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

Where Did You Get That Dress?

Currently our website’s homepage features the sweet, fresh face of Mandy – LILL’s Design Director. Mandy is prim and proper carrying her CHLOE and donning an adorable dress hand-made by LILL’s own - Jess Audey. Jess recently began her own design-your own dress venture. Her vintage inspired designs are truly a classic look. The best part about them is that, like LILL Bags, they are custom-tailored to fit you exactly as you are! Now you can design a dress to match your LILL Bag, or vice-versa!
Check out more of Jess’s custom dresses by visiting her website:
AUDEY.com.



-Lilly S.

Inspiration Behind the Simply Chic Collection

Each season our team evaluates our current collection of styles and makes decisions about new styles to incorporate in the upcoming seasons. For Spring 2009, we are introducing a new collection of styles to our line. We have titled them the "Simply Chic" collection. Our design goal for this collection was to introduce simple, yet stylish, silhouettes that won't break the bank. The result is the introduction of CHLOE, CHARLOTTE and CHARLIE. These styles offer our customers exciting new options for bridal, special occasion or everyday use. Pair your favorite new LILL style - CHLOE, CHARLOTTE or CHARLIE - with our fresh new spring fabrics for a chic look this season.



I know you’ll find a Simply Chic bag that is simply you. We hope you enjoy these new styles and we look forward to creating with you very soon.

Happy Spring!


Jen Velarde – Owner and Founder

A Search for the Perfect Bag

Women love accessories, it's our given right in this world to have an outstanding selection of shoes and handbags. What happens when you find the perfect shoes, but can't seem to find the perfect handbag to compliment? LILL happens!

Meet Erin H. from Seattle, WA. Her quest for the perfect handbag to match her shoes lasted for 3 years! Fortunately for her (and us) she found LILL.


She attended her first LILL on Location party with a very important box in hand. The box held a beautiful pair of champagne mules with pearl embellishments, the very shoes she had been searching for the perfect handbag to match with for years. Within minutes, Jenn C. her LILL on Location rep directed her to 2 fabrics, Seashell Weave and Vanilla Sateen - perfect! The fabrics complimented her shoes and she designed a beautiful GRACE with a ruffle, her search was over.

Was it destiny? Perhaps, but we here at LILL like to think there's something for everyone so it came as no surprise to us that Erin was able to design the perfect handbag to coordinate with her shoes.

Erin received her custom designed GRACE just in time to wear to a wedding she was attending that weekend. We loved her story and she graciously allowed us to post it along with some fun facts about her. Get to know Erin:

How did you discover LILL Bags? A friend had a purse party and I went to.
What's your favorite LILL Bag style? ANDI
Unique thing you carry in your bag: Aveda lip gloss, love it!
Favorite movie: Amelie
Favorite celebrity: Anne Hathaway
Last great book you read: A Hat Full of Sky
Hero: My Mom.
Favorite food: Sushi.
Hobbies and activities you enjoy: Signing, cooking, traveling, hanging out with friends/family.

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, Erin! Your steadfast determination to find the perfect handbag to match your shoes is an inspiration to women everywhere!
If you have a story you'd like to share, please email me we'd love to hear from you!
- Lilly S.
lilly@1154lill.com

Relaxing at the Beach, with PAULA!

A LILL Girl recently sent me photos of her trip to Hawaii using her PAULA as a beach bag. I have taken my PAULA on trips with me as it's the perfect size for my weekend travels, however it didn't cross my mind to use my oh-so stylish and functional PAULA as a beach bag. I thought this was a fresh idea for such a roomy bag to tote all your essentials for a relaxing day at the beach. There's room and organization for sun-block, towels, cover-up, and refreshments. The adjustable strap allows you to be hands-free so you can hop around the hot sand and still look graceful.



Check out these great photos of PAULA on the beautiful Hawaiian beach sent in from Kat H., a LILL fan from Kansas City, MO.

