As a plus-size consumer, I have traversed the boutiques of Brownstone Brooklyn, in search of contemporary clothing in my size. It is very apparent that all of these boutiques have ignored the “normal sized” women. As you might know, the majority of American women average a size 14, and it was impossible to find anything bigger that a 12 in any of the boutiques and shops that have sprung up in the neighborhood. So when the “perfect” space opened up in a historic spot on Court Street, we decided to open a shop that would specialize in sizes 10 to 28.

Our basic goal is to address most if not all of the problems we have encountered in shopping for clothing. We have specialized in sizes 10 to 28 and hope to avoid the condescending attitude that permeates most of the boutiques in the neighborhood who really sneer at anyone bigger than a size 8. In addition, we hope to be able to address all of the fashion needs of our customers. We will offer a large selection of tops, pants, dresses and even fitted bras and lingerie.

Perfume, jewelry and scented candles will have a prominent place in our inventory, as well as such accessories as wraps, shawls, handbags and scarves to accent an outfit that our staff will help assemble for the discriminating shopper.

Lisa will help you pick out everything from a stylish prom outfit to an ensemble to wear to a wedding, baptism or bar mitzvah. We will be able to help the customer dress in the latest fashions as well as the classic look that is always a delight. Alterations will be available on premises by appointment so that we can provide the perfect fit.


The store has developed an inventory that includes many of the most popular and innovative lines in the 10 to 28 market. They include Anna Scholz,Tadashi, Kiyonna, Svoboda Jeans, Roni Rabl, C.enn.V, Elena Miro, Donna Ricco, Karen Kane, Gayla Bentley, Marina Avraam, B and Lu, Fashion Overdose, and Size Appeal. In addition to the aforementioned designers, Lee Lee’s Valise has developed a selection of original and unique tops that are only offered at Lee Lee’s Valise.

Our lingerie includes such brands as Spanx, Prima Donna, Grenier, and Hanky Panky. We even carry unusual bra sizes from 30E to 46H. We feature handbags from Maxx New York, unique evening clutches and everyday handbags. We have a limited selection of scarves from Drakes London. We are also featuring the original and unique designs of a group of local jewelry designers that we have sought out to bring some new designs to the table.


We also carry organic products such as Honey Girl Organics and soy based sleepwear!

Our Story

We were especially delighted that the space on the corner of President and Court had become available. It started out as a social club (as had most of the storefronts on Court and Smith Street). It was a longshoreman’s social club back in the day when the old-timers like Al Capone and Albert Anastasia had walked the streets of Brooklyn. Mr. Capone was married in our church, St Mary’s Star of the Sea in a scandalous marriage to an Irish girl. We don’t know what secrets might be buried in our cellar and we don’t intend to do any digging in our renovations. The store has been designed to give an “old school” feel reminiscent of the 1940’s Italian immigrant Brooklyn. We have furnished the store with antique pieces that have been utilized in unique ways. For example, our counter is an antique buffet server and our bras are housed in an old chimney cabinet. Black crystal chandeliers are the focal point of the store as well as the main ingredient in our color scheme of black, ivory and chocolate brown. Our store logo is a cameo designed as the luggage tag for the valise and is best represented by our swing sign on the President Street entrance.


One of the great advantages of our space is that we are directly opposite Carroll Park where fathers can take the kids while the wives can shop. In addition we are going to offer “Jims Corner” in our back store which opens up on President St. One of the problems we have encountered in shopping is that it is very boring for even the most loving and patient of husbands to hang around while his wife is trying on clothes. So Jim has set up an enclave in the back where the husbands can relax in a comfortable chair and watch the game while enjoying some coffee or soda and batting the breeze. This will give his wife plenty of time to really find what she is looking for and she won’t be rushed since she knows that her husband or boyfriend will not lose his patience. It might even make a husband more willing to go shopping with his wife if he knows he can relax in comfort and avoid the craziness of the competitive shopping experience.

Our store is conveniently located one block from the Carroll St Subway station, which is serviced by the F and G trains.

We are equidistant from the Brooklyn Bridge and the Battery Tunnel so driving is a breeze. In addition we have long-term relationships with some of the old school restaurants in the neighborhood, which will be offering special price-fix menus for both lunch and dinner for Lee Lee’s Valise Customers. We will be happy to direct our shoppers to the best bakeries, pastry stores and Italian specialty stores in the neighborhood. We hope to make Lee Lee’s Valise a vital part of our neighborhood. We will offer a community bulletin board for local artists and performers to advertise their openings and performances.

As life-long residents of Carroll Gardens, we can offer some advice to the new arrivals, which will direct them to the authentic business establishments that comprise the charm of our neighborhood. A rice ball is not just a rice ball if you go to the right store!

The name Lee Lee’s Valise originated from Lisa’s childhood. When she was a child she 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”. 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.

So come on down and check out what we can find in Lee Lee’s Valise.

About Lee Lee’s Valise Online Boutique[read more...]