Krampus Fest Here We Come!!

I'm so excited to be a part of Martyrs' 2nd Annual Krampus Fest! This is a FREE EVENT at Martyrs' near Lincoln Square (3855 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60613) Rare Dirndl will be one of the local vendors at the Artisan Holiday Market 11am - 4pm  and then there is a Krampus Parade 4:30pm and Live Music 5:30pm

It should be a great family friendly event to shop, eat, drink, stomp, chant in celebration of Krampus, St. Nick's dark partner. Wicked good fun!

Last year was the first Krampus fest and it's a day long event paying homage to St. Nick's dark partner, Krampus, because sometimes it's hard to be good! This is a family-friendly fest, so no Krampus beatings. (sorry!)

We will have table at the Holiday Arts Market from 11am-4pm along with other local artisans, crafters, bakers and purveyors of beautiful handmade and homemade gifts. Super cool background mixtapes from DJ LowFi. There will also be delectable sweet and savory edibles: cakes, chocolates, German sausages, potato pancakes, a terrific housemade Glogg and of course, hot cocoa!

Take a picture with Krampus! or St. Nick! Are you feeling naughty or nice? Chillax, we get it! Most days we're both, too! Krampus Parade at 4:30!! Wicked. Cool. Fun

Can't wait to see you there!! But first I need to decide what to wear! I feel like any of these dirndls could fit a Krampus theme, so come to Martyrs' tomorrow so visit my little booth (see which dirndl I chose), meet Krampus and enjoy a truly unique holiday tradition! 

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The Party is Happening on Pinterest, AND We're Having a Pinterest Party!

I've been on Pinterest for a few years now and I've realized that I think it is my favorite social media platform! Plus, the Rare Dirndl boards are increasingly becoming favorites of others as well. My Pinterest following is becoming ever larger and I think it's because it's not 100% dirndl focused! I could spend hours on Pinterest… and sometimes I do… (whoopsie).

I am a visual person and Pinterest is a visual platform! I love seeing new DIY ideas, funny pictures, great new products, and visually based articles that are interesting. Its a great way to find new blogs, new recipes and ideas! If you have a Pinterest account, I would encourage you to click here to jump on over to Pinterest to follow the Rare Dirndl boards!

Why?! Because that's where the party's at homie!!!

There is more fun Rare Dirndl (and not Rare Dirndl) things going on over there then on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram combined!

For Example…
If you like things that are yummy, then follow the "Yummy" Board

If you like inspirational quotes, then follow the "Good Quotes" Board

If you like everything having to do with dirndls, then follow the "Everything Dirndl" Board

If you like a good laugh every once in a while, then follow the "Things that make me Smile" Board

There are also boards specifically for things that I LOVE (that maybe you didn't know I loved) like Harry Potter, Traditional Dress, Star Wars, and Typography Jokes!

We're also celebrating Small Business Saturday with a mini Pinterest Party! 

There is one project I found on Pinterest and I am going to be working on it in the Rare Dirndl Design Studio during Small Business Saturday, November 29th from 10am-6pm!

You are welcome to come in and #shopsmall! There will be some snacks out all day, I'll be working on my Pinterest project, but that doesn't mean you can't come in and pick up the Open Gloves, Edelweiss Wrap Bracelet or anything else we have. Plus… everything will be 10% off!!! EVERYTHING! So don't miss it!

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Old Favorites and New Must Haves: Open Gloves and Edelweiss Wrap Bracelets

Last week released our newest accessory, the Edelweiss Wrap Bracelet and at first I thought maybe it was just me who thought they were fabulous, but apparently not, because they are the talk of the town.

Available in 8 colors they can easily be mixed and matched and layered and I could go on and on! They make great gifts at $20 each and as a bonus, you can get 2 for $30 in select colors!











There have been a few questions surrounding the new bracelets, so I made a quick video to explain a little bit more about them!