" ALOHA!
I just got back from Hawaii this week and wanted to thank you for the addition to Paula! It was a perfect bag to use as a carry on and to take shopping with me through the town. My vacation just wouldn't have been the same without her! Here are some pictures on the beach and lounging away under the shade! Thanks so much again!"
Kat H.

Thanks so much for sharing, Kat! We enjoyed your photos and your story.

If any of you LILL Girls out there would like to share your stories, please email me: lilly@1154lill.com.

-Lilly S.

Meet Sophie!

We are excited to introduce the long-awaited mid-sized messenger, SOPHIE. The convertible strap can be shortened to a shoulder bag while the interior is equipped with several organizational features to store your cell phone, PDA, MP3 Player and more. The center zipper divider pouch also provides added security and organization.

Now meet the special lady who the bag was named after, Sophie K.!

A woman who is as sassy, fun and organized as the SOPHIE Bag itself. Grand-Mom-In-Law to our Web Store Manager, Amy F.

Sophie (on left) photographed with Amy (on right) while at the Chicago store on Mother's Day to create their very own SOPHIE Bags!




Get to know the real Sophie by learning of her favorite things:

Favorite LILL style – KIMBERLY
A funny or unique thing you carry in your bag – “God knows! Paint brushes for my pottery.”
Children – 4
Pets – 3 cats, 1 dog.
Ever met anyone famous? “Charlton Heston when I worked for American Airlines”
Last great book you read – The Red River
Favorite Restaurant – Olive Garden
Hobbies and activities important to you – “Ceramics, currently working on a gnome for my garden. Also love spending time with my grand-kids and great-grandkids!”

It was great getting to know you, Sophie.
We hope you all enjoy the SOPHIE bag as much as we here at LILL already do!

-Lilly S.

Celebrating a Special Day with LILL

At LILL we are fortunate to meet so many brides who choose to celebrate their upcoming wedding day with us. Whether they host a party for their bridesmaids to design their own LILL Bag as a gift or present their ‘maids with custom LILL Bags designed by them, LILL Brides always seem to manage to add a special touch to their day.

We continue to be amazed and inspired by the creations we see from LILL brides. More importantly, we love their stories.

Lindsey G. from Dublin, OH sent us a photo of her and her bridesmaids from her wedding day and was excited to share her story with us.

Photo taken by Dolce Studios

"I saw an article a couple of years ago in Fitness magazine about designing your own personal gym bag. I thought the concept was so fun that I book marked the website on 'my favorites'. Last year while I was brainstorming for that perfect 'unique' bridesmaids gift I came across the LILL website again and found exactly what I was looking for. After researching more info I learned how there was a LILL rep in the Columbus area for handbag parties. I contacted her immediately and decided to have a party for all my bridesmaids. They all designed their own purses and I was able to give them their own unique creations at the rehearsal dinner. We had such a great time and now everyone has a special memento from my wedding!"
Lindsey G.

Get to know Lindsey a little more:

Favoritestyle? ANDI
Wedding Date: June 30, 2007
Most memorable part of your wedding day:
It was so much fun to see all of the ideas, hard work, and planning come together. Our main goal was for everyone to have a great time….we knew our goal had been met when the DJ announced that it was time for the last song and everyone booed! Having everyone that we love and care about all together in one place to help us celebrate was the best!

Thanks so much for sharing your story, Lindsey!

If you are a bride looking for a special way to celebrate or a maid-of-honor looking for a unique outing, you can book a party with LILL!
-Lilly S.

Contest Winner!

Thanks to all who voted to choose the winner of 1154 LILL’s “Where in the World is Your LILL Bag?” contest.

The votes were cast and your favorite entry was.....

Kathleen C.!

Enjoy your prize of a $50 LILL Gift Certificate, Kathleen! We are excited to see what you will create next and where your lucky LILL bag will travel.

Thank you again to all the gals who submitted their entries. Your stories and LILL Bags continue to be an inspiration to us here at LILL.
-Lilly S.

Vote for your favorite!

Thanks to all who submitted their entries for 1154 LILL’s “Where in the World is Your LILL Bag” contest! LILL Bags have been accompanying many of our customers on their traveling adventures.

