Rare Dirndl Stories & Customer Spotlights

Rare Dirndl Stories & Customer Spotlights

How to Travel Bavaria Like a Local

How to Travel Bavaria Like a Local

Recently, Rare Dirndl paired up with American Expat, LeAnna Brown, author and creator of the English-speaking Germany Travel Blog, Wander In Germany.  Today, we are going to get to know her a bit more, what led her to Germany, chat a bit about Trachten (Dirndls and Lederhosen), and even find out some of her favorite travel tips for visiting Germany! 
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How She Wore It: Amanda's Homeland Dirndl

How She Wore It: Amanda's Homeland Dirndl

I first met Amanda after her husband ordered a dirndl for her and then 2 more dirndls later the family came to visit the Rare Dirndl Design Studio! Amanda writes for her own blog where she talks about things like her homeschooling techniques, recipes she's tried, and outfits she styles… including her dirndls! 
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How She Wore It: Ashley's Oktoberfest Looks

How She Wore It: Ashley's Oktoberfest Looks

Ashley Smith is a smart & witty world traveler, blogger, and Oktoberfest enthusiast who has become a go-to source for people all over across the globe looking to travel to Munich, Germany. Her website, MyWanderlustyLife.com is full of outstanding information especiall when it comes to THE Oktoberfest!

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How She Wore It: Ingrid's Everyday Dirndl

How She Wore It: Ingrid's Everyday Dirndl

I first met Ingrid at a German American event in Saint Paul Minnesota. I had a small pop-up shop set up at the event and she came with her family. Looking through the racks she started talking to me about her self-proclaimed absolute love for Dirndls. From there she became a regular customer and I had the extreme privilege of creating her wedding gown which was (aber natürluch) a dirndl. 
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Dirndl Stories: Dirndl origins and everyday wear

Dirndl Stories: Dirndl origins and everyday wear

Dirndls originated as a day dress with an apron and blouse for folks to wear while they worked in rural areas surrounding the Alps. Since washing clothes was not as easy as tossing it in the machine, these 2 separate pieces were very practical because they could wash the blouse and apron more often. Over time the style became more common, recognized as a regional folk dress and eventually it evolved into a style of fashion. 
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Dirndl Stories: The Dirndl Closet

Dirndl Stories: The Dirndl Closet

Growing up being an active member of a German dance group since age for, we indeed had a Dirndl closet in our house. In fact, my dad made a special cedar closet in our basement where all our trachten was kept. Now that I have my own home, we have a closet in one of the rooms dedicated to our trachten as well. It’s not as nice as my parents cedar closet, but all the dirndls, blouses, lederhosen, trachtenhemden, socks etc have their own place. 
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10 Years of the Modern Dirndl

10 Years of the Modern Dirndl

Since starting Rare Dirndl in 2010, as the founder and designer, I’ve had my pulse on the Dirndl and its trends. This presentation originally for the folks at the GAHC, dives into the topic of the modern dirndl design and how it has evolved over the past 10 years. From what is happening in Germany vs America to the differences in fabrications and sales avenues, I touch on all the relevant topics you'll want to hear about.
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One Dirndl - Nine Ways to Wear It

One Dirndl - Nine Ways to Wear It

In a time in history where we unfortunately find ourselves with few events to wear our dirndls to, I’ve found joy in wearing my dirndl to everyday places and to do everyday things. Not only does it give me a reason to feel like I’m dressed up (and out of my sweatpants) but it also makes me happy!
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Customer Spotlight: Celebrating our German Heritage by wearing Dirndls at Home

Customer Spotlight: Celebrating our German Heritage by wearing Dirndls at Home

We are all acutely aware that since 2020 our lives have been turned upside down and things we considered “normal” have  shifted. Our favorite events have been cancelled, our habits changed dramatically and the way in which we communicate also shifted. Zoom is a common app, suddenly we all new hobbies, new ways to manage our mental health and we appreciated our healthcare workers more than ever. 

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One-of-a-Kind Dirndls for a One-of-a-Kind Gal: That’s Vicki!

One-of-a-Kind Dirndls for a One-of-a-Kind Gal: That’s Vicki!

Hello Everyone, I am Victoria Schwager from the Detroit Donauschwaben. I have my graduate Degree in Social Work and get the pleasure of working in the mental health field everyday. When I am not enjoying work, I am spending time with family and friends. 
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Kickass Tuba Player with a Stars Dirndl? YUP that's Lauren!

Kickass Tuba Player with a Stars Dirndl? YUP that's Lauren!

Well it all started in China... Not your typical start to a Dirndl story.
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I Design Dirndls for a Living... but am I even German? My DNA test results

I Design Dirndls for a Living... but am I even German? My DNA test results

When the DNA ancestry tests came out I was immediately intrigued... but I resisted for a long time. There was one commercial that straight up made me not want go through with the test. "Growing up we were German. We danced in a German dance group. I wore Lerderhosen... I decided to have the DNA tested... the big surprise was we weren't German at all." AH WHAT?! Hell NAH! I wasn't going to pay someone to turn my life upside down. I was convinced that if I took this test... I was going to have to throw in the dirndl towel and start my life over.
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Please note that some of the links in select posts are affiliate links and, at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

As always, ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. - Erika

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