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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3 Ways to Wear a Sweater with your Dirndl

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!

Click Here to make this scarf part of your winter wardrobe!

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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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Ironing your Dirndl

Recently I wrote a blog post about caring for your dirndl and this week, I thought I would do a quick follow-up video about how to iron your dirndl. Most Rare Dirndls are designed for easy care and little to no ironing needed, because let's face it… who likes ironing!? I specifically choose synthetic fabrics that don't wrinkle easily or need much ironing, however… there are a few that are made of cotton because I thought the design called for a cotton fabric. Those particular dirndls will need some ironing, so here is a quick video about ironing your dirndl.

If you have questions about what your dirndl is made of and whether or not your should use a hot iron, low iron, or steam feel free to give us a call or shoot me an e-mail and we will try to answer your questions as best as possible.

Do you have any dirndl ironing tricks? We'd love to hear them! Put them in the comments below or tell us about them on Facebook!

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Post Oktoberfest: How to Care for your Rare Dirndl

The best part of Oktoberfest is the food, drink, and wearing dirndls! The not so fun part is the mustard dripping on your apron, that drunk guy behind you spilling his Jägermeister on your blouse and just that overall stale beer smell your dirndl has because you may or may not have sat in a puddle of Spaten Okotberfest. However, there is an easy way to solve this problem… a nice post wiesen dirndl cleaning!







Caring for your Rare Dirndl is pretty simple and below is a quick overview of the cleaning instructions  for your dirndl. (and there should be a tag in the garment that explains how to clean it too)

Blouse: The vast majority of Rare Dirndl blouses are a 65% cotton 35% polyester blend which is fabulous because you can toss that puppy in the washer and dryer and it'll come out like a dream! I like to wash them on a gentle cycle and then in the dryer. For the sparkle organza blouse, line drying or machine air drying is best. I also let the draped sleeve blouses air dry, but I've accidentally put them in the dryer on high and they turned out just fine.

Apron: Since the apron is what usually gets dirty the fastest, I try to choose washable fabrics for the aprons, but if it is dry clean only, the tag will say so. So for the apron, please check the tag to be sure.






Dirndl: Your best bet with the dirndl is to have it dry cleaned or spot clean it yourself with a wet rag and some detergent. The fabrics used to make the dirndls are typically machine washable. However, its the handwork is the reason you don't really want to toss it in the washer. The trim may start to fray and the front hooks and hardware may start to come loose.

Bloomers: Easy peasy… machine wash and dry.

If you ever have any concerns about caring for your dirndl, you can either e-mail me or take it to the cleaners and ask their opinion. Even though I make the dirndls, I don't always know the best way to clean them. But… that quirky dry cleaners in the strip mall down the street that's been there forever and ever, probably knows how to get just about any stain out of your apron and/or dirndl.

Or… just give it to Oma and give her a big hug… she'll probably take care of it for you ;-)

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When I saw this, I almost screamed! Rare Dirndl are ALWAYS made in the USA!

Well…. last week, it was brought to my attention by Debra from Trachten-Quelle in Canada, that there is a Rare Dirndl Impostor out there!

I guess I've really made it big because a Pakistani manufacturer is copying my designs. I was quite upset about the whole thing, not because they were copying my designs (it's bound to happen in this industry) but because they are so blatantly using my photograph!

I had fire running through my veins! What if people start thinking that Rare Dirndls come from a sweatshop in Pakistan?! Debra also did a little investigating for me and asked for pricing on my designs, and at the price that they are offering, there is no way that the quality can be there! It's impossible… their wholesale cost is less than the cost of just the fabrics! (not to mention that fabric is sold out… so it must be a "similar fabric") Anywooooo… before I get all riled up again about this, let's get to the good stuff!

I want to show you some details that go into a Rare Dirndl that you can't see and I'm sure that the Pakistani manufacturer is not including in their dirndls. The details that we put inside Rare Dirndls is just as important as what is on the outside. Without the inner structure: extra fusible, boning, and pressings… the dirndls wouldn't last very long, look as nice, or fit as well.

