Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and consumers have bargain hunting on their minds.  It is also the busiest shopping day of the year.  Shoppers are hitting the stores in impressive numbers this year.  

Everyone is paying close attention to the retail numbers, and are trying to figure out if the strong numbers on Black Friday will continue throughout the holiday.  Items are  discounted up to 40% off. 

Gone are the deep discounts of up to 75% in luxury retail.  Retailers controlled their inventory this year so they would not find themselves in the same predicament as last year.  Over-supply is not an issue in 2009. 

Consumers have also changed their tactics this Black Friday.  They are more focused with their shopping, and are going into stores seeking specific merchandises; fully equipped with item specifications.  People will do whatever it takes to get the best deals possible.  Fortunately for shoppers, Black Friday will last all weekend at most retail stores.  Until then bargain hunters, shop on, shop on!

Black Friday sales seen strong, but will it last? [Reuters]

The Jil Sander line, +J, is almost here, it arrives at Uniqlo on Thursday, October 1st.  When the two decided to team up for womens, mens and accessories it was simply genius. Jil Sander is best known for it’s minimalist aesthetic and Uniqlo is known for its affordable prices, the two together created magic.  One of the best part of this collaboration is that no one item will exceed $150; that’s good news for the pocketbook.  The collection will practically walk off the racks.  If you want a look at what’s in store for you on Thursday, click here.  Remember to wear comfortable shoes because you might be standing on line.  You can also shop online if you do not want to brave the crowds.

We’ve already discussed the need to be budget conscious in this economy, all while remaining stylish.  A great way to get high-end items on a budget is to shop online luxury retail sites.  These web sites require you to sign up for free membership, and you are then invited to shop the sample sales from high-end designers like Marc Jacobs, Diane Von Furstenberg, Tory Burch and many others.  Check out the video.  Here is a list of several online retail sites to shop for luxury apparel and accessories at deep discount prices:

• Haute Look
• Ideeli
• Billion Dollar Babes
• Rue La La
• Gilt Fuse- Launching August 12th 

I was thinking? Oh, oh!  My friends tend to brace themselves whenever I start a sentence that way.  Don’t worry, this time it’s harmless.  If I had $100,000 to go shopping in any of the four major fashion capitals in the world, which would I choose?  Do you have a preference?  Would it be the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, Via Monte Napoleone in Milan, Bond Street in London or Madison Avenue in New York?  Each of these streets is lined with the most high-end stores in the world.  As a New Yorker, it will always be my first stop, and why not.  Madison Avenue offers Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Calvin Klein and Prada all within blocks of each other.  That doesn’t mean I couldn’t be persuaded with the slightest of suggestion to hop a plane and throw caution to the wind in Paris.  Who wouldn’t want to frolic in Paris?  Though I’m pretty sure there isn’t much frolicking allowed in Christian Dior, Lanvin, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, or Gucci.  Sure I don’t speak French, even though it’s been on my ‘to do’ list for the longest time.  Do I really need to know the language while shopping?  The language of shopping is universal.  No? (That’s no in a French accent.)