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

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

Fun Finds for our Holiday Market!

In a meeting earlier this year we started talking about how many creative local designers we were happening upon. It occured to us that it would be fun to invite similiarly minded creatives to get together for a holiday market and provide a venue for all of our customers to shop for unique holiday gifts. So this fall we sent out applications for our first annual LILL Holiday Market that will be held at our Chicago warehouse on Saturday, November 14th.

We are thrilled with the collection of applications that came in. They are brimming with beautiful products and business concepts.... it was fun to review, but also tough to decide! We only have room for 20. We met yesterday and made some decisions. Here are some pics of products from companies we invited. We'll post the full list of vendors on our website as soon as everyone is confirmed. Mark your calendars now and get your whole list taken care of in one day!

Pics from:

www.orangyporangy.com

www.circlestreet.etsy.com

www.uncharted.etsy.com

Jen Velarde

Boutique Parties!

We recently particpated in an event called the Indie Collection at Oakbrook Center here in Chicago. It was a really fun event for us as we saw so many of our suburban customers, made some new connections and were joined by several other local designers. I personally loved getting to see other designer lines amongst the traditional retailers at Oakbrook. I bought a dress from a new designer, whom I loved - Kate Boggiano, http://www.kateboggiano.com/ Some of her work was also just featured in In Style. I love her unique twist on classic such as button downs and shirt dresses. Check out the collar on the picture attached.

I know I'm not the only one who loves to shop at these kind of events. And, lately we've had an influx of opportunities to showcase our line at area boutiques. We're excited to bring 1154 LILL to customers while shopping at some of their favorite boutiques.

Here are some upcoming dates -We'll be at Holly G Boutique in Baltimore on 10/17, Urban Belly in Des Moines on 10/20, Avant Garden in Milwaukee on 10/22, Splendor in Milwaukee on 10/31 and Poeme in Cincinnati on 11/5. Check out the line and get some of your holiday shopping done - custom ordering available at all events! No appointment necessary.

You can find more info about all of these events on our facebook page or on our calendar of events page:

http://www.facebook.com/1154LillStudio
http://www.1154lill.com/events/default.asp#ongoing

We'd love to bring our line to one of your favorite boutiques as well. If you have suggestions, we're all ears! You can email your ideas to locallill@1154lill.com

Hope to see you at a boutique near you soon!
Best,
Jen Velarde

Meet LILL! See why we love it.

For this upcoming holiday season, we know how important it is to find the perfect gift. That mixed with the economy and the state it's in, we know how important to spend wisely and put your earnings towards something you believe in. As you know, you can design the perfect handbag, accessory or pillow with LILL, however there is something more that you are giving when you are giving the gift of LILL. All LILL products are created right here in Chicago. When you buy LILL, you support a local, woman-owned business, employed by team members who also stand behind the LILL product and philosophy.

Your LILL Bag, accessory or pillow is hand-cut, hand-sewn and shipped to you by a special individual. We’d like to introduce you to these dynamic team members that make the LILL product, and company, personal and unique.



Meet Kari, Mandy and Alexandra. (Featured in picture, from left to right) You may recognize these girls as our models from our current home page on our website. Each girl is as sweet and unique as a LILL Bag. Get to know the girls that work to make your LILL experience and product so special.

Meet Kari O, Cutting Team Member
Favorite Style: ANDI
"I love being a part of the LILL team because I love getting to look at pretty fabric all day."

Meet Mandy L., Design Department Director
Favorite Style: ERINN
"I love being a part of the LILL team because I get to work in a collaborative environment with the greatest people."



Meet Alexandra A., Cutting Team Member, Junior Fabric Associate
Favorite Style: HADLEY
"I Love being a part of the LILL team because I am surrounded by creative problem solvers, and I learn something new about my job everyday at work and look forward to expanding my skills of this profession."

Check back often as we will be featuring the lovely people that make LILL the wonderful place it is. Feel good about the gifts you give.

-Lilly S.