See their picture and read their entries, it’s amazing to see all the different parts of the world our lucky LILL Bags were able to visit!

We’re asking YOU to choose the winner from the few selected contest entries!

Vote by clicking on our pole at the top left corner of our blog. The $50 LILL Gift Certificate WIINNER will be announced on May 12th.


#1 -Kathleen C.



My ANDI bag is amazing. Traveling through Germany, not only can it hold a six pack to keep up with the German fellas, but I could carry all my winter wear and camera without worry.






#2 - Megan K.

Living abroad in Dubai, where designer handbags abound, I've answered the question "where did you get that bag?" many times. "Sadly" I say (smiling on the inside), "you can only get them in America." My ANDI is perfect for a day out shopping in Dubai, like going to the spice souks, holding my blessed water bottle to battle the heat.




#3 - Susan M.


I actually found the 1154 LILL company when trying to find a great versatile purse for my 3 week trip through Europe last October. I fell in love with my TARA bag because the across the shoulder bag is a must when travelling! And with just 2 steps, she turns into a shoulder bag! I got to pick the design to with all all of my outfits! Here is a picture of TARA in Rome, Italy! She has also been to Spain, Croatia, France, and Bermuda!




#4 - Nicole K.


So I got my BRIDGET bag in October and went to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving. Well we were only there for a couple days so we just stuffed my LILL with a change of underwear and two clean shirts, some makeup and toothbrushes and off we went! It worked like a charm, we didn't have to check luggage and I looked fantastic with my beautiful bag! Needless to say I'm hosting a party on March 14th so I can share my love LILL with all my friends!!




#5 - Stephanie H.






My JEANNE purse was the perfect accessory on my honeymoon in St. Martin, besides my husband of course! It easily coordinated with all of my outfits since it is reversible.






#6 Rebecca A.



I scored an eagle on Azalea, #13 at Augusta, with my travel sidekick, LIZ. We were stylish and obedient (no bags larger than 10x5x5)






#7 Grace P.





My MANDY bag is as unique as I am and that's what I love about it. I always get compliments on the color and design. It carries everything I need for school and fun vacations. I'll always LEAN twards Lill! Grace Petro, Age 13






Thanks everyone and good luck!
-Lilly S.

LILL Moms

1154 LILL was founded by Jennifer Velarde, super-mom of two little darlings - JOEY and HADLEY.

We’d like to celebrate a few more moms who hold a special place in the hearts of LILL employees. So special that a LILL Bag was named after them.

Introducing the Moms behind LILL Bags:






Meet PAMELA – Mother to owner, Jennifer Velarde.














Meet CORA – Grandmom-in-law to-be to Sarah R. LILL's store operations director.








Meet VICTORIA– Mother to Pam B. LILL’s former Director of LILL on Location









Meet SOPHIE – Grandmom-in-law to LILL's Web Store Manager, Amy F.




How will you celebrate the mom in your life this Mother’s Day?
Email me and share your plans- lilly@1154lill.com


Happy Mother's Day!


-Lilly S.

Small Steps to a Greener LILL

We have recently created a “Go Green” committee at LILL HQ. LILL team members have been working hard to implement eco-friendly practices throughout HQ. We have implemented a recycling program and are learning of ways to conserve.
While we are not considered a green company just yet, we are making small, yet important steps to do the best we can on a daily basis.

Our “Go Green” committee is working diligently to spread the message that little “green” steps add up to big “green” results. These dedicated LILL team members can be found sorting through our garbage to ensure all waste is separated appropriately. Such as in this picture where Candice G. is in our dumpster pulling out recyclable materials!



Feats such as this are inspiring to us all at LILL. We hope it will inspire you as well!

If you have an inspirational story about helping the environment, we’d love to hear it! Email me with your story: lilly@1154lill.com

Lilly S.

Express Yourself

LILL Bags allow you to express your true style and creativity no matter what your required attire may be. A LILL Bag seems to always be able to not only compliment your wardrobe, but your personality.

