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.
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. When I was little it was simply because we celebrated my birthday on Thanksgiving and so I got presents!
My 5th Birthday! Loved Thanksgiving and PJ Sparkles!
However, now that I'm older, I love Thanksgiving because its a holiday just about family and friends and not about gifts, religion, or anyone in particular (even though my grandparents still bring me a card).
Not my best look, but its one of my favorite pictures!
I have a lot to be thankful for, especially this year. I've moved from my parents dining room to my own studio and my business has grown and flourished. I am truly thankful that my family and friends have been so supportive of my crazy business venture. But I'm even more grateful for all of my loyal customers, followers and supporters.
Then
AND
Now
As a thank you gift, I am offering a Free Hobo Hat with any purchase of $80.00 or more on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday! I'm not trying to trick you into buying my clothes, I am just genuinely grateful for my customers and so I'm offering one of my favorite new pieces as a gift.
Happy Thanksgiving from Rare Dirndl!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
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!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
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.
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!!!!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
I'm very excited to announce that Rare and My Best German Recipes are teaming up this season to bring you the best of German fashion and food! Gabrielle, creator of the site, featured a great article about me and one of my favorite recipes that I learned from my Grandpa, Palatschinken! Among my friends there is always the constant debate... Palatschinken vs Palatschinka. Whatever you call it they are just plain yum-o!
Palatschinken!
What are Palatschinken? Crepes! or really zin pancakes. Since I was a little girl, we had them at home for breakfast with marmalade, syrup, or plain. But as an adult I've learned to enjoy them ALL DAY! And I just had them with Nutella and bananas and then Nutella and strawberries... o my... so good!
Am I making you hungry yet?
The key is keeping the pan super duper hot and lightly oiled. I actually use olive oil and I add a tiny bit before each one I make. I like mine really thin and crispy on the ends. I've gotten quite good at them if I do say so myself, but it never fails the first one always sucks... it breaks, its too thick, etc.
My Mom and the Palatschinken Master... Grandpa Jacob
For more yummy foods be sure to follow our Yummy board on Pinterest! Bis Spater... I'm hungry now, think some Frühstück is in order after all this Palatschinken talk!
Never a dull moment when I'm cooking!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
I'm putting together a special page on my website that will be a collection of photos of my fabulous customers showing off their own Rare Dirndls!
So heres how it works. In an e-mail to info@raredirndl.com answer these simple questions:
How many dirndls do you have?
What about your Rare Dirndl is different from your other dirndls?
What do you like most about your dirndl? (Fit, Style, Color etc)
How does your Rare Dirndl make you feel?
Other comments?
Then send a jpg photo of just yourself in your favorite Rare dirndl as well, like Karen did!
I'll only be able to choose a few photos for the website and to be posted on Facebook, so get your submissions in asap!
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here
After the photo shoot a few weeks back, I knew the shots were going to be great because I had such a fabulous team working with me! My lil' sis took her knowledge of fashion (from her personal style and her new job at Buckle) and mixed with her vast collection of jewelry to help accessorize the amazing Claire Shillingburg and Dylan Solon who modeled that day. Katherine Rally did, hands down, the most amazing hair and make-up! She always does good work, but this one took the cake. (took the cake... takes the cake... whatever, it was outstanding).
Kat's amazing work!
My boyfriend scoped out the perfect location, my dad set the stage and my mom kept us fed! Lets not forget about Mark Bappert who was busy taking video and last, but not least, (because without her it there would be nothing) Vanessa Buholzer of VKB Photography! We've worked together on many shoots and she is always amazing. Her editing after the shoot made the pics even more dramatic.
Monika, Kat, Vanessa and I working behind the scenes
Inspired by the Grunge Music movement that started in Seattle in the early 90s, I was going for a more melancholy, dramatic, "I don't give a flying f*ck" kind of look. We achieved that in spades and I couldn't be more proud to show my new collection, 'Beautiful, Dark Days' to the world!
Come as You Are sweater and Flannel Skirt with Brown Flannel Trachtenhemd
The pieces are titled after 90s grunge songs and its a mix of plaid, winter wear, lace and edge. Along with the dirndls, trachten shirts and skirts you'll find pieces like the "Come as You Are" sweater and "Deep Refection" pants that bring a great mix of ready-to-wear with the German style garments.
Deep Reflection pants with Warrior vest and lace blouse
I seriously could look at the website home page with the rotating pics for days. I hope you enjoy this new collection as much as I loved creating it! All of the pieces are available online and (for sure after thanksgiving) you can make an appointment to come stop by the studio and see the garments in person.
Thanks for reading... here's my fav shot from the whole shoot for you to enjoy!
Black Hole Sun
Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? Take our dirndl quiz and find out! Simply type in your email here