My TJ Maxx Shopping Guide (giveaway to come)

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. tjmaxx1

Wearing: My J.Crew lady day coat from 2010 in 0P, and Calvin Klein Elara pumps in leopard. I tried on this lightweight olive one with mustard fringe, imported from Italy (approx. $24?):

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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.

Enzo A. leopards in tiny sz 4 ($49), Steve Madden wedge boots ($69), Sam Edelman velvet T-straps ($39)

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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6. Something for the little ones.
Each year, a few coworkers and I “adopt a family” and buy gifts for children of local lower-income households. We usually do our shopping at the local Marshalls to get more bang for the buck. I looked at our little girl’s wishlist this year and was worried I wouldn’t be able to find the specific branded items (Baby Alive – whose giggles give me nightmares, EZ Bake Oven, and Justin Bieber merchandise) at an off-price retailer. To my surprise, I found everything on the list, Bieber pajamas and all : )

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7. Just for fun…
I lost Nick in the store and eventually found him getting a small workout.
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Here are Nick’s gift picks: Michael Kors iPad case & leopard Snuggie (which he already has & loves):

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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.

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

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73 Comments

  1. mango123 wrote:

    TJ Max and Marshalls have a great supply of lovely clothing and other fashion items! Totally agree with your personal picks! Personally I love their purses, sheos, scarves (they have a whole wall dedicated to them, which change in type of fabric yearly!), great home decor pieces, and especially nice bras and panties for HALF the price of department store brands! It's crazy! Personally I think TJ Max is better for fashion related products whereas Marshalls and Ross (Which is essentially the same thing) are more suited for home decor 🙂

    Posted 3.5.12 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    Lots of Prada shoes in small sizes at the Boylston Marshall's last week! $200 for ballet flats.

    Posted 3.4.12 Reply
  3. Vivian wrote:

    I was never a fan of leopard print stuff, but those shoes are nice… I think I might just step out of my comfort zone for this.

    Posted 12.23.11 Reply
  4. supermomma wrote:

    Over the years I have found treasures at both of these stores. I have always been a fan, it is kind of like a treasure hunt! I would love to score the leopard print shoes in my petite size!
    Amanda Shelton

    Posted 12.21.11 Reply
  5. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean!! I love your blog! 🙂 My best find at TJmaxx was a longchamp make-up bag suuuuper discounted. I bought a couple for friends as gifts!
    Normal price was over $50 and got it for under 20 and one for $12 or so with a coupon (Steph J.)

    Posted 12.21.11 Reply
  6. Cincity26 wrote:

    My first job was also at a Marshall's in Miami. I have loved these chains ever since. You can find great buys. Just the other day I found a beautiful Versace pencil skirt.

    http://cincity26.blogspot.com/

    Posted 12.21.11 Reply
  7. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean! I simply adore your posts. You have definitely inspired me! I love your spirit of giving for the family! That is truly admirable!

    My find …. My luggage was taken during a train ride in August when visiting my BF. We went to Marshalls the next day and found a perky and pretty DVF carry-on! I am not into hearts, but this New Hearts collection sure put a smile on my face despite the previous evening's incident.

    I love finding so many great things at Marshalls and TJMAXX! (Cheryl)

    Posted 12.21.11 Reply
  8. Anonymous wrote:

    I love TJ Maxx shoes!!!!

    Vicki (giftedteacher:)

    Posted 12.21.11 Reply
  9. I loooove TJ Maxx!! Great tips!

    Posted 12.21.11 Reply
  10. Anonymous wrote:

    love your blog and look forward to know the results 🙂

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  11. Rena wrote:

    I love TJMaxx and Marshalls! I scour the stores all the time. I used to go for the shoes bras and undies first, but ever since that wish list got fulfilled I've been scouring the shoes and purses! I love the selection of purses! Oh, and don't forget the variety of perfumes available, too!
    And YES, I find my hubby getting workouts as well. I've trained him to get excited about Marshalls and TJMaxx. So far, he's been able to find ties, belts, and undershirts!

    I cannot wait for your giveaway!

    <33 Rena

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  12. Anonymous wrote:

    I just found a Le Creuset pot for my dil for Christmas – saved about $60.

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  13. which TJ Maxx did you go to? My friend is a legit size 4-5 and have a hard time finding shoes. lol. Its so rare to even find size 4 shoes and size 5!

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  14. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean I'd love to get those taupe Shoes

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  15. Pamela Bush wrote:

    My favorite things I've bought from Marshalls was a French Connection stripped dress ($30!) as well as a pair of JBrand jeans for $30

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  16. hah — we actually bought that "Baby alive" doll =)

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  17. Anonymous wrote:

    Thanks so much for your blog! I always get great ideas from you. I would use the gift card to buy a fun dress or top. — Marian

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  18. Anonymous wrote:

    Enzo a. Leopard print heels in a size 4.. At tj maxx!!! No way!!! They hardly have small sizes!! – Heidi

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  19. Emily wrote:

    OMG. I'm going there asap! Michael Kors iPad case for $50?! I paid more than that for my wristlet for my iPhone!!

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  20. sweethypie wrote:

    I love shopping at TJMaxx and Marshall's, especially for SHOES!! It's like going on a treasure hunt.

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  21. Anonymous wrote:

    I havent been to TJMaxx in years…but I used to love looking through their purses and shoes. I would definitely love a gift card for a return visit! LOVE Marshall's shoe section as well!

    -Mai

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  22. Love TJMaxx with a passion. I love to shop thru their cashmere selection and housewares section! Love your blog! Ive been lurking for awhile but finally decided to start following! Would really love if you could check out my blog!

    -Nico

    http://www.SatinandSalt.com

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply
  23. Have always passed by TJ Maxx. On my next trip across the border, will have to venture in as many of you ladies seem to be getting lots of goodies from there.

    Posted 12.20.11 Reply

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