Loft 415 Clothing

A few weeks ago I snagged 3 awesome tops from the awesomely talented Hope of Loft 415. If her shop looks familiar but the name doesn’t ring a bell, she used to go by Label of Hope.

I’ve been a fan of Hope since her Ebay days, and one of the things I’ve always admired about Hope’s style is that she seems to effortlessly blend wear-ability and elegance. (I almost wrote elegant-ness.)

When the tops arrived, I almost didn’t know what to do with them. Real grown up clothing!

Because, you know, everyone assumes, “Hey, you’re a fashion designer, I bet your closet is amazing.” But the truth is I almost never ever make stuff for myself. Usually once a year on my birthday I sit down and sew for myself, and now let’s all stop and ponder how sad it is that I’m sitting at the sewing machine ON MY BIRTHDAY.

(Plus I don’t know if you can call any of my stuff “grown up”. Sometimes I think the 5-year-old Me that was obsessed with sequined granny sweaters is the one making all of the design decisions for SmarmyClothes.)

On a daily basis, I tend to dress like I did in 7th grade.  Today for example I’m wearing a pair of jeans with a giant hole in the knee and a novelty Halloween shirt that’s printed to look like a mummy’s wrap. Très chic.

But hey, I’m gonna shut up now and show you the swanky duds.

This is my favorite of the three, perhaps because it’s the further from what I normally wear. It’s pink! And pretty! There are no soup stains on it!

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There’s this awesome little lace detail on the sleeve!

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Unique Handmade Prom Dresses for 2011

My 8th grade graduation was the first formal event I ever went to. I was so excited to pick out a special dress for the big night… so imagine my horror when my arch nemesis showed up wearing the Exact. Same. Dress.

Luckily, I’m here to make sure you don’t make the same mistake I did. The dresses, gowns, skirts, corsets, and accessories here are so unique, you won’t run the risk of playing Twinsies on your big night.

A little gothic, a touch of punk, and some rockabilly sass, there’s something here for anyone wanting to take the alternative route to Prom, Homecoming, or any other formal event.


Pepper zigzag retro swing dress by SmarmyClothes


Frilly Polka Dot Party Dress by HAUTEINDISCRETION


1950s Halterneck Black / Med White Polka Dot Dress by modela2z

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Featured Indie Designer – Zombie Kitten

Rockabilly cuteness by Shelley of Zombie Kitten!

Zombie Kitten skirtYour Name: Shelley Smatana
Age: 32
Hometown: Houston, TX
Current Location: Los Angeles, CA

How did your interest in fashion begin?
Subcultures were what got me into fashion. I love youth uprisings that have their own politics, fashion and music and their opposition to the values of the larger culture. There is so much passion associated with subcultures, and I found that very inspiring .
In addition, I enjoyed the style of fashion in the B-movies from the 50s-60s era. Those movies that featured bad girls with switchblades, all girl gangs and juvenile delinquents and were fun to watch.
What motivated you to start selling your designs and what were your expectations when you started?
I was a bit frustrated with pencil skirts that just did not fit like the ones I saw in the movies, and I felt that other gals were too. I really did not have any huge expectations when I started making Zombe Kitten skirts. This has ALL been very flattering and surprising to me. I still blush and get all shy when people come up to me telling me how much they love the skirts. I really never imagined my skirts would take off the way they have!Read more…