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1154 Lill Studio
Category: Shopping Fashion Accessories Accessories [Edit]
904 W Armitage Ave(between Fremont St & Bissell St)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul
(773) 477-5455
- Nearest Transit:
-
Armitage (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Fullerton (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri 11 am - 6:30 pm
Thu 11 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
72 reviews for 1154 Lill Studio
Review Highlights
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"I'm dying to get back in to design my own purse." In 6 reviews -
"You pick the shape and the fabrics." In 31 reviews -
"We made matching bags, and they were super cute." In 39 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: 30-somethings give this spot the nod. See more places they like.
72 reviews in English
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Review from She R. A.
San Francisco, CA
6/20/2011
I dealt with Rachel at this location when Vanessa from the main office was kind enough to track down a bag I was looking for in a print that wasn't in stock on the website.
It was great dealing with Rachel. She tracked down the bag I was looking for and was able to assist me with the rest of my order.
Keep up the great work Lill! -
Review from Annette J.
Dearborn Heights, MI
11/30/2011
I have to admit that as much of a clothes horse/accessory hound that I am, I don't usually pay much for bags nor do I really have much use for designer stuff. I just don't really get into it and I'd rather spend my money on a killer dress or coat. But I will shell out the dough for a Lill bag every so often and here's why--the designer is me and the quality is great.
Sure, you have to choose from their variety of pre-designed bag styles and fabric choices (I still weep for my long lost favorite style the pamela) so it's not like you're COMPLETELY designing the bag and sure, the prices have been inching up since I designed my first bag about 7 years ago but here's the thing--I still have that bag and it's still in amazing condition and just as cute as it was the day I got it. The quality is impeccable and it allows me to make a purchase from them every so often without too much guilt! And since I get to design it I get to be super creative and pick the fabrics I like the best, which is pretty neat.
I've designed bags both in the shop (super nice staff!), online, and bought bags from their sample sale at their HQ on the southside and every bag, every experience I've had has been fantastic. If it weren't for the fact that the prices have gone up quite a bit over the last few years (which makes it a little harder for me to buy) and that they discontinued my favorite style I'd probably be throwing them a 5 star. But boy, do I still love them. Can't wait until I can save up a few dollars to design a new one!Listed in: Chicago Sweet Chicago, Worth the Splurge, Shopping Spree, Accessorize Me!
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Review from Lauren S.
College Park, MD
5/1/2012
I've purchased 3 bags from Lill. The first was online, the second two in-store. I've also brought in many friends and family members to the location on Armitage (out-of-towners LOoooOVE this idea). In terms of the purses, I give them an A+. The first one I own from a few years ago still looks fantastic. Well worth the cash. However, I do advise choosing a darker and/or thicker material for longevity!
Unfortunately, the last few times I've dealt with their customer service, I have not.been.impressed. Girls in the store (even on what seemed to be a fairly slow day) have been dismissive. My sister, who I purchased a design kit for a few Christmases ago, had a heck of a time trying to contact someone about tracking her purchase. Today was the last straw. Wanting to take advantage of the mother's day deal they had going, I went to their online chat to talk about options.
The problem is, I wanted mom to be able to design her OWN purse. The person on chat informed be that they no longer carry the design kits (which is a HUGE mistake in my opinion), that the promotion couldn't be used on gift cards, and that there was effectively no way my mother could design her own bag with me paying for it. Ok, that information is a big bummer (and, honestly, for a company that is built on personalized bags you should figure out how to make this work), but that wasn't the Lill Stylist's fault. My issue with her was her demeaning behavior online, and the fact that she cut off the chat while I was in the middle of conversing with her.
Well girls, I love your product, but not enough to deal with your service. I'm going elsewhere for my mother's day gifts and my out-of-town visitors. -
Review from Angie P.
8/8/2011
I love this concept & 1154 never ceases to amaze me with the styles of bags they create. I am lucky enough to have the Carolina (now discontinued) clutch, which I designed here at the shop.
The ladies there are nice & helpful. I love that the bags were there & you could take the fabric swatches & create your masterpiece!
The waiting for it to be made seems to drag on, but once you get your creation, you forget about all that time.
Prices are a bit steep, but what bag isn't these days? -
Review from Sarah L.
