September 27, 2012

Celebrating Oktoberfest in my front yard




Outfit details

Prescription eyeglasses: (frames) Venus Eye Design V-12
Faux pearl stud earrings: Claire's
1940s black tilt hat: etsy seller JoBella's Emporium
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
Vintage traditional German tracht dress: etsy seller Machine Dance Vintage
Brass, bead, and plastic charm bracelt: Handmade by me
Vintage white gloves with embroidered flowers: etsy seller 4 The Love of Vintage Vintage German suede embroidered purse: etsy seller Stephanie and Mathius
Green tights: Arden
Black faux suede round toe pumps: Wal-Mart
Lip colour: Mac Russian Red

Photography by Antonio Cangiano 



































While it pales in comparison (one person vs millions) to the famed Oktoberfest event that takes place early each fall in Munich, Germany, these photos mark a celebration in their own right for me.

Though I am, like many North Americans, comprised of a number of different of ancestries, if you were to make a pie chart of the countries that have contributed to my DNA, the largest slice of the (Bavarian cream) pie would definitely be German.

I have German on both sides of my family tree, though it's a bit more dominant on my mother's side (where one encounters surnames like Schill and Burkhard), however ethnicity, no matter the country really wasn't something my family delved into when I was little and, save for the occasional reference, my German ancestry (or any of my other ethnic backgrounds, such as Russian and French, for that matter) weren't really discussed when I was growing up. I was "just" Canadian, and though that's completely fine, as someone who adores history and learning about different cultures, I always longed to embrace more of my European roots, too.

At the start of 2010 I began to seriously investigate my family's genealogy and in the process learned that I had even more German blood in my veins than I'd thought when I was growing up. This discovery amped up the intensity of a desire I'd been harbouring since I was knee high to a beer stein: owning a traditional dirndl dress.

I'd been actively searching online for one in my size and price range for the past couple of years, and while I saw tons along the way that made me go weak in the knees, it wasn't until this past spring that I finally found the vintage dress that I knew was meant to be mine. To say it was love at first sight would be an understatement. I don't know if I've ever bought an item off of etsy quite with the lightning fast speed that I did this one.

Much as I wish I was, at this point in time, I'm not - and certainly do not claim to be - an expert on traditional German and Austrian styles of clothing. Some definitions say that to be a dirndl, one needs a dress with a distinct bodice, a short or long sleeve shirt worn under the dress, and (more optionally) an apron over top. Others say a buttoned or lace bodice, swooping neckline, and full-ish skirt are what it takes. I have seen dresses with their own built in sleeves called dirndls numerous times, but an expert on the subject may say that such garments fall into the category of landhausmode (dresses based loosely off of dirndls).

Dresses (and other items of clothing such as lederhosen) that are classed as traditional German or Austrian wear, but which are not strictly dirndls, may fall under the heading of being tracht (traditional national clothing found in German speaking countries), and while I'll leave it up to those in the know to determine if the dress I'm wearing in this shots could be called a dirndl or not, it's safe to say that it can fall under the heading of tracht.

Whatever you call it, I utterly adore this dress and have been quite literally counting down the months, then weeks, then days until it was Oktoberfest (which kicked off this year in Munich on September 22nd) so that I could debut it, as it was important to me that I wear my first piece of authentic German traditional clothing during a time of the year that is so closely tied to this famous European nation.

I had a blast putting together this outfit. To compliment the deep red dress with its darling cream and green floral pattern and metal buttons, I went with a German suede handbag with a cute pheasant embroidered on it, a pair of vintage gloves with flowers (they look a bit like daisies and a bit like edelweiss blooms) made in West Germany, a beloved 1940s black tilt hat, pearls (the necklace is my usual strand, I just temporarily shortened its length with a hair elastic to give it more of a chocker style look), a dangling charm style bracelet I made, green tights, and a beloved pair of suede shoes that I've had for years.

In the soft early evening sunlight this past Sunday, Tony and I went out into the front yard to snap these shots, and the weather couldn't have been more heavenly. When we were done, we took a drive out to the neighbouring community of Kalenden and went for a walk on the beach there, the water still comfortable warm enough to dip my feet (tights removed of course!) into the water.