'Tis the Season - Make it Personal

I hope you all are getting into the swing of fall and looking forward to some of the upcoming holidays. This year, I know my 4 year old son, Joey, has given me a renewed enthusiasm for Halloween. Since the first week of school he has been bringing his "Oriental Trading" magazine that is full of Halloween supplies for his "reading material" during nap time. It has been taped back together several times to ensure he is still able to peruse the selections and dream about how great all of these decorations would look all over our house. To appease his need for immediate gratification one night last week, we made some paper towel ghosts and hung them throughout the house. It reminded me of the simple pleasures that come from making something from essentially nothing. The ghosts aren't as "fancy" as some of the ones in Oriental Trading, but to me, they couldn't be any better. Joey couldn't get over how "smart" I was to think of making these ourselves. I'm sure I'll save a couple to remind me of the fun evening we had together making them and... of course, to remind Joey of the days when he still thought his Mom was so "smart." :-)

As I was recounting my fun evening with Joey to a friend, I realized it is very similar to the experience we offer at 1154 LILL. Often our customers are shopping with friends and family and are looking for ways to create memories and share time together. Now more than ever, they are looking for ways to spend their money wisely on items that are personal and hold significance to them and the recipient. I know this season, I'll be looking to give gifts that fit these ideals. Really this should always be the case, but sometimes it just takes a reminder from someone small - when you add a little of your time and creativity, you can give a gift worthy of warming a heart. Happy holiday hunting!

Jen Velarde
Founder - 1154 LILL Studio

Go Shopping with Lilly!

Hi LILL Girls and Boys! The shopping season is here and you are probably looking for ideas. I’m here to help! I have a long list of my own and thought I’d share my gift giving ideas with you.

Secret Santa – a CANDY full of Candy! Easy on the pocket book, plus who doesn’t love candy?

My Mom – CAROLINA wallet. My mom is very organized and this is the perfect gift for her.

Grandma - JOEY photo album filled with pictures of our past family holidays together. Sentimental and sweet, Grandma’s love that stuff!

My girlfriend – LIZ Bag. Perfect for Girl’s Night Out events plus doubles as a wallet.

Sister-in-law – She has everything so I’m going with a LILL gift certificate to LILL so we can design a bag together. This will give us some much needed ‘get to know you time’ as well!

Hey guys! Need an idea for your girlfriend or wife? Get one of LILL’s accessories such as AMY, SAMANTHA or LESLIE and put a piece of jewelry in it. The perfect packaging for the perfect gift!

Happy shopping!

-Lilly S.

Thanks for Designing a Holiday Memory with LILL!

Hello VIP Attendees!

It was so much fun creating with you at the VIP Event this past Thursday. We hope you enjoyed creating one-of-a-kind gifts for your family and friends.

We'd love your feedback on two of LILL's exciting additions!

What did you think of our newest style, DREA! Please email Lilly your comments on the styling, the reversibility, the hardware, etc...at lilly@1154lill.com. Will DREA replace ANDI as your favorite style?

Who's DREA? Meet her in Lilly's previous post - Meet Drea!

LILL By The Yard - LILL's fabric sales division where you can buy cut yardage of the fabrics used to create your one-of-a-kind LILL Bags!

What would you create with LILL fabric? We’d love to get your comments on home decorating ideas, craft projects, design blogs that inspire and more! Email Lilly your thoughts at lilly@1154lill.com so we can share your great ideas with others!

Thanks again for attending our VIP event! We look forward to creating with you again soon.

-LILL Store Managers

Hey Early Holiday Shoppers!

Start your Holiday shopping early and receive a special gift from LILL – FREE shipping!

Enjoy this online exclusive offer on all handbag and accessory orders placed from November 6th through November 11th when you spend $50 or more.

Design a gift for yourself or that special someone on your list.

Happy creating Lill Girls!

-Lilly S.

*Offer does not include gift certificate shipping. Offer only valid for online purchases, not valid in-store or at LILL on Location parties.

Shipping fee will be MANUALLY removed from your order when your order is processed at our head quarters.