Black Friday at Southtown Mall!
My mom wasn’t really a shopper, but she loved to go shopping! Actually, she loved to go to the places where you shopped. Does that make sense? Mom loved malls and just liked to walk around and people watch, I think. Every year, on Black Friday, before it became a huge thing, we would go to Southtown Mall in Fort Wayne, Indiana. That mall was hit by serious decline in the 90’s (I think that was the decade) and was eventually torn down. Fort Wayne had two large indoor malls in the 80’s and 90’s. One was Southtown and the other was Glenbrook. We lived closer to Glenbrook and went there often. Southtown was saved for Black Friday!
More Black Friday at Southtown Mall!
My oldest sister and her two kids would meet Mom, my three kids, and me at Glenbrook on the north side of Fort Wayne. We would then all drive on to Southtown. I think we would have breakfast somewhere. I remember it being light because we’d be stuffed from the previous day! As I mentioned before, my mom was a wicked awesome (ok, the 80’s just hit) cook! Anyway, we would have a light breakfast and then shop. I remember pushing strollers and then later herding kids down the various corridors of the mall. I honestly don’t know that we even bought that much. I am pretty sure Black Friday was just another shopping day with some type of sales but nothing spectacular. For more on Southtown, I found this cool site. We continued that Black Friday tradition for years. Sometimes, there were fewer kids, but my sister and I always went. My little brother might have tagged along a time or two.
Mom had to ruin it.
Eventually, Mom’s health deteriorated to the point she no longer wanted to go Black Friday shopping. Some years, Nigel would be a sport and take me. But, what’s the fun in going Black Friday shopping with your husband? I also coerced my sister into going a couple of times. I even went with my daughter (who would have been in high school and then college) a time or two. I remember standing outside LS Ayres (which became Macy’s) in the freezing cold waiting for the chance to get a gift card for maybe $20! We didn’t get one…they had only a handful and three or four doors! When Mom passed in 2004, part of the traditional joy died, too.
New Traditions for Black Friday
When my daughter got married, she moved to the East Coast. For the first few years of her marriage, they moved up and down the East Coast. Some years, they would come home. Other years, we would talk on the phone. Those were the years I had to find a different shopping buddy. OK…now, I love to shop. I really do. But, I have a friend who would win the gold in the Shopping Olympics! This woman shops, drops, and shops some more! I went Black Friday shopping with her once and once only!
Several years ago, my daughter and her family moved back to Indiana. And, a new tradition was born! The first few years she was back, we hit those Black Friday sales in the dark! Anyone who knows me knows I am not an early bird! Those early sales were rough, but it wasn’t like anyone was dressing up for Black Friday around here! We would hit three indoor malls with a few free standing stores in one morning and afternoon! And, another tradition was to have bagels at a certain restaurant known for their breads and bagels!
A few years ago, we realized we weren’t really doing as much shopping as we were browsing so getting up super duper early wasn’t necessary. We started leaving a little later…around 8:00 am…and had just as much fun! And, of course, last year, we didn’t go shopping at all. I think she and her husband may have gone out to a few stores.
A little closer to normal…
This year, we are both vaccinated and boosted! We decided to head for the malls at 8:30. I didn’t expect to buy much of anything (not many in my gifting circle had provided me with lists). I was a little surprised! I bought a dress, a skirt, a sweater, and some leggings along with a pair of earrings! Oh, and they were all for me! You’ll see a couple of these things in future posts. The earrings were actually in my last post.
Loft for the win!
Loft’s sale was 50% off with an additional 20% off! I had a $5 reward and my birthday gift of $15! That brought this dress down to $15.80! At first, I wasn’t even going to try it on as it is a drop waist rather than a tier dress. But, I went for it since my daughter was busy in the dressing rooms, too! After I figured out the cost, I was sold! Plus, check out the plaid! It matches almost perfectly! I do sew sometimes, and matching plaids is a must for me. The dress has a lovely brushed flannel like feel and is so comfortable. I wasn’t exactly sure if it was navy and red or black and red. I’ll admit I didn’t even look closely until I was picking out tights!