Chicago, IL
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been going to Lill for years for bags, and my love has started dwindling. Yes, "designing" your own bags can be fun, but the fabric choices and the bag designs have been getting more and more dull. The quality is fine, I still have a bag that I made at the Boston store years ago, but it isn't enough to keep my attention.
I have started buying Longchamp bags instead, mostly because they more useful in the city than some of the Lill bags, especially in poor weather.
I do recommend buying one Lill bag, but really I can't justify having all of my bags from here because they just don't work in all environments. -
Review from Cherie O.
2/2/2011
I love purses, and I've been a fan of 1154 Lill ever since they opened in 1999, but I can't bring myself to give them more than three stars. I think the concept is great: choose a bag design, choose the fabrics, and voila! you have a unique bag that is your own.
So it only took me 11 years to get a bag of my own (or rather two). While I've followed them for 11 years, there was no design that screamed out at me. Plus, while I understand that the purse cost is on the higher side secondary to lack of mass production, I still find it really hard to shell out triple digit dollars for a purse that is made of cloth fabric.
So my saga to getting a bag of my own started two years ago when a friend and I were in Kansas City for a conference. I dragged her to the Lill store there (which doesn't exist anymore), and being from Texas, she had no clue what Lill was. Suffice to say, she fell in love with it and created a bag. When she started carrying it around in STL, suddenly several of my other friends wanted one and started begging me to organize a Chicago trip. With our schedules, it took us a year to organize it, but needless to say, one weekend, a bunch of us piled into a minivan and headed north.
I really like how they allow for parties because that way you are guaranteed workspace. I feel like the store is ALWAYS packed and at times, it is very hard to find a sales associate or your own space to work. It did take some time to reserve the space though; I originally emailed them through the website. After getting no answer for several days, I finally called them. With the call, there was no trouble setting up the party; just a FYI, they do take a credit card number to hold the space.
We arrived at the same time as two other groups, so things were a little hectic. No one greeted us, but we found our table, set our stuff down, and began to browse. The girls and I had spent a lot of time online playing with the website, which was a really good idea in retrospect, because we sort of knew what we were looking for. I would now also recommend searching for 1154 Lill on YouTube because they have videos demonstrating the features on their new bags...which I wish I had done because it provides a more comprehensive look at the bags and the "secrets" to each one, which I had assumed that an associate would help us with, but didn't.
The fabrics are really unique and it does take several hours to customize the bags, but that IS what makes the place special. We girl-bonded and giggled our way through making the bags, and it was really fun to see who was choosing what. I did like the fact that there are enough fabric samples of the same kind so that another person can be using the same fabric sample as you are at the same time. The fabric also really looks different in-person than on the website. When we were pretty much ready, an associate magically appeared and took our orders. If you schedule a group party, there is a group discount, but as a heads up, they wouldn't let me use my Groupon with the group discount. They, however, were nice enough to divide the group discount between the rest of the girls.
It did take 2-3 weeks for the package to arrive, but it was worth the wait. We had a little after-party, and unwrapping the bags (which were really nicely packed) together was like Christmas. They do recommend you to Scotchgard the bags.
So to sum up, the reason why 1154 Lill is so special is the concept behind it and the fact that it's great girl time. Where it falls flat is execution of the plan. -
Review from Sarah L.
1/25/2010
I purchased two Groupons for my mom and I. We both had $60 to go towards a great handmade bag and we were excited to get started! We stopped in this past Saturday to make our bags. There are several styles to choose from and so many fabric choices. It is kind of overwhelming but very fun at the same time! There was a private party going on and along with other girls wanting to design a bag. The sales associates were very helpful about how to create your bag.
You can purchase a bag that has already been designed or you can pick your style and the fabric. I worry about how well the bags are going to hold up. All bags, purses and clutches are made from fabric. I designed a carryall "commuter" bag to carry my lunch, book and other daily essentials for work. The bags are ready in about 3 weeks and you can pick up at the store or have it shipped via Fed Ex. I want to see how well my bag holds up before making a purse. I think the small wristlets are cute and nice for running quick errands so you don't have to schlep around a big purse. The Lill experience is fun and exciting! There are so many different fabric choices to suit just about every girl's taste. -
Review from Helena B.
