Just about a week has passed since Black Friday, one of my top five favorite days of the year. Sales rose 8.3% from last year, much better than the dismal 4% prediction, so way to go shoppers!

Back in Buffalo, I work at Express whenever I'm home, which meant that I was armed with coffee and ready to go at 6 a.m. on Black Friday. I love the kick-off of the holiday season, so the down-in-the-dumps attitude of most of our shoppers really hurt my holiday spirit. There seemed to be two categories: stressed out Americans and angry Canadians. The stressed out part I can understand; everyone just got through Thanksgiving, only to be thrust into holiday shopping. But angry? Come on, Canada. You should be happy -- your dollar is stronger than ours.

When I finally escaped from the cave of glitter and sequins that is Express, my sister and I went to the bigger and nicer mall a few towns over to do some shopping of our own, where my excitement for the season was restored as I found awesome sales and presents for my friends and family. After getting all that out of the way, I made a little Christmas list of my own. After three months of nothing but College Ave., a return to commercial retail was surprisingly wonderful and exciting. So here it is, my (in a perfect world) Christmas list, featuring the most covet-worthy items I found on Black Friday.

Banana Republic Beaded Mini Dress, $228

This gray dress is literally the perfect holiday outfit. The beading makes it dressy enough for any occasion, but it is subtle enough to work in a casual atmosphere as well. The patterned beading on the silk fabric is reminiscent of the '20s -- perfect for a party.

Express Legging Jeans, $44.50

Maybe the most inventive item I found. I know Nikki and I have hit leggings pretty hard this fall, but these are an exception. Thick legging material is dyed and designed to look like skinny jeans (and they really do!). As someone who constantly fights the desire to wear my sweats to class, as well as struggling most days to fit my jeans in boots, these are the perfect remedy. A little tacky? Maybe. Really genius? Definitely.

Betsey Johnson Eau de Parfum Spray, $45-75

I'm not a big perfume wearer, but this is one of the best smelling sprays I've ever found. Equal parts floral and citrus, it's perfectly young and just sweet enough.

Urban Outfitters Leather Gloves, $38

The bright purple color and silver buckle adds a punky feel, which makes graduating to grown-up gloves a little easier.

Urban Outfitters Risky Business Sunglasses, $14

I was considering splurging on some really nice wayfarers, but these are just as cute, and you can't beat $14, especially if you're a perpetual breaker of sunglasses like me.

Coach Signature Bangle, $98

I am obsessed with the simplicity of this silver bangle, especially when it's complemented by the deep purple hue. It's ¾" size makes it clunky enough for everyday, but the thinness of the bracelet makes it versatile enough for special occasions.