It's What's on the Inside That Counts

My mother always told me "it's what's on the inside that counts." I was reminded of this recently when I received a beautiful gift from my staff as we celebrated the 11th Anniversary of LILL. The team presented Robin and I with commemorative ELLIE totes - in a fabric I didn't recognize at a distance. As they brought the bags towards us, I realized that it was a patchwork fabric made up of a multitude of fabrics in our line. Each team member had selected their favorite fabric and they had stitched them together to create a beautiful tapestry representing each person in our organization. Along with the bag came a fabric "key" that listed each person and their selection. At the top of the key was a statement that I just love - "A business is made up individuals working towards one goal. When they all come together amazing things can happen." I adored the bag and couldn't wait to start carrying it. Then someone pointed out the inside...

On the inside of the bag, each person had written a short note and signed it. I use the bag everyday and as I open it up to pull out my work, I am reminded of the wonderful group of people that make up LILL and I am thankful for the opportunity we've had to build this business together. It simply makes me smile. I can almost hear my mother's voice saying "it's what's on the inside that counts."

As you start to consider gifts to give for the holidays, you, too, can give a gift with a little extra meaning. Our ELLIE totes with their nylon interiors are perfect for giving to that special teacher, coach, boss, mom or grandmother. Pick an exterior fabric she'll love and have the group sign the inside to commemorate your experiences together or have the kids stamp their hand prints on the interior. Your recipient will enjoy receiving a beautiful bag, but will LOVE what is on the inside.

Happy Designing,

Jen Velarde

As Seen In...

Hi all –
Robin here to give you a quick update on some of the fun press we’ve seen lately here at 1154 LILL Studio! So much to share:

As seen IN:
As you may have seen on our website – we were chosen for InStyle Magazine’s Best of the Web guide and couldn’t be more thrilled! (Pick up the November issue – on stands now with the amazing Rachel McAdams on the cover J) Our ERINN clutch in flocked houndstooth was featured alongside our write-up. Snap one up while we still have this luxe fabric in stock!

As seen ON:
Access Hollywood’s Laura Saltman devoted her “Dish of Salt” segment to all things Baby over the weekend of October 30th and 31st! She announced her own pregnancy on-air (Congrats, Laura!) and ran video of the “Design a Bag for a Cause” party that reality star Tenley Molzhan hosted the other week. Tenley helped Laura design a SUSAN diaper bag for baby-to-be. Bags designed at the party are being sold on our site with $10 of each going to the Young Survival Coalition. Check them out here!

Soon to be seen…
We sent bags to New York and LA for Editorial preview events last week and had a great reaction from Editors and Stylists alike! Us Weekly, InTouch, Martha Stewart Weddings, Self, Brides, Real Simple, E!, and many more grabbed samples for stories. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that 1154 LILL will make the cuts. Think good thoughts for us!

We hope to have more to share with you soon! Thanks for being such amazing fans.

-Robin Newberry

p.s. – we have been loving Twitter lately! If you’re on twitter as well, tag us or follow us! We’re at @1154_LILLStudio and would love to keep in touch with you this way. :)

Hot off the Press!!

1154 Lill has had quite the exciting few weeks in regards to press and upcoming publication opportunities! We wanted to share with you where Lill has shown up recently and where you can look for us in the near future.

Where we've been:

• The Bachelor Pad's Tenley Molzahn loves her Lill! She has been spotted 3 times out on the town wearing her GRACE and ERINN.
  

Where we're going:

• November's issue of InStyle will be featuring our super chic ERINN in Flocked Houndstooth.

Cross your fingers:

• Good Housekeeping's "Goodlist": We sent out a variety of bags in beautiful teals, purples, and neautrals in hopes that Lill will get featured in their "Goodlist." So far they love them and shooting starts tomorrow so-keep your fingers crossed our bags get chosen!!

If you get a chance follow Lill and all the new happenings in the press via our Twitter account! http://www.twitter.com/1154_LILLStudio

By the way...

We are thrilled to be featuring a bag for a good cause on our website, and now the ELLIE Beat Breast Cancer bag is on the Young Survivors Coalition site as well!! Check it out either on our site at 1154lill or on YSC's twitter .

