Lee Lee’s Valise a Trendy Boutique with Plus Size Appeal
Posted on June 11, 2007 by Glen Johnson
One of the things that I predicted at at end of last year was that 2007 would be the year for plus size fashion. At the halfway point of the year there have been many things to happen that make me believe that my prediction has already come true.
The latest gem is the opening last month of Lee Lee’s Valise the FIRST boutique for plus size women in New York City. Located at 368 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231, this trendy plus size fashion boutique offers everything from trendy tops, pants, dresses and even fitted bras and lingerie in sizes from 12 to 24. In addition to the clothes, accessories like perfume, jewelry and scented candles will be for sale, as well as as wraps, shawls, handbags and scarves to accent any outfit.
Owner Lisa decided to open up her boutique in response to a problem that most plus sizers can relate to, shopping for clothing in most stores is a nightmare. Opening up her store she works with the philosophy of:
- Started this store because she was sick of not being able to shop for herself in her own neighborhood.
- Giving plus size women a place where they would feel comfortable and have a vast amount of options of clothing to try on.
Carrying well known clothing brands such as Tadashi, Donna Ricco, Abby Z, Igigi, Kiyonna, Elena Miro, Anna Scholz, Marina Avraam, B and Lu, Fashion Overdose, Jessica Svododa, and Size Appeal, Lee Lee’s Valise carries something for all tastes. In the lingerie department you can find brands such as Spanks, Prima Donna, Volage, Greiner and Hanky Panky.
For an added touch of class Lee Lee’s Valise will carry handbags from MAXX New York and a limited selection of scarves from DrakesLondon. Also featured will be the original and unique designs of a group of local jewelry designers brought to bring some new designs to the table.
It really does not surprise me that a boutique like this is open. There have been many obstacles that have been conquered as far as plus size fashion on the internet. Sooner or later brick and mortar stores had to follow. Hopefully the day that I get a chance to visit New York I will be able to stop by Lee Lee’s Valise with my wife and do some shopping.
ABOUT THE OWNER
The name Lee Lee’s Valise originated from Lisa’s childhood. When she was a child Lisa would always spend her Christmas vacation in Long Island with her Aunt Theresa and Uncle Mickey and their children. After celebrating Christmas in Midwood, the whole group would trek into midtown to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas show. Lisa would always pack her clothes in her grandfather’s battered valise and her Uncle Mickey would have to lug it to the city and on the train to Long Island. One year, Uncle Mickey (who worked for the Port Authority) thought it would be a good idea to put the valise in a locker to be picked up after the show, but little Lee Lee was devastated. “My valise, my valise….Uncle Mickey they are going to steal my valise and all my new clothes and toys…oh no…..my valise”, she screamed. Poor Uncle Mickey had to leave the show to get
Lee Lee’s valise so she could know that her clothes were safe. To this day, her cousins still tease her and ask her “Lee Lee…where’s your valise?” Well, now Lisa can tell them that her valise is on the corner of Court and President St. and it is filled with her clothes and toys that she wants to share with all of her friends and family…at very reasonable prices.
Thanks again Dynelle for bringing Lee Lee’s Valise to my attention. To Lisa best of luck with your venture. I hope to see many more plus size fashion boutiques open up in the near future. At the rate that things are going by the end of 2007 plus size fashion will no longer be part of the niche community. It will be part of the mainstream where it should have been from the start.
Discussion: 10 Comments
Ms. J
- 13th Jun, 07 05:06pm
I’ll be visiting Lee Lee Valise this weekend… I’ll make sure to let you know what’s up.
Glen L Johnson
- 13th Jun, 07 06:06pm
Please do I look forward to reading what you have to say.
Keisha Feliciano
- 24th Jun, 07 09:06pm
I am going crazy trying to find a dress for my sister in laws wedding. I have been looking at Igigi.com and found a dress that I loved but they do not have my size. Since you sell this line in your store I was wondering if you may have it.
The dress is Fiorella Lace Gown in Natural with Shrug
Style #31640NAT
My measurements are:
54 1/2 Bust
54 Waist
65 Hip
Please let me know if you have it or if you have something that I can wear. I need to wear black as I am a hostess.
Thanks!
Glen L Johnson
- 24th Jun, 07 10:06pm
Keisha,
I have a few recommendations for you that I sent to your email that may help you find what your looking for.
Debra
- 1st Jul, 07 12:07am
This store is fantastic. Thank you Glen to telling us about it. I went the store last week and was so happy to have so many choices. I also discovered some great new designers that I hadn’t heard of. Lisa was really sweet, and she gave all of us (there were at least eight other people shopping there) her personal attention. It felt good to have someone attend to you, I’m used to being totally ignored.
I walked out of Lee Lee’s with two dresses by Sangria, one Fashion Overdose t-shirt and of course the next best thing invented – spanks.
Lisa also told me about a beach party they’re having on July 21st…….I am so there, I do need a new bathing suit.
Thanks again Glen
Debra
- 1st Jul, 07 12:07am
Thank you Glen to telling us about it. I went the store last week and was so happy to have so many choices. I also discovered some great new designers that I hadn’t heard of. Lisa was really sweet, and she gave all of us (there were at least eight other people shopping there) her personal attention. It felt good to have someone attend to you, I’m used to being totally ignored.
I walked out of Lee Lee’s with two dresses by Sangria, one Fashion Overdose t-shirt and of course the next best thing invented – spanks.
Lisa also told me about a beach party they’re having on July 21st…….I am so there, I do need a new bathing suit.
Thanks again Glen
Glen L Johnson
- 1st Jul, 07 10:07am
Debra,
Glad that you had such a good experience. I am happy to know that there is a positive alternative out there for ladies.
Debra
- 1st Jul, 07 07:07pm
Amen to that
Carla
- 7th Oct, 08 11:10pm
Keisha,Try looking on http://www.gatheringguide.com/ec/bridal_shops_dresses.html if you still can’t find the Fiorella Lace Gown. That’s where I go when I need to find a dress and can’t anywhere else. They’ve come through a bunch for me. Best,Carla
Glen L Johnson (author comment)
- 8th Oct, 08 09:10am
Carla,
Thanks for the site. Though I found it to be more generic than most it is still a good resource to check with.