Lineblogging: Choos Your Destiny

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Welcome to the Thunderdome... if the Choo debut at H&M here is anything like the one chronicled by our sisters in NYC, we can expect long lines, screaming and strategic planning. Well, at least we don't have the rain to deal with. Join us from the comfort of your couch as we chronicle the chaos and the carnage.

8:03am: Getting ready to leave the house. Just checked sister site Racked to see what to expect. Suddenly we are very afraid.

8:21am: Cranking AC/DC on the drive. Is oddly appropriate: dirty deeds done dirt cheap. For those about to shop, we salute you!

8:42am: There are easily 500 people here at the Beverly Center.

8:43am: There are so many people here that if you show up now, you will be whisked off to wait on a different floor.

8:46am: Just talked to a group of people who will get in first. They've been here since 11:30 last night.

8:51am: At least 50 mall cops are here!

9:09am: The dominant fashion paradigm is comfort. Lots of uggs, flip-flops and flats.

9:11am: Looks like someone at Haagen Daaz likes Hunky Santa!

9:27am: Excitement building for when the doors open at 10am.

9:39am One of the security dudes thinks at least half the people are going to go away with zilch.

9:40am: And yet, people are still showing up.

9:54am: Line for a latte at Starbucks is 40 deep.

9:55am: Almost showtime! People are on their feet whooping.

9:56am: Whoa. Someone in line with a REAL Birkin bag.

9:58am: Deafening screaming.

10:01am: First 100 are in.

10:03am: People are going nuts. It's like locust descending on a glittery, blingy field.

10:05am: Someone already tore the dress off a mannequin. Oh, the humanity!

10:07am: Melee!

10:12am: First shopper emerges from the store with bag.

10:14am: Checkout line is also cray-cray.

10:16am: Already reports that the black & silver dress is history.

10:19am: No more blue suede dress, either.

10:21am: There are still droves & droves of people showing up thinking they're going to get something.

10:34am: Still at least 300-500 people in line.

10:36am: Many happy customers still shopping with blue bags.

10:42am: Oh snap! More people but more blue dresses.

10:44am: Mannequins are being shamelessly manhandled and groped and stripped. Chill, people!

10:58am: Aaaand we're out. Good luck, everyone.