Hey everyone and happy Hump Day! One brand that I’ve always really liked but never explored to an extent is American Eagle Outfitters. I like their classic style, muted colors, and the fact that their clothes can definitely be viewed as appropriate for a twenty something. Despite an appreciation for the brand, their clothes are just way too expensive for my taste.

Don’t get me wrong, my frugality doesn’t exclude the knowledge that you get what you pay for. But my frugality DOES include the fact that, often times, you can find amazing brands elsewhere for a fraction of the cost. This is why I am a tried and true Maxxinista. TJMaxx is a store that I shopped at from a very young age. I can remember browsing the aisles hand in hand with my mom or grandma when I was little and thinking that it was the most fantastic place on earth – and I still do!

TJMaxx allows me to live out my rich girl fantasy by providing me with brands for purchase that I would never buy in my wildest dreams for full price. TJs dwindles down the cost of clothing, shoes, and accessories to a price that I’m fully comfortable paying. When people ask me where I get my clothes, it makes me proud to say that I get a majority of it from TJMaxx, which proves that I look sharp at a budget price. Check out my latest purchase, which happens to be an American Eagle Outfitters cardi at a TJ’s discount, and let’s discuss:

It has been a long, long time since I stepped foot in a mall. And when I do, it’s rarely for myself, but for gift shopping during the holiday season. But, even then, I still prefer to do my shopping elsewhere. However, when I do find myself in the mall, I like to take my time, look around, guffaw at costly price tags, and take note of the things I like for when I do my bargain shopping later.

This adorable, prep school style AEO cardi cost me THIRTEEN DOLLARS, and I know for a fact that it would have been at least fifty had I bought it at the mall. Somehow, this made my new cardigan appear even cuter to me! It has been a good, long while since I bought myself a new cardi – probably back in 2014, actually, when I was still working at PacSun and got a nice employee discount.

I love the cardigans that I do have because they’re older, but I can’t help feeling like everyone and their brother will have the cardigans that are in store right now. And if there’s one thing that I hate, it’s feeling like a million other people have what I’m buying. This is why I usually shy away from purchasing a cardigan, but go for something like a cool jacket or comfy chic sweaters, instead.

However, this AEO cardigan was too cute to pass up. It features my three favorite colors – black, red, and white and it’s SO comfy. I normally don’t dress for comfort, but there’s nothing better than wrapping yourself up in a nice, cozy cardigan to combat the autumn chill. And, of course, the “Keep On Dreamin'” embroidered back made me smile.

If you must know, I was totally “sadness shopping” after a rough day full of questioning myself and just not feeling good in my skin. The sweet, inspirational surprise on the back of this cardi made me happy and it felt like a message from the shopping gods telling me that I’m going to be okay. You can’t beat finding something totally adorable, affordable, and confidence boosting on a really blah day. Needless to say, it was a total TJMaxx cardi party!

So there you have it, my recent Cardi Party: Dream On, Kid! What is a purchase that you made recently that made you smile? How do you ball on a budget? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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