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!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 

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Old Favorites and New Must Haves: Open Gloves and Edelweiss Wrap Bracelets

Last week released our newest accessory, the Edelweiss Wrap Bracelet and at first I thought maybe it was just me who thought they were fabulous, but apparently not, because they are the talk of the town.

Available in 8 colors they can easily be mixed and matched and layered and I could go on and on! They make great gifts at $20 each and as a bonus, you can get 2 for $30 in select colors!











There have been a few questions surrounding the new bracelets, so I made a quick video to explain a little bit more about them!

Another item that is all the buzz, it the final return of the Open Gloves. This is the very last run of the gloves because I have officially used every scrap of the cotton loop knit fabric to make the gloves. I had a few yards left in olive so I decided to use all of it to make the last round of gloves! They make great texting gloves because it leaves your fingers free, and they are also perfect over those grab n' go gloves from the dollar store! A quick and easy way to spruce up those old and tired $1 glovies. Click here to get your gloves now!

What's even better… Pairing the gloves and new bracelet like Monika did! She posted this picture to instagram and used #raredirndl and now her picture along with any other picture tagged using #raredirndl comes up on our new website! How cool is that!? 

We also have 2 great events coming up if you're in the Chicagoland area. This Thursday is the Lincoln Square Fall Wine Stroll and Sunday is the 3rd Annual International Fair & Wine Tasting at the AAS. We will be participating in both events and will have both of these great accessories available! 

As always we love to hear from you! So comment below or on Facebook and tell us what you think of our winter accessories or what you'd like to see from Rare Dirndl. 

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Best Way to Wash the Edelweiss Cut-Out Tee

Candice asked yesterday "Erika… What is the best way to wash my Edelweiss Cut-Out Tee?" That's a fabulous question and I'm sure other people have that question too, so here is the answer for all to see!

The Edelweiss Cut-Out Tee is a pre-washed 100% cotton shirt with a hand cut boat neckline, screen printed Rare Dirndl Edelweiss Logo on the front and a large edelweiss cut-out on the back.

It's a super comfortable shirt for over a bright tank, bathing suit or nothing at all (if your feeling bold)! It is a delicate shirt since it has a bunch of strategically placed holes, so you might be nervous to wash it, but not to fear, I've written it out step-by-step care instructions for your Edelweiss Cut-Out Tee. 

1. Put your shirt into a mesh delicates bag that you would usually use for fancy schmancy undies, bras or stuffed animals (I'm not the only one that washes stuffed animals right?) 
2. Wash on a regular cycle with like colors, or on a delicate cycle if you can. 
3. Either lay it flat to dry, or you can put it in the dryer on the low/delicate setting. 
4. Once it comes out of the dryer, you might think it looks stretched out, but it's not… it's perfectly fine. You might want to considering ironing it since the cut edges of the shirt will curl a bit. However, it's not necessary (depends on your personal style and if your super German and have an unnatural love for ironing)

Thats it folks, easy peasy! 

If you don't have an Edelweiss Cut-Out T-shirt… now that you know how to clean it, you should get one! Click here to get yours before they're gone (only 4 smalls left). If you have more questions please feel free to comment below! 

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Perfect Gift for Mother's Day - Edelweiss Clip!

Mother's Day is right around the corner and usually I'm a big fan of the gift that never fails… a Big HUG! But this year I felt that all the women in my family have been extra supportive and extra fabulous and deserving of more than just a good ol' fashioned hug. I've been thinking about it and I've honestly decided to give them all an Edelweiss Clip!

Check out this quick video of how I make these fab little accessories as well as all the unique ways to wear it!

Edelweiss Clips by Rare Dirndl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSdWlL4V89M

I decided to give the clips to my mom and grandmothers this year, not because I make them, but because it's a simple gift that goes a long way! Here are just a few ways you could wear the clip:

• On a scarf (like I did pretty much all winter)
• On a bouquet of flowers
• On a teddy bear
• On a hat
• On a grumpy cat
• On a purse
• On shoes
• On a bottle of wine
• As a ring
• On your coat
• In your hair

I could really go on and on! At only $9 for a fabric Edelweiss and $18 for a Leather Edelweiss it is perfect on it's own or paired with another little gift.

