09/07/04

definate "must-do"

by zztops

1154 LILL has been the highlight of my trip! My girl friends and I came out to Chicago for the weekend and all spent hours in the store creating our own unique handbags out of the fabolous fabric selections, styles, and with some help from the girls who worked there - all were fantastic! I can't wait until my purse is done (only 4 weeks!) but until then, I also purchased another to tide me over...you can never have too many. I would recomend this to anyone who is in the area! (you can even do it online now!)

• Pros: great selection, priced well, high quality

08/14/03

Make-it-yourself handbag store with pretty fabrics, decorative touches and expert help.

by Contributor

The Scene
There's minimal merchandise at this Lincoln Park accessories boutique, conceived and owned by designer Jennifer Velarde. Instead of pushing ready-made stock, Velarde encourages shoppers to select from a variety of fabrics and design their own purses, makeup bags, throw pillows and more at no extra charge. Consultants are on hand to walk patrons through style and textile options at workbench-style tables.

The Goods
Accessory-lovers dig the inventory of completed pocketbooks, totes, Victorian-patterned purses, scarves and shawls; those who can wait a few weeks custom design their own, choosing styles (named for Velarde's friends and family--a nice personal touch) and color schemes from all kinds of patterns and palettes. Like romantic florals? Wild animal prints? Crisp solids? Most bags are reversible, and pockets on the outside add a touch of convenience. Throw a party at Lill, and leave with personalized goodie bags.

10/10/02

Practical Fashion

by agstroud

1154 Lill is practical fashion - style that you create at a price that won't break your wallet. Purses can be reversible, so the most fashion savvy girl doesn't have to buy a casual and a more dressy purse or a new purse every season. Every purse is unique, eye-catching and worth owning. They also have a souvenir feel to them as they can only be found in Chicago...

• Pros: moderately inexpensiv, versatile, targets all styles