Falling For Flocking

As the fall season gets fully under way, I find myself gravitating towards all things textural. Fall has always been my favorite season for dressing - I love the look of layers and the possibilities of combining colors, patterns and textures in a new way. At LILL, it is also my favorite time of year as our fall fabrics always include an aray of rich colors and textures - my favorite of which is flocking. Flocking is a process of creating texture by applying small particles of fabric to create a pattern with a velvety feel. The raised flocked texture creates a striking visual appeal and adds an extra dimension to the design and the tactile experience of the fabric. I am loving our flocked offerings this year. Check out the photo of some of my favorites - Clockwise - Flocked Houndstooth, Dottie, Whippany Paisley, Flocked Tiger and Red Sea. The patterns really pop when you add a colorful accent. If initial Fall orders are any indication, I'm not the only one falling for flocking. Happy Designing!

-Jen Velarde

A special ELLIE for Katie...

Like many others, Jen and I have been on the sidelines of the Breast Cancer fight thru the years. We’ve known women who have been affected by the disease, but it’s always been just a step or two outside of our immediate circle of family and friends. That changed for us both this summer when a dear friend received her diagnosis.

Katie Weiss Torres is only 36 years old and had no history of breast cancer in her family. Jen and I remember talking after she found a lump this spring. Surely it would prove to be a simple cyst; we all agreed she was too young for it to be cancer. But the biopsy came back and showed us we were wrong. On June 1st of this year Katie was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma - Breast Cancer.

Katie had a bi-lateral mastectomy in mid July and is currently undergoing aggressive Chemotherapy treatments to tackle her cancer once and for all. Her current treatment plan has her continuing Chemo through the end of this year.

Katie has always had a great sense of humor and is an amazing storyteller. The consummate hostess, she always feels the need to make sure everyone is having fun, enjoying themselves, included in the conversation. And while she’s trying to work on focusing on herself now vs. taking care of others – it’s amazing to see how she commands and lights up a room even when she feels sick. Her strength, humor, honesty and grace continue to shine brightly and it is apparent to all who know her that she is passing these traits on to her three-year old daughter, Lulu. Lulu is bright, charming and sassy, exactly like her mom.

When cancer affects someone you love there can be such a sense of helplessness and frustration. You want to be able to do something to help in the fight. Jen and I are no different and wanted to come up with a way to offer our support to Katie’s fight. We decided we would ask her to design a bag and then donate the proceeds from its sale both to her and a charity of her choice. Katie chose the ELLIE tote and designed one in “Voila”. This bag will be sold online for the duration of her Chemo treatments, with $15 going directly to Katie, and another $10 going to Young Survival Coalition.

Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. YSC offers resources, connections and outreach so women feel supported, empowered and hopeful. Working with survivors, caregivers and the medical, research, advocacy and legislative communities YSC strives to ensure that no young women is left to face breast cancer alone

We hope you will join us in supporting our friend and other young women diagnosed with breast cancer. You can view and purchase "Katie's bag" here. Thank you!

-Jen Velarde, 1154 LILL Studio founder and president
-Robin Newberry, 1154 LILL Studio vice president

p.s. - The photo of Katie at the top and the photo collage were both taken by another friend who is an amazing photographer. Check out Bridget Stern's website at http://www.bridgetsternphotography.com/.

Jillian Harris shown sporting LILL bag!

Jillian Harris was featured in the March 15th edition of OK! Magazine carrying our stylish Erinn clutch! Jillian looked gorgeous at Molly & Jason's Bachelor Wedding! We couldn't be more thrilled to have her as such a loyal customer! If you'd like to design your very own Erinn bag, just like Jillian's just go to our website http://www.1154lill.com/ and start designing! The Erinn is the perfect accessory for the upcoming wedding season!

Winner # 4

Our fourth party host winner is Alex Brown. We had a little email mix up, so it took a little longer to get her notified and get her responses to our questions... But, she was thrilled to hear that she had won our drawing after hosting a party with our San Francisco rep, Jenn. The bags ordered at her party were just received by her guests and were met with rave reviews! One of the attendees at her party loved it so much she just hosted her own this past Thursday. Here are Alex's responses to our questions:

How did you first hear about 1154 LILL?
"I cannot remember how I first heard about 1154 LILL. I believe it was through a friend who lived in Chicago. I was there visiting in 2005 and my friend and went to the store there. I believed we designed about 6 bags for our friends and family. We were having such a great time with all the fabrics and the different styles. Throughout the years, I have continued to visit the Chicago and Boston stores and always find time to create a bag."

