TJMaxx and Marshalls are like magic stores to me.  Every time I walk in, it’s a different store.  The magic lies within the merchandise.  It’s always new.  It’s always in-style.  And it’s always at affordable prices.  How do they do that?  How can style (true designer style) be so affordable?

I had the pleasure to chat with Sonya Cosentini, Media Relations Manager/T.J. Maxx Spokesperson at TJMaxx/Marshalls about the uniqueness behind TJMaxx and Marshalls and how TJX is and continues to be such an amazing and popular off-price shopping destination for moms.

Q.  Sonya, can you tell me how the buying system works at TJMaxx and Marshalls?  It’s fascinating to me.

We have 100′s of buyers who are actually in the market talking to designers and vendors 40 weeks out of the year.   The difference for us is that we don’t buy seasonally.  Our buyers’ frequent market trips allow them to buy closer to need.   We receive more than 10,000 new items each week in our stores.  We can be flexible in our buying because we’re able to see what is trending.

Q.  Which brings me to my next question… how are you able to always be stocked with the latest styles and trends?

We have trending meetings and we are able to determine what will be trending for a season months in advance.  We also have the ability to buy product up to 2 weeks before you see it in the stores, so we can make sure what’s in-trend is in the stores.  If we see that jeggings are hot (which they are!), we have the ability to buy them in advance.

Q.   What are some of your favorite Back-to-School trends this season?

I love that the inspiration for Fall is about miniaturizing the trends from the “big brothers and sisters” for the littler kids.  For boys, like your sons, layering is always a great trend for Back-to-School.  Parents don’t have to spend their whole Back-to-School budget.  You can buy a hoodie and kids wear it over a graphic print tee from the summer.  They can also layer tees under flannels and wear over them, too.  I love that parents can buy pieces to layer that can be worn throughout the whole school season.  For girls, jeggings are great because you can pair with longer tops and tunics.  They’re also great with plaid prints.  Even pair with a ruffle mini skirt.  What’s even better, they can wear jeggings with flip flops and/or ballets flats now and then and going into the winter, add boots.

Q.  How do you personally shop TJMaxx and/or Marshalls?

When shopping at off-price retailers like TJMaxx and Marshalls, you have to an open mind.   The best part is that you’re going to look for something you weren’t exactly looking for.  If you’re going in for a pair of shoes, it’s fun and exciting because you don’t know what you’re going to find.  I suggest shopping with an event in mind or a particular category.  For example, you’re going to a cocktail party.  You’re looking for something dressy.  If you head in looking for a skirt, you know you’re heading directly to the skirts.  If you do feel like you’re someone who may get overwhelmed, I recommend starting your shopping on the outside of the departments.  These are styled by designers and you can see the different styles and the variety of sizes.  This will help ease you into the other areas.   Head to your size, have fun and keep an open-mind!

I’m a lover of TJMaxx and Marshalls.  If you read my “Mom Fashion Report” you know just how much I love them both! I love to blog about TJMaxx and Marshalls because I think they’re such amazing shopping destination for moms.  The fact that you can walk in… find designer brands for yourself, children, husband and home at such amazingly low prices (up to 60% off!) is incredible.  It’s even easier for me to fuel my love for TJMaxx and Marshalls because I happen to live about 5 miles from 2 TJMaxx stores and about 10 miles from 3 Marshalls stores.  They are – without doubt – 2 destinations I frequent at least 3-4 times a month.  The key reason I shop TJMaxx and Marshalls so often is simple.  I know I will always be able to find brand names I know and love at prices I love.  I can’t believe I’m admitting this… but I don’t think I’ve ever left either store empty-handed!

With Back-to-School shopping in full swing… which I just can’t believe it’s time… TJMaxx and Marshalls are stocked and loaded with the latest trends for girls, boys and teens.  With over 10,000 pieces of new merchandise arriving weekly at TJMaxx and Marshalls, you can be certain your child will be able to find key pieces that fit his or her style perfectly.  There’s no need to overpay at the mall or in department stores, let your budget go further this Back-to-School season… and let me guide you as to what are some of the latest trends this season.

Back-to-School shopping!

Marshalls is such a “hot’ spot for teen girls because of their CUBE.  Talk about a fashion-haven!  I even love to scout out the CUBE on my visits.  This is Marshall in-store boutique and you will (literally) be able to find items from head-to-toe.   All the season’s hottest trends and styles are available here.  For a little fashion-talk, we’re seeing a lot of classic button-downs this season with some fun added details… and JEGGINGS!  These are huge this season!  And for teen boys – it’s all about the layers!

TJMaxx is wonderful for girls and boys.  You’ll be able to find everything here for them – clothing, backpacks, even school supplies!  For girls and boys this season denim is still in full fashion force, as is layering!  Girls will be styling in the jeggings, knit dresses, graphic tees over tunics and so much more!  Boys will be handsome as ever in their layered ensembles.  Be on the lookout for lots of nobby tees, which is one of my favorite items for my sons (all of them!).

The fashion trends and styles are so much fun this season… the girls are girly-girl and the boys are total-boys.

You cannot beat off-price retailers like TJMaxx and Marshalls for your Back-to-School shopping excursions!  Let’s enjoy this season – fashionably – together!

I’m excited to announce that TOTSY.COM has officially launched today! October 7th, 2009.

I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I have been asked to come aboard as a spokesperson for Totsy and I couldn’t be more proud or more honored to accept the position! Totsy is a free, private sales site for moms. It’s easy. It’s user-friendly. And the best part? You are getting 40-70% off items. And these items are brand name goods!

As you can probably gather from my blog, vlogs and professional background, I’m into fashion (OK, I’m a lot into fashion!)… especially for moms and kids. When I lived in NYC, I would (sorry, honey!) use half my paycheck on clothing and handbags and shoes. I know… I know… I totally thought I was Carrie Bradshaw. How sad, but oh-so-true. I just loved walking around the different areas of NYC and finding those perfect pieces. I would spend hours losing myself in Bloomingdales, Macy’s or in Soho.

That was me before kids.

This was me recently. Have a “shopping” plan. Pack up all 4 boys. Watch them race to the car. Drive to my shopping destination of choice. Take out the double stroller (even though Benjamin wants NOTHING to do with it). And beg/plead/promise them that I won’t be long… and please guys, “Don’t touch anything!” I can’t tell you how many times socks or hangers or something random has hopped into the stroller with Henry and Benjamin as we’re checking out. In a nutshell, it’s a little bit of work to take the whole crew out to go shopping. My only other option is waiting until they’re in bed – which isn’t until 8PM – and who wants to go out that late?

This is me NOW. I’m all about the internet. I love being able to dress my sons and myself (and husband!) in nice clothing, but I don’t want the high-end prices that go along with it… or the scouring of stores. It’s just not do-able for me anymore. Totsy just spoke to me. It made sense for me as a busy mom and I knew I had to be involved. When I say I was honored when Totsy asked me to come aboard and work as a spokesperson… I was beyond. This is exactly the kind of fashion information I’m excited to share.

I absolutely love how Totsy works. Sign yourself up! Shop! Invite friends! And as a thank you for inviting friends, you get a $15 credit in your Totsy account for every new member you refer after your friend’s first purchase.