Designers are amazing talented people. Not only are they creative and see things in the own perspective, but they work very hard to get their product out there. The dedication that goes along with being a designer is limitless and I give them so much credit.

Henri Bendels Open See is a very big day for many accessory designers. I mean seriously, who wouldn't want to sell at Henri Bendels? They're a very respected Accessories, Make-up and Gifts store. "Henri Bendel's is a girls Playground". If you are big on Accessories then Bendel's is the place to be! They're always trying to refresh their look with the next big thing. You find phenomenal top notch merchandise in there.

I have been to 3 of there open see's. Some people camp out over night to be first in Line. Others wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning to head out. There will be A LOT of people in line if you wake up late. They usually start taking 20 at a time starting at 9:00 a.m. Here are some tips I find helpful from my own personal experience.

You Can Never Be Too Warm: I don't know why but every time I go to an open see everyone looks like they are freezing in line. Keep in mind if you don't sleep well due to waking up early, you will be extra cold. I've seen people in coats and boots look like they're freezing. Bundle up. Believe me, I know.

Bring Something to Sit On: If you get there at 5 in the morning, you won't want to be standing till 9. I would recommend either a small stool or some sort of small sheet. You can always sit on your luggage if you have one or a canvas bag. If you are wearing black, I wouldn't recommend sitting on the floor.

Have Everything in Order: After you make a line for hours you will probably get a max of about 5 minutes usually to talk to a buyer. This is understandable because they probably see hundreds of people. You DO NOT want to spend minutes organizing stuff on a table. Try to have some sort of system where you can pull out your stuff in place and start talking.

You Should Bring Food: I usually try to bring pretzels or peanuts of something easy to eat. I would try a bagel or sandwich, maybe even a thermos with coffee. You won't want to be running to the store all the time.

Be Confident: You should have the mind set of "You need my stuff at Bendel's". Give the buyers a reason why you deserve this and what you and your line could offer to Henri Bendel's. Don't doubt yourself because it will only make you nervous and being nervous will lead to you messing up and forgetting things while talking to a buyer.

Make Friends with your Neighbors in Line: This comes in handy for a few reasons. You might have to go to a store and you can ask them to watch your stuff for a few minutes. Another reason is IT KILLS TIME to talk. Maybe I'm just impatient but I love making time fly. Lastly you never know who you're talking to. Whoever you meet might have great tips for you or inspire you to do something.

Be Positive: I'm saying this because you shouldn't attract negative energy. This to me goes for everything I do in life.

Entertain Yourself: This goes out especially to those individuals who go alone. Make sure your phones and I-pods are charged. Take extra batteries. Being bored will make the wait feel like forever.

Be Nice and say Thank You NO MATTER WHAT: Okay, Okay, I totally understand, your pissed. You waited in line for hours just for someone to tell you "This is not for us" This is too edgy, childish, ordinary, crazy, loud, boring or this is "Not Bendel's" whatever the case may be. Even if they tell you this is not what we're looking for you should NEVER give them attitude or be nasty etc. and I really mean NEVER. You are creative, you are a designer, BUT at the end of the day THIS IS A BUSINESS. You might see these people again and you would be surprised at the things people remember. You don't want to be remembered as the "sore loser" Not only that, but if you don't make it the first time you should try again and again. Often you might see the same person you dealt with last time. It's unfortunate if you don't make it, but they have a job to do also. Say thank you for your time, smile, and leave gracefully.

Well those are my tips. If any one thinks I could add something feel free to leave it on my comment box. I hope some of you find this helpful. Don't ever give up!

Look out for gla.MAR.ous in a Spring Trunk Show at Henri Bendel soon.

Xo Nubia Xo