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I love a good bargain. Always have, probably always will. And since I know collegiettes™ are known for being smart shoppers who somehow remain fashionable on a budget, I had to share my experience as a “maxxinista” with all of you.

I have been to TJMaxx tons of times before and tend to stock up on cute tanks or sandals when I’m there (clearly I’ve never really shopped here for winter clothes). Their tanks in particular can be great. Sure, they take a little searching, but I’ve found great summer finds on those racks.

During this trip I noticed a new section at TJMaxx including some more higher end fashion, but at that same oh-so-appealing TJMaxx slashed price. While I had a big stack of summer tops on my way to the dressing room I dragged my mom (who was carrying her own giant stack of things to try on) out of the way and to the alice + olivia section (!!). I’ve always wanted an alice + olivia dress but only come as close as borrowing their adorable dresses from roommates of mine.

I spotted an adorable yellow tent-like dress in one size smaller than my own. My mom told me to obviously try it on, and after rejecting a pile of unflattering tops (and suede pants…) I fell in love with the yellow dress and was so happy to find that it fit. The dress was originally over $200 but at TJMaxx it was “only” $100. While spending in the triple digits is definitely considered a splurge, its a bargain when it comes to a pricey designer like alice + olivia.

I’ve worn the dress now with sparkly flats and also tucked into white jeans to make it look like a “bubble” top. I didn’t realize that I could do anything versatile with my dress when I bought it, but it’s turned out quite well both ways.

What I’ve found about TJMaxx now, that I didn’t really realize or think about before, is that I can go there to get a $15 top or get a discount on a more expensive piece like this dress. Usually times you get one or the other, and it’s a pleasant surprise and awesome perk to have access to both in the same store.

Maxxinista’s share their favorite steals on the TJMaxx website, and I’d love for to share your finds with me by commenting below!

Cara Sprunk has been the Managing Editor of Her Campus since fall 2009. She is a 2010 graduate of Cornell University where she majored in American Studies with a concentration in cultural studies. At Cornell Cara served as the Assistant Editor of Red Letter Daze, the weekend supplement to the Cornell Daily Sun where she also wrote for the news and arts section and blogged about pop culture. In her free time Cara enjoys reading, shopping, going to the movies, exploring and writing.