Dirndl Shopping

While I was sick, I missed out on a cool trip that our Hohenfels ACS took… trachten shopping! I know, you're wondering what that is, aren't you?

Me too. 

See, I missed the class! So I didn't get to find out all the cool history that goes along with these traditional outfits. And now I can't pass that info along to you either. 

Sigh.

What I do know is very little, but I'm happy to share that with you. Trachten refers to the traditional dress of many German-speaking peoples. The women's dress is called a dirndl, and the men's clothing is called lederhosen. These are worn to all of the festivals, including Oktoberfest. 

These are not costumes.

They are not for Halloween.

Do not forget this or you shall be shunned.

Seriously. 

Lucky for me, a few of my gal pals were going shopping later the next week, and I was better by then! So I managed to find and purchase my very own dirndl. I'll catch up on the history the next time the class rolls around. 

Trachten store in Regensburg

We picked a chain store called Moser to begin our shopping in. If you want to visit the same shop we did, here is the GPS address:

MOSER Trachten GmbH
Donaustaufer Strasse 172b
93059 Regensburg

We spent hours trying on dirndls, shirts, special bras, aprons, necklaces, shoes… a lot more goes into purchasing one of these than you think! Converting our American sizes was no easy feat, but we had an extremely helpful store clerk. The fit of your dress is extremely important. 

Here we are with our gear on: (pay no attention to socks, horses, etc. Haha)

Aren't we cute?! I can't wait to wear mine to a festival soon. 

Prices for these outfits range from about 100 Euros up to thousands of Euros. I'm not kidding. And that's just for the base. Usually, this price doesn't include the shirt, bra, shoes, socks (yep, there are special, decorative socks!), or jewelry. Or the purses. Or the special cardigans for winter. 

Like I said, this is not a Halloween costume. 

However. We were very lucky to have a secret tip to share. In the back of the store is an "outlet" section, with lots of discounted pieces. The trick is that this area remains locked unless you ask for the key. 

We totally asked for the key. And I got a great deal on my whole dress! 

I haven't taken the Hubs shopping yet, but I can't wait. Sadly, the men's clothing is just as expensive, if not more. I'll keep you updated as we go along, and I'll be sure to take pictures too. Until next time my friends, happy shopping! 

Thanks for reading, everyone!

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Maggie Bags

I've wanted a Maggie Bag for, what seems like, absolutely forever! I can't even remember where I first heard of these unique bags, but I've stalked their Facebook page ever since.

Wait, you don't know what Maggie Bags are???!

Well, lemme tell ya.

They are purses, and wallets, and laptop bags (and more!) created from reclaimed seat belts. Yep, you read that right, seat belts. I love that reclaimed materials are used where possible. I also love the strength and durability of the product.

However, I don't completely love the price, even though the bag is totally worth it.

And that is exactly why I've never owned a Maggie Bag… until now! You see, I recently realized they have a clearance page I can afford. I can justify $50 or $60 to the Hubs, but there is no way I can get away with $200 for a purse. You know what I'm saying?

So when I saw that the Executive Laptop Bag was reduced from $120 to $58, I pounced on it.

Executive Laptop Bag

This bag is perfect for my blogging needs. It carries my laptop, iPad, cell phone, headphones, pens and paper, and more. The bag stands upright, with cute little feet on the bottom. I can carry cross-body or by the handle. And man, it is tough! I'm pretty sure I could drag it behind my car for a couple miles and it would still be intact. In basic black, I totally feel like I'm styling.

AND, Maggie Bags deliver to APO. When you're living overseas, this is a huge plus.

Interior pockets, with padded laptop divider

Metal "feet" to help the bag stand 

I am too excited not to share my happiness with you! The day my bag arrived in the mail was awesome for me. Perhaps I'll even be a better blogger now? At least, that's what I tell myself.

I'll be back soon, peeps. In the meantime, happy shopping! What are some of your favorite products?

Thanks for reading, everyone!

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Email me: armylifefromthewife@gmail.com

Bargain Shopping - Crystal & China

From Hohenfels, there are lots of day trips to interesting locations… including some great shopping destinations! About an hour away are two factory outlets, one for crystal and one for china. And I've spent money liberally at both.

Every Friday, Nachtmann Crystal in Neustadt opens their warehouse for your perusal. The main shop is open all week, but the real deals are on Friday. To the left of the regular shop is a gate… walk past and through this gate, and you'll find the entrance to the warehouse on your left.

Warehouse entrance

Inside, there are rows and rows of crystal, from various manufacturers the world over. Nachtmann crystal, of course, but also Waterford, Wedgewood, and more.

Inside the crystal warehouse

I've found some great deals here! Crystal vases as low as 4 euro each, wine glass sets for 12 euro! There are platters and mugs, vases and bowls, glasses and decorative pieces… I could go on and on. The inventory seems to change every few months, based on what is available. Some of the pieces are simply overstock which are being sold at a reduced rate. Some of the pieces show flaws, and are reduced for that reason. Check your pieces carefully, and then enjoy this great shopping experience.

The GPS address for the factory is:

Zacharies-Frank-Strasse #7
92660 Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab

There is a parking lot on your right-hand side as you arrive which you can use during your trip.

If you're making a day of it, I also suggest stopping at the Seltmann china factory store. They have some truly beautiful china sets here, including the Bavarian pattern. Part of the store is arranged like a showroom, and the other side contains the reduced/discounted pieces. Many of the reduced pieces were standard white china, but other patterns were mixed in.

Seltmann showroom area

Discounted section can be seen on left

We had a hard time finding the address on our trip, so here it is for you!

Christian Seltmann Strasse 59-67
92637 Weiden

Look for the blue flags, they show the entrance to the parking lot (at least, they were there on our visit). I found an amazing pattern I really, really want to purchase. I'm thinking I'll be able to convince the Hubs before we leave Germany…

What do you think? I loves it! 

I also found a cool, wonky blue/green vase thingy (don't you just love my descriptions, haha). I actually bought this, for my upcoming Beachy Bedroom Makeover! I've had so many ideas for re-decorating our bedroom, but I've almost narrowed them down. No worries, I'll be taking you on the journey with me.

 I'll be back again soon, but I hope these tips help out some of my fellow spouses living here in Germany. Until next time, happy shopping, my friends!

Thanks for reading, everyone!

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Email me: armylifefromthewife@gmail.com