It was a serene, beautiful night and one that while not nearly as action packed or party filled as Oktoberfest, truly meant a lot to me because I knew that the photos captured that day would finally give me the chance to wear, and share, my German dress (the label of which says "Salsburger Trachten", if anyone was curious as to the manufacturer) with all of you.

I truly hope to visit Germany one day in person - both to see the country itself, as well as to do some family history research - perhaps even during Oktoberfest. Until then though - and certainly long after - I will sport traditional tracht clothes (be it this red dress or other wonderful dirndls I may pick up over time) and celebrate my German heritage along with all those who do the same thing this time of year in Germany and around the world.

Whether you have German ancestry in you as well, just love beer, or share my passion for dirndls, there's something for everyone to celebrate and enjoy about Oktoberfest, so let's all raise a glass and toast to the spirit of this fantastic event!

45 comments:

  1. We have family that are German-Jewish that come from Baden-Baden Germany region and emigrated to the US, coming through Ellis Island. They are Muller's who changed it to Miller.

    I think my family is heavily Scotch-Irish, German and Jewish.

    About that dress...I love so many things German. So you are darn lucky I don't live near you or you might find it missing in your closet. I have dreamed about acquiring a German dirndl, but I think I might just make one someday.

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  2. Oh I want to see Germany during Octoberfest! I think it would be a blast! :D

    Your outfit is so beautiful here! I love everything in it, that hat is maybe the most beautiful hat I've ever seen !:)

    Yours sincerely,
    Sara of Ladylike Delicacy

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Sara. This is my second favourite hat in my collection and one which I could happily wear every day. It was on my etsy wish list for months, then finally last winter I was able to pick it up (amazed all the while that no one else beat me to it).

      ♥ Jessica

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  3. wow - a dirndl! so cute! and this hat! so sweet on you!
    here are dirndls a big run and can be really expensive. i never found a so beautiful example in a vintage shop that fits me :-(
    i only have separate skirts and blouses and a black velvet bodice. ( the bodice is to small now - big muscles at the upper body from gardening.)
    i wear the skirts&blouses just so, for comfortable every day outfits or for hiking tours when i don´t have to climb.
    greatings from the mountains
    http://www.elbsandsteinfotografen.de/cpg/
    BTW - salzburg is in austria.

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    1. How lucky that you have some dirndl separates. It must be so much easier to find them living in Europe. I'd love to get a sleeveless dress, long sleeves blouse, and even a cute dirndl apron one day.


      Many thanks for your comment, Beate,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. The waistline on that dress is fantastic....shows off a little, tiny waist...

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  5. Lovely outfit! I love the novelty print too. At first I though that the dress was very low cute and you were showing some cleavage. Then I realized you have a bib on the dress. Lol silly me.
    I know what you mean about not knowing ancestral traditions. Being from a Hispanic background, we were always told to assimilate; to be American. Now as an adult, I see that we loose some of the traditions and customs of our people.

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  6. Holy cow this Dirndl is breathtaking! I can see why you didn´t hesitate to buy it. I´ve planned to do a Dirndl post for some days, seems like I have to now ;)

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  7. You're my LebenslangerSchicksalsschatz.

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    1. Fantastic How I Meet Your Mother reference, sweetie pie, dankeschön! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  8. Beautiful, beautiful BEAUTIFUL dress! I'm enchanted!

    xoxox
    theefface.blogspot.com

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  9. I love this so much! Every detail is so great with the embroidered gloves and that dress is so perfect. I truly love dirndls and as you say tracht dresses. I have one dirndl, but would love to find more to add to my collection, of course ; )

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  10. Wonderful post, m'lovely. And what a gorgeous outfit.xxxx

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  11. Hi Jessica,

    Those gloves and charm bracelet go perfectly sweetly with your lovely red dress.

    I too have a bit of German in me and being a mixture, as many Americans are, probably German is the largest part. I even have two siblings who were born in Germany due to my father being stationed (drafted into the Korean Conflict – it was not ever declared a war) there during my parents first years of their marriage.

    My mother was always very strict. I, on the other hand, have not been quite as strict, although I consider strictness a strength. However, my son often felt that I was too strict and would attempt to scorn me by calling me “A German”, which never failed to make me smile to myself because being called a German is to me a high compliment, undeserved as it is.

