Lee Lee’s Valise

This is yet another photo-​shopped website that falsely promises larger-​breasted women that they will look like Victoria’s Secret models when wearing their lingerie. Please get real and stop slenderizing the models arms!

I came here today to shop for a sports bra and it was a wonderful experience. The woman who helped me out was not pushy at all and was super helpful. I have an unusual bra size so I can’t shop at most lingerie stores or department stores. I appreciate that I didn’t need to make an appointment here (unlike some of the specialty stores in Manhattan). I will definitely return next time I need bras.

I was just in here to do a little (somewhat unexpected) bra shopping — they have totally made the Lingerie shop much bigger than it was. Here’s the thing ladies: if you need a large® size bra, then you probably know that you have to pay for one that fits correctly. And I’m not talking about setting for the largest size bra they have at VS or at a dept. store – here; they have bras up to size I (as in g, h i). This is a really big deal because having a good fitting bra in the first place makes everything you put on top of it look amazing.
Enough about the virtues of a good fitting bra. The store owner, Lisa is a pro bra fitter who can help you find just the right one. I’m not kidding when I say, that I put on one bra and literally let out a gasp, because it was so comfortable and it made me look much better! And seriously, I came in in a grubby t-​shirt and the bra alone made me look awesome.
Lisa knows everything about the right fit. She’s a fantastic cheerleader and really good at helping you find what suits you the best. You’re paying more here for an amazing bra that is handmade, and the perfect fit. Plus, the expertise that comes with it. Do yourself a favor and get a bra wardrobe of beautiful lacy things and you won’t regret it.

Lee lees is a great little shop with special attention and a great selection of cute plus size fashion. Also the unmentionable (bra) department is absolutely worth being mentioned. Lisa is so helpful and a great cheerleader to boost your confidence, which is sometimes what this girl needs to try something new!

This place gave me the biggest bummer today. I am not one to casually give a one-​star rating, but that’s how I’m feeling today so that’s what I’m doin.
Despite not being a big fan of their overall selection, their nice but pushy salespeople, and their prices, I have continued over the years to stick with Lee Lee’s for the mini-​camis (the Molly), and the Frannys (the open front cardigan). The Molly is a unique, hard to find item, and I think the Franny is nicer than most others of its kind in the plus size world. Today I went in to return a Molly that my mother had purchased for me in the wrong size about five months earlier (new with tags on still in original bag and wrapping paper), and to buy a new Franny or two.
I walked in the store, checked out the Frannys, and was amazed at the sticker price. It had been awhile since I had bought one, maybe 2 and a half years, but they had gone up to 100 dollars. That seemed crazy to me, but I do love how they fit, so I decided that if I could return the Molly and get store credit for it put towards a Franny I could afford to get one. The girl behind the counter seemed pretty frazzled, so I felt a little bad telling her I had a slightly complicated request, I heard her tell another customer it was her first day at the register. She was very nice, but had no sense of how to manage having two customers at the counter. She attempted to call her boss about me, while trying to figure out the register, and ringing up another customer, which was clearly more than she could handle, should save the advanced stuff for when shes got the flow down better. Anyway, we go back and forth a few times. I didn’t have a receipt, so she told me she thought it wouldn’t be possible because not only didn’t I have a receipt but this was a purchase from more than 30 days ago, but I say its not a seasonal item, still new with tags on, can she look in the system for the purchase and just give me the money towards the Franny? They keep a record of customer purchases, I’m in there, my mom is in there. But they don’t have a record of my mother having purchased these Molly’s.
This is when I started to get pissed off. I don’t have evidence of this, can’t prove it, but I suspect that the record of this purchase was never listed under my mothers name, or my name, because she pissed off the owner. When she purchased the Mollys back in December, they at first tried to charge her sales tax. Now under NY state law, clothing under 110 dollars or something like that is sales tax free, and that purchase was definitely under. So my mother argued with the owner, and eventually got her to drop the sales tax. So, returning to today, I’m realizing something weird is going on, and the fact that the Franny cost so much more than I expected, when the sales lady talks to her boss again and gives me another no, while insisting that I was lying about when the Molly’s had been purchased and that it was actually two years ago, I get fed up. I tell her that I’m not taking the Franny, and that I am never going back to that store.
I felt bad for the girl, it really wasn’t her fault. But this is just the last in a series of frustrating, unhappy experiences with this shop.

