Friday, November 24th marks Black Friday, a day of incredible deals and discounts!
As a European, it’s intriguing to anticipate a shopping day that only recently became a widespread celebration in this part of the world.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is an annual shopping day, traditionally occurring the day after the United States’ Thanksgiving Day, which is on the fourth Thursday of November. This year, Black Friday falls on November 24th. It signifies the commencement of the Christmas shopping season and is renowned for offering significant discounts and special promotions by retailers.
The term “Black Friday” originated in the 1960s. It was initially used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving. Over time, it evolved to represent the moment when retailers from operating at a loss (“in the red”) to turning a profit (“in the black”).
Although Black Friday originated in the United States, it has gained a global popularity. Many countries around the world now participate in Black Friday sales and promotions.
While Black Friday is famous for its bargains, it has also faced criticism for contributing to consumerism. In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward online shopping and less emphasis on in-store shopping experiences. Following Black Friday, Cyber Monday has become another major shopping day, focusing on online deals and promotions on the Monday immediately after Black Friday.
Online shopping vs In-Store shopping
To be completely honest, on significant sales days like Black Friday, in-store shopping has become less and less appealing to me. I’m not a fan of the crowded stores and, personally, dealing with the physical symptoms like vertigo and hot flushes makes it challenging to shop all day during these sales events. So, for me, online shopping is the way to go. However, there are advantages to shopping in-store too!
Online shopping and in-store shopping offer two distinct retail experiences, each with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s explore the advantages of both methods.
One of the most significant conveniences of online shopping is the ability to shop from the comfort of our homes, tucked under a blanket with a cup of tea or anywhere with an internet connection. Plus, it’s available 24/7, allowing us to shop whenever it suits us. No crowds! This is particularly appealing to me during busy shopping seasons. Additionally, having purchases delivered to our doorstep is not only convenient but also time-saving!
However, there’s nothing quite like in-store shopping! I feel more satisfied and accomplished when shopping in physical stores. Being able to touch, feel, and try on clothing, along with interacting with sales associates who provide personalized assistance, adds to the experience. I often turn shopping days into social occasions, enjoying the day with friends or family. Shopping with companions allows us to relish the social aspect of going to the mall and spending a pleasant day. The immediate gratification of buying something and taking it home on the spot is indescribable.
It really depends on your preferences and how you like to spend your time during these sales days! While I like in-store shopping during official sales periods (as the sales period last longer), I can calmly enjoy finding good deals throughout this long period. Other than that, it’s online shopping for me!
I don’t have a specific technique for shopping during sales; I buy based on my preferences, filling gaps in my wardrobe, replacing items as needed, or taking advantage of good deals. If you have any tips, I’d be delighted to read them in the comment section!
My approach usually involves scrolling through different clothing websites days before the big day.
This Black Friday, I plan to purchase needed items as my wardrobe is lacking in certain clothing. I want to seize the opportunity of Black Friday (and/or Cyber Monday) to get what I need!
I’ve added different clothing items to my basket and wish-list. On Friday the 24th, starting from 12 AM, I’ll visit the websites where I saved my items and begin shopping!
I create both a basket and a wish-list because sometimes online apps erase items from the basket, and you need to start over. Wish-lists, on the other hand, stay as they are. This method makes the shopping process smoother, especially during quick-buying frenzies!
For this year’s Black Friday, my wish list is not very long, but I wanted to share it with you anyway!
My Wish-List
Dresses!! My wardrobe lacks everyday dresses as I usually reserve them for special occasions. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I want to explore dresses for daily wear. Easy to style and requiring minimal thought. Just throw on the dress, add some accessories, and you’re good to go!
Long sweater-like dress
One item on my list is a long, sweater-like mesh dress. Mesh is a material characterized by an open, net-like structure, often used in clothing to achieve a breathable and lightweight texture.
Mesh dresses offer versatility and are suitable for various styles, including casual, cocktail, and evening wear. They are favored for adding texture, a hint of sensuality, or a modern edge to an outfit.