What is the best party about hosting an 1154 LILL party?
"The best part about hosting was having 1154 LILL come to you. It was nice to have a group of friends around chatting and catching up while being creative and designing bags. Having Jenn come to my house really made things easy, and it was a stress free way of getting the ladies together for something different than just cocktails. We actually talked about doing one of these parties back in August while on a bachelorette trip but finally got around to doing it in January. Better late than never."

What is your favorite 1154 LILL style?
"My favorite style bag the Andi. I think it is the perfect size to be able to put everything in your purse. My mother and sister designed one in Boston a couple years back, and I was so jealous of the end result that I ended up having to borrow the bag long term. Another great one is Christie. I take it on every vacation I have. I just love how great everything fits in there and how easy it is to clean especially the inside."

What would you like to see 1154 LILL do in the future?
"As for 1154 LILL in the future, I think keep up what you are doing. I think people have been spreading the word and you make good quality products that was is not to love about it. I did enjoy that you have added new products i.e. the Pillows. I think that is definitely a good idea. Overall, I think if you were to try to open another store perhaps somewhere out on the west coast you would have great success with it."

Thank you for hosting and enjoy your new Maddie Jane Design A Bag Kit!

Best,
Jen

Share the LILL Love... and Get Rewarded!

Share the LILL Love (and now – Get Rewarded for doing so!)
It’s a simple fact: LILL wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for YOU. I feel so honored to have customers who share their love of LILL with friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, clients and even strangers, expecting nothing in return but a shared excitement over the collaborative and creative design of their treasured LILL Bags. Those they tell come away with a fondness for our company and an excitement about designing their own LILL Bag in the future. It’s a business owners dream to turn her customers into active marketers of her business and now its time to recognize those efforts and give back for all the wonderful word of mouth marketing you do for us!

Today, I am thrilled to announce the start of a new program called LILL's Referrals & Rewards Club! It's simple - just apply to be a member by filling out an online application. Once accepted, you'll receive a one-of-a-kind link that you can post, blog about, tweet and share. For every online sale that comes from your link you'll earn a percentage back in the form of a LILL E-Gift Certificate. Easy, simple & fun! Use the gift certificates to treat yourself to a new bag in that adorable fabric you've been obsessing about. The more you post and share, the more you can earn! I can see your "collection" of LILL bags growing now....

Check out all the details of our new program here and apply today!

Happy Sharing!
Jen Velarde

Our New LINKS Collection!

This month we launched the first pieces in our new LINKS Collection. What is LINKS, you may ask? Well, its a new twist on designing with our products. From LILL's beginnings, we have focused on designing our handbags by choosing from one of our set silhouettes and selecting fabrics for various parts of the bag. Ten years in, we are ready to offer something new - a way to build your own silhouette by choosing components that "link" together to create unique looks - thus our new "LINKS Collection." Our first few pieces include a large tote body (LILLI), a medium rectangular pouch (ISABEL), a small wallet sized pouch (NANCY), and 2 strap choices (2 short straps, or one long adjustable strap). With these 5 pieces you can do so many things. And, what's great about it is that the individual pieces all work together. So, you can start with one bag and as you add more pieces, you'll be adding to your design possibilities. The more pieces you have the more looks you can create! And, there are more on the horizon... we are currently working on the next body piece that will be introduced later this spring. Its a look you'll love now and for seasons to come!

I attached a few of my favorite looks here, but check out our website to see more and peak at a video! The LINKS collection is currently available in stores and at parties through our LILL On Location program - be the first to start your "collection" by hosting a party or visiting one of our stores!

LILLI with short straps worn full....LILLI with short straps worn cinched...LILLI with an ISABEL or NANCY as accent...LILLI with long adjustable strap....ISABEL with long adjustable strap....ISABEL with NANCY and long adjustable strap.... just to name a few combinations....

We can't wait to see what you all create!

-Jen Velarde

Winner # 3

Our week 3 winner of the Design a Bag Kit is Sara Armstrong! Sara hosted a party with our Indianapolis rep, Amy after learning about 1154 LILL from her sister-n-law. At the party she picked out an adorable Drea reversible handbag (pictured to left) and a fun spring Carolina wallet. Next she'll get to try her hand at designing a Maddie Jane with the Design a Bag Kit that is on its way to her. Can't wait to see what she picks out! Here are the answers to the questions we asked her about 1154 LILL:

How did you hear about 1154 LILL?