    ♥Hope

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  12. Hello Jessica! Oktoberfest is in Dublin right now, I'll probably drop by over there next weekend. I utterly love Weizenbier beer so I should investigate my family's genealogy too! Maybe I have to buy a traditional dirndl dress too :)

    Lovely post!

    Love,
    Lorena

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  13. This is so fantastic that you could find an actual vintage German dress! You truly are ready for Oktoberfest! I'm always amazed at how fantastic your camera takes pictures of you. Of course, you are also very photogenic:) I'm still looking for my perfect camera. I thought I had found one but then it turns out not to have a zoom and I don't like this idea:)
    I think one of these new shots would be even grand as a profile picture. Just lovely!!


    http://dividingmoments.blogspot.com/

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    1. Love your idea of putting one of these photos up as my profile photo. I think I'll do just that right now for the photo I use on the side of this blog. Thank you very much for the suggestion and beautiful compliments, dear Joanna.

      ♥ Jessica

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  14. You really pulled all the colors of this outfit together, it even matched your eyes and hair.

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  15. What a lovely dress!!! I always want to buy one but it's hard to find true 50's one... I see them often in german flea markets but most of them are not so old (from te 50's max)...
    Red is perfect on you!!!!

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  16. You look lovely Jessica! The dress is so pretty. Don't you just love autumn?

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    1. I truly do love autumn. It's, hands down, my favourite season and one that I eagerly look forward to all year long. We're being treated to an especially beautiful one here in my little corner of B.C., so I feel like I'm cloud nine weather wise at the moment.

      Many thanks for your sweet comment, dear April,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. What a stunning dress! I am a big fan on knowing your family history so can understand you desire to research it adn then honour it by looking for an authentic dress. x

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  18. That dress is so cute! You look adorable!

    Lisa.

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  19. Oh Jessica, I love, love, love this dress! You look gorgeous and here's raising my glass to you. =)

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  20. This dress is too adorable!!

    I too have some German in my family, mostly on my mother's father's side.

    xoxo
    -Janey

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  21. That dress is STUNNING! I do hope you get to visit Germany and wear this dress to an Octoberfest event or for a hike in the beautiful German countryside. I was born in Russia and have no German ancestry, but I did live in Germany for a few months a few years ago and speak German fairly well. It is such a wonderful country, I would love to live there in the future!
    My partner and I celebrate Octoberfest every year (as an excuse to indulge in German food and beer!)and this year we are planning on going to an actual Octoberfest event! I just wish I had a dress like yours to wear to it but I'm sure I'll figure something out :)

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  22. Swoon swoon swoon -- that dress!!! Love!!! And is has a sweetly sexy neckline as well. I lift a glass a Radler to you, in celebration of Oktoberfest!

    I am going to pin your photo to the World Dirndl community on Pinterest!

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    1. Thank you very, very much, Collette! I'm tickled pink to know you're pinning me to World Dirndl - what an honour (I love that group, too!). A million heartfelt thanks for doing so, sweet friend.

      ♥ Jessica

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  23. Ohhh, that dress is gorgeous! Very much reminds me of a Lena Hoschek!! (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151035603290544.431293.685725543)
    I may be English/Irish, but I can't resist an adorable dirndl ;)

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    1. Thank you very much, honey! I adore Lena's amazing dresses, too, and have a habit of pinning them on Pinterest quite often. :) I think dirndls are for all us lasses, no matter where our ancestors hailed from - they're just so universally pretty and stylish.

      ♥ Jessica

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  24. Wow, you are absolutely radiant! I adore your dress, I am definitely having outfit envy!! I adore the green tights paired with the red dress, very bold and it works amazingly!

    I haven't been to Germany either, but it is also definitely on my bucket-list! Until then, I will just have to celebrate my own Oktoberfest at home in Australia, oh well!

    Thank you so much for your kind words, especially from one such as beautiful as yourself xx

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  25. Hi wonderful ladies, thank you all so, so much for your extremely nice comments. It is such a joy to be able to finally share this lovely dirndl dress with you and to celebrate in the cheerful spirit of Oktoberfest together.

    Huge hugs to each of you!
    ♥ Jessica

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  26. Dearest Jessica, You look absolutely smashing! From your beautiful dress...the colours, the ruffles and style...to your wonderful accessories. I especially love your gloves and pheasant bag.I am hoping that your October is a truly 'festive' one. xx Shauna

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  27. Hi Jessica,

    In answer to your question on my post: I do not sport yesteryear fashions in the wonderfully spectacular way that you do - I don’t have a collection of vintage clothing. My clothing has always been more of a hint of the 1940s and 1950s. I like to dress that way when I can.