I’ve shopped at Lee Lee’s twice in the past 6 months and had a great experience both times. The clothing is stylish, thoughtful, and well-​made and the prices are reasonable for a well-​made professional wardrobe. The clothes I bought six months continue to wear well, and I always get compliments when I wear them — to work or out socially.
As others have said, the service is aggressive and opinionated, but I like people who will be honest with me about how they think something looks on me. Sometimes there is a little up-​sell pressure, but if you’re not interested, the staff remains gracious.
Shopping here takes time, since they have their own size categories, but I am a big believer in trying on clothes before taking them home. I expect a visit to be 2 – 3 hours, and I always leave satisfied with my purchases.

I have accompanied my wife to Lee Lee’s on a couple of occasions and I thought it would be good to order something from there for her for Christmas. I purchased a sweater and a belt online in Nov. which I gave her and which she did not like. I saw that the return policy was strict but I thought that because the sweater and belt were new items for the store that I would be given store credit and my wife could/​would buy something else. Apparently that was not the case.
The sweater was taken back as «an accommodation» and the belt, even though they are clearly on display and are actively being sold, was not taken back. My wife being with me was upset and I am furious. It is not the way to treat customers.
I warn anyone and everyone who buys anything (online especially) from Lee Lee’s to be real sure the item is good as seen because you may very well encounter the same «accommodation» issue.
We will never purchase another thing from this company.

After some years of shopping here, it’s time to give it a downgrade. The proprietor is just increasingly unpleasant and I find myself avoiding the store, stumbling in as a last option when all of my usual clothing sources –Saks Salon Z,
, ASOS Curve, Talbots Women– have failed me. Lisa has a strong feeling about what is wrong and right in fashion but when I’m spending $ 100+ for a polyester wrap dress, you can spare the arched evangelism about how no other designers understand plus sized women and how I really ought to be grateful you are selling me some overpriced frock because it was made in Canada and designed by Americans. Whatever. For luxury prices I expect a satisfactory customer experience and being bullied towards garish prints I hate or told to wait for clothes to be manufactured «I don’t know when» is ridiculous.
Enter door only in case of emergency.

I’ve been really happy with my shopping experiences at Lee Lee’s — the staff has always been friendly and very helpful. Maybe a bit over the top as others have stated, but honestly I found that part of the fun and charm of the experience.
This isn’t a good place for a quick visit. It takes some time to get settled, and between the all the different styles and patterns you end up trying on a lot of different items.
What I like best is the ability to have a fun boutique experience with unique, well-​made clothing. Seriously, how many places can a big girl really find that?! Not many!

I was in town and decided to stop by to see if it was as I saw on TV. I called to get directions and spoke with her husband who was pleasant over the phone. It is impossible to get a cab to go there so be prepared to take the subway if you are from out of town. The person in the store was not the owner or her husband. She was busy at the register distracted reading papers. She did help me with the belt on the dress. I did like it however, it was longer in the back then in the front which I thought was odd. Also, it felt like it was too large. I asked and was told that this was the right size. I tried on two other dresses one I did like the other puckered where the elastic landed so it felt a bit odd. I would probably have done better with the kind of help you see on the show. I would have spent money as I was in from out of town. I ended up regretting that I bothered to go in as it was VERY disappointing. There were several customers in the store but seriously, no one was being waited on. The store is cute she had adorable accessories. The pricing was not bad and I do like her designs. Some of the items I looked at (jackets were not lined but the same can be said for designers such as St. John.) I am a fan of the show and tried to register for the mailing list. I still have not received a confirmation and it has been almost a week…

I give this place absolutely no stars.
Do not shop at Lee Lee’s Valise in Brooklyn! I bought a dress from there and returned it because it didn’t look right on me. The policy is to contact them before returning, but they wouldn’t respond so I returned it anyway. This was last April. I have called, emailed, and written but have not received a response. They got my dress and my money… I got nothing.

