As I mentioned earlier, TJ Maxx invited a bunch of fashion bloggers from around the country to their headquarters in Framingham, MA, for a behind-the-scenes look at how their business really operates. It was an awesome experience. My brain is overflowing with facts and information right now, so I'll just dive right in and share some of the key things that I learned.

First, I should preface this report by saying that I've been a long-time fan and loyal customer of both TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I never quite knew how they managed to sell brand names at reduced prices, but my assumption was always that they bought overstock, irregular merchandise, and probably did some other wheeling 'n' dealing that would simply never become transparent to me, the customer. Some stores seemed better than others; some days you got lucky, other days you'd leave frustrated and empty handed. Sometimes you'd find a deal on something you loved or needed; other time you'd find sub-par styles at practically full price (or at least, stuff that just wasn't a good deal. For us budget babes, a $200 blouse that's marked down to $80 still isn't a bargain.)

So yeah, that's kinda where I stood with regards to TJ Maxx and Marshall's prior to the blogger event, and I gotta say, not much has changed. However, I did learn some new and interesting facts so read on (more photos from the event, too!)...

Yesterday morning the boyf and I drove up to Boston where I was invited to participate in a TJ Maxx blogger event. After checking in to the The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel (thank you TJ's!), we spent the afternoon window shopping on Newbury street. It's been a while since I've been to a Zara, so I had to pop in. Saw the spot where the new Madewell 1937 store will be opening in the spring. Hit up the American Apparel, Queen Bee, Karmaloop, and of course H&M. Good times. In the evening, we had a little meet-n-greet dinner at SkipJack's where I got to mingle with some of the very talented faces behind some of my favorite blogs (including Wendy from nitro:licious!! She is adorable and amazing in person, of course. That's her above, wearing an H&M dress and toting a delicious Balenciaga bag. I'm wearing my new coat from, where else? TJ Maxx!). TJ Maxx has a full day of events planned for us, so I'm gonna get going... I'm hoping to get the inside scoop on this off-price retail chain to share with all of you budget babes out there. More updates to come!

This is beyond thrilling: In March, Alexander McQueen will kick off Target's new Designer Collaborations with his Alexander McQueen Collection At Target.com, a version of his secondary line, McQ. Whereas Target's Go International focused on young or emerging designers, Designer Collaborations will bring established designers to the (slightly older) masses.

Here's what we can expect to see from the genius that is Alexander McQueen:

When I was in high school, North Face fleece and puffy jackets were All The Rage. I used to play a game with one of my friends called "spot The North Face" in which we'd sit in the hallway between classes, or camp out in, say, the yearbook office (yeah I'm still a nerd, so what?) and count the many North Face logos on students as they passed. 38, 39, 40, etc. Fun game, huh. So anyways, North Face used to be the coolest affordable luxury known to teens, tweens, the college crowd and beyond. North Face ranked highest on the outdoor-sports wear totem pole, with brands like LL Bean, Eddie Bauer and Land's trailing waay behind as far as the coolness factor was involved. North Face's only rival was the equally expensive Patagonia brand.

That was then, this is now. I still see North Face being sported by a lot of girls, oftentimes paired with Uggs and a Coach purse. Which isn't to say it isn't "cool" anymore, because I think North Face has done a good job of maintaining it's image as a high-quality, dare I say practical performance brand. In doing so, it has remained on the short list of the cold-weather dwelling fashionable set. But like most "cool" things, I would argue that Northface no longer commands the attention it once did. I should add that I myself have never owned a North Face product, but friends who do swear by the comfort, warmth and style that North Face provides.

Oh, but would I drop $199 for the jacket above? I think not. Would I wear it if I got it as a gift? Of course. I love functional outerwear regardless of the label, which is why I have to give Northface a definitive, cough, "Sure, why not."

Northface: Yea or Nay?

[Featured above: The North Face Nuptse Down Jacket at REI.com, $199.00]

Yes, you read that headline correctly. Designer Charlotte Ronson, the twin sister of DJ Samantha Ronson (LiLo's girlfriend), will be collaborating with JCPenney on a budget-friendly collection called I Heart Ronson. The new line will be available starting this February, and will stay true to Ronson's "rock babe aesthetic."

Just when I was beginning to tire of designer diffusion lines, JC Penney went and hit the ball out of the park with this one. It's too cold (temperature-wise) to get genuinely excited about these looks for Spring, but trust me, when February rolls around, I'll be first in line to see the goods at JCPenney--a store I haven't shopped at in eons.

Keep reading to preview first-look photos from the collection.