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!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
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 ;-)
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
As an avid dirndl wearer, I find myself in situations where I can get some funny looks from people at times… like in the grocery store, filling my car up with gas, or walking down the street. However, every year, Americans are becoming more and more enamored with Okotberfest and all things German. It's clear to me that with over 16 Oktoberfest celebrations in the city of Chicago alone, wearing dirndls is becoming more mainstream. (And that's very exciting!!)
Not only are dirndls being seen more at smaller local Oktoberfests, but also on the runway. The latest Spring 2015 Collection by Givenchy, recently seen on the runways in Paris, is very clearly inspired by the dirndl silhouette and style. One look at the collection and I'm instantly excited to start wearing some of my dirndls everyday! Looks like this spring (according to Givenchy) is going to be the time to start wearing your dirndl out on the town.
Givenchy Spring 2015 Collection
Me in my dirndl in the streets of Basel during Fasnacht.
I expect that if this trend continues, it could very well be that in the near future, all us dirndl loving folk will be able to wear our favorite pieces out to the store and out to dinner without anyone thinking twice about it!
I'm excited to wear my dirndl everywhere!! How about you? Do you have a funny story about when you wore your dirndl to an unexpected place and people had interesting reactions… like the time someone asked me if I worked at the Apple Pickery while I was driving home. Share them in the comments and the maybe next year we can all celebrate being able to avoid those silly comments, like, "Are you an irish dancer?"
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
The website POPSUGAR Fashion put together a slideshow of 11 celebrities in dirndls and many of them are designed by Lola Paltinger. She is a couture dirndl designer and most of her pieces cost 2,900 Euros… That's $3,690.32! (that why when people send me pics of her dirndls and ask me to replicate it for under $300 I'm all like "Guuuuurrl! You Cra!")
#3 - Kim Kardashian This kinda hurts my soul, because I very much dislike the Kardashians, which I know is not nice to say considering I've never met them… but anyone who makes a coffee table book of their own selfies is a conceded whack-job in my book. That being said, she's rocking this Paltinger dirndl and the fishtail braids are a nice take on the unfortunately popular pigtail braids that everyone associate with German girls. So my #3 is going to KimK.
#2 - Hayden Panettiere Hayden has got the whole package in this pic! The modern, yet classic style dirndl, the matching hat, cute poofy petticoat and the sexy man in lederhosen to bring the whole look together. She is owning this outfit from head to toe and that's why she's my #2 pick.
#1 Katy Parry Simply put, she knows how to #RockTheDirndl! Love the colors that she chose because it feels very Katy but doesn't over do it. Sometimes she has a tendency to go a bit overboard with the cultural references, (remember that tribute to the Geisha in kimonos during the AMA performance… not cute) so this look makes me super happy. She's owning this girly yet edgy dirndl and thats why she's my #1 for Who Wore it Best!
Honorable Mention I have to give a shout out to my girl crush Emma Watson. In this picture, it is hard to tell who the designer of her dirndl is, but it looks like a pretty generic dirndl (hence why she didn't make the official list). However, she has to be mentioned on my blog because I love her. That's all.
Who do you think wore it best? I'd love to hear what you think… write it all the in comments section and lets get this conversation started!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
Never worn a traditional German Dirndl before? No problem, we understand that not everyone wears a dirndl once, maybe twice a week like us... but in all honestly there are a few things you should know. Here is a quick guide to getting dressed and ready for Oktoberfest in your Rare Dirndl!
#1 Undies- Wear a good bra. It doesn’t need to be a push-up bra, but it does need to put the girls in the right place.
#2 Bloomers- If you plan on getting your polka on, bloomers are a wise choice. Not everyone is going to be looking up your skirt, but there are sure to be some wandering eyes and some judging Oma’s should your skirt go a-flyin... better safe than sorry.
#3 Blouse- Whether is the classic off-the-shoulder, full puff-sleeve sweetheart blouse or our newest innovation the blouslette, that is what goes on next. (This step is not to be skipped!!!)
#4 Dirndl- Most Rare Dirndls have a center front zipper, so throw it over your head (or step into it if you’re floor is “nice und putz”) and zip that baby up. Some sucking it in may apply, but better to have a nice tight fit than a loosey-goosey dirndl
#5 Lace Up Front- If your dirndl has a lace up front, you’ll most likely find the corresponding ribbon and/or chain in the pocket (yes... there’s a pocket!) Start by putting the ribbon or chain trough the top to hooks and then crisscross and go down from there and tie it in a bow (or knot if its chain) at the bottom.
#6 Apron- The final touch is the apron (unless your dirndl comes with a belt in which case, just put on the belt). The apron gets tied at the natural waist, covering seam. You can either tie the apron in a bow in the back or bring the ties around the front and tie it in a bow. Put the bow on the left side if you are single and on the right side if you’re married.
