The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Fall Sweaters at TJ Maxx

I spotted these Tahari flyaway cardigans made of 100% cotton in purple, gray and black, still had the original price tag ($188), marked down to $39.99. A great layering piece for Fall.

Earlier this week I popped into TJ Maxx to check out their Fall sweaters, a must-have for New England's long, cold winters. While sifting through the racks I was pleased to find current styles by brands like Michael Michael Kors, Tahari, The Limited, Nine West, Design History, DKNY and more. Most were under $40 and were made with quality fabrics like cotton, wool, angora, even cashmere. When you consider the value of these items compared to the lightweight sweaters you find at many fast-fashion stores (lose their shape, aren't warm, don't wash well), it makes sense to put in the extra time to shop at an off-price retailers like TJ Maxx. OF COURSE I love my fast fashion, you know I'm not giving that up, but this season I plan on buying a lot of my clothing at TJ Maxx and Marshalls because cold weather clothing needs to be better quality than summer clothing.

Sifting through the racks at an off-price retailer can be a daunting task, so here are some tips to help you shop:

  • Stick to one department at a time. It's nearly impossible to cover the entire store in one visit, so stick to one department—shoes, dresses, or handbags, for instance—which will help you narrow your focus and stay on track.

  • Go in with a goal in mind. It's fun to browse, but it always helps to have a specific goal, for instance, "wrap sweater," "knee-high brown boots" or "trench coat." If you don't find what you're looking for, it's not the end of the world. Leave and try back later.

  • Shop in the right foundational outfit. For example, if you'll be trying on tunics, dresses or skirt, wear leggings and flats to the store so you can easily slip things on and off and see how the items will work with what you already have. Looking for a bag to match a particular pair of shoes? Wear those shoes.

  • Look beyond designer labels. If you're like me, you rapidly sift through those hangers and hone in on designer labels like a hawk. Stop! Consider items based on size, fit, and price. I need to remind myself this sometimes but it's better to buy a well-fitting stylish item by a no-name designer than something you don't really need, which costs more anyways, by a designer.


More photos after the jump...

This dolman sleeve sweater by Nine West was just $24.99 and so cozy!


Here's a Michael Michael Kors sweater I found marked down from $129.50 to just $39.99 that you could wear open or tied, as shown here. It was made from a luxe blend of angora, wool and something else, I forget...


This chunky knit sweater by Cambridge of London--made from a soft and warm blend of wool, acrylic and polyester--would look great with leggings and knee high boots. Makes you want to curl up next to the fire with a good book and cup of hot chocolate.


Another great wrap sweater, made from acrylic and wool, by The Limited. Pair with leggings and boots and you're all set.


I may look like a Mongolian sheep herder but I loved this vest. You could layer it over a lighter, ruffle front blouse, left open but belted, with leggings and high-heel boots.


I look like a linebacker here but the sweater was a classic cashmere v-neck priced at just $39.99. Made me think, why shop anywhere else?


While I'm not familiar with this brand "Molli & Mi," who cares? The style is perfect for fall -- an update on the classic cardigan, this open-front cocoon cardi is perfect for layering with a top and jeans, or with a blouse and skirt, topped with a cool belt.


