Outfit Details:
Top – Clothing Swap
Necklace – Clothing Swap
Tank – JCPenny
Boyfriend Cardigan – Old Navy
Kiss Me Ponte Jegging – Jessica Simpson Collection
Boots – Kenneth Cole (Last Year)
My cousin Shannon is down this week from New York and I couldn’t be happier. We only get to see each other once a year, and while I’m thankful for that, I wish it was more often. Hopefully in the upcoming years we can change that. This is our third year going Black Friday shopping. I know many of you are probably like, “what?!? you’re crazy for shopping on black Friday”, but seriously? It’s really not that bad. We usually get to the mall around 4am, and hit up the stores just as their opening. The crowds don’t usually form until around 8 or so, which is when we are wrapping up and heading home. I wanted to share with you a few tips for shopping on what is known as the biggest shopping day of the year.
- Go Early. It’s a common misconception that everyone rushes to the stores for when they open, but I’ve found that isn’t true. In fact, most people think everyone is there at 3, 4 or 5am, so they all show up at the same time, usually between 8am – 10am. That is when the stores are insane.
- Plan Ahead. I start searching a few of my favorite websites for leaked ads and specials about a week in advance, so I can decide which stores I plan on visiting, and where I can get the best deals. Here are the websites I use (aside from a handy little app on my iPhone) to help me get planning: Fat Wallet, Black Friday 2011 (changes annually, of course), Daddy O Deals, and Google.
- Create a Spending Budget. Figure out the maximum you want to spend for the day. With the rough economic times we are in, nothing helps more than to budget your finances out ahead, especially for a shopping day.
- If you can’t deal with shopping in-store, shop online. The amazing deals you can find in-store usually carry over onto the merchant’s website. Especially these days with e-commerce being one of the main way consumers shop. Yes, you may miss out on some little special the store may have, but you may actually score better deals online.
- Dress Comfortable. Wear comfy clothes. I cannot stress this enough. You are going to be shopping quickly, trying to find items, possibly trying on clothes, and standing in lines. It’s not a good idea to wear those gorgeous sky high heels, skin tight jeans or mini skirts. It’s just not practical.
- Be Safe. If you are planning on arriving at the opening time of the stores (many of them opening at midnight this year), make sure to park in a well lit area of the parking lot, relatively close to the store. This way your car is not hidden in a dark area, and you don’t feel nervous running into the mall. This goes hand in hand with tip number one: Go Early.
I hope you find my shopping tips helpful for Black Friday! Shannon & I will be hitting up quite a few of our favorite stores. Happy Shopping!!
Great tips….I will be at home, in my ugly robe & slippers…..leisurely shopping online….(and if Im lucky, Ill have a Starbucks in my hand as well) hehehe
A Funky Little Fashion Blog
Awesome tips, hun! After working in retail on Black Friday for so many years, I know for a fact that 8-10 is indeed the rush. We would open at 5am and we’d only have a few people in the store.
You were spot-on with these!
On another note, I adore your necklace. I’ve been lusting after a similar one on Etsy. Wonder if it’ll be on sale for Black Friday? Hee…
Great outfit!!!! xoxo
No black Friday here, so little problem for my pocket, LOL.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, and best of luck with tomorrow.
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I have that necklace too!
http://katiaswonderland.blogspot.com/
Kirstin, thanks for the great tips! I think the “dressing comfortably” is the most important one of all!
These photos are just lovely! I love the one with your dog in it! The sea green color looks so nice on you! Happy Thanksgiving! 
Though I don’t have it in me this year to brave Black Friday crowds, these are great tips! And I love your jeggings
Kirstin, I love that top! It’s sooooo pretty with the color and the cut! I haven’t gone Black Friday shopping in years— I just can’t stand the crowd! hahaha.
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
♥ laura
the blog of worldly delights
Woo! Love the top and necklace on you! Glad you like them
I was just thinking that I never showed that top on the blog before, but then I remembered I did a few months ago for my one year blogaversary.
LOVE that blue top on you! The color is amazing. What great tips!!! I stayed home and caught online sales. Continue enjoying your weekend!
http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/
I think you are so cute. You look like someone I would be friends with.
Just thought you should know. xo
Great tips!!! Thanks!
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