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!
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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
