This holiday season, TJ Maxx & Marshalls asked me to share some picks from their stores. I’m a pretty loyal customer of this locally-based company (perhaps it’s because my first job ever was at a Marshalls) and especially for last-minute gifts. Here’s some of my regular “pit stops” when speed-browsing my local TJ Maxx:
1. Scarves – gifts that are guaranteed to fit.
The scarf selection at my local store is extensive to say the least. This winter wall continued for a few more yards, plus there was a whole other wall of silk & lightweight scarves behind me. Prices of the ones I tried on ranged from $6 to $40 for cashmere, and were marked at about 50% off retail or more. 
2. Chic shoes sorted by size (in extended sizing).
While working at Marshalls, my shoe collection grew a bit out of control. The styles are the same as in department stores and there’s new ones in every week. If you have a “Runway” section at your local store – there could even be Dolce & Gabbana (see Cher’s score), Prada (see Vicky’s find), or other designer treasures.
Here’s another view of the SM taupe wedge booties. They remind me of H&M; booties I liked, but are better quality with a suede upper and rubber tread sole.
3. Shoe pads and inserts – affordable little stocking stuffers.
I use shoe cushions for comfort and for making slightly too-big shoes fit better. I always knew that TJ Maxx & Marshalls carried some foot cushions, but during this visit I was amazed by the stock. They had the Foot Petals combo pack (above left) for almost 75% off – it’s currently sold here at full retail – and a whole wall of individual cushions and non-skid sole stickers.
4. Hosiery – useful and fun.
I love giving and receiving hosiery, especially in colors or textures that I typically wouldn’t purchase for myself. I liked this package in the middle – $9.99 for 3 pairs – containing a dark gray, light gray, and brown – colors that are different from your basic black, but still very wearable for women of all ages.
5. Don’t underestimate the power of…
Shapewear and nude-colored bras. Two of the most commonly asked questions on this blog are: 1. How do you get rid of visible blouse-tucking lines? and 2. Do you wear a layer under sheer tops? I don’t know the answer to the first one, but a number of readers said that tucking blouses into shapewear bottoms are the answer. I found a rack of them for under $10, and would’ve picked these up if they were flesh-colored. Not sexy, I know, but whatever may get the job done.
As for sheer blouses – I’ve been featuring a number of sheer garments lately on this blog and I usually do not wear a layer underneath. I don’t like the extra bulk of having a camisole under thin, drapey blouses (not to mention the extra visible lines that show through my skirt). I have a drawer full of nude-colored bras, so I never have to worry about an undershirt. TJMaxx and Marshalls often have extended sizing in bras available for much less than department stores.
7. Just for fun…
I lost Nick in the store and eventually found him getting a small workout.
Disclosure – This post is sponsored by TJX. Stay tuned for a giveaway later today where 3 of you will win $50 to spend at TJ Maxx or Marshalls.
I've been obsessed with TJ Maxx recently!! I love the sweaters and who can beat the prices! I recently bought a tweed coat for $24 on clearance! : )
Black Chinese Laundry pumps for $25!!
I love how they both have a lot of great finds that just require some looking! I think TJMaxx as a very nice purse and shoe selection.
My favorite store is TJ Maxx.
I love TJMaxx as well. In fact I just got back from there!!
yes, TJMaxx is great, I use to buy Jewelry there, also Buy shoes in Marshalls.
I love TJ Maxx!! Everything I find is a treasure. Latest find is 600 count Egyptian Cotton linen set for $50. Can't beat that!!
No wonder big retailers like TJMaxx would find you to write about them, Jean. I have yet to find someone else who can do a more thorough and comprehensive job than you do. And you always always add humor to your posts. ADORE! (I'm referring to Nick's workout picture). I have to go back to my TJMaxx soon and see if they have the shoe inserts. Never knew they carry these.
Looking forward for the giveaway! Yay. Thanks for thinking about your readers, as always!
I like TJ Maxx/Marshalls for gifts too! I usually go through the interiors aisles and look for an interesting vase or tray. Something simple, but pretty.
I like TJMaxx too
Great overview of TJMaxx/Marshalls goodies!
Those shoe pads and inserts are a great deal!
And your "adopt a family" tradition is great! 🙂
My first job was at TJMaxx; however, I wasn't really into fashion then. I bought about 5 items at TJMaxx for the 2 years that I work there. Crazy right?