Black Friday shopping
I think Black Friday shopping may end up being much less of an event in the future. In fact, this year, brick and mortar store shopping was down quite a bit from 2019 (read more here). Online shopping levels were even lower than last year. I wonder if this is because many retailers actually began their Black Friday sales earlier in the week. I have a feeling this may be the new trend for retailers. My daughter and I saw lots of people out and about in Indianapolis; however, the number was much lower than usual. But, the people we did see? They were having fun! We saw many groups of women in matching shirts, sporting Santa hats, or other apparel indicating they were together! I think that’s something we will need for next year…now to remember. I wonder if Siri or Alexa can help me with that!
The Lewk
Ok, absolutely everything in this look is old, old, old! The statement necklace is from Banana Republic. The earrings are from Stella & Dot. I’m not sure if the longer necklace is Stella & Dot or Premier Designs. And, these boots? My daughter was going to get rid of them so I snitched them! I’m going to admit something now. I’m a bit of a shoe snob. I always have been. I have always bought leather shoes and boots. But, these boots are pleather, vinyl, vegan leather…whatever you want to call them. They are slouchy and were originally much more grey than they are now. They have a really cool exposed bright blue zipper up the back. Jack has lovingly chewed one of the straps. The vinyl is cracking on the inside. I’m not sure how many more seasons they have left in them. But, I love them, and they work wonderfully with a dressy but casual look like this dress! I may have found my Christmas Eve church look!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I am venturing out more and more now that I’m vaccinated and boosted. I have to admit shopping is still a little surreal to me. It’s so odd to see how low stock is in stores. One thing we kept noticing was how much more full the stores had been compared to a few weeks ago. That made us wonder if stores were holding back stock in anticipation of Black Friday sales. How about you? Are you a Black Friday shopper? Do you love the thrill of the big sales? Or, are you more like my mom and are just there to people watch? Maybe you’re more like me, a little bit shopper and a little bit people watcher? Oh, and did you get any amazing deals? I’d love to know! Leave a comment or two. Let’s have a conversation! Thanks again for visiting with me!
I usually do a little shopping for black Friday a d used to go in the middle of yhe night to try to score things. This year I just picked up some kitchen things i needed that were a little discounted like a soup immersion blender! Love the dress on you!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I’ve never gone in the middle of the night. My son and his wife do that. I wish I had picked up that Always pan when it was on sale. How do you like yours?
Thanks for coming by!
So many fun memories of malls – ours are all dying too and it makes me so sad! I used to get up super early and shop BF with my bestie. I no longer go though because the kids are grown and I shop online. It is fun though and I’d do it again if I had someone to shop with and we left at a reasonable hour. And if there was food and drinks! Ha!!I’d love a nice little brunch with a mimosa to kick off or wrap up the shopping.
Great deal on the dress – glad you got it!
xo,
Kellyann
Oh, come on up to Indiana, Kellyann! I’m sure we would have a blast shopping together! I love this dress. Loft has really been killing it in the dress department this year!
Thanks for coming by!
I absolutely love our tradition of going out, and remember how excited I’d get to go to Southtown Mall with grandma and others who joined. I’m so glad we keep that tradition alive! It was one of the things I missed most when we lived on the east coast, so I’ve been happy we’ve been able to go together since we moved back. And glad you bought this dress- it is so perfect for you! You can wear it all fall and winter!
Ah, but you didn’t like it when I first pulled it out! I’m glad you remember going to Southtown Mall. It seems like forever ago.
This is a really cute look, Marsha! Great price on your dress.
I’ve never gone shopping at a brick & mortar store for Black Friday. I just don’t like crowds. However, I did buy my 2nd pair of L’Artiste boots in as many months…
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Hahaha!!! I love that you’ve bought two pairs of L’Artiste boots (I just got another pair). They are addictive. I’d love some Fluevogs, but those ARE out of my price range.
I like crowds (not the crazy ladies grabbing for the last roll of toilet paper crazy though)! I guess Black Friday shopping was just such a part of the holiday, it feels like something’s missing if I don’t go!
Thanks for coming by, Michelle…and I can’t wait to see those boots on your blog!!
That is the cutest plaid dress I’ve seen in a while. Glad you picked it.