All of the dirndls have an extra layer of fabric that is fused to the center front to make it more durable. This way, when we add the extra weight of the hardware, hooks, spikes, chain etc… the center of your dirndl doesn't start tearing, ripping, or buckling under the pressure!

Another SUPER important detail that we include in our dirndls is the boning (or stays) at the center front. Along the front zipper is a type of boning that is stitched to the inside and keeps the front from collapsing.

This particular style of boning is expensive, (probably why you don't find it in cheaper dirndls) but this boning is my favorite. Sometimes after lots of wear and tear, small pieces of it may start to poke out the top, but a quick trim with scissors or filing with a nail file can fix the problem. Cheaper boning can poke out completely and once it breaks through the fabric, it creates a hole that is very difficult, if not impossible to fix.








Rare Dirndls are also pressed frequently throughout the sewing process. This is more time consuming, but really makes the final product look much more polished and more likely to stay looking fresh.

Another thing that is very important to me is that anyone who is working for Rare Dirndl, whether it be the seamstresses, the pattern makers or the window washer, is paid properly. Rare dirndls, menswear, blouses etc are all created in ethical conditions, NOT in sweatshops! (I mean the studio does get hot in the summer, but that doesn't count ;-) haha!)

The details that are inside Rare Dirndls that you can't see are what make them really great. Also, they are sewn with care! If I don't sew them myself, they are made by a local Chicago manufacturer (5 miles from the Rare Dirndl Design Studio) and these ladies are awesome! They can sew circles around me and their attention to detail is beyond impressive… that's why they're the only people I trust to make Rare Dirndls!

So there you have it, what makes a Rare Dirndl… well… RARE! If you ever have any questions about Rare Dirndls, feel free to send an e-mail or give the studio a call and we'll answer your questions as best we can. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get an inside look at the daily goings on!

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World Cup Dirndls?! Actually just "In Bloom" Dirndls!

With the World Cup in full swing, the Rare Dirndl Design Studio windows are all set up with dirndls representing Group G: Germany, Portugal, USA, and Ghana! How did I have time to make 4 dirndls to represent each country? I used the In Bloom Dirndls and Vest and it was super easy!

Germany vs Portugal

The first game on Monday had Germany playing Portugal! 

Our German representative in the window is wearing the In Bloom Dirndl with an Off-the-Shoulder Blouse with gathers, Yellow Semi-Circle Skirt and a German Flag themed custom apron!

Our Portuguese representative is wearing the In Bloom Vest with the Sweetheart Blouse with Lace, a Black Semi-Circle Skirt and Portuguese Flag themed one-of-a-kind apron!

USA vs Ghana

The next game was the USA versus Ghana!

Our American representative in the window is wearing the In Bloom Vest with the Sparkle Organza Blouse, Royal Blue Semi-Circle Skirt, Modern Bavarian Scarf, and an American Flag themed custom apron! 

Our Ghanaian representative is wearing the In Bloom Dirndl with a Black Blouslette, Red Semi-Circle Skirt and one-of-a-kind apron (the fabric I used celebrates 50 years of independence... I bought the fabric in Ghana when I was studying abroad in 2007!)


All of these pieces are available online! [except the Portugal apron... which is just pinned for the window and the Ghana apron... which is mine ;-) ]

Click Here to get stared building your own In Bloom Dirndl look to represent your country! But if you are a little confused as to how this dirndl works… why its so versatile and what makes it the perfect dirndl for Oktoberfest or any other occasion, watch this video!

This weekend I'll be keeping a close eye on the games in order to update the scores in the Design Studio Window. If you have any questions or would like more details about the In Bloom Dirndl, simply reply to this e-mail.

Happy World Cup!!

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Finally an Off-the-Shoulder Blouse that STAYS Off-the-shoulder!

The Leopard Dirndl with Off-the-Shoulder Blouse

Back in 2010, when I started Rare Dirndl, I knew I had to do 3 things: make an all Leopard Print Dirndl (check), create a couture Dirndl gown to create buzz (check), and design an Off-the-Shoulder Blouse that actually stays off-the-shoulder. A wonderful woman from Germany taught me a few things about sewing dirndls and she made me an off-the-shoulder blouse, but I hardly wore it because every time I moved my arms… it would pop-up onto my shoulder, dig into my armpit and I was constantly futsing with it. It was annoying, but I loved the look.