I really like this mesh dress for its effortless look! Pair it with a long grey coat or a cozy cardigan in a matching tone, throw on a black beanie, and wrap up in a big black scarf for a winter-ready ensemble. Combine it with boots or high black converse to complete the look. The entire outfit, unified in the same color tone, can be elevated with a colored bag; a burgundy or cherry red bag, the season’s trending colors, to make the look pop and add dimension!
Vintage dress
Next on my wish-list, this button-up ruffle cotton shirt paired with a velvet dress!
Velvet, a luxurious fabric with a soft pile, boasts a plush and smooth texture. It’s commonly crafted from natural fibers like silk or cotton, or synthetic fibers like polyester. Typically associated with fall and winter due to its heavier weight, velvet has a distinct texture characterized by short, dense fibers evenly distributed across its surface. When brushed in one direction, it creates a rich sheen and a darker or lighter appearance known as “nap.”
Velvet dresses come in various styles, from casual to formal, often linked to more special occasions due to their luxurious appearance. Yet, depending on the style, they can also be worn casually, especially in relaxed or bohemian designs.
Stepping out of my comfort zone, I really love the vintage, old-money look this dress brings! It exudes a Blaire Waldorf vibe, and when paired with a black velvet headband and high-knee boots, it creates the perfect ensemble for a sophisticated daily look!
V-neck Mid-Cut dress
Up next on my wish-list is a V-neck mid-cut dress. I’m in love with the color, and the material gives off a cozy winter vibe. The slit adds a touch of allure by revealing your legs and lightening up the outfit! Crafted from polyester and recycled polyester, this dress is the perfect solution for those days when you have no idea what to wear.
Polyester, a synthetic fiber and polymer, is widely used in the textile industry. It’s created through a chemical process that involves combining specific compounds, typically derived from petroleum-based products. Known for its durability, resistance to wear and tear, and wrinkle resistance, polyester dries relatively quickly. Its hydrophobic nature makes it suitable for outdoor clothing, sportswear, and certain types of linings.
The popularity of polyester stems from its cost-effectiveness, versatility (as it can be blended with other fibers to enhance certain properties), and performance characteristics.
Recycled polyester, on the other hand, is produced from recycled materials, such as used plastic bottles, polyester garments, or other polyester waste. It’s commonly used in the textile industry to create sustainable clothing and various other products. By repurposing existing materials, recycled polyester minimizes the environmental impact of production.
Given these attributes, isn’t this dress perfect for fall and winter? Paired with a long beige coat and high-knee boots, you’re ready to face the cold days with style!
High-Knee Boots
The final item on my Black Friday wish-list for 2023 isn’t a dress but knee-high boots! I’m excited to embrace their comeback for the autumn-winter 2023/24 season. Originally worn by horse riders and popular in the 60s-70s, knee-high boots are making a fashionable return this year, establishing themselves as a wardrobe basic.
These boots provide excellent foot and leg support and pair wonderfully with short, mid, or long dresses. They not only lengthen your overall look but also add a sophisticated touch to any outfit.
That is all for my Black Friday wish-list 2023. While this list may seem minimal, I anticipate expanding it during the month-long sales period (in January) to snag better deals and will come back with shopping tips as well to shop smartly! However, I hope this list inspires you and sparks new ideas for your own Black Friday wish-list.
The items I’ve shared are perfectly aligned with the autumn/winter vibe, and I can already envision myself in a café, sipping on a Chaï Latte, wearing these stylish dresses! And who says you can’t be comfortable in dresses…
How about you? Are you ready for Black Friday (and/or Cyber Monday)? Do you lean towards dresses or pants/jeans? What’s on your wish-list, and how do you prefer to shop – online or in-store? Share your thoughts below! I’m eagerly looking forward to reading your comments.
Stay tuned for the next article, and until then, have a wonderful day!
See you soon,
Beautifully Moi!
Beautifully Moi 
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