Almost unconsciously, I gravitated towards pieces in the same color family and pieces that were made for layering. I came across some crazy-awesome designer brands on this trip, including Vince, Cynthia Rowley, BCBG, French Connection, Rebecca Minkoff, Foley & Corinna, and more.

I love to shop the juniors section and just pick pieces that look more refined because everything is so much cheaper. I may not recognize the brands but who cares? Lots of the fashions look just like what you see online at independent fashion boutiques like Lulu's and Ruche - but for way less.

Anyways, moving right along, here's what I bought:

1. French Connection stripe sweater dress, $39.99 (original price $118)
2. Jessica Simpson leopard skinny jeans, $24.99 (original price $59; I think I tweeted that these were $39.99 but I was mistaken!)
3. Cynthia Rowley tweed jacket, $34.99 (compare at $68)
4. Heart n Crush sweater, $16.99 (compare at $28)
5. Willi Smith faux fur vest, $39.99 (compare at $80)
6. Nelly Fantasia denim shirt, $14.99 (compare at $20)
7. Natasha leather and stud bracelet, $16.99 (compare at $42)
8. Rebecca Minkoff MAC cheetah convertible clutch, $164 (original price $395)
9. Set of 20 soft touch velvet clothing hangers, $12.99 (compare at unknown)

Total before tax: $365.92

I'd never spend quite that much in one shopping trip if it weren't for the gift card, but I think I got a LOT for my money. In fact, I easily got about 20 different outfit combinations, more when you add in other accessories and shoes!

Here are five more looks I created with my jeans:



The one item I forgot to include in my outfit pics is this Natasha bracelet, a brand I had seen for way more at Kohl's which a reader mentioned they had seen at T.J. Maxx for much less. My store had about 10 styles, it was so hard to pick just one. These go with literally everything.



Finally, I will probably be returning the Rebecca Minkoff MAC. Even though it was on clearance and I got an additional $20 off because it's missing the strap, I just don't need a purse this size. It doesn't fit my iPad so it's not practical for me for work. And I probably wouldn't have spent $164 if I didn't have the gift card, so...it's probably going back. But Lord I love the print.

So that's my fall T.J. Maxx shopping haul! Let me know if you have questions about specific items. I won't disclose which T.J. Maxx stores I shop at because I'm paranoid like that, but trust me, I do not live in an affluent area or anything - you can find amazing deals at just about any T.J. Maxx - you just have to look carefully and shop often. I know not everyone has time for that, even I don't, but the more you go, the more likely you are to spot top brands because they do go fast. I went on a Saturday night recently and my store was bumpin' - it was crazy! And it looked like the store had just been restocked. Who knew TJ's was the place to be on a weekend night??

Have you been to T.J. Maxx recently? What did you score?