'm ashamed to admit I'd never ventured into 1154 Lill Studio at 220 Newbury St. before last week. I'd always turned up my nose at the "hand-made" handbag category, assuming there wasn't much variety or style available. For some unknown reason, I pictured a handful of designs and lots of unappealing material.

Walking into Lill, I knew immediately I was wrong. Let's just say I don't normally feel overwhelmed by shopping, but at Lill the options were dizzying. The store is a custom accessory mecca, with more than 30 styles of bags and 150 fabrics. This was handbag heaven.

I sought advice from manager Laurie Strong, who has been with the company since the Boston store opened in 2004. She recommends relaxing and taking a look around to see all the styles that are offered. "Generally, once you figure out the style that suits your needs, the fabric decisions come easier," Strong says.

I was drawn to the clutch styles (which you can never have too many of.) Choosing a fabric, which came next, has got to be the most fun part of the process. My favorites were the metallic silver linen and a cream/black snow-leopard print. There were so many shades, textures, and patterns, I was blown away. This is way better than scouring a department store for something that you're going to see on five other people.

A bag takes three weeks to complete (they are hand-made in Chicago, where the company was started in 1999 and where it has its only other retail store). Prices range from $25 to $150. If you really can't make up your mind, there is a variety of ready-made bags for sale.

My intention on that first visit was to find a present for my little sister's college graduation. After looking at the options, I decided I really wanted her to pick out something herself. I think that's the best part about Lill: The bag you make is completely your own. You won't see it on anybody else.

Off the Rack

I once read that a Vogue editor's favorite secret shopping destination was the Brimfield Antique Market, which runs Tuesday through Sunday. (It opens again July 13-18 and September 7-12.) So you should probably go!

Rescue, purveyor of super-awesome secondhand clothing, has moved from Allston to 244 Newbury St. How convenient!