"My fabulous Sister-In-Law and all of her friends have 1154 Lill bags. We try to get together one night each month for a "Ladies Night". What better way to have fun with the girls than to design purses!"

What is the best part about hosting a party with 1154 LILL?

"Being able to have everyone together at my house and sharing ideas with each other."

What is your favorite bag style and why?

"My favorite style is the Drea because its two bags in one!"

What would you like to see 1154 LILL do in the future?

"Keep offering more designs!"

Enjoy your new bags Sara!

-Jen Velarde

For the month of January we are drawing the name of one lucky party hostess a week to win one of our new Design A Bag Kits. Our winner from week two is Leslie Smith! She hosted a party with Courtney, our Richmond, VA rep. Leslie ordered a Susan diaper bag in December after seeing her friend's bag. She loved her new diaper bag so much she hosted her own party where she designed a Hadley. Her design is pictured to the left - so cute! We asked Leslie to tell us a little about her experiences with LILL. Here are the answers to the questions we asked her:

How did you first hear about 1154 LILL?

"My friend attended and later hosted a party. I loved her diaper bag so much that I had to order one for myself!"

What is the best part about hosting a party with 1154 LILL?
"The best part about hosting the party is giving people the opportunity to experience 1154 Lill. The fabrics are amazing and you really don't get the full effect without seeing them in person. The opportunity to design an original bag is something I think everyone should experience!"

What is your favorite LILL style?
"My favorite bag, thus far, is the Susan -- It is the best diaper bag, ever!"

What would you like to see 1154 LILL do in the future?
"I love 1154 Lill -- There is no need to change!"

Thank you, Leslie, for hosting a party and sharing your love of LILL with your friends! We look forward to seeing what you design next!

Happy Designing!

Jen Velarde

Our first party hostess winner!

For the month of January we are drawing the name of one lucky party hostess a week to win one of our new Design A Bag Kits. Our winner from week one is Tara Lamboley who hosted a party in our Chicago Store on January 7th. She was very excited to hear that she won and is looking forward to designing her new bag! We asked her to tell us a little about her experiences with LILL. Here are the answers to the questions we asked her. She also sent a picture of her and some guests at her party. Many thanks to Tara and her guests for their business. We look forward to helping you design again sometime soon!

How did you first hear about 1154 LILL?

"I had heard about 1154 LILL a few years ago when when I was going to Optometry school and living in Chicago. I thought it sounded like such a fun idea, so when I got married a year and a half ago I decided to design LILL handbags for my bridesmaids."

What is the best part about hosting a party with 1154 LILL?

"The best part about hosting a party with 1154 LILL has to be the atmosphere to create with friends! The boutique is cozy and quaint with wonderful designers on hand to help out! I brought my staff here for their Christmas present this year and we all had such a great time. With purses, bags, and fabric swatches on every table and throughout the store we all truly enjoyed custom designing our very own handbags! I think 1154 LILL allows for such a fun and unique gift idea! "

What is your favorite LILL style?

"Being a new mom, my favorite bag style is Susan! I thought that was such a great idea because, not only do I have a trendy diaper bag, but eventually I will have a trendy overnight bag once I no longer need to use it for one of my children. It is large enough and has plenty of pockets for all of my baby needs! Best of all, it is one of a kind!"

What would you like to see 1154 LILL do in the future?

"Unfortunately (or fortunately), I do not have any future requests. I think you all are doing an outstanding job! Your stores and website are fantastic!"

We love hearing from our customers! It renews and inspires us to do more each day to make LILL the place to go for unique handbags and creative experiences. Happy Designing!

Jen Velarde

2010 - Off and Running!

Where did the month go? Its been a month since I posted - shame on me! And, I thought 2010 would be different....

I look forward to January each year for a fresh start, for a time of reflection after the holidays and for the optimism that comes from a new year full of possibilities. Its a month of planning at LILL - we're talking new styles, new fabrics, new sales strategies. We're taking what we learned in 2009 and applying it to our plans for 2010 and beyond. We're reaching out to other businesses and our customers for ideas and inspiration. And, we're coming up with some good stuff....