3/13/2009
Both times I've been here it's been with my mom, sister, and cousin. For us, this was the perfect girly afternoon activity. We were set up at a table and took our time picking out fabric and consulting one another on pairings and choices. A Lill employee was at our disposal should we need help. They have fabric pieces cut in the shapes of the handles and side panels so you can get a pretty good idea of what the final product will look like.
The bags come three weeks later and are very well constructed. My oldest Lill bag is almost 3 years old and looks like new. You get information on how to care for your new bag when you pick it up (very helpful for someone like me).
As an added bonus, if you give them your email address, they send you relevant and timely information about sales and style updates (rather than spamming you like crazy as so many other places do when they get a hold of your email address **coughjcrewcough**)Listed in: Saturdays with my Mama
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Review from Jen G.
1/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Armed with my almost expired Groupon, I headed into 1154 Lill Studio today to design my purse. I had already played around on the website and pretty much knew exactly what I was going to make, but I really wanted the in-store experience of being able to see and touch the bags and fabrics.
Luckily for me, they already had the purse I wanted, so I don't have to wait the 2-3 weeks for delivery, and I got the instant gratification every shopper loves. Plus, the service was really great. The sales associate was there to greet me and help me as I needed it, but knew when to let me peruse on my own too. And they were really busy. There was one group of four as well as several other shoppers in the store.
It is pricey, as other Yelpers have pointed out, but I think it's totally worth it. I don't think it's fair to expect a product that is handmade locally, which you have designed yourself, to be cheap.
Overall, I'm extremely happy with my experience, and I will definitely be back. I already have lots of ideas for my next bag swimming around in my head. -
Review from Kate P.
5/4/2010
What a fun girlie activity!
I finally stopped in here to use my Groupon and had the best time. The sales associate was very knowledgeable and explained how everything worked.
I wandered around trying out different styles and finally decided to go with the drea model because it's reversible and I just love changing up my purses to fit my mood. I then wandered around touching all the fabrics to design my bag.
Once I decided on the fabrics, the sales associate rang me up and told me that my bag would be ready in 3 weeks. I told her that I would be on vacation then and she said that they will hold the bag for me until I get back and can pick it up. I loved that and can't wait to see what it looks like once it's completed.Listed in: Groupon, I HEART You!
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Review from Brett G.
Chicago, IL
3/8/2009
I am in the market for a new purse, and am desparately looking for a purple one. Even though I would prefer one in a leather-type material (faux is fine), I went in here thinking maybe fabric would be all right.
They have a very nice selection of fabric styles, but the bag prices are pretty high, and the inside of the purses don't have many pockets (which I seem to need for my cell phone, lip gloss, gum, keys, etc). I too, like Allie B, did not really care for any of the styles. So even though I was thinking of making a concession and going with fabric, I came out of here empty-handed.
If the bags were 40-50% off, I would have considered one, although they were all three weeks out. -
Review from Anne Marie J.
Chicago, IL
3/7/2009
SAMPLE SALE AT THE WAREHOUSE. I have 2 Lill bags (1 I made and 1 was a gift) so I know that the fabric is durable. The sale started at 8, which is when I got there and there were probably 20-30 people ahead of me in the line.
They let everyone in, single file, at one time and then it's grab grab grab! You should come here with a goal of 1-2 bags in mind and then after you get what you want, you can browse other items. All the bags are 40-50% off, which is a steal since the bags are quite expensive for what you're getting, but remember, they are all pre-made so what you see is what you get. They also have a limited number of bags to sell, definitely not the hundreds and hundreds I'd imagine there'd be.
There's no need to come super early because if you're there by 8, you'll get what you want. -
Review from Cecilia T.
San Mateo, CA
12/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm not normally into fancy purses, but I just fell in love with this place! The ambience is bright and colorful and sparks your creative juices! I first came here because my hubby's cousin from San Fran was in town and had heard about this place.
I wasn't planning to make a purse but couldn't resist once we stepped inside this Creativity Machine.
We spent a couple of hours customizing our bags. This place is all about expressing your personality through your purse! You cherry pick each piece of the handbag, anything from selecting the interior and exterior fabrics to shape, fabric for the handle and separately the pockets.
