Last week I took a trip to Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets to check out the January sales bargains. Outlets aren't what they used to be - it is my understanding that most retailers now manufacture clothing specifically for sale at their outlet outposts.

Truth be told, I don't shop much at Macy's. (I grew up in Chicago, a loyal Marshall Field's shopper. Can't make the mental switch.) But last week I paid a visit to the department store to exchange a Christmas present, and took it upon myself to browse the Bar III department, which has grown substantially at my local store. Bar III is the contemporary line that Macy's launched back in 2011, and it's one of their strongest collections in my opinion, offering the latest trends at good prices. The new January offerings included lots of light colors, contrasted with a graphic dose of black (reminded me of BCBG). Think day to night dresses, oversized sweaters, and feminine tops with laser cut outs and rhinestone embellishment. With many of these pieces on serious sale online, Bar III is worth a serious look, whether you need new pieces for the office (like this faux-leather midi skirt), a cute Valentine's dress or semi-casual pieces for the weekend (like this sweatshirt).

Check out these photos - see anything you love? Are you a Bar III shopper?

The little man and I have reached our stride shopping-wise. I let him explore, he lets me shop. The timing couldn't have been better because yesterday I made it to JCPenney to check out the January clearance sales and the prices on Joe Fresh were so low, it was awkward. I bought the 13 pieces shown above for $86.11, with a total savings of $344.03. And actually it would have been lower had I remembered to use my 15% off coupon (there were signs everywhere reminding shoppers but, you know, mommy brain is real). Is it just me or when you forget to use a coupon or something do you dwell on what you could have saved instead of what you actually scored? I think the cashier should have reminded me, but oh well. Now my complaining over $12.14 is getting awkward...

I don't know about you, but my T.J.Maxx was practically a ghost town this week. I guess people are shopped out after the holidays. The store itself seemed rather barren, too, with the exception of the new fitness gear that greets you at the front of the store. However, the more I looked, the more good stuff I found. Highlights include a ton of new stationary and journals, many with inspirational messages like "Don't quit your day dream." Love stuff like that. And in the home goods section, I spotted some Anthropologie-esque pillows featuring drawings of London, Paris and New York City. Super chic! Just the sort of inexpensive finds to get us through January. Only 58 days until spring...

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With Valentine's Day coming up, I thought it fitting to showcase some of the latest baubles catching my eye in the jewelry department at Target. Don't they have the best stuff?! From statement necklaces to statement earrings, Target has on-trend sparkle that will help transform existing clothes in your wardrobe into a fab Valentine's Day look (budget-friendly!) - or make a sweet gift for a special friend. I'd love to receive this necklace - I love the color palette of mint, navy and smoky topaz - this bold bib necklace, or this elegant necklace (only $11.98 online at Target.com!) And because our homes need love, too, I mixed in a few photos of some of the new home decor items in store. Bright yellow, coral and blue are just what you need to liven your space and keep the winter doldrums at bay.