If you want the best this is the place to come to no matter how far the schlep. Everything in the shop is sourced by Lisa the owner. All clothes are made to thier exact specifications so that once you know what size you are in her clothes, that will be your size, no guessing, no worrying. Very personal assistance, and solid advice.
While these things do not come on the cheap, you will be rewarded with original, high quality garments that willl get you compliments. Those who know, this and who want the best they can get shop here.

Looks are deceiving, and this place definitely was!
Look deep… deeper…deeeeeppperrrr into that blouse and pull out that price tag. Shocked right? Yeah, I was too.
The selection is great to browse, but I didn’t feel compelled to buy anything right then and there. It’s displayed very nicely and is pleasing to the eyes, but it ends there for me.
I was pleased that I wasn’t hassled by the sales girls; I think they knew I was only poking around and had no intentions of making a massive purchase. It’s so hard for me to hand over my money in little places like this; it seems out of place in this neighborhood.

I gotta say: I don’t get the raves. It’s a nice enough place, but…
I live in the neighborhood, so I drop in often. By now, I’m used to the super pushy, over-​the-​top sales ladies — but it took a while. To me, good customer service is letting me look in peace, not steering me towards every piece of merchandise in the store, and helping me find the right size once I find something I like. They do most of this, but in such a weirdly aggressive way that it can be off-​putting.
It does tend to be a lot of the same sort of dress. And I mean A LOT. Less is more could go a long way here. The racks are so stuffed it’s difficult to even *see* anything, much less find my size. Either get a bigger store, or pare down your selection. Too much stuff. It’s starting to look crowded and fussy in there — last time I was in I actually felt claustrophobic and ended up leaving.
A whole rack devoted to $ 250 nightgowns is ridiculous. So is the *never* changing rack of formal dresses which all look like they fell off the Dynasty costume truck.
In short: good in a pinch, if you can’t get to Manhattan and visit Macy’s Herald Square or Lord & Taylor.
The bottomline: I find the same stuff (and I do mean the SAME stuff) here that I do on the sale racks for Lord & Taylor — except it’s half the price at Lord & Taylor.

Never in my life before Lee Lee’s had I been told I’m a size 00, so that alone instantly makes me a fan of this place! Unique, ultra-​flattering clothes and friendly, helpful service. The owner’s granddaughter was in the shop and was a total ham, one of the best salesgirls I’ve ever met. I have now been introduced to Svoboda jeans and my life will never be the same, and I also bought a green maxi-​dress that was made exclusively for the shop.
Prices are reasonable but definitely not cheap (the dress was $ 168 and the jeans ran $ 110 – 150) but it’s worth it for the quality, fit and for supporting a true independent boutique — a breed becoming more and more rare under Bloomberg’s reign.

Lee Lee’s Valise is AMAZING! I found the store nearly two years ago and have been coming back monthly ever since. Whether I buy something or not, the staff is always attentive and I actually love trying on clothes. There are a few reasons for this: first, the quality of a lot of the clothes are such that they flatter a larger figure; second, the positivity and honesty of the staff; and third, it’s an actual fashion boutique where I can fit in the clothing! (I am tall and fluctuate between a hard-​to-​fit 16 and 18). The first time I went, I actually cried, because, as I have been big my whole life, it was my first time really experiencing the pampering and acceptance that my smaller-​framed friends experience when clothing shopping.
When in the market for very high quality plus-​sized clothing, I put Lee Lee’s Valise above Sak’s Salon Z and other NYC boutiques that I have been too. Some memorable purchases include: the hottest retro pin-​up dress, ever; all of my black and white button-​down work shirts; the skirt that was the staple of my summer; a killer work dress, etc. Sometimes I leave there feeling bad about spending more money (that best-​skirt-​of-​the-​summer was about $ 150), but then for some reason, the brands that she carries far outlast (and outperform) any Ashley Stewart, Lane Bryant, Macy’s or discount item.

