Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit the TJ Maxx and Marshalls fall preview. While I’ve been a huge fan of both stores for a long time - my favorite Earnest Sewn jeans, Theory blazer, and Nine West peeptoes all came from those two stores - I got to learn a little more about how they operate.
Obviously, I loved their collection of bow embellished items. Those gloves are almost exactly like the ones I’ve been admiring at Kate Spade!
While a traditional retail buyer has four buying seasons (holiday/resort, spring, prefall/summer, and fall), the TJ Maxx and Marshalls buyers travel for 40 weeks a year. This means that they can purchase on trend, in season merchandise that selling for full price at a department store at the same time.
How cool is that tribal printed trench?
Every store, everywhere, receives more than 10,000 new items every week. My mom and I have always tried to figure out when our local TJ Maxx and Marshalls would get new shipments so we’d have the first pick of the goods, but with 10,000 new things being delivered throughout the week, I guess that doesn’t really matter!
Are you a Marshalls or TJ Maxx shopper? What’s your best find?
Thank you to Lia and the rest of the TJ Maxx/Marshalls team for having me!
My college friend and sorority sister Karin left the following comment on my blog post yesterday featuring a J Crew sweater vest…
omg, where can i get a sweater vest these days?? I’ve been wanting one since last winter. suggestions?/ xoxo your blog
I automatically wanted to direct Karin to J Crew where I purchased my own a few years ago, but their women’s offerings are a bit crazier and in the $800-$1000 price range. (REALLY, J Crew?!) Even a quick search on ShopStyle turned up nothing in the traditional sweater vest category, so I had to get creative…
Full details on items pictured here.
For such a classic style, I turned to American classic brands - LL Bean, Lands’ End, and Brooks Brothers (Click through for options). The fit will also be “classic” here so pay attention to their size charts, and you may want to size down to get a fitted look like mine.
For something a teeny bit trendier, Lands’ End Canvas has an adorable shawl collar version and The Limited offers some snazzy patterns.
Maybe my favorite option is to borrow from the men or the boys - the J Crew men’s department stocks a great basic merino vest and I’m seriously considering this Crewcuts Fair Isle vest. (Although Rugby Ralph Lauren makes a similar women’s one.)
I hope you find something you like, Karin!
Do you have a question for me? Use the Tumblr Ask feature or shoot me an email.
I recently received a question from a reader named Melanie.
Hi there! I love love love your blog. Where are your favorite places to shop? I’m a size 12 and sometimes have a tough time shopping. Do you have a favorite store for classics (such as a button town oxford, trench, etc.)? Keep up the great work! Your confidence is an inspiration.
Thanks, Melanie, for reading and for the kind words. This is a great question, but I’d first like to start off by explaining my shopping philosophy.
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