2014 Maifest Dirndl Sale

It's Back!!! Don't miss out!

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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Finding Inspiration: Disney's "Frozen"

Last week I decided that I needed to take the evening to relax a bit. It's been a bit hectic lately with 2 wedding parties, dance group outfits and getting ready for the Fall/Winter photo shoot (ya… we're thinking ahead)… so I spent the evening with one of my favorite movies, Disney's Frozen. I had some dinner, poured myself a glass of wine and thought… "I love the outfits in this movie, I should do some sketches!" So I did! And I made a quick video of me taking the outfits that Elsa and Anna were wearing and turned them into Rare Dirndls. Check it out!

If you really love either of these designs and want to have it made for you, feel free to shoot me an e-mail erika@erikaneumayer.com and we'll make it happen!

This is Part 2 of the dirndl sketches video series which features inspiration from Elsa's Ice Gown and Anna's final dress from the movie Frozen.

You can order any of the four Frozen Dirndls by e-mailing erika@erikaneumayer.com Pricing for theses Dirndls are as follows:

  Elsa's Coronation Dirndl - $435
              -matching blouse - $98

Anna's Coronation Dirndl - $375
              -matching blouse - $40

   Elsa's Ice Queen Dirndl - $389
              -matching blouse - $89

        Anna's Finale Dirndl - $385
              -matching blouse - $79

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Best Way to Wash the Edelweiss Cut-Out Tee

Candice asked yesterday "Erika… What is the best way to wash my Edelweiss Cut-Out Tee?" That's a fabulous question and I'm sure other people have that question too, so here is the answer for all to see!

The Edelweiss Cut-Out Tee is a pre-washed 100% cotton shirt with a hand cut boat neckline, screen printed Rare Dirndl Edelweiss Logo on the front and a large edelweiss cut-out on the back.

It's a super comfortable shirt for over a bright tank, bathing suit or nothing at all (if your feeling bold)! It is a delicate shirt since it has a bunch of strategically placed holes, so you might be nervous to wash it, but not to fear, I've written it out step-by-step care instructions for your Edelweiss Cut-Out Tee. 

1. Put your shirt into a mesh delicates bag that you would usually use for fancy schmancy undies, bras or stuffed animals (I'm not the only one that washes stuffed animals right?) 
2. Wash on a regular cycle with like colors, or on a delicate cycle if you can. 
3. Either lay it flat to dry, or you can put it in the dryer on the low/delicate setting. 
4. Once it comes out of the dryer, you might think it looks stretched out, but it's not… it's perfectly fine. You might want to considering ironing it since the cut edges of the shirt will curl a bit. However, it's not necessary (depends on your personal style and if your super German and have an unnatural love for ironing)

Thats it folks, easy peasy! 

If you don't have an Edelweiss Cut-Out T-shirt… now that you know how to clean it, you should get one! Click here to get yours before they're gone (only 4 smalls left). If you have more questions please feel free to comment below! 

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Perfect Gift for Mother's Day - Edelweiss Clip!

Mother's Day is right around the corner and usually I'm a big fan of the gift that never fails… a Big HUG! But this year I felt that all the women in my family have been extra supportive and extra fabulous and deserving of more than just a good ol' fashioned hug. I've been thinking about it and I've honestly decided to give them all an Edelweiss Clip!

Check out this quick video of how I make these fab little accessories as well as all the unique ways to wear it!

Edelweiss Clips by Rare Dirndl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSdWlL4V89M

I decided to give the clips to my mom and grandmothers this year, not because I make them, but because it's a simple gift that goes a long way! Here are just a few ways you could wear the clip:

• On a scarf (like I did pretty much all winter)
• On a bouquet of flowers
• On a teddy bear
• On a hat
• On a grumpy cat
• On a purse
• On shoes
• On a bottle of wine
• As a ring
• On your coat
• In your hair

I could really go on and on! At only $9 for a fabric Edelweiss and $18 for a Leather Edelweiss it is perfect on it's own or paired with another little gift.

Click HERE to get your own Edelweiss Clip or to order one for your Mom, Oma, Aunt, Cousin, Sister or any other mother in your life! They're going to love it! I can't wait to see my Oma's face when I give her the clip. I hope she likes it as much as my boyfriends Great Aunt did when I gave it to her while we were in Basel, Switzerland.

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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Rare Dirndl Customer Spotlight: Eric & Elizabeth Brotten

Eric & Elizabeth Brotten - Minneapolis, MN

We're Eric & Elizabeth Brotten, residents of Minneapolis and German-themed party connoisseurs. We love to wear our Rare Dirndl attire to local cultural events at the German-American Institute (St. Paul), as well as at our privately hosted annual Oktoberfest party (we get upwards of 80 guests, offer bier and food, live music, and authentic steins for use)!

Our favorite thing about Rare Dirndl is the fun, modern prints and high quality construction. We frequently get compliments about how trendy they look and we've even had German friends in Munich say they wish they had Tracht like we do!














- I love the way they look in their matching dirndl and menswear! I recently added a new category to the online store called "His & Hers" Where you can easily check out all of the matching dirndl and menswear outfits. Click the link to see them for yourself! - http://bit.ly/1i4mSIO


Do you want to be the next 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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The Ultimate Summer Blouse: The Blouslette!

I don't know about you, but I can't wait for some warm summertime weather! I'm thinking a bit ahead this week to June, July and August. I'm talking about the heat and how sometimes that heat can cause us to avoid wearing our dirndls... but I've got a solution that is totally innovative and brand-spankin new! The Blouslette!

Check out this video, where I personally introduce the Blouslette to you, or you can scroll down to check out the pictures!

Finally a Sleeveless Summer Blouse!

The Blouslette is the newest addition to the Rare Dirndl Blouse family and I'm beyond excited about it because the Blouslette's lack of sleeves is sure to keep you cooler during those hot summer months! I've been working on getting this blouse just right for almost 3 months, so I'm very happy to finally announce it's arrival. This blouse is available in White, Black, Ivory and Grey. Be sure to order yours before their gone. Click here to order now!

Karin from California said "Genius!"

Katherine from Illinois said "I love it!"

and Karen from Illinois said simply "AWWWWWWWW YEAH!"

Ever wonder what dirndl style you are? 
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