Sorry for the poor quality photos, my camera was acting up this weekend!
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Well, Black Friday is this week! Are y’all excited for all of the sales, crazy
people, and getting up early? I’m
definitely not haha.
people, and getting up early? I’m
definitely not haha.
You see, I worked in retail for about 10 years of my
life. From a store employee, I’ve seen
the absolute WORST come out in people on Black Friday. I’ve seen people take a completely well
organized and clean store and make it look like a tornado hit it within a half
hour of opening on Black Friday. I’ve
walked into a closing shift and have seen women fight over who saw a top
first. I’ve seen civilized humans turn
into savage beasts. Think Mean Girls,
when Linsday Lohan’s character shows what humans would look like as
animals. That’s basically what I’m
describing.
life. From a store employee, I’ve seen
the absolute WORST come out in people on Black Friday. I’ve seen people take a completely well
organized and clean store and make it look like a tornado hit it within a half
hour of opening on Black Friday. I’ve
walked into a closing shift and have seen women fight over who saw a top
first. I’ve seen civilized humans turn
into savage beasts. Think Mean Girls,
when Linsday Lohan’s character shows what humans would look like as
animals. That’s basically what I’m
describing.
Thanks to working retail and never being able to actual
experience Black Friday as a customer, I STILL don’t want to experience
that. Last year was the first Black
Friday where I actually left the house since I left retail 5 years ago. The fiancé and I didn’t leave until about
12pm’ish and we went to Best Buy first.
Guess what? They still had
electronics available. We then ventured
off to Verizon to get new phones for his family. I wasn’t ready to experience clothing stores
as a customer yet so after that we went home.
experience Black Friday as a customer, I STILL don’t want to experience
that. Last year was the first Black
Friday where I actually left the house since I left retail 5 years ago. The fiancé and I didn’t leave until about
12pm’ish and we went to Best Buy first.
Guess what? They still had
electronics available. We then ventured
off to Verizon to get new phones for his family. I wasn’t ready to experience clothing stores
as a customer yet so after that we went home.
Did you know that a lot of retailers actually make certain
products specifically for Black Friday that aren’t as great as you think they
are (mostly electronics)? Some retailers
even raise their prices just a little bit before they have the Black Friday
sales (I won’t call out the retailer that did this when I worked there but it
was a fashion related retailer). That’s
why I really haven’t gone out on Black Friday.
I’m sure certain things are an actual deal but I’m not about to have to
push my way through a crazy crowd and fight over anything with people, my
anxiety can’t handle it.
products specifically for Black Friday that aren’t as great as you think they
are (mostly electronics)? Some retailers
even raise their prices just a little bit before they have the Black Friday
sales (I won’t call out the retailer that did this when I worked there but it
was a fashion related retailer). That’s
why I really haven’t gone out on Black Friday.
I’m sure certain things are an actual deal but I’m not about to have to
push my way through a crazy crowd and fight over anything with people, my
anxiety can’t handle it.
With all of that being said, this would be my go to Black
Friday shopping outfit. I think this
year I’m ready to take an adventure to the mall as a customer! This outfit is super simple, and of course
flat boots for being able to walk around comfortably, no jacket because who
wants to hold a bulky jacket? So, since
I have a lot of fashionistas that read my blog and shop a lot, I just wanted to
say, don’t be that jerk that retail employees have to put up with during the
holidays. The people behind the register
or on the floor do not make the rules so if you aren’t happy with something,
don’t take it out on them. They are just
doing their job. Nobody likes a Negative
Nancy.
Friday shopping outfit. I think this
year I’m ready to take an adventure to the mall as a customer! This outfit is super simple, and of course
flat boots for being able to walk around comfortably, no jacket because who
wants to hold a bulky jacket? So, since
I have a lot of fashionistas that read my blog and shop a lot, I just wanted to
say, don’t be that jerk that retail employees have to put up with during the
holidays. The people behind the register
or on the floor do not make the rules so if you aren’t happy with something,
don’t take it out on them. They are just
doing their job. Nobody likes a Negative
Nancy.
P.S. To the people who say “I’m going to talk to your
manager to get you fired” yea, you can try but it takes more than just a
disgruntled customer to get someone fired in retail.
manager to get you fired” yea, you can try but it takes more than just a
disgruntled customer to get someone fired in retail.
Also, today I did a little collab with a few bloggers for
our Black Friday outfits! Check out
everyone below!
our Black Friday outfits! Check out
everyone below!
Clockwise:
Clockwise:
Whitney: “As much as I love shopping, I am not a Black Friday shopper. I prefer to sleep-in, eat Thanksgiving leftovers and avoid the major crowds. I still love holiday shopping expeditions, though! It’s fun to look festive but comfort is really key for a day of walking around and carrying shopping bags!”
Linda: “In Canada we are still going full out on Black Friday but I do like dressing a little festive knowing that you are enjoying a special Holiday. Wearing my new embroidered blazer from Target with a pair of plaid pants I have owned for a few years.I will not be hitting the sales on Black Friday but I will be thinking of all my American Friends enjoying this time with their families.”