Meet Monica W., 1154 LILL’s HQ Office Manager. Not only does she work with 1154 LILL but is also a Youth Pastor for her church on the weekends.

“I love the versatility of Lill Bags, they work so well with every area of my life! I use my DONNA for travel to all of my speaking engagements and carrying all of my books for class. My CAROLINA is great for grocery day, when I need every hand free! My ANNE is the perfect size for the essentials on Sunday Morning. And this DREA gave me just the pick me up I needed for a Friday “business as usual meeting” when I really just felt like being a girl!”




How does your LILL Bag let you reflect your uniqueness and sense of style? Write me and we’ll post your story on our blog!

-Lilly S.
lilly@1154lill.com

Earth Friendly + Style Friendly

What a perfect combination! LILL has expanded their fabric selection by adding some adorable, eco-friendly fabrics. To celebrate Green Month, we’ve created some chic ready-made bags for you to grab up and wear to your next tree planting ceremony or to simply show your ‘green pride’ at your next outing with your gal pals.

All of these ready-made combinations are made with a combination of 100% organic cotton and recycled polyester or post-consumer recycled plastic.

HADLEY - Kalahari Leopard and Ballerina Twill

LIZ - Black Licorice Twill and Snow Leopard

GRACE - Black Licorice Twill and Ballerina Twill

ANDI - Green Stalk and Black Licorice Twill

ERINN - Snow Leopard and Black Licorice Twill

Or, design your own earth friendly LILL Bag by choosing the following fabrics for
your combination:

Green Stalk - 100% recycled post-consumer plastic
Black Licorice Twill - 100% organic cotton

Kalahari Leopard - 100% recycled post-consumer plastic.
Ballerina Twill and Cigar Twill - 100% organic cotton

Snow Leopard - 100% recycled post-consumer plastic.
Key Lime Twill - 100% organic cotton











Thank you for supporting LILL's rendition of the "Go Green" effort!
We look forward to creating with you.
-Lilly S.

LILL Fans! They're not only customers.

I often find that employees of 1154 LILL are our greatest fans! They love the product, unique concept and being a part of something truly special.

Jessie S. our LILL on Location rep from NY sent me this photo with her and her gal pals on vacation.

"LILL ON VACATION! This picture is of my friends and me in Miami. It was a great vacation away from the cold in NYC! The three of us all brought our one of a kind LILL Bags to show off, and really because we love wearing them. We felt very stylish, especially when someone asked where we got our ‘very cute purses’. It was a fun night!"

Are you looking for the perfect Girls' Night Out bag?

Try one of these chic darlings:

GRACE - Use the wristlet strap, perfect to have your hands free in order to hold your cocktail or tuck the strap inside to convert to a classic clutch style.

JEANNE - Chic and suprisingly roomy. JEANNE is reversible - create one side for your daytime outfit and the other to coordinate with your evening attire.

ERINN - A traditional clutch, roomy enough for your every-day and evening essentials.

Have a fun Girls' Night Out of your own - Book a party with LILL!

- Lilly S.

Meet Victoria!

We are excited to introduce the latest addition to our line, VICTORIA - our fanciful jewelry roll with organization for your necklaces, rings, earrings and more. Roll her up and tie securely with the darling ribbon tie. Perfect gift for mom (Mom's Day is just around the corner!) or traveling.




With great pleasure I'd like to introduce you to the name behind the accessory.

Meet the real Victoria!

A delightful and creative woman, mother to Pam B. 1154 LILL's LILL on Location division director.

Let's get to know Victoria by learning about her favorite things:

Favorite LILL Bag style: PAMELA

One unique or funny thing you carry in your bag: "A tape measure."

Children: "Matt, Peter and Pamela."

Pets: "Miss Em., a golden retriever."

Favorite TV show: "Masterpiece Theatre."

Favorite Celebrity: "Susan Sarandon"

Last great book you read: "Water for Elephants"

Heroes and Mentors: "My maternal grandmother and mythree children who provide constant inspiration."

Favorite Food or Recipe: "Risotto--any kind."