This is a great spot to go to if you want to de-stress and release your creative juices in a really fun way. A great girl bonding experience.
The employees are very nice and helpful when you're stuck on deciding anything.
This place ain't cheap but the second time I visited was when I had a Groupon for this place. ($30 for a $60 gift certificate. ) Hopefully they will continue to offer more groupons in the future! -
Review from Erin C.
New York, NY
4/1/2007
I have received so many compliments on the bags I've made at Lill that it's hard not to want to go back there and make even more. Unfortunately, I don't quite have the budget to do so. While the bags are a bit pricey, they are a great deal for having the opportunity to customize the bag exactly how you like.
My main complaint about this store is that service is not so great. The past two times I've been there, it's been really busy. However, that doesn't mean the employees should neglect any of the customers. I was definitely neglected, left to navigate the store on my own. Fortunately, I'd been there before so I knew what I was doing (sort of). It's also hard to discern who the employees are as they work with customers, and even walking around looking lost didn't help. If you go in a group, though, you are more likely to get great customer service.Listed in: Retail Therapy
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Review from Maria N.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2006
This place stresses me out!! A few years back my friend gave me a gift certificate that was enough for 2 bags. First one was no problem because I had a wedding that summer so I knew that I wanted something for my dress. I ended up doing a cute little reversible bag with a tie closure. One side black the other silver. When I got home from the wedding I notice there was a chocolate stain from the chocolate fountain I couldn't stop dipping things in.....including my purse. The other one I made looks like a bad seventies couch, I rarely use it. I blame my friend for that one. We had to go back 3 times because it was always so crowded and we felt like we weren't seeing all the fabrics because people had them everywhere.
After the stress of that experience what does she do, but gets me another gift certificate. It took us a year to go back and that was only after I went alone to scope stuff out and decide on what style I wanted. we finally went back last week and did it. The frustrating thing for me was that every fabric I liked they were out of or it was discontinued. I was to the point of just buying a ready made one and being done with it. I ended up finally finding a decent fabric, and hopefully will be happy with the finished product this time.
It's a cute concept and it is fun, I just suggest going at off times or right when they open. They do have private party nights which is fun for a girls night out or bachelorette party. -
Review from Rhonda G.
5/30/2010
I want that and that and that and that.
ooooh gimme, gimme, gimme!
Now I know how parents feel while shopping with small children in a toy store. I definitely had a case of the" I wants" and "gimmes".
Great little place they have here, somewhat expensive but every now and then you have to treat yourself to something unique and interesting. They have some great designs and I love the customizable concept. Hey, Kate Spade is just some chicks first and last name, so put your mark on something.
The staff is really helpful so if you walk in confused and overwhelmed, no worries, they will seek you out. You can also plan a private party here (and I just happen to have a birthday coming up, hint hint). -
Review from Anna B.
4/10/2008
I heart my Lill! I made a fall/winter bag (yes, I am THAT girl) in late 2006. I love this purse so much, I get giddy at the thought of taking it out of storage for the fall season. It has held up incredibly, and I am not gentle with my bags. There are no rips, no fraying at the seams or anywhere else, no scuffs. It is perfect *sigh.
I plan on going back next month to create a spring bag :)
Of course nothing beats the experience of actually creating your own custom bag. You pick the shape and the fabrics. It is entirely YOUR bag.
Their prices have actually increased somewhat lately, but it was never a cheap place.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Mara S.
Chicago, IL
8/5/2007
I've been here several times and made a few bags that always turn out very well. I've had one of my bags for almost 4 years and it's held up quite well despite the fact that I toss it on the floor, in the back seat of the car, over my shoulder... you get the idea. I'm always impressed by the variety of fabrics and the ever growing purse selection.
I went here yesterday with a large group of girls for a bachelorette event and it was great - they had a private room upstairs and had 2 employees dedicated to helping our group. I hear that you get a pretty good discount if you're the "hostess" of your little party too... not bad for a fun afternoon out with the girls.
Definitely worth a stop in or you can build your purses online - if you're not scared of bold patterns you'll have a lot of fun. -
Review from Kathleen C.
