartment with my Oma getting it ready for us to move in) I got a call from a woman who was coordinating some of the costumes for a TV show that would be on Canadian Nickelodeon. She wanted to order the Sunflower Dirndl, but I didn't have it in stock. She needed it right away, so she said "I'll pay the rush fee if you can get it to me by next week", so I quickly got sewing and shipped the dirndl off to Canada. And that was it.

I e-mailed her about 6 months later, asking if things were going alright and if they needed anything, but no response. I would also periodically check out the Canadian Nickelodeon website to see if I could spot the dirndl anywhere, but no luck. So I kinda forgot about it.

Then a couple weeks ago, I got an e-mail from a customer (who has the Sunflower Dirndl) with this picture and this note: "So I was babysitting today and this came on the tv! A rare dirndl! I think the show is called Sam and cat...or something. How awesome! Congrats!"

She became determined to figure out where she could see her dirndl on TV again and discovered that it was going to be in the Movie Swindle!

I'm so excited to have a movie night tonight and enjoy some solid Nickelodeon awesomeness with a bowl of popcorn and a glass of wine! To celebrate, today and tomorrow ONLY, the Sunflower Dirndl is only $199 when you use coupon code SWINDLE during checkout. (after you put in your shipping address)

Let us know on facebook if you saw the movie and the Sunflower dirndl and tweet to @jennettemccurdy during to movie to tell her how fab she looks in her @raredirndl #sunflowerdirndl

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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