Is Primp still cool? At any rate, if you wanted one of their super pricey basic tees, tanks or long sleeve shirts, you can get them cheap at TJ Maxx.
Comments
I really like the Tahari cardi. I've been looking for something similar, but have had the problem of the cardis being too short ( reaching my waist). As a pear shape, I think the look would suit me better if it were a bit longer. Any thoughts?
#1 Maddy (Homepage) on 2009-09-24 12:27 (Reply)
Oh, I forgot to add! I really like your tips for shopping at TJ Maxx. I have a $50 gift card I've been meaning to use it, but everytime I go in there, I get overwhelmed. I feel like I'm shopping just to shop, and not because I really like what I'm getting. I'm going to try to shop "with a purpose" next time and finally get rid of this gift card :-)
#2 Maddy (Homepage) on 2009-09-24 12:32 (Reply)
Love every one of those actually. Wish we could get out of the 80's down here!
#3 Rachel (Homepage) on 2009-09-24 12:41 (Reply)
Ooh, great bargain shopping tips! I always get overwhelmed at TJ Maxx, Marshall, and Ross so I don't go anymore.
#4 Anh (Homepage) on 2009-09-24 13:05 (Reply)
You found some gorgeous things at TJ Maxx. I love that store (and Marshalls)! Thanks for the tips. Sometimes when I go to those stores, it does seem overwhelming...
#5 Jennifer (Homepage) on 2009-09-24 13:19 (Reply)
Great tips - and they're almost EXACTLY the same as the ones I dish out for thrifting!
#6 Sally (Homepage) on 2009-09-24 13:48 (Reply)
I am a DEVOTED Marshall's shopper, I go to my local store about once a week to see what's happening. It's my favorite place to buy jeans -- I've bagged Paper Denim & Cloth, Lucky, and Blue Cult jeans for less than $20. But I have found that if I go there looking for a specific item (black V-neck sweater, for example) that almost guarantees I will not find it.
#7 MEP on 2009-09-24 14:24 (Reply)
Love this post. I am a hige fan of both Marshalls and TJ Maxx. I stop into Marshalls at least once a week during my lunch time.

I have been putting together my fall wardrobe and most of my pieces have come from Marshalls.
#8 Sabrina (Homepage) on 2009-09-24 16:27 (Reply)
where oh where did you get the boots you're wearing I have been looking for a pair just like those!
#9 Jennifer on 2009-09-24 17:20 (Reply)
Target:

http://www.thebudgetbabe.com/archives/1275-Reader-Tip-Kayden-Utility-Boot-from-Target.html

:-)
#9.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-09-25 08:46 (Reply)
Love the post! Thanks so much for taking the time to model for us, too. :-)
#10 Tiers of Joy (Homepage) on 2009-09-24 17:28 (Reply)
Wow!! What a bargain!
#11 thisizkimie on 2009-09-24 18:40 (Reply)
I love that you actually try the clothes on! Most people will just show a photo of the item and describe it, but you're really researching your stuff. lol so thanks for doing that! And I really like the cashmere sweater...reminds me of one I got from the Gap half cotton/half cashmere for like $25!
#12 giselle on 2009-09-24 19:47 (Reply)
I am so jealous! This is why I need to get my passport asap to drive down to Seattle and go to TJ Maxx! Or get a petition going for them to have a chain up in Vancouver :-)
xox
tanya
#13 Tanya (Homepage) on 2009-09-25 01:44 (Reply)
good one- and fab finds!!
#14 Real Style Real People (Homepage) on 2009-09-25 07:25 (Reply)
BB Field Trip! I love me some Marshall's and TJ Maxx, I've found quite a few great finds at both. All the sweaters look comfy and cozy and make me wish for fall even more (it's almost 90 degrees here in FL today!).
#15 Jessica on 2009-09-25 09:36 (Reply)
great tips BB and i like most of the sweaters that you found but the one i am truly liking is the first and last one :-D i am a devoted shopper to all the likes of tjmaxx!
#16 anh (Homepage) on 2009-09-25 09:47 (Reply)
I love the Nine West Dolman sleeve sweater! I have been scared of that cut but it looks great here!
#17 Leila (Homepage) on 2009-09-25 10:00 (Reply)
Great post. I find though with TJMAxx you have to look over the items closel. TJ has seconds and damage items, where as Marshall's (which is owned by the same company) doesn't.
#18 sohoaccessories (Homepage) on 2009-09-25 13:48 (Reply)
Thanks for the info. Very helpful !
#19 yuemin (Homepage) on 2009-10-15 05:01 (Reply)
This is really a great stuff for sharing.gucci silver rings
keep it up .Thanks for sharing,
#20 yuemin (Homepage) on 2009-10-15 05:02 (Reply)
I am trying to find a cashmere sweater that was sold at TJ Maxx for $79.00. it was long, ruffle front and had bell sleeves at the wrist. Can anyone help me???
#21 Camille on 2010-12-21 04:50 (Reply)
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