IL
2/18/2007
This place is my worst nightmare. Tons of loud, peppy girls in designer jeans and tiny tops excitedly grabbing fabrics and strings and handles. I have been there a few times and just cannot will myself to pay over $100 for these bags that I would wear maybe once.
I actually laughed outloud when a girl was so concerned about the color of the INSIDE of her purse. Like, Oh, My, God! I really hope she was able to figure it out without a breakdown.
But really, I think the concept is pretty cool but just wouldn't pay the high prices that Lill wants for their fabrics. I did find one small bag that I liked but it was $50 for the tiny thing! No way. -
Review from Tina W.
New Haven, CT
12/19/2009
I can't give this place 4 stars because I didn't end up getting anything.
I went here for a purse party with some friends and I really liked the idea. You choose a purse style and the fabrics that make it up and voila, you've designed your own purse. The store is laid out like an art studio with high tables and a bunch of different materials on hangers. Since we came as a party, they let us bring wine (bold move when expensive fabrics are lying around). The service was great.
But for the life of me I couldn't find something I loved. That could be an artistic lapse on my part, but I felt like if I was paying 100$ for a small clutch, I had to absolutely adore my choice. I think the high price really put too much pressure on choosing the perfect style. But it is December and I'm feeling especially miserly having not yet accomplished ANY of my Christmas shopping.
I'm going to see how satisfied my friends are with their choices and play around with the online bag designing software and maybe go back when I'm more liquid. -
Review from MaryAnne M.
Chicago, IL
6/1/2006
How clever!!! Do you have a dress you can't find a purse to match? Look no further!
Need a unique gift? Here you go.
Can't say enough about this place.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Gladys c.
Los Angeles, CA
9/25/2006
This is a super fun store - you get to choose the fabric for your purse. They have a variety of sizes: coin purses, make-up bags, clutches, totes, baby bags and more... I think I saw belts and notebooks the last time I was there.
My experience was awesome. I chose the Polly, a reversible bag that closes with a ribbon. The gals in the store let me wander around for awhile trying to decide which fabrics I wanted to use. They then helped me wrap the fabric around the bag to really get a feel for what it would look like. That totally helped - some of the fabrics that I got and thought I would really like, I really didn't like at all on the bag. After picking out all the fabrics, you pay for the bag and wait patiently for 1 week before you get it!!!
This is a super fun place, but it's pretty pricey. Purses start at $90 and accessory bags start at $33. But it does guaranteed you'll get a bag you love!
Oh and I've been calling this place Lisa Lill because the font they use for 1154 looks just like Lisa! -
Review from Alichia S.
Oak Park, IL
2/5/2007
This is an adorable little shop that, like everyone has mentioned, let's you make your own purse from a variety of styles and fabrics.
I had gone here with a private party (where I was fortunate enough to have the purse already paid for me) but I do agree the price is a bit expensive. The style I choose is just a small everyday handbag that went for $100. Yes it's custom, but it's not some place you should get every everyday purse.
Definitely a fun time especially if you go with a group of girlfriends! Can't wait to go back. -
Review from Kristina B.
Chicago, IL
10/17/2006
This is how it works:
You chose the basic design you want from the templates on the walls (I chose 'the Pamela'), and then you go through the step by step process of choosing fabrics and detailing for your soon-to-be-made purse. Not sure which fabrics to put where?
1-They have instruction cards that assist you as you go along, and
2-They have already made purses lining one of the walls, which helps with inspiration if you're not sure of the look you're going for.
It's a wee bit pricey, but it's custom made to your specifications. For that reason alone, the price is worth it. Plus, it's great quality. I've had mine for 4+ years, and still goin' strong!
Looking for a funky spin on a bachelorette party? They host purse parties here! They also do gift certificates (which is how I got my purse made). -
Review from Kristen S.
Chicago, IL
5/26/2007
1154 Lill is a fun store where you can design your own purse. You pick a bag style (there are tons to choose from), and then choose the different fabrics and where they are placed on the bag. There are knowledgeable, not pushy, 1154 Lill assistants walking around to help you design your bag.
They have all different sorts of bags from change purses, makeup bags, small handbags, shoulder bags, laptop bags, baby bags, and more. They also have custom headbands, photo albums, and shoes. It is amazing.
