The huge blue bow wrapped around the front of The Bravern is brightly colored proof the holiday season has started at the new luxury retail complex, but without early crowds clamoring for bargains, it didn't feel much like Black Friday.

At mid-morning, there was no wait at a new espresso stand across from Tory Burch. Neiman Marcus, which offered a $50 gift card for purchases of $100 or more until noon, was humming with people looking through sale racks, but it felt more like a normal weekend than the start of the holiday shopping season. Only one shopper looked at fabulously expensive goods in Hermes.

But by 11 a.m., traffic was heavy into the parking lots at Bellevue Square. The mall bustled with people still on a shopping high after showing up early for deals. Lucky Brand Jeans had a sign that declared: "Almost Free Clothes." At Macy's Home store, which had sales of up to 60 percent off until 1 p.m., shoppers crowded into the kitchen area, looking through discounted blenders, food processors and pots and pans.

Char Tait showed up at 5 a.m. for Macy's and JCPenney bargains. By 11:30, she and her daughter also had visited Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer, Lucy, Williams Sonoma and Ann Taylor Loft. She waited outside Crate & Barrel with about 15 other people for its doors to open at 9 a.m.

Tait, of Manson in Chelan County, shops early for the fun of it.

"It's not crazy at 5," she said. "You can take your time and see what's discounted."

Jeannie Bowers started later this year, showing up at 7 a.m. rather than 5 a.m. because her regular shopping partner couldn't make it. Bowers, of North Bend, still scored a down comforter with two pillows for $39 at Macy's and found other deals at JCPenney. She was disappointed when Toys R Us, open since midnight, was sold out of the toys she was looking for.

"I've done really well," she said.

There were some impressive discounts available, but did you succumb to the crowds? What was your best deal from Black Friday? Let us know in comments below.