What I'm Loving (this) Wednesday

Good morning all you LILL fans. I can’t believe it’s already mid November, the holiday’s are just around the corner. But don’t worry there is still plenty of time to get everyone on your shopping list fun and creative gifts from 1154 LILL Studio! (shh…keep reading for a special blog exclusive offer).

1) I had to wear a winter coat for the first time this weekend in Chicago, so naturally I wanted to escape reality already. Which means I’m on VACATION, I’m spending the week down in Longboat Key with a couple of girlfriends, and couldn’t be having a better time…thanks Jamie and Tracy…and the sun.

2) Design a bag kits, design a bag kits, design a bag kits. Can you tell I’m excited about our new design a bag kits? This week we officially launched our new line of Design a Bag Kits for the holidays. We have changed the packaging up a bit, and are offering ten (10) bags at various price points, who wouldn’t want to design their own bag for Christmas? Shop Design a Bag Kits

3) While laying on the beach I’m trying for about the 3^rd time to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, it’s a slow start, but I’m finally getting into it and can tell it’s going to be phenomenal.

4) This Monday LILL officially went into holiday mode, be sure to check out our 2010 Holiday Gift Guide to find the perfect gift for every girl on your list. www.1154lill.com/gift+ideas/

5) I’m also loving all of the amazing press 1154 LILL Studio is getting, it’s so fun to share in all of the excitement with our die-hard LILL fans. Who doesn’t love seeing the same bag (but in totally different fabrics) they have walk down the red carpet?

6) Last, but not least…who doesn’t love a deal? This is why I am offering a $10 off code for all you blog readers. For three (3) days only enter Promo Code: BLOG10 at checkout and receive $10 off your order. This offer expires on Friday, 11/12/10 at 11:59 PM CST – which just so happens to be my very own incredible mom’s birthday – happy birthday mom.

Thanks again for tuning in to see what I’m loving this Wednesday. Back to vacation for me J

- Morgan

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

Dig out the Winter Wardrobe...but Don't Forget the Rest!

Hey Ladies-

While it is no surprise that seasons are changing, especially here in the midwest, the first bitterly-cold, bone-chilling breezes are always a shock to the system. Especially now that it is November, I find it time to hunt through storage and pull out all the big bulky sweaters, wool socks, and outerwear...

Even though winter may be grayer, colder, and gloomier in regards to weather and often-times fashion choices, we do not need to fall into that pattern again this year!

I started brainstorming a few ways to remain vibrant, stylish, fun, and playful even during the long winter months and I thought they may help inspire you a bit to keep your spirit and style up this season-

1. Don't pack away those colorful camis-even a small pop of color beneath a neutral top can liven up both your wardrobe and your day


2. Keep mixing it up with fun accesories like jewelery, headbands, purses, hats/gloves, and fingernail polish; it is no time to get boring!


3. Try a new fragrance-it's an inexpensive way to spice up your everyday


4. Keep active-that natural, healthy glow cannot be outdone! Don't let cold weather be your excuse to hibernate-get a new workout video or try a fun aerobics class!

Ladies don't let these chillier months get you down-just think of them as a new opportunity to express yourself and stand out from the dreary backdrop!!

Best,

Anne

Chicago Store Update!

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Boston's new store manager, Tania! She was in Chicago for two days of training and meeting everyone at the Chicago Store as well as at Lill's HQ. Among many things Tania and I talked about was our 7th annual Holiday VIP party taking place on Thursday November 11th at both the Chicago and Boston boutiques. We can't wait to kick off the holiday season in our stores on the 11th - hope to see you there!

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. :)