As promised, Miss Charissa is back to give us some pointers on Black Friday dressing. I, myself, would have suggested accoutrements more along the lines of a helmet, a bullet proof vest, a numchuck worn scarf-style and so on, but these ideas are a tiny bit more practical. To each their own…

It probably seems like such a silly thing to plan out what to wear based on the events of Black Friday - but I can assure you that you need to plan your shopping attire on a few key points. (And I’m not saying that just because I am a fashion-loving gal, although that does have a little to do with it.)

If you are serious about jumping into the Black Friday craziness, then you need to be prepared from head to toe!

So here we go!

A few things to think about Friday morning, as you get dressed:

1. Be Comfortable - You need to make sure what you choose to wear is super comfortable! You are going to be moving fast to get as much shopping done as possible so a dress is probably not the best choice. Suggestions: Track Suit, Jeans, Comfortable Sweater or Top.

2. Be Cool - Remember that you are going to be doing a lot of walking and a lot of moving. Even if it’s cold outside, be sure you wear lightweight clothing so you don’t get too hot. Suggestions: Layer your clothing so you can take off jackets, or sweaters if you get hot.

3. Step Light - It is imperative that you wear comfortable shoes! Now, I am a shoe freak and love my stilettos and boots, even for shopping, but not, I repeat NOT for Black Friday shopping! Suggestions: Tennis Shoes, Comfortable Flats, Flip Flops, Crocs, Uggs.

4. Feel Good - Now, while you are dressing comfy I still want you to feel great about yourself! If you find a good deal on something for you I want you to get it! And we all know that we are more likely to buy for ourselves when we feel good about ourselves. Suggestions: Wear your Jewelry, Fix up your hair and makeup like you normally would. Just because you might be in a Track Suit doesn’t mean you can’t look great.

5. Learn to use your Bag - Check out my last post on ways to use your handbag to help you out on Black Friday.

Now do you agree that you need to be comfortable when shopping this Black Friday?

(If you’re the type of person who would rather sit around in your PJs than brave the crazed shoppers, there’s a solution for you! Black Friday: Online Shopping and Cyber Monday!)

When you’ve decided what to wear on the big day - leave us a comment and let us know!! I might even blog about you over at Fashion Trend Spotting.

Next Post: Top Ten Best Deals to Look for on Black Friday

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The lovely Charissa of Fashion Trend Spotting was kind enough to deliver two fantastic posts worth of Black Friday shopping wisdom. This week, Miss Charissa tackles the topic of just how to best use your handbag on a post-Turkey Day shopping adventure (aside from its obvious function as weaponry).

Black Friday is only days away and if you’re like most Americans, you are either stoked and waiting at your computer for the Black Friday deals to be leaked, or you’re already planning to sleep in and avoid it at all costs.

Hopefully you plan to put on your shoppin’ shoes (that’s what us Southerners call them) and grab your handbag that has the most room inside and head to the malls!

**Note to men: If you are in the dating or engaged stage and this is your first time to visit her side of the family for Thanksgiving. Yes, it would woo her to no end (and her mother, sister, and aunts) if you offered to tag along and carry bags. However, you might get beat up by dad, brother, and uncles. You see, Black Friday isn’t a typical stroll through the mall. It’s more like a shopping mall wrestling match and the only way to win, is to shed a little blood. Just trust me on this one…spend time with the guys (instead you can take part in Black Friday by buying her something online - check out these great Black Friday deals For Her from eBillme), let her do her Black Friday thing, and don’t ask how much she spent

Ok ladies back to YOU! As I said above, there are two important things you need for Black Friday - Shoppin’ Shoes and a Good Handbag with a lot of room!

I want to focus on the Handbag in this post. (Check my next post for picking out good Shoppin’ Shoes).

Here’s how your roomy handbag can work for you this Black Friday:

1. Stock it with Snacks.

• You will need snacks like peanut butter crackers, mini bottles of water, or beef jerky packed away in your bag.

• When you are shopping and fighting through the crowds it will take a lot of energy out of you and you won’t realize it.
• And if you get to the mall at 4 a.m. (as you should), by 8 a.m. you’ll be sniffing out lunch! Grab and open spot on a bench and eat a quick snack, take a swig of water, and you’re off for phase 2!

2. Categorize your Coupons

• Spend time the night before clipping those coupons! Even if you are like me, and hate to keep up with coupons, Black Friday is the day to use them!
• Divide them into category, alphabetical, by store, whatever works for you.
• Put each grouping in a separate envelope and label the envelope.
• Keep them in order in your bag so you can search through them easily.

3. Stuff your Bag.

• As you’re shopping, you can easily drop your smaller purchases into your bag to help keep your hands free for coupon pulling!
• Of course, the bigger bags will need to be taken out to the car as you get overloaded with bag after bag.

I recommend these fabulous bags that I think are perfect for Black Friday shopping from Handbag Heaven - Zebra Print X-Large Shopper, Rachael Oversized Rhinestone Bag, Large Burlap Polka Dot Tote, and Alessandra Boat Tote.

The most important thing is to HAVE FUN and realize that you are saving a TON by taking part in Black Friday.

Next week: How to dress for the big day!

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