We have most certainly entered a time honored autumnal tradition: Sweater Weather. And I am happy to report, this delightful time of year even occurs in the South. While I love the gentle breeze of Spring and the warm evenings of Summer, there is something about weather that encourages you to bundle up and get cozy (minus the risk of frostbite) that gets me so excited. So, this time of year I inevitably start to scan the horizon for the perfect autumnal sweater.
For years I’ve had my eye on an amazing vintage-inspired brand: Ains & Elke StyleHaus. I followed them back when they launched an Etsy shop and was thrilled to happen upon their new website recently. They were founded in 2014 by designer and dressmaker Alixis, and have an amazing range of whimsical, vintage inspired styles for the gal who has no qualms about standing out. They’re about one part quirky, one part cute, and 100% sassy (the math may not work, but trust me when I say their adorable cropped sweaters do).
I was beyond excited for the chance to get to work with them for this post and give you my thoughts on the amazing Heart and Dagger Sweater. Inky black with pops of read and oozing vintage charm (and a few drops of blood), this one shot me straight through the heart….
The Heart and Dagger sweater is a take on true a vintage design, which I’ve seen in a few different iterations. It immediately reminded me of a famous photograph of Loretta Young in a black sweater, with an arrow through a bleeding heart, circa early 1940s, that I’ve had saved to my Pinterest for years. But, there are others with a similar sinister spin. I dug up a photoshoot by one of my favorite vintage photographers, Nina Leen, for Life magazine (she who also photographed the “Conversation Skirts“). This creation by Ains & Elke perfectly gives a nod to the era that has my heart.
The sweater is made out of a medium weight acrylic yarn, which meant it wasn’t too bulky, but was thick enough so that nary an undergarment was allowed to peak through (I must confess – I’m accidentally wore a white bra underneath this sweater the day these photos were taken without realizing it. Thankfully, the tight weave of the sweater meant that no one was the wiser!)
The Heart and Dagger sweater comes in sizes S, M, L, and XL. Personally, I like my cropped sweaters to fit quite snuggly, so that I can tuck them into high waisted skirts. After consulting the size chart (and having a chat with the lovely ladies at A&E StyleHaus), I went with a size small. The S is listed as a 34″-36″ bust and 26″-28″ waist, which was pretty spot on with the sweater I received. It hugged me in that perfect way – it was fitted, but with a good amount of stretch to allow for mobility. I nipped it into one of my recent makes (the Gertie x Michael Miller fabric and this sweater were seriously made for each other).
It is definitely a cropped sweater in length – which is exactly what I was after, because that means it doesn’t add bulk when tucked in. I will say that, as someone who falls on the long-waisted end of the spectrum, she was cropped but not too short. I had zero worry about her coming untucked, which is something I’m always wary about (tall girl problems, amiright?)
(right) “Crazy Sweaters“, shot by Nina Leen for Life Magazine, c. 1947
I love clothing with a bit of dichotomy. The sweet shape of this sweater matched with the rather dark imagery is perfectly suiting my mood at the moment. The Heart and Dagger sweater retails for $65 USD and can be purchased through the Ains & Elke StyleHaus website. If hearts and daggers aren’t your bag, they have so many amazing designs that I’m already eyeing up (Bubbles the Fish and Applejack sweaters…I’m coming for you!)
A&E ship both domestically and internationally – even though there may be production and shipping delays due to COVID-19, I found the shipping to be pretty quick myself (mine arrived in 6 days). But, even if it had taken a bit longer, trust me when I say these handmade sweaters are worth waiting for.
I hope you’re all enjoying the extra bit of crisp weather that’s come in this week. Bring it on Mother Nature. I have the perfect sweater to usher in your chill….
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Top: Heart & Dagger Sweater c/o Ains & Elke StyleHaus
Skirt: Made by me! (Found more fabric here or in black/pink)
Belt: Alannah Hill (similar)
Handbag: gift, Review Australia (similar)
Shoes: Lulu Guinness, sold out (similar or found a pair here)
Lip Color: Dior Rouge 634
.
instagram // twitter // facebook // pinterest
.
Any items marked with a “c/o” (courtesy of) a retailer mean I was provided with an item for free in exchange for a review and/or feature on my blog. I always provide my honest opinion of any item I’m reviewing, regardless of whether it was sent to me as a courtesy item or if I purchased it myself. In addition, this post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links or ads on this site, I may make a commission from that click and/or purchase at no cost to you, which helps with the day-to-day running costs of my blog.