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.
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!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are?
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Valentine's Day is a "holiday" that always sneaks up on me. I say "holiday" because I think it's a silly made up holiday, but at the same time… any excuse to spend some extra quality time with the person you love is a good excuse to me! Date nights are fun, but if you're anything like me, the best dates are the ones spent at home, so I've come up with 3 (practically free!) German-Inspired Date Night Ideas. And these can be used for a date night with your partner, your best friend, your sister, anyone really!
#1) Make Fondue Together
Yes, I know… Fondue is Swiss, but it's close enough and super yummy! What's better than dipping bread in warm cheese. Making fondue is surprisingly easy and totally something you and your date night buddy can make together. Put some music on and get grating! If you don't have a fondue pot and don't want to buy one, then go out for fondue. It's still a type of food you don't think of going out for often, plus you get some great conversation in while your hot cheese is cooling on your long tiny fork!
#2) Create Your Own German Beer Tasting
Many grocery stores are now offering a "build your own 6-pack" option in the beer and wine section, so take advantage of it and fill that baby up with 6 different German beers! Use small glasses and pour a little bit of each beer for both of you to try and see which one you really like best. For more of a challenge (or for the experienced German beer drinker)… you can play "Guess That Beer!". One of you pours the beer without the other seeing and then see if you can guess which beer you just tasted.
#3) Learn to Polka
If you don't know how to polka, this is the perfect time to do it! It's easier if one of you already knows and can teach the other, but if you are both newbies at the art of the polka… YouTube It! I found this one, but there are many more if you search "How to Polka" or "Learn to Polka". Just move some furniture around, make some space in the kitchen or wherever and get your dance on!
If you are both polka enthusiasts and can do the steps in your sleep, then… put on some modern songs like, Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon, and polka to them! See which rock, pop and country western favorites work well as polka songs! This might just turn into an all night dance party. :-) You can get even crazier by getting dressed in your dirndl and lederhosen for the party. The options could be endless with this one!
Should you need a gift for that special someone to go along with your date night, I'd recommend the Edelweiss Charm Necklace. It's perfect for everyday as well as with any Rare Dirndl (or any dirndl… I've just got a sweet spot for Rare Dirndls ;-). The edelweiss with the sparkles, the heart charm and the little beer stein makes this neckless truly special! (the stein even opens!) There are only 4 left in stock so, if you think your sweetheart would love this necklace, click here to order it asap.
So there you have it, 3 easy German-Inspired Date Night Ideas that you can do on Valentine's Day (next Saturday) or any day really! No matter what the day, spending time with the people you love is really what life is all about.
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are?
Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
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!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
Although the winter months are not typically the season for wearing dirndls, many of us will find a way! Whether your going to a local German restaurant, or you have a German club event, wearing a dirndl can get chilly… cuz let's face it, it's cold outside! (I mean unless you live in Florida, Texas or southern Cali… in which case I'm very jealous and don't want to think about your weather compared to the balmy 3 degrees outside here in Chicago.)
But should you want to wear a dirndl, you'll most likely want to wear a sweater and I have 3 ways to help you decide what sweater to wear.
#1 - Cropped Cardigan
A cropped cardigan is your best bet for a dirndl. Why? Because dirndls have a natural waistline and cropped cardigans stop at the natural waist. This sweater style is the best way to compliment your dirndl without taking away from the essence of the dirndl style. One of our customers said that she found some at Old Navy for $20 and I got mine at Target a few years back. They are still in style, but sometimes hard to find in a long sleeve (mine is 3/4 length).
#2 - Draped Sweater
If you don't have a cropped cardigan then I would go with a sweater that drapes in the front like this one. Although it changes the silhouette of the dirndl, it doesn't cover up the detailing of the bodice. These sweaters are pretty easy to find and if you go with a color like black or grey, you can get lots of use out of it, because it's a great style for every day. However, should you find one in a classic loden green… that would go perfect with our bonus item! (Keep scrolling down ;-)
#3 - A Trachten Sweater
Don't like either of those options… then I would go for a Trachten Sweater like the Rare Dirndl Long Sweater. Wear something that says dirndl, without actually wearing a dirndl! Whether it is a traditional wool sweater with embroidery, or our comfy cotton loop knit sweater with edelweiss trim and buttons, you can go out to those German events in style! Right now there are only 3 Long Sweaters left (L and XL(2) in Black) Click here to get yours before they're gone for good.
BONUS! Not a sweater kind of gal? Check out our new Infinity Scarf! This scarf can accent any black dirndl or bring some German flair to your everyday outfit. Its classic grey color with the traditional bright red & green Edelweiss trim juxtaposed with the black ribbon with silver spikes will certainly dress up your dirndl, sweater, or t-shirt!
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
I was so honored to have a small part in the weddings of 3 wonderful couples in 2014! I created more bridal dirndls in 2014 than ever before and here are some great photos from this past year's great couples!
Mary-Claire and Jeramie
Mary-Claire and Jeramie had a beautiful garden style wedding in a forest preserve just outside of Chicago. I was honored to have made her dress as well as the grooms vest, the groomsmen vests and the bridesmaid dirndls. Click here to see more of their wedding pictures on our Facebook page.
Kristel and Hansi
Kristel and Hansi had a lovely church ceremony followed by a formal ballroom reception. They had German inspirations throughout their June wedding in Cleveland, OH from edelweiss in the bouquets to German food for dinner and a local German band at the reception. It was a joy to create Kristel's formal, all white bridal dirndl, the bridesmaid's dirndls and the groomsmen's vests. Click here to see more of their wedding pictures on our Facebook page.
Kristina and Chris
Kristina and Chris had a welcome dinner the night before their wedding and it was an Okotberfest theme! Her husband knew he was going to wear his green gingham trachten shirt and his lederhosen and I was so excited to make a dirndl that fit the color scheme and her personality. They got married in September in California and she said, "the wedding was epic!" Click here to see more of their wedding pictures on our Facebook page.