Another item that is all the buzz, it the final return of the Open Gloves. This is the very last run of the gloves because I have officially used every scrap of the cotton loop knit fabric to make the gloves. I had a few yards left in olive so I decided to use all of it to make the last round of gloves! They make great texting gloves because it leaves your fingers free, and they are also perfect over those grab n' go gloves from the dollar store! A quick and easy way to spruce up those old and tired $1 glovies. Click here to get your gloves now!

What's even better… Pairing the gloves and new bracelet like Monika did! She posted this picture to instagram and used #raredirndl and now her picture along with any other picture tagged using #raredirndl comes up on our new website! How cool is that!? 

We also have 2 great events coming up if you're in the Chicagoland area. This Thursday is the Lincoln Square Fall Wine Stroll and Sunday is the 3rd Annual International Fair & Wine Tasting at the AAS. We will be participating in both events and will have both of these great accessories available! 

As always we love to hear from you! So comment below or on Facebook and tell us what you think of our winter accessories or what you'd like to see from Rare Dirndl. 

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Restaurant Review: Kiko's Meat Market

When I moved into the Lincoln Square area, I was immediately intrigued by a small restaurant on the corner of our block, Kiko's Market and Restaurant. Although, Kiko's is a Bosnian restaurant, so much of the menu is familiar to me since I'm of Donauschwaben descent. I decided to do my next restaurant review on Kiko's since I think the food is slightly similar to German food and I was craving my favorite dish this afternoon ;-)

The atmosphere in Kiko's is very unique. It is a family owned restaurant that has been serving Bosnian food since 2003. When you first walk into the restaurant it's glaringly obvious that this is a hot spot for Chicago Serbians. Most people will look at you with those, "I don't know you… what are you doing here" eyes, but once you are seated (in the summer there is a lovely outdoor area) the strange looks subside and everyone continues to speak in their native language to their family and friends. 

My first experience was ordering take out with my dad while we were doing construction in the studio, but my second was a really great one. My boyfriend and I met my parents there to celebrate my dad's birthday and we were on a mission to try a variety of things. Before we ordered we were served fresh baked bread served with two spreads. One was ajvar, a veggie spread made from eggplant, roasted red peppers and garlic… it was incredible and I was concerned that I would fill up on bread, but considering the other spread was kajmak, a salty/buttery cheese spread… I was ok with filling up on bread. Soooo good, and really unique… both things I've never tasted before.

Pastrmka na žaru in my own kitchen!

For dinner, my mom couldn't pass up the Sarma and my dad was more than excited about the Gulaš (we figured it was like goulash), Christian had wiener schnitzel and I had the Pastrmka na žaru (rainbow trout). This dish was noted as being a favorite on the menu and I love fish, so I figured it had to be good. It turned out to be a whole roasted trout served with rice (or fries) and krautsalat. Luckily, ever since my trip to Ghana, I've had a love affair with fish served whole… so this dish looked AHmazing! And it tasted amazing too! It came with an intense garlic/parsley oil (super tasty, but über garlicky) and it was simply delicious, I don't really know how else to describe it! The fries were pretty good and the krautsalat tasted just like Oma's! 

I also tasted everyone else's food (duh!) and the sarma was very similar to my Oma's however, the goulash was different, but still really good. The schnitzel tasted like schnitzel… but I was more obsessed with my fish and the bread! 

In the market waiting for my take out

Tonight, I decided to order for pick up (for no other reason than I was too comfy in my sweatpants to put real pants on). I again ordered by favorite fish dish, but this time I got to enjoy it in my own kitchen. When you order for take-out, you have to pick it up in the market section. It's a little market where you can get Bosnian specialties and I indeed got some for myself! I got a jar of ajvar, fresh made kajmak, and some chocolate (including a Kinder Bueno… my all time fav).

If you want delicious food that has slight German undertones and you're looking for something different than the typical sauerbraten and schnitzel, but you don't mind being treated a bit like an outsider, I highly recommend Kiko's Market and Restaurant.

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Special Pre-production Pricing!

