Australian company Wheels & Dollbaby is known for exquisite vintage-inspired fashions for women, especially its famous Dita Cardigan. The Dita is a design collaboration with contemporary burlesque queen Dita Von Teese, perfect for ladies who like a bit of girlish glam in their cool weather wardrobe. These usually sell out fast, so we’ve been anxiously awaiting this season’s options for months!
This latest batch of Dita cardis – in red (a re-release), coral, and light pink – coincides with late autumn down under. Even though we’re on the cusp of summer here in North America, I was so excited to get my hands on one that I ignored the weather forecast and ordered the second they became available! Instead of purchasing my red Dita cardi straight from Wheels & Dollbaby, I opted for the cheaper international shipping offered by The Doll House in Sydney.
The Doll House price matches the W&D website, provides great communication, and offers the full Dita cardi size range (16 Aus by special order, no extra charge). As far as I can tell, they’ve also still got sizes available in all three of this year’s colors, whereas W&D itself appears to be sold out of the coral color already.
On the flip side, The Doll House does not offer the armoire-themed Dita box and picture postcard that W&D ships with its Dita cardis. If your heart’s set on the packaging, order directly from W&D.
Now on to the cardigan itself. I chose the iconic red colorway, which suits my coloring and wardrobe the best. The sweater is good quality, with satin ribbon trim on the placket, collar, and cuffs. The buttons are velvet-covered and the rose embroidery on the front of the cardigan is lovely. The fit was great as recommended; I ordered the size 14 Aus that The Doll House advised for my 42-32-48″ figure. Though I sometimes have issues with tightness in the upper arms, the Dita cardi is not too tight in that region. It’s fitted, but it’s comfortable. There are no problems with unattractive button gaping over the bust or tightness at the hip. For reference, in the pictures I’m wearing the cardigan over a Deadly Dames Vamp Top.
Many are undoubtedly wondering if the Dita Cardigans are worth the $190 Australian price tag. My answer: yes and no. The cardis are uniquely beautiful designer pieces. They’re versatile and comfortable. They’re fun to wear. But at the end of the day, they’re still made in China from mass-produced, though good quality, textile goods. Will I buy another? Probably, but only with the giddy fashionlust of someone who knows they’re overpaying for something they love nonetheless.
Other fine reviews of the Wheels & Dollbaby Dita Cardigan:
- Chanel on the peach Dita Cardi from past seasons
- Teer on red Dita Cardis from both this year and last year (she advises that there’s not much difference between her size 14 and size 16)
- Bethany on the light pink Dita Cardi from this year
Love this! Thanks for sharing my review!!! xoxox <3
I really loved it, so I had to share! Will link you on my blogroll, too! 😀 :*