Behind the Seams

I was so excited to attend the Behind the Seams event this past weekend. The event was all about Marshalls and TJ Maxx - more specifically - how they stock the latest designer merch at low prices.  The perfect information for Fauxshionistas! 


There are lots of off price merchandisers, but TJs and Marshalls have the most buying power with over 1800 stores nationwide. Their army of buyers travel to 60 countries and buy from over 12,000 different vendors and designers. A common misconception about the stores is that they carry last season's merchandise. On the contrary, about 90% of what they carry are this season's clothes, shoes, and bags. 


Here's one example of how it works: A designer will make a dress in 4 colors. Department stores decide to buy only 2 of the 4 colors. TJs and Marshalls swoop in and buy the remaining 2 colors of the same dress to stock at their stores within the next 2-3 weeks. Designers like working with the stores because at the end of the season, they don't have to buy their unsold pieces back.

So who taught us all this important information?  None other than style expert and TV correspondent Alison Deyette! Alison has been on The View, Tyra, and The Today show, to name a few. She was great, and took the time to speak with all of us about her life and career. It was such a pleasure to meet her! 

Miss Sixty trench coat and Lucky bag - Department store prices: $215 and $178, Marshalls' prices: $89.99 and $80.00

Jantzen swimsuit and Calvin Klein dress - Department store prices: $100 and $128, Marshalls' prices: $25 and $50

Alison, showing us the same Calvin dress in yellow

The Cube - Marshalls' trendy section

SHOES!

I met Gabi, creator of the blog Young, Fat & Fabulous. She has amazing style and was so sweet! Check out her website, asap.  This is her fabulous watch she scored from a street vendor in NYC.


More highlights:

• Marshalls and TJs carry Italian leather bags for around $150 that are also purchased for Bergdorf Goodman and sold for up to $900!
• Some Marshalls have Mega Shoe Shops with tons and tons of discount shoes - find one on their website.
• Some TJs have The Runway at Maxx which includes high end designers like Prada - find one on their website.

If you're doing the 2-month challenge with me, sorry to tempt you, but it's something to look forward to the next time you add to your wardrobe. Those that are shopping up a storm - enjoy!