I'm going into production on the Last Kiss Vest next week Monday. This vest is black lace over black polyester poplin fabric with adorable edelweiss buttons. It goes great with just about any blouse and any skirt. I wear this vest all the time and its my go to when trying to mix in my regular clothes with my trachten.

Regularly $165, you can get the pre-production price of $99. Place your online order for this vest from now until Monday at 10pm. Keep in mind, this is pre-production... so your vest will be shipped in approximately 6-8 weeks.

This is the perfect time to get a brand new simple black vest that I guarantee you'll get tons of use out of!

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Shop In Studio!

Approximately 1 year ago, plans for the Rare Dirndl Design Studio started to come about. It took a lot of time, creativity and patience... and its still not finished! The bathroom still needs to finished and there are little things here and there to be done to the main space before I can have an official grand opening weekend.

The afternoon shadow in the studio highlighting the address, 5051 N. Lincoln Ave

But that doesn't mean you can come and visit! I'm open by appointment only because Rare Dirndl is still a one woman show. If I need to run to the store, meet with my pattern makers or take a break for lunch, I can't leave the doors open. Also, probably the greatest part of my job is have the flexibility to run out at any time to help a friend, take my grandparents to the doctor & grocery shopping, or take a day to refocus and regroup my scatterbrain.

Inside the studio... still stuff to do 

I'm super excited to announce that Rare Dirndl now has a phone number! You can call anytime to schedule an appointment to come to shop, schedule a fitting, or simply see the space. You can also e-mail erika@erikaneumayer.com

The number is (312) 806-5099.

Its not up on the website because I'm also working on a re-design of my website with designer Greg Bandy

This picture was from July... Its here now!!

I look forward to hearing from you on my new line!

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It's My Golden Birthday!

Today is November 26th. And on this day in 1986, I was born, so today I turn 26.

Happy Golden Birthday!! Oh why thank you!

So today... simple... 26% off everything! Order anything online today get 26% back as a paypal refund within 24 hours. Dirndls, Men's Shirts, Sweaters, Sale Items... EVERYTHING!

I'm going to go enjoy my birthday by seeing my fabric rep and shop for fabric, then cutting some dirndl bodices for inventory and then having dinner with my family. Crab Legs!!!!!! So Excited!


So 26% off everything online to celebrate my golden birthday... and oh ya, cyber monday blah blah.

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Making Lederhosen Mainstream!

Lederhosen are a staple at Munich's Oktoberfest and a fashion symbol of Bavaria. Last year I received multiple requests for some of the iconic leather pants, so I did my research and brought some in! I ordered black Bundhosen (longer... just below the knee) and grey/olive Lederhosen. I thought I'd get the bundhosen in mens sizes and and the shorts in women's... but they came in more of a unisex size. The sizing wasn't European, and it wasn't really US sizing either. It was a bit of a mess... not gunna lie.

Lederhosen with Suspenders

Even with all the little issues, they were still very nice quality goat skin pants with detailed suspenders and fully lined. I had them with me on the road for a year and found that even though many people asked for them, not many were interested in buying them. I've had them for a year now, sold 1 pair, and I wasn't about to sit on 50 pairs for another year. So I repurposed them! Making them into fabulous items that can easily blend into mainstream society.

I'm so happy with the way the new Lederhosen purses turned out and from the response I had last weekend lots of other ladies are also digging the new look!

Even more popular are my little leather bracelets. These are a cute way to bring a little "German-ness" to any outfit. Their wrap style look goes well with the current layered look and are a super light weight and easy way to wear.

Always trying to keep up with trends, but also making sure that I stay in business by coming up with new ideas and creative ways to turn what I already have into something fabulous!

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International Fair and Wine Tasting

I'm so excited about next Sunday's (November 11th) International Fair and Wine Tasting! Sponsored by the American Aid Society's Frauengruppe, the event is sure to be a great one! They've got a great line up of vendors including SODA by Amy, Stella and Dot, Schumacher Imports, Thirty One gifts, Jewelry by Mary Beth, caro__ by caroline borucki (my good friend from college), and Me! But thats not all... I've only listed a few here and the Oma's are baking Christmas cookies!

