While I was growing up, my mother and my Oma always stressed the importance of having “good shoes”. You need a foot bed that gives you support! Then summer comes rolling around, and you want to wear sandals or slides, but how to keep giving your feet the support and comfort they need? Where can you find quality German Sandals…
Category: Traditional German Clothing
What is a Charivari? Learn more about these Lederhosen Chains
When you are at a German Festival, and see people in Bavarian Tracht, you may notice that some men wear what looks like a chain of charms on their Lederhosen. What is that Lederhosen chain called? And what does it symbolize? As I’m curious by nature, I did some digging. The chain of trinkets or charms is called a Charivari…
Dirndl Jewelry- German Style Jewelry for German Fests or Everyday
We are headed into German Festival Season… Maifests, Germanfests… and the king of all German Festivals … OKTOBERFEST! Whether or not you wear a Dirndl, it’s always fun to wear Dirndl Jewelry. Necklaces, chokers, bracelets or earrings can help you express your personal style… and show off your love for Germany! There are simple styles, and more elaborate statement pieces…
Traditional Couture; Folkloric High Fashion in Germany
A few years ago, I shared the story of how I bought my first “Dirndl.” Since my family is not from Bavaria, I wanted something different from a traditional Dirndl. Instead, I hoped to find something that would reflect the region my family came from in Germany, while still maintaining a recognizable German style. I looked at a LOT of…
German Alpine Hat Pins – History & Collecting
Every time I go to a German Fest or Oktoberfest, I see large collections of German Alpine Hat Pins. So, of course I got curious… why? History of German Pin Collecting My degree in history means I can’t just leave things alone. I had to do a little digging. Most references for German Pin Collecting talk about Military Insignia Pins……
Buy A Rare Dirndl: My Fantastic Rare Dirndl Experience
As strange as it may sound to many of you, before this year, I never owned a Dirndl. Not even as a child. But… since I’m attending a lot more German Festivals these days, it was pointed out to me, that I would fit in better if I wore one. True enough. But I didn’t want something typically Bavarian (my…
“Loferl” Two Part Lederhosen Socks Men Wear in Bavaria
One thing I noticed at Oktoberfest and German festivals is these two-part Lederhosen Socks men wear, and I had to know… WHY? What is the story behind those calf-warmers? Why don’t men in Bavaria want to cover their ankles? As anyone who has suffered through knitting classes, you KNOW that when you are knitting socks, the hard part is the…
Traditional German Clothing for Children- Dirndls and Lederhosen
Summer is the beginning of the German Festival Season! While dressing ” German ” is not mandatory, it can be a lot of fun. And is there ANYTHING so cute as a sweet little girl in a Dirndl? Or a toddler in his Lederhosen? But where can you find traditional German clothing for children, babies, and toddlers? And do you…
What Does a German Look Like? Dealing with Stereotypes
I’ve been thinking about stereotypes a lot lately, and what does a German look like? Whenever Germans are portrayed in advertising or festival invitations, they always seem to be wearing Lederhosen or Dirndls. But, as I’m reminded, EVERY TIME I post such a photo, that is not how the typical German looks or dresses. So, the question is, how should…
Haflinger House Shoes- German Hausschuhe to Keep Your Feet Warm
For Christmas a few years ago I was delighted to receive a new pair of real Haflinger Hausschuhe (Haflinger House Shoes) from my mother (how do you know you are German? You get excited about a new pair of “good” Hausschuhe at Christmas). I hate cold feet…. And even more than that, I hate cold WET feet, I also hate bringing outside…