Goodwill vs. Ross or TJ Maxx?

OK so I'm definitely in need of some new digs, YAY!  My 20's are finally hanging off of me, I waited as long as I could!  BUT, I know I won't be in my current size forever so I don't want to spend a load of money.

Here is my dillema:  I interface with clients on a daily basis and work in a very corporate environment.   So I can't just get by until I'm in my new final size.  I need professional looking interim clothes.  I looked into tailoring and it is very costly to adjust my current wardrobe because as we all know when you lose weight you lose it everywhere, taking my pants in only at the waist makes me look like I have a load in my drawers.  The tailor I contacted said that they would have to take my measurments and create a whole new seam (from ankle to waist) for the clothes to fit properly.  Well, my clothes are nice but in some cases the tailoring would cost more than what I paid for the garment (with the exception of my suits). 

So, in your experience, can you find professional, current and like new attire at goodwill?  Or would you suggest Ross or TJ Maxx.  I was told Stein Mart so I checked them out at lunch and though the brand names are nice, the prices are too high for interim clothing.  I need quality yes, but I also need quantity!

Thanks All!!!

My local Goodwill has lots of suits, not so much in terms of "current" styles. The only way to know is to go on in!

I don't like my goodwill store- but I shop my salvation army thrift store all the time- Weds are 50% off days.  It is very hit or miss what you will find there though-last week I got 2 in new condition blazers that are that machine washable microfiber so I didn't even have to pay to have them dry cleaned- and they each were $2 (with the 50% off).  So I would definitely check out your local thrift stores and buy ahead if you see something in a smaller size.

Alice brought up a good point.  Buy ahead if you see something in a smaller size that works for you, cause it won't be there the next time.

I usually go down the whole rack, pulling out possibilities.  At the end of the aisle, I spend a few minutes checking each item for stains, holes, zippers, buttons, etc.  if it passes inspection, I carry it to the next aisle and follow the same process.  Once I have an armful of pants, I look through and pick 3-4 of the 'best' items to buy.  I have a whole section in my closet of nice Goodwill finds that I am waiting to get into, mostly 8s.  I try them on every two weeks or so and make a pile for my seamstress. 

Be prepared to spend some time too, it is not like going into a retail store where you can just look for your size.

You can find some decent clothes at Goodwill, but probably not a lot of suits.  Can you do separates?

I only buy major name brand items, ie, Gap, Jones NY, Talbot.  The lower price stuff is generally too beat up.  Going to the Goodwill in a bigger city will give you better options.

I have not found many tops AT ALL at Goodwill, but have found lots of pants for $4.99 or less (they have certain color tags that are 1/2 off every week).  Even with paying my seamstress $10 for a hem or waitband adjustment, I feel like $15 for a nice pair of work pants is doable.

My work is more business casual than business dressy.  I can get away with Liz Claiborne colored denim and a nice sweater.

You could also look for consignment shops in your are or craigslist.

Unfortunately, you are probably going to have to try lots of places.

My local Goodwill has a teeny bit of professional ware, but it's all in size 4. I have really good luck with jeans there, tho. But depending on the store, their stock can be completely different. I don't even bother with Salvation Army.

Ross and TJ Maxx are about the same WHERE I AM: mostly casual wear.  They could be completely different in a different town. (I know my Target is completely different from the ones I've been to down in Los Angeles.)

Kohls has some pretty nice professional attire and when stuff is on clearance the prices are pretty decent. Otherwise, clearance racks at JC Penney, Macys, etc.

Another alternative is to ask at your local real world support group -- see what they say. You might even luck out and find someone who's a few sizes below you and is looking to get rid of their stuff.

Good luck.

Here in RI we have Goodwill, the Salvation Army and a store called Savers. Savers is my favorite because it is HUGE and everyday they have a color tag sale 50% off! They ave LOTS of plus sized clothes, nice ones too, mostly name brands. There are lots of Layne Bryant and Fashion bug type clothes there. The salvation Army is touch and go and they seem to be getting more and more expensive each time I go in there, $9 for a pair of used jeans is a little much! 
I do my kids clothes at Goodwill I never find any Plus sizes there. 
Check on Craigslist and your local Freecycle also! 

I was a regular at the Salvation Army when I was melting. I went several times a week and like one of the other posters I totally looked at all sizes down and bought only "good" brands. Our Goodwill is such a zoo that I only went there once and their stuff was twice what Salvation Army is. Also, Resale shops that take things on consignment seem to have a more upscale inventory and in my area are pretty reasonable. They do have designer jeans that can get pricey but still way below store price. Try to find one like a Junior League or Hospital charity place. Just shop away.
Hugs,
Lana

I have been doing all my shopping at Ross.  It's cheap...and their clearance rack is wicked cheap and you can find some quality stuff too!

TJ Maxx is a little more pricier than Ross.  Goodwill - no - the idea of wearing someone's stuff grosses me out.

When I was losing, I always found nice pants and skirts at Goodwill, but not shirts.  I got shirts at places like TJ Maxx, Ross, and Target.

Laura