The 6 iPhone Emojis They Forgot (according to a German)

As an iPhone user, an emoji (the ideograms or smileys used in Japanese electronic messages and now throughout the world) lover, and a German I have some thoughts on the available emojis. First lets give a shout out to apple for including these which are very useful if you are an avid texter and you're German:

#9: The Spargel - Ok fine… apparently this is a "pine decoration" but I like to use it as asparagus, a veggie Germans love and so do I (even though I make mine in the oven, not in a Spargelkocher) 

#8: The Hazelnut - During the holidays nothing says Weihnachten like some good ol' cookies with Haselnüssen

#7: The Skiis - Although for me living in the mid-west where our version of a mountain to ski on is a fake snow covered pile of dirt, this comes in handy for most ski-loving Deutsche

#6: The Fußball - No description needed

#5: The Omi und Opa - "What are you doing tonight?" "Hanging out with [insert old people emoji]"

#4: The Krampus - Always a classic

#3: The Beer and the Clinking Beer Steins - PROST!

#2: The NEIN! girl - "Can you help me move?" "[insert pink girl with hands in the NEIN!!! position]"

#1: The German Flag - just started humming the Deutschlandlied (does that not get stuck in everyone's head for hours?)

But… Apple (and/or the japanese emoji designers) missed some crucial and much needed emojis if Germans are going to have emoji filled text conversations with other Germans!

#6: The Gummibär - If I can buy Haribo at the local Michael's craft store I should be able to text a gummy bear to my besties!

#5: The Iron - Although German-American's may have adopted the American's lack of ironing love, sometimes you just need a do some bügeln via text message.

#4: The Accordion - Chances are when you are going to an event we are going to need to express some polka love via text message and what better way to do that than with a classic instrument.

#3: The Pretzel - I mean come on… its a common bar snack! No? 

#2: The Wurst - At the very least they could have included a hot dog…

#1: CHEESE - It grinds my gears on a regular basis that there is no cheese besides this Kraft American Cheese hidden in the Symbols. I mean where is the Käse love?

What do you think? Am I crazy thinking they missed these crucial emojis? Do you use an emoji in a Deutsches way amongst your friends? I would love to hear your ideas so share them on social media (Facebook.com/raredirndl @raredirndl on Intagram and @raredirndln on Twitter) or in the comments below!

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Reawaken Your Spirit - the Newest Collection from Rare Dirndl

I'm so proud to announce the release of the newest collection, Reawakening. This collection is inspired by the elusive Chicago spring season. The idea of cold transforming into warmth, old growing into new, darkness turning to light and the destruction of winter becoming the growth of spring.

I didn't want to make you wait any longer to see the new designs, but unfortunately you will have to wait just a bit more to actually get any items in your own closet. I made a quick video to explain my plan to give you more that a great offer on the new collection, but if you don't have time to watch just scroll down and keep reading.

We ran into a few bumps in the road during the production of the new collection and the dirndls and menswear are still being made. However, in an effort to make everyone feel better about the late delivery date, here is the plan…

All the new dirndls and menswear will be 20% this week only! Then March 3rd, you can still save, but the savings goes down to 10%. And on March 11th: 5% off and then the following week everything will be back to full price and everything will ship out approximately April 1st.

How does that sound!?! That sounds like a big bowl of awesome-sauce to me, but then I'm easily excitable. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail info@raredirndl.com anytime or call the studio.

Click here to Shop and Save 20% on the entire collection 

Click here to see all the editorial photos on Facebook

How We Turn Dreary Chicago Winter into a Beautiful New Collection

In the past I've had trouble designing Spring collections because here in Chicago… spring is this elusive season that lasts for about 3 days, so it is truly find inspiration for a Spring Collection. This year I thought I'd do things a little differently and design a Winter/Spring 2015 collection that is inspired by exactly that, winter into spring. The idea of cold transforming into warmth, old growing into new, darkness turning to light and the destruction of winter becoming the growth of spring.

I was in yoga class and the instructor was talking about how in order to grow, we must let go of things that are restraining us. Like seeds; in order for a seed to become a plant, it must first let go of it's outer shell, essentially destroy itself in order to become new. I starting thinking about animals and humans and how we must all cope with love, loss, life and death to be able to grow and become new and better.




Using this as inspiration, I created my own fabric design using a photo of a deer skull that was given to me that I made new again by adding a flower to it. I also used a muted color pallet with pops of greens to signify the muted colors of winter followed by pops of the first signs of spring; grass peeking through the snow.

The majesty of strong animals that live through the tough winters inspired the use of leather and strong hooks and chains.

And the confusion of the transition from winter into spring, the warm days followed by freezing rain, followed yet again by bright, sunny afternoons inspired the mixing of textures and fabrics to create new and innovative silhouettes.

I'm very excited about how the collection is coming along. Be sure to follow @raredirndl on Instagram to see more behind the scenes pics of the collection before its release.

Also, check out the behind the scenes video from the photo shoot!

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Rare Dirndl's 5 Year Anniversary!

As an entrepreneur, January is the season for reflection, crunching numbers and setting goals… all some of my least favorite things. Last night I spent the evening carefully going over all the expenses, the budget, and setting 2015's projections, but then I took a minute and thought, "Hey Chica! This is Rare Dirndl's 5 year Anniversary. Whooop Whoop!" (then I put down the paperwork and got myself a glass of wine to celebrate!)

A lot happened this year so, I'm really excited for 2015! There are some things from 2014 that I'm going to try not to dwell on, like finding out that a Pakistani manufacturer is stealing my photos and designs… but there are so many great things that happened in 2014 that I'm very proud of!

