In just a few short weeks, I'll be celebrating ten blissful years of marriage. These last ten years have brought us new jobs, new cities, three beautiful children and for me? Extra weight. Through it all, we haven't had a lot of opportunities to sneak away and celebrate. So when Susan suggested that I use my $50 gift cards from TJ Maxx to look for something to wear to a romantic dinner with my husband, I nodded my head and headed out the door.

At barely five-feet tall, the petite department should be my first stop - but with my particular fashion challenges (my waist is almost as wide as my hips, and I've got enough boobage to cause sizing dilemmas right and left) I am often stuck in between sizing.

I'd never set foot in a TJ Maxx before, so when I pulled up, I didn't really know what to expect. Once inside, I was really surprised by the sheer variety. Gorgeous handbags, shoes and jewelry were off to my right, but keeping my eye on the prize, I headed straight into the women's fashion area. Everything was clearly marked and neatly organized by size. I browsed the blouses and sweaters first, and loaded up my little mini-shopping cart with a few option.

Next, I headed over to the petite section. I grabbed a few 'maybes' from the racks. I was impressed with the beautiful fabrics and the many different selections, but ulitmately with me, it all comes down to fit. Alas.

Before storming the fitting room, I decided to head back to dresses to see what I could find. Yeah, I pretty much grabbed one of everything, and hauled it all to the fitting room. A cart full of options, all under $50!

Here's a little freebie advice from me to you - if you are feeling bloated and/or have just eaten a large breakfast? Probably not the best shopping day. Also? Bring an alternate bra, with different strap positioning.

With the help of my nine-year-old daughter, who came along to help her fashion-challenged mother, I had added a few things to my swelling cart that weren't necessarily things I would select. To placate my girl, I gave them a spin anyway, figuring it would be good for a laugh.

Okay, look. Orange? Not the best color for anyone, and I'm not sure what body type this style would look best on, but busty is not it. I looked like I escaped from a children's television program.

Another dress that would have been lovely on someone else, but didn't quiiiiiiiite work for me. Even a little bit. Um, no.

Aaaaaand back to the business at hand: an special something something to wear out for a romantic evening with my husband.

Another pick from my daughter. We both liked the styling on this little denim jacket, but it didn't scream "romantic dinner." Could be really smart with the right skirt and blouse, but I'm not very good with separates.

I love this peacock blue color, and the draping was good camouflage for my three-egg-omlette-swollen belly, but still...not quite what I was looking for. I wanted to find something that I would wear lots of times, not just once or twice for a special occasion.

I loved this sweater, which was a very fine knit from a designer label for $39! I had no idea that TJ Maxx had this kind of great deal on stuff!

After trying on about 900 different things, I made a final pass through the aisles. Then it caught my eye - a beautiful double-breasted coat in a houndstooth pattern, daring me to try it on.

My favorite coat got trashed this last winter, and I have been making do with a hodge-podge assortment of outerwear. The classic styling sucked me in.

You can see from the smile on my face that I was so buying it. Also, enjoy my hair, which had seen better days.

I walked out of TJ Maxx with a gorgeous new coat. This will be fantastic to keep me stylishly warm on an evening out with my husband OR when dropping the kids at school. Also in my bag was a little black dress which I couldn't pass up because it was only $10.

Overall, I found the shopping experience at TJ Maxx to be really pleasant. They had a ton of options to work with and I'll admit, searching through the racks and finding not only stylish, famous-label garments but at really discounted prices, I was tempted to do an end-zone dance at the check-out.