Bling it On

Krombholz Jewelers in Montgomery starts your tailored experience with designed especially for you, and if your creative juices are really flowing, you can design the jewelry yourself. To turn your dreams to delight, designer Lee Krombholz will spend time getting to know you, your style, what type of piece you would like and how you will want to wear the piece (day to day or just on special occasions).

After the initial consulatation, Krombholz will use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a three-dimensional representation for you to see and critique. Once you are satisfied with the design, the CAD software creates a file of that three-dimensional representation, which is used to create a precise mold for the design. This technology allows Krombholz Jewelers' custom selections comparable to ready-made jewelry.

For more information about Krombholz Jewelers, visit the Web site at KrombholzJewelers.com, call (513) 891-1950 or head to the store at 9399 Shelly Lane in Old Montgomery.

Show Yourself a "Lill" Love

Once you have your custom jewelry, you might want more of your accessories tailored to your style, and 1154 LILL Studio helps satisfy that craving. Fairly new to Cincinnati, LILL Studio originates in Chicago as a company specialized in custom bags. LILL Studio offers 25 to 35 different types of bag, ranging in style from a small wallet to a weekend duffle bag and in price from $28 to $210.

Customers can create their own design for any of those bags with more than 150 different fabrics. The fabric options constantly change as LILL Studio adapts to fashion trends, but even with the changes, LILL offers a one-year guarantee on all of their products and customers still can pay to have damages fixed after that first year.

Individuals and boutiques can throw LILL Studio parties for a chance for women to get together and express their creativity in their handbags. And even if you aren't tuned perfectly to your creative side, LILL Studio representative Julia Gibson will help make you a satisfied customer. "My rule is that I will not let anyone design an ugly bag," Gibson says.

For more information about LILL Studio or to set up your own handbag creation party, e-mail Gibson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (513) 295-3935, but be sure to have your holiday orders in by Dec. 6!

"Sass" up Your Wardrobe

Your customized accessories wouldn't fit quite as well with clothes that weren't tailored to your specifications in both size and style, so Sassy Boutique in Hyde Park Square offers a create-a-skirt opportunity. Skirt options include A-line, full A-line, pleated and circle skirt styles.

Sassy Boutique Owner Sally Bullock throws a vintage twist to each handmade skirt, especially those in the circle skirt styles. She began her customized creations at her mother-in-law's antique shop on the East Coast, but Bullock has brought her past-to-present fashion opportunity to the Queen City.

Customers choose from the styles and fabrics to create their personal skirt. Bullock only buys enough material of each pattern to make only two skirts, so every customer receives a truly unique product.

To get your customized skirt, schedule a party with your girlfriends (hostesses get a free skirt as long as a skirt is purchased during the party) or head to the store at 3437 Michigan Avenue in Hyde Park. For more information, call (513) 871-2500.

PHOTO CREDITS
First photo
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl Photography
Krombholz custom jewelry
Location: The McAlpin

Second photo
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl Photography
Models: Lee and Heather Krombholz
Location: The McAlpin

Third photo
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl Photography
Model: Julia Gibson
Location: The McAlpin

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