I’m excited to introduce the L.A. Loft 2013 Lookbook, inspired by the everyday items that I love. One of the main inspirations for this year’s collection is water—I love the colors of water, its movement, and the many things that I find near the waterside. You’ll also see pieces inspired by my children with their joy and energy. Many times it is the fabric itself that inspires me, like a vintage bed sheet that catches my eye or even gently‐ used lace curtains that inspire new adventures, or at least new clothing. A special thank you goes out to my cooperative models and to my sister, owner of Debra Eby Photography. She gave me the courage to embark on this endeavor. To list all of the people who have inspired me to be creative would fill this book, so I will just say this: thank you. I hope you find yourself inspired by the daily things. —Lee Ann Bennett
Child‐sized, pin‐striped capris transformed from ill‐fitting adult size pants. Flat front, tabbed waistband makes for a clean look, while the elastic back allows for growth and movement. Cuff these capris, add two shiny buttons and the adven‐ turer is ready for a day of seaside exploring.
Red checked cotton fabric headband adorned with a narrow box bow. Elastic bottom allows for comfort and growth.
Striped fabric with slight stretch repur‐ posed from formerly ill fitting adult sized pants. Details: flat waistband, side zipper, button tabs adorned with two white but‐ tons, button top‐ opening front pockets, reverse hem, side hem tabs, mid thigh length, high waist and square back pockets.
UP & AWAY SHIRT
A thrifted red + navy cotton t‐shirt personalized with a
navy linen appliqué vintage airplane paired with wide leg, navy, linen trousers.
Perfect for busy little traveling fingers—the roll‐up car pocket travel kit. Six pockets to park small cars and a road where they can drive. Tuck the cars in their pockets, fold, roll, and secure with the attached wide elastic band. Enjoyed by all on the go car lovers.
Thrifted gray hooded cotton shirt customized with an appliquéd navy linen anchor and rope.
A classic bed sheet turned toddler pants. Vertical, light blue pin stripes, flat front, elastic back, straight leg, wide hem pants. One wide front yoke pocket horizontally striped with side access. Wide side seam cream racing stripes.
HIGH SEAS PANTS
Navy + crème linen. Straight leg. Front outside crème
trimmed pockets. Crème, flat front, elastic back waistband. Crème mock tie.
BRYSON BOWTIE Gray polka dot with gray and yellow stripe accent double bow tie. Adjustable front hook closure. Elastic back.
This lightweight, yet durable, tote is made from yellow chevron print duck cloth. Lined with a lightweight cotton. Repur‐ posed navy belt straps make the perfect handle for toting books for dockside reading.
CHEVRON SUNSHINE TOTE
DOCKSIDE LIGHTING Small white candles in glass votives customized with wrapped burlap rem‐ nants and twine.
BENNETT BOWTIE Men's pale blue pinstripe dress shirt turned bow tie. Layered, square tipped, detailed top stitching for added structure. Elastic band for a variety of sizes.
Men's dress shirt turned toddler shorts. Detailed top stitching for added structure. Light blue shirting, flat front, elastic back, knee‐length shorts.
BENNETT BRITCHES
IRIS HAIR BOW Top this look off with an over‐ sized navy, linen, rounded edge bow barrette.
SET SAIL SHIRT Ready to set sail with this midnight blue, hand stenciled t‐shirt. Hand painted with a custom design. The simplicity of the shirt makes it versatile and wearable for even the busiest toddler.
Plain white knit t‐shirts upcycled into billowing ruffles in this white ruffle stretch skirt. Elastic waist, knee length, versatile‐‐perfect for beachcombing.
IRIS CIRCLET Add a little dramatic flair with this oversized navy linen, square bow. Made with a small elastic band for the perfect fit.
PIROGUE SKIRT Float down the lazy river in this geometric, elastic waist cotton skirt. Created for casual sophistication with a mock front tie, zigzag stitched fray hem, and mid‐thigh length. Slide into a lace trimmed lengthen‐ ing slip for additional comfort and style. Pair the skirt with a simple, loose, knit shirt. Add a scarf for color and style.
PEONY CIRCLET Hand frayed, hand stitched, navy, linen, ruffle flower with a crème linen knotted center on an ivory stretch lace headband.
