I often hear people talk about becoming frustrated when shopping in off-price retailers because of what’s described as overwhelming numbers of racks and inventory to sift through. Once you become familiar with the basic floor plan in a particular off-price retail store, though, these stores don’t seem to deviate much from that plan.
You all know I frequent Marshalls and TJ Maxx. In NYC, these stores are many times larger than my local stores, but the floor plan was familiar. Actually, the inventory was also familiar. I saw all of my most recent purchases—Michael Kors Santorini tote, Michael Kors white resin watch, and some Max Studio dresses.
I especially enjoyed browsing the TJ Maxx on W. 57th Street because it had the Runway at Maxx collection, which is something my local store in KY does not feature. Most of the runway items, even at the TJ Maxx prices, are pricey. But, I did try on and seriously consider purchasing a Yoana Baraschi silk dress. It was a $99.99. What can I say? I have a weakness for paisley prints.
I passed on this dress because I knew it wouldn’t make my regular wardrobe rotation. It would also require a minor alteration at the top.
Here’s the Yoana Baraschi dress:
I picked up a couple Michael Kors tees in Marshalls though.
One of the Marshalls stores I entered had several BCBG jackets (but none in my size) for just $39.99. I wanted a particular bright orange jacket so badly that I considered buying it too small and never zipping it up. Lol!
I was born and raised as a bargain shopper thanks to my mom! But my friends say the same thing about Marshalls, TJMaxx citing, "there's too much stuff, I can't find anything!" You are right, the floor plan is usually the same and I always suggest starting in Shoes. That's always easy to navigate, you just scan row by row 😉
I'm really enjoying the features of your shopping adventures! This is definitely a gorgeous dress, and I like the colors of the M. Kors tees. I love Michael Kors!
Now, about the BCBG jacket…had it been me, I would have rationalized wearing the small like you did…but it's so hard for me to pass up a good deal that I would have bought it anyway!
I'm just coming across this blog from the Atlanta Post article, and I love it! I'm a grad student, so I am definitely looking at past entries to figure out how to keep it in the pocket financially without looking like "a serious academic"
I often tell people to stay calm, cool, and collected when shopping in stores like Marshall's, TJMaxx, and Burlington. Only go on days that you have time to shop, and just know that you may find something that you love but it has limited sizes. I actually like to visit these stores over lunch or on a day off during the work week. I hate going to them in the evening and on the weekends! Wayyy too many people! Loving the MK tees!
Shasie of Live Life in Style
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@B.Inspired: Yes. Yes. Bargain shopper! I agree. It is good idea to enter these stores with a strategy. In Marshalls, my first stop is always the shoes too. My stops kinda go like this: Shoes-Bags-Dresses-Out the Door. Sometimes I look at the jackets and tops, but not usually.
@Kish: Aww thanks! I bought the MK tees because the colors would be delicious with the hot pink blazer from H&M. Ha on the jacket. I've done that many times, but it has not always ended well for me. I guess I learned a bit of a lesson 🙂
@Lauren: Welcome! I started this blog as an outlet when I was in grad school and surrounded by people that wear that academic uniform you speak of. You know, clothes that make it look like you don't care or think about clothes. I have grown comfortable with my having a style that distinguishes me in that environment. My experiences have mostly been positives too.
@Shasie: Great advice!