'Tis the season for fall shoe shopping, and my local T.J.Maxx store has me wanting all sorts of new styles that I don't really need…or do I? I saw all the latest "trends" as it were, from moto boots to combat boots to buckle-embellished to tall two-tone riding boots. There were also edgy ankle strap heels and pointy toe pumps, including some convincing Valentino "Rockstud" knockoffs by Rampage (keep scrolling for the photo). Not a bad option if you love the look! I didn't buy anything on this trip because I had my son in tow and he was all "hurry up, mom!" Just kidding, he can't talk - yet.

Oh! And I nearly ran into another shopper with my stroller when I spotted an entire rack full of Rebecca Minkoff bags (scroll down for the photo), I kid you not! Everyone always asks me where I live and what store I shop at, and while I'd rather not say (I'm paranoid like that, must be a generational thing - not having grown up with the internet and all), I will say that I do not live in an upscale area. I'm in Connecticut about two hours from New York City. So I think my store just gets lucky!

Have you been to T.J.Maxx this season? Scoop up anything fab?

Earlier I shared some photos of the shoes at Target, now here's a look at some of the fashions. Nothing really screamed "buy me" but there were a few nice pieces worth noting. Let's start with the polka dot blazer by Merona (above, $34.99) - who can resist polka dots? Speaking of irresistible, the juniors section had a few trendy animal motif sweaters that made me smile (but I think I'm too old to actually wear a bunny sweater). Moving on - Mossimo has some of the most fashion forward pieces, included a black moto vest and plaid short sleeve sweater. Merona delivers great staples, like a pencil skirt in leopard print or houndstooth. And if you're looking for a basic denim jacket, cargo jacket or chambray shirt, you'll find all of them at Target for under $35 each.

Are the selections at Target a bit boring right now or is it just my store?

The day before the 3.1 Phillip Lim launch, I made a quick trip to Target to see what was new in the shoe department. Ankle boots are still going strong and with good reason; you can wear them with skinny jeans and even certain skirts and dresses. They're cute and usually comfortable which is why I can never seem to have enough pairs! This season, I think the Mossimo "Kyla" buckle boots ($24.49, target.com) are really strong as well as the Merona "Kaitlin" olive green ankle boots ($24.49, target.com). Both look more expensive than they actually are, and the green coloration on the "Kaitlin" is a welcome change from taupe and black. In the pumps department, I am loving the Sam & Libby "Dominique" ($39.99, target.com) in cabernet - such a great color! The only thing lacking at my store was tall boots - I only spotted one pair and it wasn't too impressive.

What shoes are you loving at Target right now?

Last week, the LO and I went to T.J.Maxx to see what's new for fall. My self-appointed mission was to scout out the latest trends, and there were many. Keep reading for my visual guide to the latest fall retail trends as seen at TJ's - which ones are you loving? Buying? Totally not into?

Shown above: MIXED MATERIAL jackets are all the rage for fall.

The other day I managed to take my son to the mall by myself, which as any new mom will tell you, is a huge milestone. I wanted to see what's new for fall but most of all, just wanted to get out of the house! Baby was totally content to ride in the stroller while mommy browsed the racks at JCPenney, and even had a chance to try on a couple things (and buy a few, too, which I'll share in an upcoming post). Since time was limited (never know when the little one will need to eat or have a diaper change), I honed in on the Joe Fresh fall offerings - mostly black and white pieces with a few brightly colored blouses thrown in for good measure. Trends I noticed included the return of both stripes and polka dots, camo, faux leather seen on jackets and skirts, skinny ponte pants, and animal sweaters. I tried on the bulldog sweater which is really cute albeit a bit scratchy. While I didn't buy anything from the line on this trip, I'll definitely be heading back to scoop up a few things when the weather gets cooler.

Have you shopped Joe Fresh at JCP lately? Did you like what you saw?