Click HERE to get your own Edelweiss Clip or to order one for your Mom, Oma, Aunt, Cousin, Sister or any other mother in your life! They're going to love it! I can't wait to see my Oma's face when I give her the clip. I hope she likes it as much as my boyfriends Great Aunt did when I gave it to her while we were in Basel, Switzerland.

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Best Dirndl Hairstyles: Then and Now

Hairstyles go in an out of fashion just like anything else, but when it comes to dirndls it seems there are some that just pop out as typical dirndl hairstyles. Check out my video describing these styles, or if you'd rather read about it… keep in scrollin' down!

Here is a look at some traditional hairstyles and their modern renditions.

Here is a traditional Bavarian woman wearing her hair in a low bun. This is a very typical hairstyle and you can see in the next photo how this elegant look an be easily modernized and worn not only with a dirndl but with any outfit!

The braid crown was definitely the most popular traditional hairstyle that I found during my research. Many different areas in Germany used this look to go with their traditional dress. In recent years, the crown braid has made a comeback! I've seen it not only in the dirndl world, but on the streets as well. This is a great hairstyle to go with your dirndl. 

Here is another version of the braid crown and I love this contemporary take on the braid crown going underneath the head and ending in a messy bun.

It was actually difficult to find vintage and traditional hairstyles because in most photographs, like the one on the left, the women were wearing hats! The modern hat is a fedora adorned with ribbon, feathers, flowers and other details. I did some of my own hat designs using a straw hat. Click here to see them for yourself.

Ok… so the most common hairstyle I see at local Oktoberfests is… braided pigtails. I had a very hard time finding evidence of this style being a traditional hairstyle to wear with a dirndl. The photo on the left is a Swiss woman in her traditional dirndl and it's honestly one of the only pics I could find and as you can see by the picture on the left, even Kim Kardashian thinks that this is a typical German hairstyle.

 

My thinking is this… maybe once you take down your braid crown, it then becomes braided pigtails and there are not a lot of photos of ladies lettin' their hair hang wild. Either way, I love this modern, loose side braid that is very popular and looks great with a dirndl and is a great alternative to the pigtail look. 

 


This image from the early 1800s as well as the picture of the beautiful ladies from the late 1950s… Its clear to me that the hairstyle that you wear with your dirndl is just a reflection of your personal style. If you want to wear your hair long and curly, short and straight, braided, unbraided… it's up to you!

So rock whatever hairstyle you like!!

Do you have great picture of you in your dirndl with a great dirndl hairstyle? Maybe it's one I mentioned, maybe it's not… either way I'd love to see it, so post your pics on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #dirndlhairstyle and #raredirndl, so we can check out your look!!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Best Sweaters to Wear with a Dirndl

This time of year, wearing a dirndl becomes tricky (at least for me) Why? Because I'm always cold… and there is nothing more frustrating than getting all dolled up in my best dirndl and then having to cover it up with a sweater, however I have a solution.

This video shows you my 3 best sweaters to wear with your dirndl. 

Links to the sweaters:

Cropped Sweater - http://ow.ly/svvdW

Loose, Draped Sweater - http://ow.ly/svvsP

Long Sweater - http://bit.ly/J7HUZh

I also recommend the Open Gloves! I love these because I can still to most daily tasks (well, not washing dishes, but most things) without getting cold hands. These gloves are perfect for texting too! Check them out and all the new winter accessories on the Rare Dirndl website!

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

3 Best German Inspired Gifts Under $100 (2013)

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- Let's Get Cookin!


DIY German Cookie Mix in a Jar
Everyone loves to eat Oma's cookies and a great way to share them is by making a DIY cookie mix and put it in a decorative mason jar. Take a great oma cookie recipe and collect all the dry ingredients and put them into the jar. Then create quick instructions telling them how to bake the cookies and what wet ingredients they will need to add. Its a great personal gift that will only cost $5-$20 depending on the ingredients and how you decorate the jar! Here is a link for recipes for cookie mixes as well.

