Thanksgiving dinner was nothing short of delicious. I stuffed myself silly with turkey and mashed potato. I played a rousing game of Taboo with my cousins, and kept my eyes glued to the tube when Beyonce's Thanksgiving special aired.
When the clock hit 11:30, I rounded up my troop of cousins who were willing to brave the crowds with me. "Black Friday time!" I sang aloud as I looped my De*Nada scarf around my neck.
My cousin looked down at my four-inch suede BCBG heels. "Uh, Bridge, do you have other shoes?"
"Don't worry, I've got it covered," I replied.
A pair of Nike Comfort Thong sandals lay waiting for me in the car. My coat would stay so I wouldn't have to deal with its bulk and heat as I pushed and shoved my way to good deals.
It was close to midnight, and we were on our way to Potomac Mills. "Whoa," my brother whistled as he slowed his car down. Traffic led into the outlet mall. Hundreds of bargain shoppers were taking advantage of the mall's midnight opening as well.
After some expert maneuvering on my brother's part, we managed to cut through the lines to park near Off Saks Fifth Avenue. I looked down at my oversized Michael Kors watch. 12:05, it read. The parking lot was filling up quickly. I hoisted my Gucci bag on my shoulder and started to walk to the mall entrance. "And we begin!" I declared as I walked into Off Saks Fifth Avenue.
Surprisingly, the scene inside Off Saks was serene compared to my vision of catty customers. I didn't have to battle someone over the last pair of J Brand skinnies in size 25.
My brother and cousin noticed my wide eyes and smirked at each other. "If you need us, we'll be by the shoes," they said, saluting me as they walked off. I smiled. They know me too well, I thought to myself. Total concentration is what I needed. I was off.
"Take an additional 30%-50% off your entire purchase!" the signs read. Happily, I managed to snag an oversized Ellen Tracy cardigan for 30% off its already discounted price, a bubble jacket in an unusual blue hue by Miss Sixty for 50% off, and a super soft James Perse tee on clearance.
Feeling good about my purchases, we walked out of the store. And into a jungle.
"Oh man," my cousin groaned under his breath. The mall was swarming with shoppers. The car traffic outside of the mall was nothing compared to inside. There were so many people in the halls, it felt like you were standing still. And it was only 1AM.
Undeterred, we pressed forth. "Want to go into Gap?" I asked.
"Sure," my brother agreed. We escaped the jungle and walked into The Gap Outlet. My eyes immediately picked up on their knit gloves. My cousin immediately picked up on the cashier line wrapping throughout the entire store. We all looked at each other. We walked right out.
"Let's stop in here," I suggested, steering us toward the newly opened Bloomingdales outlet. Enticed by the bold signs proclaiming "15-25% off all men's and women's coats, jeans, hats, and scarves," I was able to score Burberry ear warmers, another item by James Perse (this time, a sweater dress in a beautiful cranberry color), and a comfy pair of black Sanctuary cords.
My arms were bogged down by packages. But I still was not done!
We split up, my brother and cousin heading towards Banana Republic's outlet, and I towards Neiman Marcus Last Call.
By this time, it was 2AM, and the crowds were swelling. I was starting to get tired. This will be my last stop, I thought to myself.
It's a good thing I decided to stop shopping after Neiman Marcus. Because that's where I hit the jackpot.
My favorite purchase of the night was a (last!) pair of Manolo Blahniks in a size 37, 65% off the already discounted tag. Then the cashier took an additional 40% off that price. I smiled wide. Patricia Field would've been proud.
View the video and slideshow for the DC Accessories Examiner recap of Black Friday shopping at Potomac Mills.
Comments
I will say I def did not come prepared of what was to come at the midnight mall shopping with my 2 inch heels. I'll be prepared next year!
I will say I def did not come prepared of what was to come at the midnight mall shopping with my 2 inch heels. I'll be prepared next year!
I will say I def did not come prepared of what was to come at the midnight mall shopping with my 2 inch heels. I'll be prepared next year!
Brigette, wonderful article! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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