#7 Accessorize!- To complete the look add the accessories of your choice
Jewelry
Tights or Socks
Purse
Edelweiss Hair Clip
Sweater if its chilly
A sexy man in Lederhosen
und natürlich ein Bier Stein!
So there you have it. The basic guide to getting dressed in your dirndl. Be sure to post pictures of you in your über chic dirndl on Instagram or Facebook using #RareDirndl and stop reading this and go have fun! Girls in dirndls always have more fun!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
With the Oktoberfest Season upon us, I thought this would be the perfect time to share some information that people request all the time... and that is: How to Tie the Perfect Apron Bow!
I made a quick video to demonstrate the tricks I use to make a perfect little bow. But keep in mind, I tie a lot of bows... and you know what they say, "practice makes perfect." So don't be frustrated if it takes you a few times to get it just right, but like I said, there are a few tricks that will help and I explain them all here!
I hope you like the video and you find it helpful! And on a side note, 'tis the season for dirndls... so the Rare Dirndl Design Studio will be open for a few hours on the weekends in September and October. This weekend I'll be here on Saturday from 10-4 and Sunday from 10-1. If you want to come by another time, simply reply to the e-mail and request to make an appointment, or call anytime and we can set something up that works with your busy schedule.
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
Last week and threw out the challenge to everyone to dig into their old photo albums and find a picture of their first dirndl and post it to Instagram of Facebook for Throwback Thursday using #tbtdirndl. I was blown away by the response. In case you didn't get a chance to see, here are some of the great first/favorite dirndl pictures that were posted on social media last week.
Gerti from LA posted this pic of her first dirndl in Austria in 1969
The Becker Family with all the boys in their first lederhosen!
Thanks to my grandma I found my a picture of my first dirndl - 1989
The Los Angeles Tanzgruppe debuting their new group dirndls in 1997
Erika first dirndl! (different Erika ;-)
Marie in her dirndl in 1968
Monika's first little blue dirndl - 1992
Rosina's first dirndl after moving to the USA in the 60s
Loved seeing all the old pictures and seeing all the conversations it spurred! In our house it sure brought up a lot of great memories. The fun doesn't have to end though, feel free to continue to post pics using #tbtdirndl.
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
For many women, what they wore can bring back memories just as strongly as taste and sound. For my Grandma… in order for her to fully remember an event, I always need to describe what I was wearing. This week, I am taking a trip back in time to remember a little bit about my childhood as it relates to my first dirndl memories.
Grandma Rosina and I (1991)
My mom first brought my sister and I to the Kindergruppe when I was around 4 years old, and since that day every other Friday night, you would find us dancing (most of the time reluctantly) with the American Aid Society Kindergruppe. The Kindergruppe performances are where my memories of wearing a dirndl were formed. I know that I had a little red dirndl when I was much younger, but the first dirndl I remember loving was a pink plaid dirndl. I loved that little pink heart that hangs to the side and I remember loving to spin and twirl in my dirndl because the skirt was so full… too much fun!
When my girlfriends and I started talking about this topic, it was so funny to see their faces as they took a moment to think about it… and then their eyes lit up! "Oh, I remember my favorite! It was the purple one with the flowers!" or "YES… the red one with the polka dots!"
It seems that anyone who grew up in the German community wearing dirndls as a child can relate and has that "Ah ha!" moment when they recall that first dirndl they remember wearing and loving.
Did this little pink plaid dirndl start my love affair with dirndls… maybe! I can't say for sure, but I do know that I am forever grateful that my mom dragged me to kindergruppe practice on fridays and dressed me in my little dirndls.
My Beautiful Mother, Me, and my little sister, Monika (1992)
Elizabeth and her American Girl Doll
I don't make children's dirndls often, but my hope is always that their Rare Dirndl is going to be the one they refer to as their first favorite. Here are a few of the littlest dirndls I've made and I think the looks on their faces say it all.
Oliva and Elizabeth
Dotti in her little Blackhawks Dirndl
"Audrey LOVES her new dirndl! She said she's never taking it off!"
Elsie probably won't remember wearing her first Rare Dirndl Onesie, be she will surely look adorable in it!
One of the newest trends in social media is Throwback Thursday! Using the hashtag #tbt or #throwbackthursday, people post old pictures to bring back some great memories! This week we would love to see some good ol' little dirndls for Throwback Thursday! Post your #tbt pic on Facebook and/or Instagram using #tbtdirndl so we can all enjoy those pics.
P.S. Here is a video from 1993 of the AAS Kindgruppe in case you'd like to critique my dancing skills at age 7.
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
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.
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!
