Gertie Wears a Dirndl!

Last week, I confessed my newfound love of all things Dirndl, and I wasn't surprised that you were all pretty enthused as well. What's not to love? Structured bodices, full skirts, puff sleeves, and so much more! I got a lot of requests to see pictures of me in my dirndl that I purchased in Passau, Germany. So here you go!

This is my "milk maid" pose.

The dirndl is by a brand called Hammerschmid and I picked it because it was made of natural fibers, wasn't too flashy or expensive, and I liked the color combination. The blouses are sold separately and I was surprised to learn that they end right underneath the bust, like a crop top. That seems to help reduce bulk and keeps things tucked in.

The bodice doesn't have any boning, which seems fairly common. (Don't get me started right now. Oh readers, I have a whole post planned on the use of boning in dirndls.) However, the bodice does have fusible interfacing throughout and is fully lined in cotton so it has a substantial feel to it. The dress zips up the front and has a very snug fit.

I love the hooks for the corset lacing--they're open at the top, making them a cinch to thread the ribbon through. Genius!

The bodice back has piped princess seams.

The skirt seems atypical in that it is flared, with no gathers in the front, and just light gathers in the back. My understanding is that a typical dirndl style is a rectangle shape with gathers or small pleats all over.

The gingham apron has large pleats rather than gathers or shirring, which is what I've noticed on more traditional aprons. 

A big thanks to my friend Melanie, who took these photos in her backyard, which I can almost make believe is in Austria somewhere! She also gave some great art direction having to do with "getting intimate" with the flower garden. 

Doesn't Mount Beacon look just like the Alps? Okay, maybe not.

More dirndly fun to come!