    When I was eighteen, I had this fabulous black skirt with a gold rickrack design on the lower half; I believe it was a vintage 1950 square dance skirt. I wore that often, and was told that I looked like Natalie Wood. Only back then, I did not even begin to appreciate what a wonderful compliment that was. I did not think that Natalie Wood was particularly beautiful because she had almond shaped eyes, and so did I. I never liked almond shaped eyes; I loved large round eyes. Now when I see photos of Natalie Wood I am amazed at her beauty.

    I do not think that I ever actually “looked” like Natalie Wood. I think I was just similar to her style, the way I dressed an curled my hair, which was dark brown hair like Natalie’s

    So wonderful to see you here!
    ♥Hope

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    1. Good morning dear Hope, thank you very much for sharing some (more) of your personal history with vintage fashion with me. I fully believe that a person can love and appreciate yesteryear fashions without sporting them to the hilt (or even at all). I instantly sensed your passion for the past on your wonderful blogs and can tell you are a kindred vintage loving soul for sure.

      How beautiful that you have almond eyes. My (gorgeous!) little sister does a bit too. Not moi, as you can clearly see though :) Just somewhat large, round green peppers for this gal.

      Heartfelt thanks for all of your immensely nice comments this week. It's been a sincere pleasure getting to know you more, and I really look forward to oodles of back and forth on our blogs in the future.

      ♥ Jessica

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  28. I love this dress! The color is fantastic and I just love the cream accent at the bust. The accessories you picked out are perfect too. I hope you have tons of fun celebrating Oktoberfest--I never had, but perhaps I will this year!--and I hope you get to Germany one day!!

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  29. Love your fun outfit!! I was a German exchange student. Still have contact with my host sister and I am 45 now. I went back to Germany several times, but the best visit was with my best friend...and we went to October Fest in Munich. :) It was great. Your pictures are great! Fun! I am a new follower! Hope you come visit me...you might like the jewelry website I just posted about. So cool faux vintage stuff for about $1.99 each :) Can't wait to follow!

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  30. Beautiful vintage veiling! I remember my mother yelling at us in German if we were late "Schnell!" but I'm not sure if she was doing it because of her Lithuanian upbringing or to make light of my father's German heritage. Dad was always putting on a fake Boston accent, you see, because mom used to have one.

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  31. You have such perfect skin. I guess you have not been so stupid that you have sunbathed much (as I did throughout the 80's argh)

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    1. Thank you very much, Ulla-Marie. I've always been the type to burn faster than a piece of toast, so from about the age of 14 onward (following an extremely bad sunburn - thankfully the last one I've had to date), I've tried to avoid as much sun exposure as possible, and to wear sunscreen all the time, no matter the season.

      ♥ Jessica

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  32. SUCH a stunning dress! The details are amazing!

    Aya ♥ Strawberry Koi

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  33. lovely vintage dirndl but this dress isn't from germany, because salzburg is in austria. salzburger tracht is an quite well known label for amazing but expensive dirndls. in my generation dirndls are still quite unpopular (even for oktoberfest) but the younger people buy dirndls like crazy. nowadays you can get fancy designer dirndls. yes, during oktoberfest trachten are back in fashion!
    this week i received two absolutely cute 60s dirndls from my fav vinatge-ebay-seller ... sadly, now it's too cold to go wothout tights, so i have to find the right coloured tights and cardis for those bright colouredl dresses ...

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    1. Hi dear gal, thank you very much for your comment. I swear, you were one of the people I was thinking most about while wearing this dress and then writing the post about it (as you're German). How wonderful that you recently acquired two 1960s dirndls! I can't wait to see snaps of you sporting them any time of the year :)

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  34. OMG Jessica!!...I LOVE your Dirndl!! So beautiful, one of the most beautiful ones I have ever seen! I love it on you :)

    Yay for German Backgrounds! I too have a German Background (my dad was born there) and I have been heavily involved in German traditions since I was basically born. My dirndl that I own was actually my mom's from the 1970's and she bought it Kitchener. We need to have a dirndl party some day :)

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