You can get on their VIP list to be invited to special nights where you receive a goodie-bag and get a discount on your purchase. These are generally on Thursday nights and well-worth a stop.
They also allow you to reserve some special time to come in an design bags as a private party. I did this with my wedding party. We made matching bags, and they were super cute. It was a fun afternoon with my friends!
Highly recommend a stop at 1154 Lill. Make a unique bag for yourself!Listed in: Lincoln Park After Dark, Born to Shop
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Review from Ang R.
Chicago, IL
8/6/2006
I am addicted. I made my third purse this afternoon, which just goes to show how addicted. I made a "Pamela" about six months ago that I use every day, and has served me well. It's sturdy and well-made, and I feel like I chose the right materials and colors to make the bag versatile.
This is such a fun place to come with a few girlfriends, and the alchemy of making an attractive purse can keep you occupied for an hour or more, which I think is fun. I know Lill also does purse parties, both in home and in an upstairs party room, and also has a special bridal deal.
These bags are expensive, but well worth the time and money.Listed in: Need to Spend Money?
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Review from Kathy L.
San Diego, CA
7/13/2010
This place truly has a special place in my heart. I went here when I lost my cell phone and was really sad. The Lill studio made me forget all my troubles...and they say retail therapy isn't real.
The store's concept is really unique, to have stock styles of purses and you get to pick the type and style of fabric used to make your purse your own. It took me a couple hours to find patterns that I was happy with but in the end it was worth it. I have a purse that I use quite often that I am really pleased with that I would not have found anywhere else.
The staff is not too pushy either -- they are helpful when you ask them questions but they don't bother you and try to make you design something that they think looks cute because its all about what you want to see.
The only downside is that it is rather expensive. I don't think I would have paid that much for the same purse if I saw it in the store. You are paying for the experience of the place as much as you are paying for the actual product. Don't come here if you are going to buy their stock merchandise, come here if you want to design something. -
Review from Jules W.
Chicago, IL
7/10/2008
I brought my mom here for Mother's Day and we had a grand time designing purses. It was a fun bonding experience and we can't wait to return. In fact, I'm doling out gift certificates left and right for friends' birthdays now!
The studio has a vast array of fun fabrics and cool styles. Luckily I had viewed their website first so I went in there knowing which style to pick. However my progress was hampered by all the fabric and color choices. I loved it! I ended up with a fun bag for summer with shades of yellow and orange. I'll be going back to select a winter bag with one of those lucky gals who received a gift certificate!
It only took 2 weeks to receive my custom made bag and I really dig it. I get lots of compliments and it's roomy and unique. Prices are on the high side but I think it's definitely worth it for the experience and to own a bag that no one else has. -
Review from Jui R.
Irvine, CA
4/8/2006
I just recently heard about Lill (I guess I'm a bit behind the times!), so on my last trip back to Chicago I went! A friend planned a party for us, so after the store closed of bunch of our girl friends got together at the store, brought some wine and snacks, and designed our own handbags with the help of someone who worked at the store! It was tons of fun.
Other information: If you have a party, the hostess gets a discount depending on how many people buy bags. A helpful hint: check out their website before you go so you have an idea of what you want to design - otherwise it can be a bit overwhelming! They also have some bags/cosmetic cases/journals/photo albums that are ready-made so if you find something you like, you don't have to wait for three weeks for your custom made product to be delivered! -
Review from Stacey D.
Schaumburg, IL
12/29/2007
Fun time, and awesome bags. There's some sort of demented connection you have with another girl who owns one.
While I love the experience, choosing the style, fabrics, etc. I hate that there are always so many other people there, the place isn't that big, and they don't have enough employees.
Oh, and they always spell my name and email wrong so I never get notified when my bag is ready. Despite numerous requests to change it. Such is life.
I got my wedding bag there and got a million compliments on it. I love that it was "custom" for me. I can't wait to go back for more. -
Review from Alysha P.
Chicago, IL
12/19/2009
I've never done the Lill purse thing but some of my gf's and I thought it would be a fun thing to do for the holidays.....
I wasn't in charge of making the group appt but I know the two ladies who were called repeatedly before they were able to get anyone to respond. You can just do a group walk-in but we wanted to make sure that there would be enough room for all of us in case there was some crazy purse making bonanza going on. We finally did get our appt and arrived on time at the cute little studio on Armitage. They do let you bring wine in....which is always a plus in my book and helps get the creative juices a-flowin'!