Ainslie, you know I had to check those side seams to make sure the plaid lined up!!! I do like it a lot!
We’ve never been a black friday shopper because of the crowds, but I do love to shop. And people watch.
I have a pair of boots that we just figured out were 15 years old, and they are getting a tad worn out, so I just took them to DSW for their donation deal. Of course I found a pair of pink combat boots to replace them, haha!!!
That deal on the dress is my kind of deal!! And it’s fabulous on you Marsha,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I love Black Friday shopping because of the crowds…usually! I’m a little more hesitant this year, but I hope the next Black Friday is better. Give me a busy city street any day, and I’m happy!
I am surprised you didn’t already have a pair of pink combat boots. I just got a pair of black ones, but I’m not sure if I really like them. They’re percolating in my closet!
Thanks so much for the compliments, Jodie! I do love this dress. I’m finding different colors work better now that my hair is grey. I probably would have still bought this dress when I was a brunette/blonde though!
Love hearing your memories of Black Friday! Your new tradition sounds perfect and I adore this dress you found. It’s perfect for the season!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
We had so much fun back then. I hope we add more people to our new tradition! Isn’t this dress wonderful? I can wear it with brown boots for a completely different look!
Thanks, Kathrine, for coming by!
that dress is so cute on you and it’s nice you have this tradition! We usually shop in November or December in the run up to Christmas, my mum, sister and I make sure it’s a day we aren’t working and we don’t have the kids and we go shopping crazy getting everything left on our Christmas lists. We ended up locking in Sat the 28th November a couple months ago, then realised as the date drew closer it was the black Friday weekend, oops! It was crazy busy at the shops but it also meant we got a few deals – I saved $50 on lego alone so I’m very pleased with that! Normally we wouldn’t dream of going near the shops then, too busy! But it worked out this year 🙂
Hope you are having a good weekend! It’s a busy but fun one here with a few events!
That sounds like a fun time to me! Shopping with kids is not always a good thing, but it can make you leave earlier (which may be a wise thing). I’ve bought lots of Legos this year, but didn’t get that kind of savings! Good for you!
Not much happening here this weekend other than arguing with myself on where I put the Christmas tree lights! AAAARGH!!!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
I love shopping! I’m one of those women who could literally shop from 8am until 10pm LOL! Although, now I’m a little older, perhaps that’s not quite so accurate lol!
Your plaid dress is gorgeous! My best friend is totally plaid mad. I reckon she’d LOVE it!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Oh, Suzy! I probably could shop for several hours but not that long! One of the problems is the lack of really good shopping around here. The malls are becoming a little scary. There is a city close to me that has really cute little shops, but they’re the kind I’d have to be in the mood to shop for…know what I mean!
I love this dress. Next to stripes and florals, plaids are my favorite!
Your Black Friday traditions sound wonderful! The plaid dress is a cute buy. It look lovely on you. Jack is so adorable!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Black Friday is just such a fun time for people watching. I miss going with all the crew, but I’m so glad my daughter is close enough to go together now. I do love this little plaid dress! And, Jack knows he’s adorable…he’s so spoiled!
Thanks, Lovely, for coming by!
I went Black Friday shopping one time in my entire life…and that was enough…lol! It’s just not my thing at all, there’s just too many people, and I felt that way before we even knew what COVID was. However, if we lived closer together I might consider going with you at least once… 🙂
Love the shot of Jack, what a cutie! I’m actually in the process of researching a few allergy meds to discuss with the vet for my girl. He wanted me to check out one that came before Apoquel because he thinks it might be the better choice for Macie.
xo,
Debbie
http://www.yourstyledstory.com
Oh, I just might take you up on that shopping trip…maybe not Black Friday though!
Last year, Jack licked his paws until they were raw! He ended up on a steroid and an antibiotic! I started him on Benadryl in March, I think. We graduated to Apoquel, but I’m not sure it works that much better. He wears one of those padded collars (you know…the fancy version of the cone of shame) to keep him from his front paws. I did just get some stuff from Naturaldog.com. Since we’re almost out of allergy season here, I’m not sure if it’s working. He didn’t like me messing around with his paws at first. Now, he just lies there and lets Mom massage his tootsies! I hope you can get some answers!
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