I'm excited about a few new bag styles coming out the beginning of February - the LILLI, the ISABEL and the NANCY. The LILLI is a versatile tote bag that can be worn large and boxy or clipped together to make a smaller trapezoid silhouette. It has removable straps so you can interchange them with various bag bodies or clip on an accessory piece like the NANCY wallet and add another pattern to your look. The ISABEL is a mini messenger bag with an adjustable strap that can be worn long or short. It can also be combined by clipping on the NANCY wallet to create a two tiered bag. Order them up in some of our new spring fabrics like Tazo, Malibu Rays and Lagoon Faux Suede and create a stylish new look for a new year! We are loving all the possibilities with these bags and can't wait to see what our customers will do with them. These bags will be launching first in stores and through our LILL on Location Parties at the beginning of February - so be the first to see and order these by planning a home party or a trip to one of our stores in February. Expect to see these styles on-line later in February. You won't be disappointed!

I am also very excited about a focus group we conducted a week ago at our Chicago Store with a group of college students. I was extremely impressed with the ideas that were generated by talking with this group. They had several new ideas on how to reach the college market and offered us valuable insight on what is important to them, why they buy and what they are looking for in a brand. I really enjoyed listening to their thoughts and hearing first hand what they would do to create more brand awareness for 1154 LILL. I expect we will utilize many of their ideas this year. We also plan to do more focus groups with various groups of our customer base. Look for information on our facebook page and in our email communication about upcoming focus group sessions!

Lastly, I want to mention some of the current "good stuff" we have going on in January. Our January promos are wrapping up on the 31st - so you still have a couple weeks left to take advantage and pick up that bag or accessory you didn't get for the holidays now AND at a great price to boot! Here are the current deals: 10% off all month online, 15% off at all home parties, and the add it up sale in stores (buy 1, get 10% off, buy 2 - get 15% off, buy 3 - get 20% off). More info available on our website. http://www.1154lill.com/

So, we are off and running with 2010. I hope you are as well and that the year of possibilities ahead brings you everything you're planning for!

Jen Velarde

Pay it Forward - Everyone Loves a Compliment!

This week I received a lovely letter from a customer in Indianapolis. Her experience with LILL began when a friend, sporting a LILL bag, told her about my business. She loved the bag and checked out our website. She found that we offered home parties in her area and contacted our Indianapolis rep, Amy, to set up a party. She had a wonderful party experience (I'll share her words later in this post) and then attended a second event Amy hosted at a local salon. She has quickly become a LILL lover. I personally love the story of how she came to find out about LILL - through a friend with a bag she loved - and, how she came to get a few of her own - through a rep who loves what she does. It speaks directly to the essence of LILL and thus I truly appreciated that this customer wrote in about her experience. Receiving letters like this really make my day.

While I obviously loved the letter, the point of my blogging about it is that it reminded me how important it is to compliment others for things that you appreciate. I often find myself pleasantly surprised by service or products and think to myself "what a great experience" or "I love this product." I don't, however, take the time to tell the person behind that experience or product how much I appreciate their help or their product. For example - just yesterday, I was going through my favorite drive thru. (Yes, I am a fast food junky)! It is my favorite drive thru, not because of the food or speed of service, but because every time I go there the staff is just really friendly and nice. Working in fast food is difficult - but this staff is always so pleasant and happy. I think about this every time I go there, but I never compliment the service. I will next time.

And, as I think about it there are several other services and products that I love and this letter has inspired me to speak up about it. I plan to shoot off a few emails to other businesses that I love and hopefully make someone else's day. My little way of paying it forward...

Here is an excerpt from the letter I am writing about:

"The primary point of writing this letter is to tell you what an amazing team member you have in Amy (our Indy rep). She was wonderful to work with and helped me set up my party for about ten of my friends. When she came to my house she was professional and fun. She was wonderful in assisting all of the girls in finding what they truly wanted. The thing I liked most about Amy, was that she was the "anti" saleswoman. Never once did she try to force a bag on someone. She consistently said she wanted all of us to love what we designed and never forced anyone into a decision or a purchase. You could also tell that she loved what she was selling. She was able to show us so many examples of items that she had designed and used on a regular basis. My LILL purse party was one of the most fun things I have done with my friends and everyone was thrilled with their purchase. All in all, I want to thank you for creating LILL. I can not tell you enough how much I love your product and your staff. Not only have you created a wonderful product, but also a fun opportunity for people to get together and do something different. I have been to jewelry parties, Pampered Chef parties, Mary Kay parties and none of them come close to comparing with the fun my friends and I have had at the LILL parties."

Jen Velarde

How do you use today's technology?

