Bargain Hunting

How much do I love Ross & TJ Maxx? Let me count the ways.

1. You can walk away with 6-10 items for under $100. Tarah and I recently spent three hours in the Northgate Ross. I got some comfy jeans, a cropped suede jacket, a sweater, a couple of long-sleeved shirts and belt for $96.
   
2. Designer names at half the prices. I saw a lot of Ralph Lauren, Baby Phat and Michael Kors pieces at TJ Maxx.
   
3. Soft, 400 count Egyptian cotten sheet sets at reasonable prices.
4. Fluffy towels that don't cost a fortune.
5. Cheap kitchen and housewares.
   
6. Name brand shoes at bargain prices. I saw some sassy Cole Haan pumps for $50, which were originally around $200 and some black patent leather Franco Sarto boots for $40.
   
7. Accessories half off. Found an awesome Anne Klein red patent leather belt for $9.
   

Now shopping at these discount stores isn't for everyone and I have to be in just the right mood to even walk into to Ross or TJ Maxx. First, there's usually lots of people there on the weekends, so the dressing rooms will be full and everything picked over. I recommend going there during the week sometime, like Thursdays, when they're getting in new stuff for the weekend.

Second, you have to be prepared to wade through a lot of crap to find a gem and sometimes even the good pieces are marred by a lipstick stain on the collar or a hole in the armpit. But if you're handy with a sewing machine or think you can get that stain out, it may be worth asking for an extra 20% off.

So if you're willing to put in the time and effort, bargain hunting at stores like TJ Maxx and Ross can be fun and rewarding.

Share with us your favorite bargain stores.