I dunno, guys. I came back and felt pressured into buying the 2^nd bra I tried on. It doesn’t help that only a smattering of sizes are kept up front and prices are often not tagged. Sometimes you just want to try something on without someone constantly hovering, right? I need to go bra shopping again now and I honestly feel a bit leery of going back. Hence 2 stars.

I bought a dress here summer ’07. While I was suggested to get it altered I never bothered. I tried on quite a few things but was not blown away but all of the selections. I do truly appreciate what their intentions are but I could help but feel a bit overwhelmed by their ‘helpfulness’. I can’t imagine how they will fare now in this economic climate. And I don’t see how they can compete with web sites that sell items at much better prices. For special occasions they are a great resource for dresses but I don’t get the jeans and skirts. One more plus (they have a play area in the back for your man/​spouse/​significant other)

Wow. Wow wow wow!
I flew from San Francisco to NYC just for this store. Really. I spent 48 hours in the city (and had never been there before.) I became obsessed when I saw the store on the Elastic Waist blog. I haven’t seen it on What Not to Wear.
And… with those high expectations…
It still exceeded them!!! IT WAS PERFECT! I am the happiness woman ever. =)
I spent under $ 1000 and got several amazing outfits. The staff was helpful and patient. They were very encouraging too. It’s amazing how something will look so-​so on the hanger and oo la la once it is on.
I will fly back for another weekend in the fall, because I need some winter outfits.
I found the prices completely reasonable for nice, fashionable, awesome looking clothes. Really, not much more than Torrid, but better made. I was a little surprised by the prices of the bras — I hope they are worth it! And I didn’t feel like I got really fit for one. My only other disappointment was that the owner was away for the day. Her husband was there and really sweet — he fed my meter!!! — but I’ll have to go back for the full experience.
I came home and so far have gotten rid of 2 giant bags of clothing, because I don’t want to own anything that doesn’t look as good as what I just bought. Stacy and Clinton would be proud!
I’m curious to see how the clothes hold up both in fashion (I tried not to buy anything that would be out of style in 6 months) and in terms of wear. I did go out and buy good hangers for my light sweaters.
I spent 4 or 5 hours there — I wanted to try on everything! And still ran out of time — didn’t get to the accessories at all.
This is a MUST STOP for every woman out there. Just amazing. It was like discovering heaven. I reallllllly hope they have online shopping soon, or a store on the west coast.
I never understood how people could fly all over just to shop. But now I do. I have never found a place like this anywhere else. Oh, one more bonus — lots of the clothes are made in the USA.
I can’t say enough good stuff about Lee Lee’s Valise. It really was a major turning point in my life .I am now FASHION GRRRRL! Thank you!!! Love you! I hope to be back soooooon!

I agree with the other reviewers — great choices, nothing resembling a muumuu, people there to give you the lay of the land, great mirrors in the dressing rooms, etc. My only complaint is that the «service» can become a little over the top and the «help» can be a bit rough around the edges.
The last time I was in I tried on a dress that I thought was wonderful. I was so excited I had found what I was looking for and when I walked out to show my husband, the owner made a face and said «eh». She went on to say that it wasn’t the best choice for me. I walked out and didn’t buy anything. Two days later my husband went back and got the dress for me because I couldn’t quit thinking about how wonderful I thought it was on me. I wore it to an event that weekend and received so many compliments. Next time I go back, I plan to try on my clothes and not listen to the free advice I get in the store.