I went to a holiday party this weekend where the conversation turned to how long we have been out of college and how much technology has changed how we live today. When I graduated in 1995, I had never sent an email, the internet was no where on my radar screen and all of my training for work in the world of interior design had been done with pencil in hand vs. on a CAD system. We have been talking about this at LILL lately as well and while I have since emersed myself into technology and it runs most of our operations today - I didn't "grow up" with it like those 10-15 years or so younger than me.

Technology for me is something I have to think about versus something that is ingrained in my daily routine. I have dabbled in blogging, lightly use facebook and have yet to personally twitter. I keep my blackberry close at hand most of the time, primarily for email. I just started to understand the purpose of texting - and actually really like it. All this is great, but it is December, 2009. And, so, you might say I am pretty far behind the times in terms of keeping pace with some of my more technologically savvy customers. I feel the technology gap each time we discuss ways to reach this portion of our demographic. With all of the options that social media provides it can be a bit overwhelming to decipher which methods are the best tools to stay in touch. I find myself probing anyone who seems "totally connected" for their ideas and what they are doing now to communicate to friends, find out about events, promotions and products etc.

One idea we recently tried that was successful for us was working with Groupon - a collective buying program - where we adverstised a special purchase opportunity to their mailing list. It generated a huge amount of buzz for us in the first two markets we tried - Chicago and KC. Since we participated, I am on the daily deal email list and it is one of my new favorite ways to find out about different businesses and specials around my city. (We are the deal of the day in the Boston market tomorrow - 12/15 - so if you missed an opportunity to get in on the deal earlier, you can join in the Boston deal as coupons are valid at any of our stores www.groupon.com/boston )

That is one example of a great new tool - there are many more out there that I am looking to learn about. So I am asking - where do you go to find out about new concepts, cool experiences, great sales, etc? Send me your ideas. Leave your comments here - for each one I get, I'll put your name in a drawing for one of my favorite bags of the season - Grace in Chateau de Lill.

Or - come tell us your thoughts in person - if you are currently attending a large midwestern university and will be in Chicago over the holidays, we will be hosting a focus group on Thursday, Jan 7th from 1pm to 4pm at our Chicago boutique at 904 W. Armitage in Lincoln Park. If you are interested in participating, please complete this questionnaire below no later than Wednesday, Dec 16th. https://app.e2ma.net/app2/survey/27318/16426/0f8892001a/

(If you are selected, you will be notified by Monday, Dec. 21st. Focus group participants will receive an 1154 LILL Design a Bag Kit in return for their participation in the focus group session).

Jen Velarde

Busy Holiday Season!

Is your calendar filling up this holiday season? Today alone we have 4 events going on at LILL. Two here in Chicago - we'll be at the Orland Park Country Club this afternoon and the Allerton Hotel tonight for NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owner's) for their holiday shopping parties. In our Boston and Kansas City Stores, we are hosting in-store holiday parties as well. Our custom order deadline is this Sunday so there are also parties going on all over the country with our LILL on Location Reps today and through the weekend.

It is our busiest time of the year - and one of our favorite times. We get to see and work with so many customers as they cross off their gift lists with thoughtful and creative orders. You see firsthand the spirit of the season. The act of choosing that perfect gift for someone special and the satisfaction that appears on a customer's face or in their voice when they find it. We love helping customers get there and look forward to the busy weeks ahead where we will do this more than any other time during the year. We only wish we could be there when the gifts are given!

I'll be at the NAWBO event tonight where I hope to help some existing customers as well as introduce our products to a new audience. Looking forward to it!

Jen Velarde

Setting the Table

Thanksgiving is upon us! I think for most that means they are busy making preparations for the big meal. It means trips to the grocery store. I've been 3 times since Saturday - seems we keep remembering one more item we need... and of course find many more that just "look so good" we have to buy. It never fails that we prepare food to feed an army, however are expecting less than 10 at our house tomorrow.

While I'm a good shopper, I'm not very skilled in the kitchen, so my job is always prepping the house and setting the table. I love this. I love using all the table linens and dishes and glasses and silverware that for most of the year are simply on display. I typically don't figure out what I'm doing to set the table until the day of. I find it exciting to pull out what I have and combine it in new ways. I love pulling things from other rooms and finding a way to creatively use these items as part of the centerpiece. I get so much satisfaction out of "pulling it off" with things around the house. And, while others at the table are oohing and awhing about how wonderful the food is, I am so much more about how all the food looks as it adorns my pulled together table.

