It's time for a Spendervention!

For the last month or so there have been some fun new commercials on t.v. for T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. That's because those two stores want you to stage your own "Spendervention." What is this "Spendervention?" Just check out the commercial below for an example:

It's no shocker that many are struggling in today's economy. But that doesn't mean you have to scrimp on quality. When you shop off-price retailers like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls you can save big without compromising value. I was lucky enough to receive a couple gift cards, one for each store so I could check them out for myself. I got some really fantastic deals! I got my oldest a Roxy swimsuit that normally retails for $40 for only $16.99 and my other daughter got a Small Paul swimming suit for $12.99 that normally would've cost $26.00. Both were purchased at Marshalls. While there were only 1 or 2 of each item I looked at, like my older daughter's swimsuit came in her size and one size bigger only, there was a huge selection of other styles and sizes. If I'd had more time to shop I could've done some serious shopping in there. But I had one more store to check out, so off I went to T.J. Maxx.

At T.J. Maxx I focused more on home decor items. I did notice their huge selection of clothing, but I wanted a mirror to hang up in our new place. The selection of mirrors was AMAZING! I found a fabulous, ornate black framed mirror that I can't wait to hang up. It was only $29.99. There was an awesome mirror that was HUGE and normally retailed for over $100, it was less than $50. I didn't buy it, but I was definitely tempted. My husband was noticing how the style of home decor items was similar to what we'd seen and liked at a full price retailer. Needless to say, when we buy a home we'll be off to T.J. Maxx and Marshalls to decorate it.

Since January these off-price retailers have saved their shoppers over one billion dollars compared to department and specialty stores. Are you one of those savers? Do you have a Spendervention story?

Want some tips on updating your wardrobe this Spring? T.J. Maxx suggests the following:

- add a pop of color, canary yellow is a must this season
- try an alternative pant length
- try a fun handbag, oversized, attention-grabbing bags in yellow, orange or red are great and fringe is in!
- dresses are in and anything goes from wrap dresses to maxi dresses
- wear some statement making jewelry, one or two pieces make a look pop

Have fun shopping, saving and styling this season!