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Hey guys!

I just want to start this post off by saying I’m dramatic. I know I am dramatic and I own it. However, when I say that I’m devastated by the news that Henri Bendel is closing, I’m so serious.

Bendel’s, you’ve been in my life for as long as I can remember. All of high school, all my best gifts for Christmas or my birthday were from your store. You were my go-to for getting my Mom a gift she deserves that doesn’t break the bank. You were where I looked to when I wanted to treat myself or buy something that genuinely made me happy.

Henri Bendel was a different brand. In terms of quality product, it was not super expensive. It had beautiful products that were on-trend without being overly trendy. It was timeless yet kept up with current preferences in the market. They embodied the fun young girl in New York who wants to look good, feel good and have fun. They were whimsical, but not overly whimsical like kate spade. They had staple pieces but always had a certain pop that made you feel like you needed the product. They were also reliable. I knew I could go in there and find something current that I loved and that I could wear for years to come.

In high school, I used a jetsetter as my backpack. It fit my lunch my computer and my notebook with ease, plus it was a great refresher from the all too familiar Jansport backpack that suffocated the hallways of my school. When I started working this summer, I needed a bag that was big so I could fit anything I would need in it, but it also needed to have a zipper (which is surprisingly pretty hard to find). I got a travel tote (similar to this but I cannot find my print/color sad). It was amazing for commuting because it has zippers and holds literally anything. I still use it for school here in Barcelona. I also got 3 pouches like this (mine were free with a purchase!) and I used them to hold things like makeup, a little fan, and makeup wipes. When I was gearing up to go abroad, I wanted a cute belt bag. Belt bags help prevent against theft because the bag is so close to your body, especially if you wear it across your chest like I do. I got the 712 Belt Bag in black. I’ve worn it about every single day since being here.

These are just a FEW of the Henri Bendel pieces that I use every single day. I have other products from neck scarves to wallets to cross bodies which also are so versatile and important to my wardrobe. I really can’t imagine a closet without Bendels. Where else are we supposed to get long-lasting quality products that don’t break the bank too much? Where else am I supposed to escape to after work to make myself feel inspired and beautiful? Henri Bendel was more than just a brand to me and to so many people! It was a brand that made you feel youthful, stylish and beautiful at every second of the day. It could be the worst day of my life but if I threw on some foundation and a Bendel bag, nothing could stand in my way. It was a brand that instilled confidence and beauty in many people. It will be missed so much.

I understand not a ton of people can relate/everyone will think I am the most dramatic person on this Earth. I am dramatic, but I feel like I’m losing a friend. A life long brand that was cut way too short. A success story of a man from Louisiana making it big in the New York City fashion scene and beyond being forgotten in time. A staple of everyones favorite TV show Gossip Girl diminishing. A original 5th avenue stable being erased from the iconic street. I always thought that one day I would be able to work for Henri Bendel. I could not think of a more perfect match for me. That dream no longer will have a chance to come true.

Thanks for the years of fun Bendel’s.

XOXO

Kristin