As it stands today, I don't have exact plans for my table yet, but plan to spend a little time surfing for ideas tonight as I pull out all the "possible" items I have to include in this year's table settings. It is sure to be a highlight of my day. Here are some links to some sites I will use for inspiration:

http://www.hgtv.com/thanksgiving-ideas/package/index.html

http://www.pixcetera.com/home/thanksgiving-table-settings/40128

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/thanksgiving-table-settings

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jen Velarde

Our 1st Holiday Market this past Saturday was a success! We invited 20 local Chicago designers to sell their wares with us at our Headquarter's location. The event space looked great and the local designers are so talented- check out the list of vendors and their websites - www.1154lill.com/holidaymarket

I took care of several gifts - which I'll keep under wraps till they are given, but also picked up a couple things for myself and my kids. I couldn't resist the adorable spaceship hat and chocolate brown onsie with striped tie applique for Grey from "Sam and Coop." For Hadley, I got the cutest apron from "So Silly" - its plastic coated oil cloth makes it perfect for her to wear as she "helps" with the dishes. And, after seeing several people try on this perfectly styled red and orange sweater from "Orangyporangy," I succumbed and bought one for myself. Its my new go to weekend wear! A big thank you to all who participated and attended. What a fun day!

Speaking of holiday events, our Chicago boutique is hosting our annual Holiday Cheer event on Thursday, November 19th from 6pm-8pm at 904 W. Armitage Ave. We're offering amazing discounts to our LILL fans- 15% off all handbags and 25% off accessories, event night only. If you want to get some holiday shopping done, rsvp for the event www.1154lill.com/holidaycheer

Hope you can join us to kick off your holidays!

-Jen Velarde

Designing with Jillian Harris

Jillian Harris of The Bachelorette fame visited our Chicago Store last night with several girlfriends. She recently relocated to Chicago to be with her fiance, Ed Swiderski, and has been finding her way around the city. She was introduced to 1154 LILL by a friend and was excited to come in and try her hand at designing.

She was a natural! With her innate sense of style and interior design background, she quickly chose three styles to design. She then selected classic textiles for the exteriors of each of the 3 bags so she could "wear them as much as possible." She chose bolder prints - our fresh green and white Southern Charm pattern for her Hadley interior and our graphic black and white Moroccan Tiles for her Erinn interior. She kept her Carolina wallet smart and classic by combining our Black Ink Linen and Charcoal woven grid - the perfect every day wallet to compliment any bag she carries.

Her girlfriends jumped in and designed as well - each one helping the other find something that suited them. After a couple hours of laughter and designing, they left the store and headed to dinner... They'll be back in a few weeks to pick up their bags were all too excited to start carrying them!

They were a really sweet group of friends. As they left, I thought about my own group of girlfriends and how nice it is to get together, have a little wine, a little design and a little dinner. Laughter inevitably fills the space and you relax into your best self every time. I'm looking forward to some good girlfriend time myself this fall..... right after trick or treating tomorrow!

-Jen Velarde

My Little Fashionista

So as the weather turned colder here in Chicago, I was inspired to create a new bag for fall. I have been hooked on the Hadley bag - which is named after my daughter - for a while now. When picking my fabrics, I chose a black strap with a brown accent stripe so I could wear it with either my go to brown boots and cap or my favorite black coat. I chose Cosmo Tweed for the body - a blend of berry tones and black/brown flecks for a pop of color that also works well with my fall staples. It's such a great carry-all, for both my things and the variety of things I'm "holding" for the kids. (My favorite kid item in my bag today is the comic section of the newspaper. My 5 year old was fascinated when he saw this at my parents house and wanted to save it to hang up in his room.... a sign of the times that he rarely sees a printed version of the newspaper at our house).

I got my bag on Friday and as I started to load it up for my first carry, my daughter Hadley, in her two year old speak said "ohh mommy, soo pretty!" She has taken to commenting on my bags and shoes almost daily - a little fashionista in training. I'm often taken off guard by this as most of her activities involve cars and balls, following after her brother. So I am rather pleased to hear her commenting on fashion and in fact, styling herself. It must be an inately female trait as she is very opinionated about which accessories should be worn with what outfits. I've attached a picture of her in a self-styled outfit. I'm still trying to explain to her that jeans under dresses is a trend that was only popular before she was born and that 2 dresses are not better than one.... her response - an eye roll and an "Oh, mommy..." And thus the next generation of mother /daughter fashion debate begins....

Jen Velarde