Black Friday Crowds Jam Fashion Island

If you were among the lucky ones to start shopping at the crack of dawn Friday at Fashion Island, you probably scored some good deals. 

"I was so lucky I got this last coat. I've had my eye on it all season," said Ginnifer Steigler. She was one of the many who woke up early to hit the Anthropologie sale, which was a whopping 50 percent off additional sale prices until 11 a.m. Friday.

Anthropologie was one of many stores monitoring their capacity by letting in only a certain amount of people at a time, which created a long line out the front door. Security was also beefed up Black Friday at most stores and even little boutiques had security guards manning the front doors. 

"I'd rather come here for Black Friday than South Coast Plaza, I know that place with all the kids' shops would be a nightmare, said Alex Ottorios, who was shopping with her two best friends. "It's more mellow here."

The goods

• Nordstroms attracted customers by serving free coffee and donuts from their eBar and having a sidewalk sale where selected merchandise was displayed out in the Nordstroms courtyard. 

• Forever 21, already having low prices, was offering additional markdowns and a free Love21 duffel bag with every $50 purchase. 

• Bloomingdale's and Neiman's had additional markdowns, and lines were short. Urban Outfitters offered 50 percent additional off sale prices, causing a long line that wrapped around the inside of the store. 

• The Apple Store was the usual packed crowd and each station was filled with inquiring people. There were special Friday deals starting at 9 a.m. that included iPads starting at $458 (a $41-$61 savings) and laptops and desktops that were $100 off. 

• Express had 40 percent savings throughout the entire store and Brandy Melville was chaos with tweens swooping up tees and tops for rock bottom prices. 

Although Black Friday is over, most stores will be sharing their savings throughout the entire weekend.