Check out the video below to see why the Rare Dirndl Off-the-Shoulder Dirndl Blouse is so great, or feel free to keep on reading and checking out the pics from some of our happy customers!

It took a couple samples, some trial and error, but I finally figured out a way to make the sleeves stay off-the-shoulder! The secret is… well I probably shouldn't share because, then it wouldn't be a secret… but I really love you guys and think you want to know… hmmm… OK! I'll share! The secret is in the elastic. I use 4 separate pieces of elastic in just the top portion of the blouse instead of 1, and then each piece is tacked in place, making the elastic tighter around the upper arm and less likely to pop-up.

And I'm not the only one who loves my Off-the-Shoulder Blouse, these are a few comments I've heard throughout the years. "I make all my daughter's dirndls for them… but I can't replicate that blouse. I'll take 4!" or "I play the trumpet for my band and I had no problems with the blouse on stage, I'll take another one in black!" or my favorite, "Our dance group would like to order 30 because we can't find anyone who wants to make them and we hear your's are the best!"



I love that last one because of the "no one wants to make them" part… They are a pain in the ass to make. One of the seamstresses I work with told me politely, "please don't bring me anymore of those blouses, it takes too long". I still sew many of the Off-the-Shoulder Blouses myself and only trust select local manufactures to make them because some people overlook the tiny details that are so important to that blouse!

I offer this blouse in my favorite blouse fabric (a poly/cotton blend that washes beautifully and comes out of the dryer like a dream) in White, Black and as of today, Ivory and Grey! It is hands down my most popular item. Every time I produce it, I run out! I have stock now, and hopefully it will last me through the summer and Oktoberfest season.

Even the Detroit Red Wings Team loves their Off-the-Shoulder Blouses! 

Have you had struggles with keeping an "off-the-shoulder" blouse off-the-shoudler? Do you have a Rare Dirndl Off-the-Shoudler Blouse? I would love to hear your comments below!

NEW! Wildflower Dirndl

Also if you want to make sure you get your Off-the-Shoulder Blouse before they are sold out, click this link http://bit.ly/QCsaRz  

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Rare Dirndl Customer Spotlight: Jen Stolze

Jen Stolze - Cinncinnati, OH

I am obsessed with the color yellow, the brighter the better!! It’s pretty safe to say that yellow is my all-time favorite color. So 2 years ago when I saw the Sunflower Dirndl hanging on the rack I knew I just had to have it!! Since then, I’ve worn it as many times as possible!! I always wear it during our Labor Day trips, my home Oktoberfest, or anytime I feel the need to show my German pride!! I love that I can “dress up” my dirndl by wearing a black blouse, my white blouse with the Edelweiss sleeves, my white or gray blouses. I also love that I can wear different color aprons! The fit of the Dirndl is perfect! It makes me look and feel great. I am able to take the Sunflower Dirndl and make it my own!!  The dirndls look great with my Rare Lederhosen Messenger bag too! 

                

My favorite thing about Rare Dirndls is that I can show my heritage and show tradition, but add a modern twist. I love going to different events and being able to check out the latest dirndls, blouses, and aprons. 

Every time I wear a Rare Dirndl, I get stopped. People are drawn to my bright yellow dirndl, but they are also drawn to the Messenger Bag. The messenger bag looks great with everything!!

Do you want to be next month's 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? 
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Rare Dirndl Customer Spotlight: Connie Gartner

Connie Gartner - Williams Bay, WI

When my mom and I went to Germany to pack up and sell my Opa's condo, our favorite thing to do on the weekends was to sit in the town square and watch all the ladies and girls walk by on their way to church in their dirndls. We both agreed then that when I got married, we would fly back to Germany to have mother and daughter dirndls made. 

Unfortunately, when I got engaged, my mom had recently passed away. It was important to me to honor our agreement and find a drindl for my wedding dress. I was incredibly lucky to find Erika - so close to where I live and so willing to work with my ideas! She took my thoughts and wishes and created a beautiful wedding drindl that my mom would have loved.