Lots of styles of bags to choose from and customize....and alot of us had a hard time choosing a bag that we thought we would actually use. Some people opted for an "everyday" type of bag....I went with the 'Cora" which is a thin envelope style bag with silver hardware and chains for the shoulder strap.....more of a night on the town purse.
Then comes the fun of picking different fabric combos to customize your bag.....they have a lot of different fabrics and if you're at all creative you can find something to fit your personality. I opted for the snow leopard print and a nice deep green for the outside....black on the inside. I was trying to steer away from the homemade look and go for something a little more stream lined and dare I say it.....chic.
The girls that were working that night were really helpful and accommodating.....they explained the whole process upfront and were around to answer questions and offer opinions on our creations......they also seemed genuinely happy to be there.....which always makes me happy to be there :)
I did think that some of the bags were a little pricey considering that you are limited to the fabrics they have there and in the end you could just go buy a bag at a department store.....but I did have my magic groupon so I felt like I was getting at least a little bit of a deal (Note: if you're using your groupon you cannot also get the 25% off they are offering right now).
Overall.....this was prob a one time deal for me....I mean really....how many Lill bags can you have? Great activity for a group and something different to do......we had a lot of fun making our fabulous bags and can't wait to pick them up to see the finished product. -
Review from Renee E.
2/4/2010
Armed with my Groupon, I took myself on a little jaunt to 1154 Lill for a custom purse making extravaganza on a day off from work. I checked out the selection online beforehand and felt like I had made a decision about which purse style I would select.
When I arrived, I walked in and there were maybe 4 other fellow purse crafters perusing the selection of fabrics. I went unnoticed for a good while until one of the sales associates asked if I needed help and then scurried away. While I was waiting to be noticed, I had a chance to check out the purse style options and peep some fabric.
I quickly realized 2 things, 1) the purses seemed either a little too small or too large for what I was aiming for, 2) $60 gets you nowhere unless you want a clutch.
That said, I settled on a reversible number (2 purses for the price of one! Boy am I a cheapie, or maybe just frugal/practical).
The harder part is selecting fabric. There is quite a nice selection of patterns and colors to choose from, and I was thankful that they had a good number of pre-made bags to assist in my decision making.
When I'd finally made my decision, my sales associate was nowhere to be found, so I waited again to be recognized and checked out. A totally different woman ended up finishing the transaction and she was awesome. I wish she'd been there with me throughout the whole indecisive journey.
I was rung up and presented my Groupon, and then realized, I still owed another $90 for the bag (a fabric bag!). I sort of wanted to cry, but I didn't. My bag will not be ready for another 2 weeks, still, but I hope that baby is worth every extra penny I paid. At least it will be very cute. I can't knock the place, I think there's obviously a large market for it, and I love the idea, but I guess it's not totally right for me. -
Review from Jenn S.
Chicago, IL
6/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
I really like the concept behind this store. When you can't seem to find what you want in the stores, what better thing to do then to make it yourself. I've been in search of the perfect clutch to compliment my favorite green necklace and green leather loafers. Alas, I was able to find it at Lill Studio.
You don't really have to have a creative bone in your body to design a purse. The fact that they don't have an overwhelming number of fabrics makes it easier (arranged by color group naturally). Plus they have a ton of samples to look at (including those that are waiting to be picked up on the wall behind the register). There is definitely something for everyone.
I see that some people commented on the service and this is what I gather from my observations:
They will offer you help, but you have to be within their vicinity (and hope that they're not already working with someone else). However, if you think about it, do you really want someone trailing behind you? No. You want to do your own thing. And honestly, even if you're in a party, they tell you the run-down and then let the ladies wander. So as for the service, I think it works for what they're selling. If you do need help, the people there are more than willing to help.
My only complaint is the pricing for some of the bags. I mean, it's fabric...not leather. But where the heck else are you going to get exactly what you want in some of the funnest fabrics? Probably nowhere.
So if you're looking to splurge on a nice bag for yourself, at least go to Lill Studio and get something that is YOU....and not what some designer put together for millions of other women across the country to have. -
Review from Misse D.
