HENRI BENDEL OPEN SEE

If I had my blog set up last year, I would have definitely written about this one.  I attended the Henri Bendel "Open See" last October, which was one year ago today.  "What is that?", you ask.  Henri Bendel is one of the oldest department stores in NYC, and twice a year they open their doors to independent accessory designers and invite them in for an interview.  No appointment necessary.  You just have to show up!  If they like what they see...they buy!  It's a huge deal and an awesome opportunity to get exposure.

From the moment I heard about this opportunity, I worked my butt off to pull a presentation together.  In a short period of time I perfected my displays and managed to pull together an impressive catalog.  I was ambitious and determined.  I booked my flight and was on my way.  I arrived the night before and treated myself to a night at the Hudson Hotel.  I was up bright and early, to be in line by 5am.  To my surprise the line was already wrapped around the building.

This is a picture of me, anxiously waiting in line, with my very good friend Annette.  She lives in NY and stopped by to keep me company.  I'm so thankful she did because I was a nervous wreck and it wasn't until noon by the time I got in!  The buyer I met with was a younger lady and she was accompanied by her even younger assistant.  I remained enthusiastic and proudly pulled out my stuff while they silently watched, emotionless.  OUCH!  The interview didn't even last 5 minutes! They gave me some constructive feedback and sent me on my way.  I have to say, at first, I was sooo disappointed.  I kept thinking about all the time and money I had invested into this project.  I practically ran home and cried to my hubby.  BUT, he lovingly supported me and encouraged me NOT to give up. After all that, I don't regret the trip.  You only live once and should take some chances while you're here.  I took their advice and added some bling to my jewelry line.  And those pieces are actually my most popular styles!   Check out my ETSY website for more recent stuff. http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyDilly

MY FIRST BIG GIG!

This cutie right here is my friend Jenn.  She's the beautiful bride who is now newlywed and off to Aruba for a fun filled, much needed, baby makin honeymoon!  (Good luck my friend!)  Thanks to her, I had my first "big gig"!  She hired me to make bracelets for all 6 of her bridesmaids and earrings for the wives of the groomsmen.  In the end, everything was a success.  The bridesmaids looked amazing and the bracelets were a big hit.  I have to say, finding the right fabric was a little bit of a challenge, but I managed to find a lightweight chiffon that had a beautiful brown feather print.  The colors  matched perfectly to the swatches she gave me.  The fabric was matte, but the swarovski crystals gave it just the right amount of sparkle.

Please keep me in mind if you have any friends or family that are getting married.  I can custom make jewelry that will perfectly match the bride's theme and color story.  Plus, each piece will come meticulously wrapped and ready to go!  What's great is that my jewelry is wearable for many occasions and when the bridesmaid wears it again, she will undoubtedly remember that special day. Thanks again Jenn for the opportunity and exposure.  Brandon and I had a blast!  Here we are, you can kind of see my belly.  I'm 25 weeks and counting!