Shelbee: “For Black Friday shopping at the mall, I must be warm and comfortable for waiting in outside lines. But I also must wear enough layers to shed if I get too hot. I chose a lightweight hoodie, stretchy jeggings, and flat boots for lots of walking. I layered up with a leather jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves. Minimal jewelry to prevent snagging…just earrings and my wedding ring. Let’s go shopping! “
Kellyann: “This is an outfit I’d wear if I was actually going shopping on Black Friday. A crossbody bag is a necessity for me so my hands are free to shop! I want to be comfortable so I chose skinny jeans, a lightweight plaid shirt, and a v-neck sweater to keep me warm. Knowing my Florida climate as I do, the sweater will come off by noon! Right now I’m only planning on shopping online. I want to spend as much time as possible with my boys and soak up all that I have to be thankful for.”
Jennie: “I rarely actually go to any stores on Black Friday and stick to shopping on my laptop, but this year I may actually visit our local outlet mall and catch some sales. A lightweight jacket, hat, and boots will keep me warm and comfortable throughout the day without extra bulk.”
Chrissy: “Black Friday has always been a fun shopping adventure to me. I can recall standing in crazy lines for Bath & Body Works candles and Air Freshner plug-ins. However, for the last 3 years my Black Friday shopping is now on “Black Tuesday or Wednesday” with my mother in law and sister in law in central Illinois. On official Black Friday you’ll find me traveling on the road back to GA with hubby and boys.”
Lee: “This year on Black Friday instead of running around spending money and buying things we don’t need I am going to volunteer. I am apart of a local service league which holds an event called Christmas House which gives underprivileged children a new coat, 2 toys, and 2 new books for Christmas (or whatever holiday they celebrate). In order to have the items to offer we work with other companies to raise money or get donations. This year to get books we have partnered with Barnes and Noble (New Hope Commons Durham NC). As part of our partnership we will ‘man’ the gift wrapping table. So my black Friday will be spent wrapping gifts for shoppers at Barnes and Noble while spreading the word about Christmas House. Head to my blog to learn more.”
Kristin: “Since I live in Germany, Black Friday isn’t as big of an occasion as it is in the States. This year I’m going to be shopping online so I can still get in on all of the sales! I’m always looking for great deals on expensive winter items like boots, coats, and cashmere.”
Kimberly: “I would wear something comfortable and dress in layers so I can take things off if its crowded or the stores are hot. A lightweight/loose top, vest and scarf would complete my look.”
Ada: “This year on Black Friday I will be working and give or take I am going to be out and about for 12 hours straight so a comfy and warm outfit with black skinny jeans – still work-appropriate – a black long-sleeve wool tee and one of my long and cozy chenille cardigans will be what I will wear. I chose burgundy desert booties for comfort and a wool-blend blanket scarf to keep warm. My workplace is doing the “Simply Give” event this year on Black Friday. I will be doing a food-drive for families in need and after that a mittens+socks drive+deliver. Between all the driving and being in an out of my car, I wanted a layered look. I think my ‘Fall Uniform’ is also perfect for shopping on Black Friday since layers are a must.
Lizzie: “On Black Friday, I like to wake up super early to take my siblings on a shopping spree in our PJ’s. We have a lot of fun picking out presents for our family and making memories along the way.”
Monica: “Oh Black Friday, so many people get up so early to go shopping and I think it’s become its own holiday as well. I like to be lazy Thanksgiving weekend and I’m not one of those people who wakes up early. I worked in retail for about 10 years, so I like to sleep in and take my time shopping. I usually can’t find anything on Black Friday besides certain electronics. So my plans are to sleep in, and relax until I’m ready to shop.”
Michelle: “This outfit is totally ready for some Black Friday shopping. If you plan to shop online, then you will be cozy in this pullover and comfy leggings & if you plan to head out to stores, sneakers & a cross body bag are a must for a full day of shopping! Either way, go get those deals!”
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ChrissyNeedsGrace says
Hello Monica. I enjoyed reading your post! It felt like I received an inside scoop into the world of retail. But seriously, those are great truths to think on before one rushing out and lives through the craziness for a deal that may not even be a deal! By the way, your outfit is adorable. You've inspired me on how to wear my buffalo plaid wrap. 🙂
Elegance and Mommyhood says
I have worked a few years in retail too and had my share of bad holiday season and Black Friday experiences. I agree with your saying about "Negative Nancy" and I would never ever want to be that rude to an employee, sales clerk or server as to talk the manager into firing them.
You look so cute in this outfit. I cannot believe all those pieces come from Old Navy. Love and need that scarf. Welcome by to read my post. Both times so far for the Thanksgiving collab and today's post, your outfits have been two of my favorites! You are a rock-star Monica!
http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-holiday-series-what-to-wear-on.html
jodie filogomo says
I've been in retail at this time of the holidays too, and it can be so discouraging!! In fact, we are planning on going out on Small Business Saturday instead!!
And thanks for joining us for On Monday's We Link Up!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Kimberly says
I agree that retailers raise prices during Black Friday. I think I will just shop online this year.
Shelbee On The Edge says
Monica, such a great outfit! I love the leopard boots paired with the plaid scarf. So festive and fall like and just perfect! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com