Celebrity stylist Erin Walsh helps us navigate shopping luxury for less at TJ Maxx and Marshalls
By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave ABCNews.com and GoodMorningAmerica.com, and these e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Have questions about ordering or a purchase? Click here.
With gifting and party season almost here, people across the country are looking for clever ways to save without sacrificing quality when it come to clothes, shoes, accessories and gifts.
Two of the places they're looking at most, according to search trends? TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
"Good Morning America" wanted to dive deeper on the appeal of these stores, especially when it comes to shoppers looking to buy luxury for less. To help us understand more and get some expert tips to keep in mind while browsing, we chatted with celebrity stylist and creative director Erin Walsh.
Meet our expert stylist, Erin Walsh
Walsh has dressed red carpet heavy-hitters like Anne Hathaway, Selena Gomez, Mariska Hargitay, Ariana DeBose, and Sarah Jessica Parker, and recently authored a book, "The Art of Intentional Dressing." She is also the co-founder of SBJCT: Journal, an activism-focused digital platform that features extraordinary people and the subjects that move them.
Walsh is currently working with TJ Maxx and Marshalls and offered some helpful insight into what to look for whether you're shopping online or heading into your local store to browse the luxe deals.
"The best finds have a way of showing up when you slow down and give yourself the time to really look," she told us, adding, "Some of the things I've loved most are the ones I never set out looking for."
Tips for saving
When it comes to shopping luxury goods at a discount, Walsh has the measured approach of a seasoned fashion vet who can spot a worthy deal in a flash. If you're not quite so sure of your own aptitude for doing so, she has some lessons.
First up: Shop in the off season to score early deals on things "before you technically need it," she said.
"It feels a little like manifesting the holiday season ahead, especially when finding luxury pieces for less," she added.
Secondly, consider how each piece will interact with your existing closet.
"A rule of thumb I live by before making a luxury purchase is visualizing how the item will work with the pieces I already own," Walsh said. "When you know you'll wear it often and style it multiple ways, the investment feels more worthwhile, because the cost per wear is lower."
Look for quality that lasts
When asked if there are specific brands she shops, Walsh offered an alternative way to look at items.
"Rather than focusing on specific brand names, I look for pieces with tags highlighting the premium craftsmanship," she said. "The 'Made in Italy' and 'Made in Spain' labels lead me to some of my favorite pieces, especially when I'm shopping for leather shoes and handbags."
Outerwear is another area Walsh encourages shoppers to explore.
"Other premium pieces to keep on the lookout for are trench coats, wool coats, leather jackets, and tailored blazers," she said. "A stylish jacket or coat is a great way to enhance and elevate even a basic outfit."
If you are looking for designer names at a discount to add to your closet or impress someone this holiday season, Walsh said she loves The Runway section at TJ Maxx and The Designer Shop at Marshalls, both of which make it easy to sort and browse high-end name brands.
Final styling tips
To build a wardrobe that stands the test of time, Walsh had a few final tips:
- "Lean into more versatile color palettes, like espresso brown, burgundy, olive, black, and chic textures like snakeskin and leather, which can easily be paired with any colors in your closet."
- "Three words: cost per wear. Ultimately, the biggest hack is to buy items you'll actually wear. If you're a big handbag person, maybe you invest in a timeless purse, but if you're more of a shoe person, perhaps a versatile shoe is better suited."
- "I personally love a great pair of leather loafers. The perfect loafer is versatile enough to style many ways but is also comfortable enough to wear throughout the day when you're on the go."
- "The Cashmere Shops at Marshalls and TJ Maxx are always my first stop for great cashmere without the markup. Cashmere also makes a thoughtful gift, offering a touch of everyday luxury, whether it's a pair of cozy gloves, a timeless sweater or a beautifully crafted throw blanket."
Shop more luxe clothes, shoes, gifts and more from TJ Maxx and Marshalls
