Showing posts with label totes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label totes. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

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/.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Help Lilly design her DONNA

To pass the time until the raffle winner of the $50 1154 LILL gift certificate is announced I decided we should all do a creative activity together! I recently joined a gym and am need of a DONNA to tote all of my work-out necessities! So, I decided to treat myself! I do not own a DONNA yet (can you believe it!) and have been experimenting with a few combinations.

What do you think? You can vote on your favorite by using the poll on the left.







DONNA #1
I love pink and brown together, plus the polka-dots are so girly.










DONNA #2
Our design team says that birds are really HOT this year and I just love all the natural colors here. Not sure if my straps are too busy for this combo. What do you think?











DONNA #3

This one is more classic.









Or, do you have an idea on a different combination? Email me your ideas: lilly@1154lill.com .

Thank you so far to the ladies who have sent me their design suggestions. We have quite a talented pool of "LILL Girls" our there. My desision will continue to be more difficult, but that's not a bad thing! If any of you like one of the below combinations, please feel free to email me or post a comment.




Thanks so much to Roselyn who suggested this combination for me as well! I like the patterning on the top and bottom base.








The 3 below were sent by Amity. I love the different colors and textures that are all paired together on the below 3. Bold patterns on the body with patterned straps really creates a uniqe and fun cobination.




















This one was sent to me by Catherine. The contrasting, yet coordinating straps really add a pop of color. Henna Paisley is one of my favorites!














This was sent to me by Rebecca. Another great mix of patterns and textures. Plus I love red!











Jennifer recommended I use Tobasco Weave for my straps to add some contrast of color stating "I love using every possible fabric for designing my Lills!" And I couldn't agree more!





I will be announcing my pick on Wednesday, October 31st so check back to see which combination I chose for my new DONNA!