Stella and Dot

caro__

SODA by Amy

I'm bringing lots of great things that would be the perfect Christmas gift for the German fashionista! Hats, gloves, sweaters and my new favorites the lederhosen purses and the Edelweiss Cardigan. The purses are selling quickly and I hope and I can keep up with the demand... and the cardigan, well if I don't keep them for myself, I foresee those being the "gotta have it" new item for winter and spring.

Small Lederhosen Purse

I've kinda been tooting my own horn here, huh? Well thats just because I am genuinely excited to offer these new items which I love and believe in to my favorite customers and hopefully some new ones!  Get your girlfriends together and make a day out of the International Fair. I promise you won't be disappointed, you'll get some Christmas shopping out of the way and I'm sure you'll find a gift or two for yourself as well.

Sweater Shawl (oldie but a goodie)

Each vendor is going to be donating an item for a raffle, so you could even win items from the vendors!   The item you can win from Rare... you'll have to come and see for yourself! Check out the Facebook event for more details. See you there!!!!

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Coming Soon?

As the summer slips away is almost comical that my initial goal was to be open by June 1st! I definitely underestimated how long construction takes and how many things go into making such a simple space turn into a beautiful studio boutique. So what is going on?!

Here's the plan. We will be open for German Day, Sept 6-9 but it will not be finished. This is the busiest time of year and I just can't focus enough time to working on the space. The final goal is to be finished and working in the space by Thanksgiving. "But thats almost 3 months from now!" - Yes... it is, but there is no way I'm going rush the finishing of the space that I've put way to much time and money into. I'm going to take my time, do it right, and make it perfect. We will have a grand opening party sometime in the winter.

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Finished with the Facade!

Yesterday was very exciting because when I came home... the facade was finished! My little Bavarian style front is complete! Can't wait to put out a flower box next year... and maybe re-paint the shutters so they stand out a bit more. 

5051 N. Lincoln Ave!

 The inside is ready for some paint and finishing! Before the German Day Festivities, the floor will be finished, walls and ceiling painted and some custom cabinetry will be installed by the front window. I've decided (along with my studio/boutique contracting advisor... aka dad) that those three things will take the entire month of August to complete considering he has a full time job and I still have orders to fill. I'm very excited about the space and have come to terms with the fact that it is realistically going to take until 2013 to complete.

Facing Lincoln Ave

Looking in from the front door. 

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Studio Boutique Update

Not much to report... this week was pretty quiet. Lights are going to be put in next week and then I believe its our turn to get to work; starting with the ceiling.

The facade has also not changed at all this week, but it sure did change last week! I'm very excited to see the beginning of the Bavarian style store front. 

5051 N. Lincoln Ave

Everyday, people ask me, "So when is the studio going to be ready?" "When is the grand opening?" and the truth is... I have no idea. The contractor said that the interior was going to be complete last week and the facade this week, but its not. So I can't gage when its going to be ready, plus I don't know how fast I'll be working either... I've never laid tile in my life, so it may take me a little while.

I'm hoping for an August opening, but we shall see... we shall see. 

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1,2,3... DRYWALL

So excited to see the space last Thursday... because it looked like this! Even more excited about it because there was nothing there on Wednesday. It's starting to come together and I couldn't be happier.

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Coming soon to Lincoln Square!

Thanks the wonderful people at the DANK Haus for graciously welcoming Rare Trachtenwear to the Lincoln Square Neighborhood by offering their windows to us for the month of June!

To kick off the Maifest May 31st - June 3rd, we put up some of our most sought after pieces in the DANK Haus's new windows!

Men's New Polo and Bundhosen with the Sunflower Dirndl

Bringing some pops of bright colors to the night life of the fabulous Lincoln Square!

Rainforest Queen Couture Gown

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