This quote by fashion icon, Coco Chanel really rings true to me, because ever since I was little, I was always "a little different", but now I get to use that to my advantage! When people are going to criticize my work for copy my designs, it is very important or me to remember that I've arrived  2015 because of  hard work and innovation.

I'm very proud to have come so far in only 5 years and I've updated the ABOUT US page of the website to reflect that. Click here to check out the changes! 

Included on that page is a new video that explains what Rare Dirndl is all about! (although it's not as quirky as my usual videos, it gets the job done, haha!)

Here are some videos and blog posts that highlight 2014

Dirndls on the Mancow Show (haha that was interesting!)

The introduction of the most innovative blouse and only one of it's kind, the Blouselette!

Germany Wins the World Cup and there is a dirndl to match!

Most popular Video of the year!

Our best selling accessories make a comeback and we designed new ones! 

Our beautiful Brides of 2014

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Krampus Fest Here We Come!!

I'm so excited to be a part of Martyrs' 2nd Annual Krampus Fest! This is a FREE EVENT at Martyrs' near Lincoln Square (3855 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60613) Rare Dirndl will be one of the local vendors at the Artisan Holiday Market 11am - 4pm  and then there is a Krampus Parade 4:30pm and Live Music 5:30pm

It should be a great family friendly event to shop, eat, drink, stomp, chant in celebration of Krampus, St. Nick's dark partner. Wicked good fun!

Last year was the first Krampus fest and it's a day long event paying homage to St. Nick's dark partner, Krampus, because sometimes it's hard to be good! This is a family-friendly fest, so no Krampus beatings. (sorry!)

We will have table at the Holiday Arts Market from 11am-4pm along with other local artisans, crafters, bakers and purveyors of beautiful handmade and homemade gifts. Super cool background mixtapes from DJ LowFi. There will also be delectable sweet and savory edibles: cakes, chocolates, German sausages, potato pancakes, a terrific housemade Glogg and of course, hot cocoa!

Take a picture with Krampus! or St. Nick! Are you feeling naughty or nice? Chillax, we get it! Most days we're both, too! Krampus Parade at 4:30!! Wicked. Cool. Fun

Can't wait to see you there!! But first I need to decide what to wear! I feel like any of these dirndls could fit a Krampus theme, so come to Martyrs' tomorrow so visit my little booth (see which dirndl I chose), meet Krampus and enjoy a truly unique holiday tradition! 

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The Party is Happening on Pinterest, AND We're Having a Pinterest Party!

I've been on Pinterest for a few years now and I've realized that I think it is my favorite social media platform! Plus, the Rare Dirndl boards are increasingly becoming favorites of others as well. My Pinterest following is becoming ever larger and I think it's because it's not 100% dirndl focused! I could spend hours on Pinterest… and sometimes I do… (whoopsie).

I am a visual person and Pinterest is a visual platform! I love seeing new DIY ideas, funny pictures, great new products, and visually based articles that are interesting. Its a great way to find new blogs, new recipes and ideas! If you have a Pinterest account, I would encourage you to click here to jump on over to Pinterest to follow the Rare Dirndl boards!

Why?! Because that's where the party's at homie!!!

There is more fun Rare Dirndl (and not Rare Dirndl) things going on over there then on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram combined!

For Example…
If you like things that are yummy, then follow the "Yummy" Board

If you like inspirational quotes, then follow the "Good Quotes" Board

If you like everything having to do with dirndls, then follow the "Everything Dirndl" Board

If you like a good laugh every once in a while, then follow the "Things that make me Smile" Board

There are also boards specifically for things that I LOVE (that maybe you didn't know I loved) like Harry Potter, Traditional Dress, Star Wars, and Typography Jokes!

We're also celebrating Small Business Saturday with a mini Pinterest Party! 

There is one project I found on Pinterest and I am going to be working on it in the Rare Dirndl Design Studio during Small Business Saturday, November 29th from 10am-6pm!

You are welcome to come in and #shopsmall! There will be some snacks out all day, I'll be working on my Pinterest project, but that doesn't mean you can't come in and pick up the Open Gloves, Edelweiss Wrap Bracelet or anything else we have. Plus… everything will be 10% off!!! EVERYTHING! So don't miss it!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Lincoln Square Art Walk

This weekend is the Lincoln Square Art Walk and it's the first time that the Rare Dirndl Designs Studio is participating in the event! As a venue, I worked closely with local artist, Daniel Cleary and will have his artwork displayed in the design studio windows all weekend!

Daniel Cleary was born in Tipperary Town, Ireland. Having developed a passion for painting at an early age, Daniel went to art school in London. From there, he moved to America, became a citizen and has been living in Chicago for the past 30 years.

"My art depends very much on what I take in through my eyes. In seeing, I try to get to the heart of my subject. I am stimulated by what I see and held in thrall by it -- as Delacroix has described it, 'as a snake by a snake charmer'. The artists I have tried to learn from have all had their original stimulus from nature: Cezanne, Van Gogh and Matisse, even Mondrian who talked about plastic values which I understand as a kind of tactile presence. I try to make the subjects I paint or draw immediate to the senses."

To decide which paintings he would display in the windows, he stopped by and took a look at my work and thought that the portraits and still life paintings featuring flowers would compliment the Rare Dirndls nicely. Also in the window is the Love Dirndl. 

I designed this dirndl in 2010 after the world lost a beautiful member of the German Community. Fellow Donauschawben dancer and friend, Katie Buchert, lost her battle with breast cancer inspired the Strength in Pink Collection. The love dirndl is still available and the proceeds from that collection benefit the Young Survival Coalition. We have already donated over $800 in Katie's name and can't wait to give more. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we hope to support a great cause and local artists this month with our window display.

Although the studio will not be open this weekend, if you are in the Lincoln Square area, please take a wander around the neighborhood and check out all the local artist's work and the small businesses.