TFFF Interview: Lisa of Lee Lee's Valise

Awhile ago I had the absolute pleasure of speaking to Lisa, the owner and creative force behind Lee Lee's Valise, the incredible Brooklyn plus-size boutique. Lisa's effervescent personality and hard work have helped changed the landscape of downtown / Brooklyn shopping. Boutique shopping is hard enough as is but presents special challenges for plus sized girls - if you think finding sizes is hard try walking into the average NYC boutique where the largest offered size is often a six. Fortunately for us new stores like Lee Lee's offer a haven of fun, fashionable shopping in a pleasant and atmospheric environment.


A peak inside the absolutely gorgeous Lee Lee's Valise, plus sized boutique in Carrol Gardens Brooklyn. Lisa showing off one of the many cute outfits there.

TFFF: How did you get your start in retail?

My retail experience was just shopping! My background was originally in illustration and graphic design - thats where I got my logo. This just needed to be done - I found my purpose on earth. I could use all my experiences positive and negative to figure out whats right.

TFFF: What made you want to do an on site store instead of a web store?

Reason for this store is because I could not shop in my own neighborhood. I didn't have that pleasure of walking into a store and finding something so I wanted to create it. I knew I wasn't alone and that it could make people happy.

TFFF: Why did you feel it was important to have services like on-site alterations?

You want that polished look and that's what does it. You may need a little pinch on the shoulder or a nip here and there - there is always something you can do to make your clothes better. What's been happening a lot though is that the designers that I carry only design for plus sizes. Before you just had to take things and fix them - they weren't made for you they were just the smaller sizes graded up. Now were getting big patterns - you're having a size 12 or 14 fit model.


TFFF: What make's Lee Lee's Valaise special?

A lot of thought was put into every detail. There is a whole feeling - everyone is acknowledged from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave with that gorgeous Euro bag over their shoulders. No one just sneaks in. Its comfortable here - its not a pretentious place. In a way I'm welcoming you into my home. From the way its decorated, to the general atmosphere. I wanted that warm feeling community feeling like in the old school Italian immigrant boutiques where the owners knew all their clients by name.

Some of these women are used to being ignored - I wanted to make it so that I'm not ignoring you. In here you're special.

TFFF: What has the reaction been thus far?

I have had women who come in here who cant spin on their heels fast enough the second they see a size - its like they think they're going to catch a disease. But for every one of those there are 30 happy people. That number to me is much more important - there's so many happy people here and if they can't deal with that its fine.

People have been coming from all over - the Bronx, Upper East Side, Jersey, Astoria - they come here after work and then take the train home when they're done shopping! And the best thing is that I'm trying to create a community here. You don't just walk in and out - we take your email address and send information about upcoming events and the customer service is very personal. I know every item in the store personally and I've mixed and matched them myself so I'm always ready to help. I want it to be fun and exciting why should shopping for a plus sized girl be a chore?

TFFF: What does the future hold for Lee Lee's Valise?

In September I'm going to start carrying some juniors clothes for back to school. I'm also looking into shoes. I want to find great wide width shoes and the best wide calf boots for fall. I would love to be able to bring some bridal clothes here too. Shopping for weddings can be nightmarish.

I'm looking to expand but within this area because I have to be there. So far I've worked here every single day since the store opened. I just feel the need to be here. Maybe that makes me a control freak but because I know all the clothes here I feel its important. So I'd like to super duper concentrate in this location for the time being.

Lee Lee's Valise is located at 368 Court Street Brooklyn, NY 11231. I don't think I could really reccommend this store more - there are unique on site services like the aforementioned alterations. Every plus sized designer you've ever heard of is stocked from Tadashi, Igigi, Kiyonna, Svoboda to Elena Miro and Anna Scholz its all there. Every neighborhood should have a store like this. And Lisa is truly a joy to talk to so makes sure to say hello once you step inside. Upcoming events include the Fall Anna Shoulz Trunk Show and I know everyone is itching to see those gorgeous styles up close and personal.

And click here for a nice 10% off coupon. Can't beat that with a stick.