I have the exact same SM wedge boots in your pictures! I got them at TJ Maxx a few months ago but they actually hurt my toes so much I can't wear them anymore! Shame cause they are so cute!
Wish I live around your hood. The TJ Maxx/Marshall store in my area is such a mess and wait for the checkout line is a nightmare. That's the living of NYC. =)
BTW, can't wait for the gift card giveaway.
Hi Jean, thanks for the tip on nude bra under sheer tops. And, I love TJmaxx Runway!
@evelyn I don't have many scarf tips myself, but have you already seen Wendy's video? http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct;=j&q;=&esrc;=s&source;=web&cd;=1&ved;=0CGAQFjAA&url;=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D5LYAEz777AU&ei;=kLnvTuzIFpKUtwem0q2ACw&usg;=AFQjCNESe24fH3n1HR8HYBl2Y-KjOqev6A
@Yulia @Anonymous I agree the ones in downtown Boston (downtown crossing) are so messy, but the Marshalls on Boylston is not bad. The photographs are from that one as well as the TJ Maxx on Harvard Street in Allston which I was passing by. I hear the better stores with designer merchandise are out in the suburbs, in Natick, for example : )
@connie Thanks! It's a color from last year called Cobblestone – a taupe-gray.
@Adriana Saw your FB post! Will respond there : )
@JL Hi JL – I signed up for Enviius after other bloggers and international readers recommended it, and placed an order with them using my own money. Little did I know…two months later, I'd still be without any shipment notifications nor merchandise. I’ve emailed them many times this month with absolutely no response. I regret having posted about a company with such deplorable customer service, and I’m truly sorry for your bad experience as well as anyone else’s. I usually don't post about companies that I haven’t bought from myself, but occasionally I do if it’s a relevant and/or time-sensitive sale (as with Enviius and also this week with Coldwater Creek). This reminds me that anything purchased online is unfortunately done so at the buyer’s risk. I will do better research going forward, and I also ask readers to please conduct your own research as well with companies that you’ve never shopped at before.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by TJ Maxx and Marshalls. There's SO MUCH stuff, and I feel that I have to really take my time in order to not miss a potential great deal – and over the years I've gotten lazier about digging through racks. However, I have found some great stuff there – a Betsey Johnson silk skirt for $8, BCBG cashmere sweaters, etc. And it's absolutely amazing for unique, well-priced home gifts.
Hi,
I'm not quite sure how to email you or the blog, so I'm posting a comment instead. In late October you posted about a sale on Enviius.com for Amrita Singh jewelry, and I have the worst experience with customer service with the company. They refuse to refund me for items they did not ship-I understand that you may receive referral fees, but it may be best to conduct some research on the companies you recommend before posting them.
Love T.J Maxx. One of the best bargain stores. You should get those shoes. They look great.
http://www.thegirlieblog.com
Great post! I've been reading your blogs for a few months already. It's wonderful that you show us ways to style our wardrobe as well good deals in stores. TJ Maxx is one of my favorite stores to shop in. Their selection is vast and decent in price. The pictures of the TJ Maxx that you shown here looks more neat than here in California! Maybe I need to go shopping in at TJ Maxx in a different state! lol! I'll be back on your site to check out the giveaway! Happy Holidays!
Hi Jean! Sorry, I tried posting to the FB page, but I guess FB was being all wacky on me! Just wanted to let you know about a recent discovery at The Limited. There's a skinny belt I found the other day that has an overlapping adjustable strap in the back with a metal clasp in the front. This definitely reduces the need to tuck in any extra material in the front. Here's the link:
http://www.thelimited.com/detail/toggle-closure-skinny-belt/1005247
Enjoy! 🙂
Ooooo! Weee!! I LOVE TJ Maxx ^_^ And stores like Marshalls and Ross. You never know what you might find! I have all three pretty close to where I'm living right now XD
Great post, Jean =) I can't wait for this giveaway!
YAY!!!! This should be a fun blog post tag where everyone takes pics of things they found at TJMAXX. You look fabulous in everything you wear Jean!
Love your coat! what color is it?
TJ Maxx is my go to place for last minute gifts (since it's just a few minutes away. The store usually seems like a big mess to me but you can find some really great things!
