If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen my Toot or Boot series on my stories.

I'm a huge Marshalls & TJ Maxx Junkie, so I go there more than I should, and I always document my try-ons. I get TONS of messages from my followers & friends asking how I always find the best stuff. Free People, Sanctuary, James Perse, Adidas, Franco Sarto, you name it. 9/10 times I go, I find something(s) I LOVE! So here are my tips and tricks to scoring some amazing items at Marshalls & T.J. Maxx.

Start on the OUTSIDES

The racks on the outsides of the rows are the racks that have contemporary brands, new arrivals, and designer markdowns. Marshalls insiders refer to this as the "track" - and this is where I come across all of the Free People items I post - for at least 60% off of the original retail value. I've also found items here by brands such as Kate Spade, PAIGE Denim, Theory, Vince Camuto, and so many more. Be mindful, sometimes these designer items can make their way into the other racks.

Buy designer basics

You can buy a white t-shirt from Target for $10. Sure, it's a decent white tee. But you'll probably end up wearing it a LOT. So, check Marshalls & T.J. Maxx for designer basics. I found a James Perse white tee (tag below) that originally retails for almost $100, but I found it on the track at Marshalls for $20 - and the quality is most definitely there. So, stock up on designer basics and get the quality of an expensive designer tee at a freaking FRACTION of the price.

Know where the BEST local Marshalls is

Marshalls & T.J. Maxx stock their stores based on demographic & surrounding area. For instance, I live in a suburb with an urban city in one area, and a wealthy high average per-capita income town in another area. If you go to a Marshalls in a low-income area, don't expect to find the high end designer items that you may find in an upper class neighborhood. Nicer towns = nicer selection! Whenever I take a road trip and find myself in a wealthy town, I make sure to hit up their Marshalls & T.J. Maxx to see what I can score. More likely than not, I will find something good!

Go in the morning

Marshalls & T.J. Maxx stock daily. This means the best picks are out in the morning! Stop by after your morning workout, or if you have an early lunch break. The early bird most certainly gets the worm in this situation. And by worm, I mean gorgeous Kate Spade shift dress.

Shop women's & juniors

The women's sections in Marshalls & T.J. Maxx can have more modest mature designer pieces, while the juniors section has good inexpensive denim, cheap little summery shirts, and great basics (along the TRACK especially!)

Try on other sizes.

I usually wear a size medium top, size 8 jeans. However, at Marshalls & T.J. Maxx, sizes are not consistent as there are a ton of brands carried. So try on a few sizes! One of my favorite tops from T.J. Maxx is an XS, and my go to jean shorts from Marshalls are a size 11. Don't overthink it, things are just made weirdly.

BE OPEN MINDED

Try on things you normally wouldn't. Just grab a BUNCH of stuff from the track or the inner racks and try them on. YOU NEVER KNOW! You're allowed 10 items in the fitting room at once - friendly reminder... so LOAD UP YOUR CART & HAVE FUN!

XO Juliette