German Cook Book
If the do-it-yourself option isn't for you, a great cookie cookbook is another perfect option! I love the cookbook that the American Aid Society's Kindergruppe put together called "Was Gibt's zum Essen?". It's a fabulous collection of German and American recipes. They are $12 each and e-mail erikaneumayer@mac.com to get more details.

#2- Bag it up!

A Perfect Purse
A great way to complete your dirndl look is with a great purse. I love this suede 'Andrea' purse from Bavarian Specialities. It has subtle details with the piping and the edelweiss broach and is imported from Germany. It makes a great gift at $49.90 and is available in 3 colors






Classic Tote
From dance shoes to groceries, school books to toys, the Rare Dirndl Logo Tote is a great gift that is super versatile and one of my favorite new things. This classic canvas tote has the custom designed Rare Edelweiss logo screen printed on it and has already proved super useful for me and is only $10!








#3- Baby It's Cold Outside… Stay Warm!

Hats, and Scarves, and Warmth… OH MY! 
I don't know about other people, but during this crazy cold time of year… I've gotta have a warm scarf! I've got a favorite right now and so does by boyfriend. He loves the Swiss füssball scarf I bought for him last year and he highly recommends it! Whether it's Deutschland, or Die Schweiz, its a great buy for the man in your life. You can find them all for $20-$30 online.





Last but not least, I made this quick video to show you my top 5 Rare Dirndl items (all under $100)

BONUS!!!
So I can't end this blog without mentioning this book. The book by Elizabeth B. Walter is one of my favorite books. Having participated in the Kirchweih Fest for both the Karlsdorfer Verein and the American Aid Society, it is a tradition that should never be lost. This amazing book is tells the story of the celebration of Kirchweih from Banat to America. All the artwork was also done my "Tante Elsa". They are etchings! Its a very tedious process involving metal, acid, and a boat load of talent. I helped her with the page layout for the book, but I honestly LOVE love love this book. I have a copy on my bookshelf and am selling the book on my site for Tante Elsa. Click here to buy it or see more sneak peeks of the inside of the great story and fabulous artwork.

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!

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? 
Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here  

The Moms behind Rare Dirndl

Today is Mother's Day and that means its time to take a break from blogging about construction and thank some very special people in my life. Starting with Grandma Kathi! 

The one who taught me how to sew, use patterns and listen. She was someone who always valued what I had to say even when I was young. She is the hardest working woman I have ever met. She lets nothing stop her from doing what she needs to do. Every time I go over there she always has sound advise and reminds me to stop worrying about the things I can't change and just do my best. (Even though she is doing plenty of worrying herself, but I think that is a mom thing). She is such an inspiration and I strive everyday to just be little bit more like Grandma Kathi. 

(Quick side note, because I'm sure people are wondering… we call our Grandma's Grandma and not Oma because when I was born, I still had great-grandma's and they were called Oma)

Grandma Kathi and I after teaching me how to starch underskirts

Next is Grandma Rosina, another fighter. She is more like a girlfriend than a grandma and is always willing to come over and help me prep for shows and sometimes just help me clean my mess of a studio. After loosing her best friend and husband in 2011 she could have fallen into depression, but she, like Grandma Kathi, is an amazing woman who has since found ways to cope with her loss and lucky me it involves coming over and folding fabric and keeping me organized. These past few weeks have been hard on me and now she's the one calling me to see how I'm doing! She's got a fabulous fashion sense and has taught me all about trends and taking fashion risks. Between the two of them, its no surprise I'm a designer.

Mom, Grandma Rosina, and I at Navy Pier's Neighborhoods of the World Event in April 2012

Last but not least is the mom that everyone wishes they had... my Mom! She knows me better than I know myself and has always supported me. She is the most selfless person I've ever met and I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for her. She works full time, (always has) is a full time mom and is full time awesome! I could talk forever about how jealous you should be that she's my mom and not yours, but I'll keep it short and sweet. With her help, I've been able to take my dreams and make them a reality. She is my biggest fan and I'm hers. If I can be half the mom she is then I'll be a happy woman.

My Mom and I at the German Beer Fest in Atlanta last summer. 

 Happy Mother's Day - I love you Mom(s)!



Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Click the link to take our dirndl quiz and find out! - http://bit.ly/1asbbmA

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