My one-of-a-kind wedding dress was exactly what my mom and I had in mind so long ago when we saw the girls in their dirndls on the way to church. The best part about my dress is that my mom and I had the idea for it, and Erika made it a reality.

- Connie Gartner

Do you want to be next month's 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!

See Terms and Conditions for complete rules

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Rare Dirndl Customer Spotlight: Rachel Rabun

Rachel Rabun - Denver, CO

My Sister and I at the GABF (Great American Beer Festival)

Wearing our new Rare Dirndls at the Munich Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany was a trip I had been planning for over a year. We had the tickets, the flights, the hotels, but I forgot one major aspect, the clothes! I contacted Erika about a month prior to leaving for Oktoberfest and in that time she was able to create custom dirndls for myself and my sister. Within a few days, Erika had emailed me fabric ideas, layouts of embroidery work, and beautiful drawings of the dirndl design and a few weeks later I had the beautiful dirndls.

We love the custom embroidery on our dirndls

My husband, Zach, had been pushing for Oktoberfest in Munich for a few years. As a brewer, it is a must do. We are currently in the process of opening Mockery Brewing in Denver, Colorado and targeting Spring/Summer 2014 for our open date. Mockery will be located in the RiNo (River North) district of Denver. We are opening on a 15 bbl system and will be brewing beers that make a mockery of antiquated purity laws. Mockery aims to make a mockery of anything too serious by providing a laid back environment including video games, yard games, funny art work, and mockumentary movie nights.

The dirndls were a fantastic way to incorporate a little Mockery into our Oktoberfest adventures. Three of the four owners of Mockery Brewing were able to make this trip along with four friends. We spent five days drinking beer at the Schottenhamel and Hofbrau tents at Oktoberfest and numerous biergartens around Munich. It was an experience we will never forget!

Thank you to Erika for helping us create our vision of Mockery dirndls. Oktoberfest would not have felt the same without our Rare Dirndls!

We love the mix of modern and traditional that's at the core of our dirndls. 

Do you want to be next month's 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!

See Terms and Conditions for complete rules

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Bringing Fashion to the Hofbräuhaus!

Last month Rare Dirndl helped the Hofbräuhaus Chicago-Rosemont kick off their Okotberfest and I'm so excited about having ANOTHER fashion show tonight!

The 1st show starts at 7pm and features some Rare Dirndl favorites. From 2010 when the first Rainforest Collection launched till today's top sellers... including the In Bloom Dirndl! Yup... thats right... the In Bloom Dirndl is coming back next week and we are celebrating by featuring it in the Hofbräu Fashion show!!

The 2nd show starts at 8pm and features all brand new pieces from the Fall/Winter 2013 Collection, "Nevermore". Dirndls like "The Raven" "The City in the Sea" & "Dream within a Dream" will all be up on stage and walking around the floor of the Hofbräuhaus while you can enjoy your meal or beer (thats made on site!) Also, there will be a sneak peek of the Spring/Summer 2014 Collection, "Day at the Lake".  

I can't wait for tonights show and I hope you'll be able to make it as well!

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His & Hers Okoberfest Outfits? Yes Please!!

"His & Hers" outfits are definitely a hit or miss! This trend has been in and out throughout fashion's long history and for good reason! These his & hers are not exactly what I would call high fashion!

Britany Spears and Justin Timberlake, the "IT" couple of 2001, tried this look... and I think that just about ended the trend...

But Rare Dirndl is bringing it BACK! I love using the same fabrics in a dirndl and a trachtenshirts and the matching dirndls and shirts have been über popular. I'm nearly sold out of every dirndl/shirt combo! For Spring/Summer 2014 you will be sure to see some more His & Hers ensembles, but not to worry... you won't look like Britany and Justin, you'll look more like all of these fabulous Rare Dirndl customers that posted their pics on social media! What do you think? Love the trend? Hate it? 

Aric & Kelsey

Anne & Mike

Wally & Monika

Matt, Isabelle, & Mannie

Alex &; Kat (no the jersey is not Rare)

Anthony & Erika

Monika & Mark

Christel & Jerry

Teresa & Steve

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