Hobbies or Activities important to you: "Walking,biking, reading, and refurbishing houses."

It was great getting to know you more, Victoria!

-Lilly S.

One LILL Bag - 3 Different Uses

I find LILL Bags to be very versatile due to their design. A DIANA that was once used as a full time diaper bag on maternity leave is easily transformed into a work tote during the week days.

DONNA’s size and organization opens the doors to many uses as well. I spoke with three lovely LILL Girls who own DONNA Bags and carry her for 3 very different uses.

Meet Pam – A new mommy who uses her DONNA as a stylish diaper bag.

"The DONNA bag has been great for my diaper bag in that it is large enough to hold my and baby's essentials, but not too big and bulky. The organizational compartments help keep my items separate from baby's and it works works well when getting in and out of the car when running errands because of it's compact size."

Meet Adrienne – She carries her DONNA when traveling.

"I took my DONNA on a business trip. I carried my water bottle, work documents, my LESLIE makeup bag for last minute fixes, my ANDI along with a sweater - airplanes are cold. It made traveling easy because you can put your purse in there and you only have to carry one bag then. Also, it made it easy to scan at the airport security. The handy interior pockets made it easy to keep my boarding pass and ID available, but discrete. The zipper adds security when putting it in the overhead bins or under the seat. I didn’t have to worry about my belongings falling out or getting lost. It was also easy to find in the over-head bin because of the bright colors, it didn’t blend in with all the other black bags, so I could identify it easily.

Meet Erica – Her DONNA doubles as a Yoga bag and school tote.

"As a Yoga bag, I’m able to fit my yoga books, a notebook, a bottle of water and a snack along with my Yoga mat. The mat does stick out the top a little, but since I’m able to zip the bag up to the mat, I don’t feel like anything is going to fall out. Pretty convenient! I also use DONNA as a book bag for school and it is quite stuffed! At present my DONNA is filled with books, a notebook, water, hat, scarf, gloves, hand lotion (Chicago weather’s been rough on the hands!) 3 CDs (Ben Lee, Tom Petty and Robert Plant/Alison Krauss) a matching LILL compact mirror and my iPod."

Have a unique or different use for your LILL Bag?

Email me and tell me your story! lilly@1154lill.com

-Lilly S.

Featured 'LILL Girl' - Meet Summer!

This month's featured LILL Girl is someone who is a frequent LILL on Location Party attendee and describes herself as "LILL obsessed!". She has a great talent for mixing and matching LILL fabrics and creating darling custom LILL Bags. Her knowledge and enthusiasm of 1154 LILL is what makes her a true LILL Loyalist!

Meet Summer K. from Dayton, Ohio
LILL Girl since 2007

Let's get to know Summer!

Special hobbies or activities you enjoy doing?
"Planning healthy meals with my husband, running, knitting, and designing LILL bags online."

Fun fact!
"I sang with a college group on the Welsh equivalent of the Tonight Show. We also got to sing in a Scottish cathedral during the trip! But the best part was the Welsh elementary students who thought we were famous Americans. When we posed for a picture with them they serenaded us with Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time"."

What began your love for LILL?
"My sister Kate gave me an Amy and a $25 LILL gift card for my 30th birthday last July! It hasn't even been a full year and I'm hooked!"

How many LILL Bags do you own?
"Five…and dreaming."

What's your favorite LILL handbag style?
"It's really a toss up between HADLEY and DREA. I can't pick just one!"

Top 3 fabric picks:
Jacobean Floral, Hula Girl, Posie Patch

If you were queen of LILL for a day, what would you do?
"I would spend a day in one of the stores and help shoppers design fabulous creations! I love spreading the word about how fabulous the whole concept is and what fun it is to design your own handbags. What better place to do it than in the store where they can see the fabrics and some of the finished products!"

It was great getting to know you, Summer! We enjoyed your post and look forward to creating with you again real soon.

Hey Ladies!
If you'd like to be the next featured LILL Girl, email me - lilly@1154lill.com and share your love for LILL!

Lilly S.