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!

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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German Life: Dirndls on Demand

Have you seen the April/May 2013 issue of German Life Magazine? German Life, "a bi-monthly magazine written for all interested in the diversity of German culture, past and preset, and in the various ways the North America has been shaped by its German element", featured Rare Dirndl in the article "Dirndls on Demand"!

Mark Meier's article about Dirndls made in the USA features both traditional style dirndls using imported German fabrics by Bergland Trachten and Rare Dirndls... pushing the boundaries and creating high fashion dirndls!

The article features images from the Spring/Summer 2013 Down the Rabbit Hole Collection as well as pictures of me working in the my studio! I'm beyond honored to be quoted in the article and be referenced as America's haute-couture dirndl designer!

Check out the article for yourself on the German Life website or get a subscription for yourself! Its a great magazine that I always look forward to reading!

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

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.

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

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!

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

In the Details: Piping

Dirndls have some details that are different from your everyday sundress, like piping. Many dirndls utilize piping as a subtle detail that adds a pop of color or an elegant touch. I create all my own piping in order to make each pieces unique and cohesive. The colors can match perfectly and brings the whole look together. Here's how it's made!

First I start with the fabric. I use scraps to save on fabric and create less waste. Piping must be cut on the bias, at a 45° angle. Using my ruler and rotary cutter to cut the fabric into strips.

 


The next step is to sew all the strips together on the straight grain. Sewing the strips on the grain (so another 45° angle) makes it less bulky and the seam a little less noticeable.

I take the extra time to press open every seam to ensure it looks clean and perfect. 

Finally, I run it though the machine placing a bit of yarn in the center.

 And thats it! Piping finished!

Although the process is rather simple, it is very time consuming. I make all my own, because buying it is a tricky thing. You can buy piping at your local fabric store. It comes in small packets, in a variety of popular colors. However, like I mentioned before, I like my piping to match perfectly to the rest of the dirndl. To buy custom piping you need to buy at least 500 yards and since it takes a maximum of 3 yards per dirndl, 500 is a bit much for me. So I make it myself. Its tedious and sometimes boring, but it makes the finished product that much more... Rare!


This dirndl is a great example of how piping can add a subtle detail, create a cohesive look and add a pop of color.

Cheshire Cat Dirndl

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