Your TJMAXX is so better stocked than any one I've ever gone to! I love them for housewares (eiffel tower jewelry holder…eiffel tower bookends…hmm…theme?), cookware, and the scarf I'm wearing today is from there ($40 cashmere, baby!). Another good tip is…check out their jewelry counter, especially the clearance. Real sterling silver, gold and gemstones for cheap! I got a rope pearl necklace (real pearls) there once for $20!
Great tips Jean! Thanks so much!
Thanks for the gift guide! I love your blog so much, even though none of the sizing issues apply to me. Just letting you know it is appreciated!
I love TJ Maxx! Some of my favorite and most comfortable heels are from them. Also, I have the leopard snuggie too and my roommates steal it all the time 🙂
Thank for sharing! Now I'm off to try to find the MK ipad case at my store
jean, great gift picks. thanks for your thoughtfulness with the gift cards. you're so kind and considerate of your readers. again, thanks for everything and keep up the great work. 🙂
I love Marshalls but I prefer the UK version of TJ Maxx, TK Maxx.
Lovely coat!!
The Life After
A TJ Maxx opened up near my neighborhood a couple of weeks ago. I've been there about 6 times already 🙂
Ohhhh I love TJMaxx and Marshall's. I find that TJ has better clothing, bags and shoes if it's a Runway store, great LAMPS(!), and kitchen spices/beverages. My closest Marshall's is a combined Home Goods store which I love (have gotten all my super soft fluffy Lacoste towels there). I also love that TJMaxx has a dedicated return line so you don't have to wait too long. What I would LOOOOOOOVE is a TJ Runway combined with Home Goods. I would never leave the store! 😀
I know what you mean about the shoes! I found a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti booties for $39.99!!! My best find ever. I love those little red stickers.
Wow, your TJMaxx has a great selection, esp for shoes! Which town is it in, if it's no secret?
Jean, I am curious which TJ MAXX did you go to? Usually, the TJ MAXX in Boston is so messy.
I LOVE TJ Maxx- especially the Runway section- that is where I go directly as soon as I get in the store!
The ones in NYC always look like there is an hourly stampede, 365 days of the year. There must be some method to the madness, such as going early on a particular morning etc.
I love that you are thrifty! Too many bloggers choose stores that are beyond my price range. I went to a local TJMaxx and found some great extended sizes, including a 32D bra (alas, I'm a 32DD but still normally you have to speciality order those).
Great job with the picks!
I can kill some hours browsing through TJ Maxx. It's my favorite place to wander around lol. Also, I'm surprised to see size 4 shoes in your store. The smallest my local stores carry is 5 (I am a 4.5).
i've been following your blog for awhile now and just wanted to let you know that i love everything that you've featured on here! this is kind of random, but i'm pretty styling-challenged when it comes to wrapping a scarf to make it look cute (beyond the basic fold in half and loop ends through; double wrap around the neck with the ends hanging loose). i've seen you wear scarves in a bunch of different ways, and was wondering if you could post some how-to suggestions for wrapping scarves? thanks!
Your TJMaxx is the cleanest I have ever seen!!! All Marshalls and TJMaxxs here are a huge mess! 🙂 I love these stores though and have found some really nice bargains! Latest find fleece lined tights for $6.99 by Ellen Tracy. Super warm (tested in 30F weather while walking my dog) and super stylish (look just like regular tights would)
I got many of my treasures from my local TJMax.And will definitely go there this week! Love your post
Ooh i want that size 4 leopard shoes!
I live for TJ Maxx! I actually just went to a local one in CT and couldn't believe the scarf selection. I ended up getting two cynthia rowley silk scarves for 16 bucks each
Great picks! I can't believe you worked at Marshalls- I probably would have done the same thing in terms of shoe buying. I find that though the clothes don't always come in tiny petite friendly sizes, the shoes do, which is sometimes even better!
You must be at the neatest TJ Maxx ever! My fave store in LI usually has some fantastic stuff, but always kind of look like a clothing bomb went off in there! ;o)
I love TJ Maxx and Marshalls!! I was just there shopping for Christmas gifts. I always head for their chocolates and hot cocoa this time of year. Their shoes and purse selection is where I always score. I love the fact that they carry some petite sized pants as well.
I wear a size 4 in shoes and I'm really shocked that size was in the store! Pretty sure my Marshall's doesn't carry anything that small 🙁
TJ Max is one of my favorite place to shop! Cant wait for your giveaway!