Recently, I've gotten to know Ellen Bennett, a talented chef who recently started her own apron-making business called Hedley & Bennett. And despite being in business for just a year, Ellen's aprons are now worn by some of the top chefs in L.A. and across the country. I spotted her work at Poketo a couple months ago and loved that her aprons combine function with a style that both men and women can wear. So Ruby and I went on a little field trip to the Hedley & Bennett studio to check out Ellen's process and to have a couple aprons made just for us!

We talked about our favorite fabrics, what kind of pockets we like, and Ruby pretty much went to ribbon heaven with all the supplies in Ellen's studio. And, we started dreaming up what our aprons would look like…

One of my favorite things about independent makers like Ellen is that they are so kind and open to meeting the people who wear and love their products. And it's a more intimate and fun process for buyers when they get to connect with the person who makes the products and see passionate he or she is about their craft.

Tomorrow, I'll share with you the custom aprons that Ellen made for us based on our visit!

P.S. The team over at Brika (who support makers just like Ellen) and Madewell (one of my favorite clothing brands) are offering a special opportunity for one lucky person (and a guest!) to win a trip to Austin to meet a Brika maker, collaborate on an exclusive art print, get a Madewell shopping spree, and stay at an awesome hotel. Click here to check it out!

{Photos by Bonnie Tsang. Special thanks to Ellen Bennett. This post is in collaboration with Brika and Madewell. Ruby's outfit: Top by crewcuts, leggings by House of Mia, shoes by Zuzii. My outfit: Top by Madewell, shoes by Kate Spade, necklace by The Bird's Word. Ellen's top by Madewell.}