Chicago, IL
10/23/2008
While I am excited that a Chicago store/brand now has locales across the country but this store is so not me. I can't imagine spending $200 on a handbag made out of fabric. And an ugly bag at that!
I think some girls have the skills to design but most do not and turn on some hideous bags that I saw on their "Ready to Pick up" wall. Even if I did, I wouldn't pay those prices.
Definitely not for me. -
Review from Chris L.
7/5/2010
I purchased a groupon a while back since I was curious about trying this place. The process seemed pretty to understand. Just find a design you like, then select your fabrics. Pretty simple.
I went on a Friday morning and was pretty much left alone until I needed to process my order which was fine with me. Although I was disappointed at a three week wait for the final product.
The final product was cute but a little bit too much on the homemade side. And for $90 it wasn't worth it. The fabric quality isn't the best either and will have to treat this bag with extra care to make sure it lasts a while.
While the concept of this place is nice, I'd rather fork over the extra cash for a designer purse and get the higher quality.Listed in: Groupon
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Review from Sara P.
11/2/2010
I designed a bag online after I purchased a Groupon. I just got my bag today, and I love it! They have a lot of really nice designs in a variety of shapes. The process of picking out the fabrics was fun, and I liked the bag designer they have online where you can easily see what your bag will look like. I am happy with the process and I'd definitely consider getting another bag from them.
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Review from Jody J.
Glen Ellyn, IL
4/26/2010
I love love love this place! Sometimes I find myself bored and designing bags on-line that I have no intention of buying but I can't resist and then sure enough, 3 weeks later it shows up at my doorstep. Opps...
I have spent many hours here trying to figure out the right fabrics to use. You think you have the ones selected, then you see the girl next to you making something better and you are back to square one. The staff is great and don't mind you being indecisive.
It is definitely not cheap, but for a present or a special treat is a fun time, plus it is completely unique to your style, whatever this may be.
Last time I was here (3 weeks ago) I made the Diana as a bag for grad school with my Groupon, it is adorable and have gotten tons on compliments already in the 1 day I have used it!
FYI...give yourself plenty of time, especially with a large group, there are so many fabrics and bags to choose from it could take you all day! -
Review from Frances P.
West Hollywood, CA
5/7/2009
I am from Chicago, but now live in LA so anytime I stumble onto an idea that might benefit Chicago brides to be, I will share it. Lill Studio in Chicago gives you the opportunity to design your own pillow. They even have a fabric called Blushing Bride. You can book a "Design a Pillow" party for your bridesmaids. How cool is that!
http://www.1000pillows... -
Review from Erin J.
2/1/2010
I hooked myself up with the Groupon and went to exchange it for a gift card for a purse-adoring friend of mine. I had thought that $60 would get her something enjoyable, but upon viewing their prices online...$60 wouldn't get her hardly anything. OKOK, so she would still love it and it would go towards something she would love.
Upon entry, service was non-existent. I stood by a register, thinking this was the intuitive place to stand when one is in need of assistance. Three people walked right past me without a word. A few girls were brought up to the registers by their respective salespeople and were rung up as I waited. I did not stand there mute; each salesperson had said she would be right with me before promptly vanishing back into the crowd. Maybe because I wasn't standing there with a bolt of fabric...whatever. I was eventually helped and my friend loved her gift, as well as the wine bag I picked up for her on the spur of the moment.
So for a handmade product, cool, in theory, if a little pricey. But the service in the store left much to be desired. -
Review from Aaron K.
2/3/2010
For the Guys:
1154 Lill is a great place to go pick up something for the wife when you don't know what else to get. The prices here are a bit high, but the personal service along with the intense amount of options makes it worth the money for those special splurge occasions. She will definitely appreciate the personal touch. (BTW Even if you get one off the rack you can always tell her you designed it yourself....how would she know?!?) The staff here is very friendly and helpful, but I have not found them to be pushy or "just in it for the sale."
For the Ladies:
The wife gives this place high marks for their purses. Do you want to carry something trendy and stylish that people often recognize but is still one-of-a-kind? 1154 Lill has a purse for you. Great for personalized bridesmaid or birthday presents. Your friends will appreciate any gift you design here.