TESSA’S TWIRL SKIRT Created with twirling and spinning in mind, this full skirted, double layer, navy linen skirt is trimmed with handmade crème bias tape on the hemline., The waistband is made with wide, hand dyed, yellow elastic.
CANTERBURY STROLLING SUIT A shout out to the simpler days in this new twist on a time‐ less look. Wide leg linen sailor pants with a crème, wide, twill, flat front, elastic‐back waistband. Pair the pants with a simple strip cotton tee. Add some navy elastic suspenders and a clip on navy bow tie to complete this classic look and baby boy is ready for a day at the yacht club or a walk along the wharf.
LITTLE BLUE BOW Side sweep your tresses with a tiny square tipped navy linen bow clip.
BUTTERFLY BAY BLOUSE Comfort meets classy in this lightweight, sheer, navy fabric patterned with whimsical white butterflies. A figure flatter‐ ing, curved hemline that hits slightly below the natural waist‐ line. Bias trimmed hem, neckline, and sleeves. Sewn with enclosed French seams. Pin tucked front for optimal drape. Double layer flutter sleeves. Back keyhole detail with double layer square bow closure.
A lace tablecloth makes its debut as a bubble lace skirt fit for a princess. Comfort meets elegance with a flat front ribbon waistband and elastic back. Lined with knit for comfort and flexibility. Add a small ivory bow on the waistband for a touch of fun. Pair it with a hand sewn lace bow + cream lace tuxedo shirt. You can't go wrong with gold ribboned shoes to complete the look.
Gently used lace trimmed curtain panels turned white linen pants. Wide, straight leg, white linen‐ cotton blend pants. Accented with front and back lace trimmed top pockets. Large curved front pock‐ ets and small square back pockets. Waistband tabbed and secured with white buttons. Fitted with a side v‐ stretch panel for easy slide‐on, comfort while wearing and for fluc‐ tuating fit. Fitted with back darts. The look is completed with a lace trimmed hemline.
ROSEMARY CIRCLET Knit scraps turned braided stretch headband. Double braids join to make one braid.
Lacey strips of memories sewn into this blue cotton lined frock. Leftover lace from a dear friend's wed‐ ding paired with a soft blue cotton bed sheet creates a delicate sleeveless shift. Easy on and off with its elastic gathered neckline. Add a hand sewn, silk , alabaster blossom in the hair and she is ready for an elegant event or an afternoon garden party with her dollies.
Zip‐up rayon‐cotton blend, yellow and gray sunburst flower blouse. Wide hem hits at mid hip. Fitted in the shoulders and above the bust, loose fitting throughout the waist and hips. Cap sleeves and slight front gathers. Long, tabbed back zipper with a hook and eye closure.
MARIGOLD CIRCLET stretch lace, elastic bottom, headband.
Simple yellow
CHEVRON LANDING TOTE
Made from durable duck cloth. The outer layer is gray
chevron print with a gray lining. A small outer pocket for stashing keys and cell phones. Wide striped gray and yellow luggage straps provide durability and a pop of color.
CHEVRON LANDING TREASURE POUCH Small companion zipper pouch. Durable metal zipper, gray and chevron printed duck cloth fabrics.
A thrifted soft vintage sheet turned maxi dress. Floor length, yellow flower print and breezy, soft, cotton fabric. A fitted gathered, center seam bust and ruffle front top em‐ pire waist bodice. Removable spa‐ ghetti straps. Back zipper with a hook and eye closure. Perfect for enjoying warm summer days.
laloftdesign.com
DEBRA EBY PHOTOGRAPHY debraebyphotography.com
I hope this lookbook has inspired you to dream! Each item featured in this lookbook was de‐ signed and sewn by me, the creator of L.A. Loft. These items are unique and cannot be exactly replicated, but the concepts can be applied to your own ideas and fabrics. I specialize in sewing custom‐made orders and would love to be part of making your dream pieces a reality. As each item is hand crafted, the value of the item (and its price) varies. Time and material also factor into the cost. Please contact me with your design ideas for a personalized estimate.
Lee Ann Bennett L.A. LOFT
info@laloftdesign.com laloftdesign.com