TJ Maxx challenged me and my preschooler Ellie to find a fashionable school outfit for under $25. Ellie and I headed out to our local TJ Maxx ready to shop and ready to find some bargains. We put together 4 different looks, each for under $25. Come and see what we came up with.
Meet the Test Driver
TJ Maxx's Back to School on a Budget Challenge Test Driver was 4-year old Ellie. Ellie and I found 4 totally different looks for Back to School 2009, and each look was under $25.
The Experience
Test Driver Ellie in Outfit #1
Back to School on a Budget with TJ MaxxI'll confess, I love TJ Maxx. I go all the time and love to flip through the racks in search of a bargain, especially for kids' clothes. So, when TJ Maxx offered me a $25 gift certificate to use for this article, I knew I'd have no problem finding a fashionable, Back to School bargain. Once Ellie and I started shopping, however, we just kind of kept on going. What can I say, it's a dangerous job sometimes. We ended up buying 4 outfits.
Under $25 Outfit #1: Rocking It for $12.99
Ellie chose this outfit on her own. She really wanted something with a rock inspired look. Her big sister is into tie-dye and other retro rock styles, so Ellie wanted to find something that would impress big sis.
I thought this was a great choice. I too love the tie-dye, and the great purple and grey color scheme is on target for Fall 2009. Also, I thought it was a smart choice for a begining of the year Back to School outfit. It's not too summery, but it's still cool enough to wear for the end of August. In fall she can toss on a hoody and she's good to go.
I thought this was a great choice. I too love the tie-dye, and the great purple and grey color scheme is on target for Fall 2009. Also, I thought it was a smart choice for a begining of the year Back to School outfit. It's not too summery, but it's still cool enough to wear for the end of August. In fall she can toss on a hoody and she's good to go.
- TJ Maxx Price: $12.99 for the 2-piece set
- Retail Price: $22.00
- Savings: $9.00
Under $25 Outfit #2: Preppy Perfect for $24.00
Test Driver Ellie in Outfit #2
Back to School on a Budget with TJ MaxxFor our second, under $25 dollar outfit, we decided to splurge and get a classic school outfit. Ellie and I chose this beautiful, preppy-perfect Polo Ralph Lauren polo dress. We finished the look off with a pair of classic knee socks by Stride Rite.
This is a classic Back to School look that's always in style and usually costs a fortune. Ellie was excited to find them and I was excited over the price.
This is a classic Back to School look that's always in style and usually costs a fortune. Ellie was excited to find them and I was excited over the price.
- TJ Maxx Price: $19.99 for the dress and $3.99 for the socks for a total of $24.00
- Retail Price: $45.00 for the dress and $6.99 for the socks
- Savings: $25.00 for the dress and $3.00 for the socks for a total of $28.00