Although I love the thrill and satisfaction of a bargain hunt, I haven’t had the time or patience to root through racks of clothing at discount stores since I was in college, and spending money was scarce. Back then, Marshall’s and TJ Maxx were my go-to’s for higher-end shoes, handbags, going-out tops (remember those?), and formalwear. Last week on a trip to DSW, however, the old treasure-hunter in me struck and I decided to swing through the nearby TJ Maxx. I’d heard that this particular location has a “runway” department of deeply discounted designer women’s clothing and accessories, but hadn’t given it much thought. There are already so many retailers who make the same promise (Saks Off 5th, bluefly.com, etc.)—I couldn’t image that TJM would be any better. It certainly wouldn’t be cleaner.
I had hardly set foot inside the store when I spotted several rounders of premium denim. Joe’s Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, Seven for All Mankind . . . and these weren’t last year’s models or all size 27 or funky shades. They were current and plentiful. I found a pair of perfectly blue, broken-in Sevens for $89. Now, this may not sound like a bargain, but with desginer denim inching well past the $200 mark, it was a no-brainer. Also spotted: a beautiful Vera Wang Lavendar Label dress for $29 (blue just isn’t my color), Rebecca Taylor tweed shifts for $60 (normally over $300), and a jaw-dropping Gucci leather hobo for $1,000 (30 percent off retail), which I carried around on my arm for a few minutes until I started getting too attached.
TJ Maxx – Knollwood Mall
8322 Highway 7
St. Louis Park
952-238-1039
