Marshall Field’s was my ultimate FASHION FAVE back in the day—not a bargain store itself, but always near the real bargain hunter’s paradise of Filene’s Basement & TJ Maxx—but it definitely wasn’t the only place I loved to shop. Just a short stroll away were Filene’s Basement and TJ Maxx, like hidden treasure chests lined up on the same street. Together, Marshall Field’s, Filene’s Basement, and TJ Maxx were my little fashion triangle, and in this post, I’m spilling the story of what it really felt like to hunt for style gems in those stores.

Filene’s Basement

Filene’s Basement sat on the same bustling downtown street as Marshall Field’s, tucked right there at 1 N. State. Inside the building, you’d take the escalator past TJ Maxx on the upper level and slip down to the lower level, where Filene’s Basement felt like a secret fashion treasure hunt. Racks were packed with clothing brands that were far less expensive than at traditional department stores—labels like Miu Miu, Chloé, Levi’s, Gucci, DKNY, and more—just waiting to be discovered if you had the patience to dig for the perfect find.

The difference between shopping at Marshall Field’s and Filene’s was that I really had to hunt for name-brand items. I’d sift through every single hanger, studying each fashion piece like a hidden treasure. I remember one day stumbling on several pairs of DKNY jeans that were 50% less than what I’d find in the department store.

After I discovered the DKNY denim pants, I immediately grabbed four or five pairs. In my head I was screaming, “I need these denim pants—they’re such a steal!” And the best part? Along with the name-brand denim, I also stumbled on the coolest, most unique tops.

Shoes, Glorious Shoes: Gucci & Ferragamo for Less

But the real magic? The shoe department. I’d hunt through racks of Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo heels, boots, and flats—all slashed in price compared to anywhere else in the city. I couldn’t resist. I’d stock up on pair after pair, running my fingers over the leather, checking the soles, imagining myself wearing each one. By the time I left Filene’s Basement that day, I walked out clutching a bag with five to six pairs of shoes, and honestly? I felt like I’d struck gold.

Arm Candy Alert: Handbags at Filene’s Basement

Back then, one of my absolute favorite treasures at Filene’s Basement was the handbag section. Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Kate Spade—just to name a few—were all lined up like shiny candy on the shelves. I was like a kid in a candy store, happily lost as I sifted through the handbags, slipping different brands onto my shoulder. I’d twirl in front of the mirror in amazement, imagining each one with different outfits and entire days built around them.

TJ Maxx: The Upstairs Treasure Trove

Just on the upper level was TJ Maxx, another wonderland of name-brand bargains, connected by escalators to Filene’s Basement on the lower level so shoppers could simply glide between the two stores. Just like in Filene’s Basement, I spent hours inside TJ Maxx hunting for the latest fashion pieces, losing track of time as I wandered the aisles. Coveted brands like Levi’s, Guess, Rag & Bone and more called to me from every rack. I sifted through hangers, the soft swish of fabric in my ears, pulling out pair after pair of bootcut and straight leg denim, hoping each new find would be *the* perfect pair I’d remember years later.

The Final Word: Two Stores, Endless Deals

Shopping at TJ Maxx and Filene’s Basement was a fun experience, the kind of afternoon that felt like a mini Fashion Week just for me. I enjoyed shopping at both of these stores—it was like killing two birds with one stone. I’d shop Filene’s Basement and then walk up to TJ Maxx for even more coveted fashion pieces, each find feeling like a little treasure. The best thing about shopping these fashion hot spots was the convenience, and the prices were less than shopping anywhere else, which made every bag I carried home feel like a victory lap at the end of the perfect shopping adventure.