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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

How to Wear a Dress After you Shrink it??

March 2, 2018 by Katie Haller

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || How to wear a dress after you have shrunk it in the dryer?I am totally guilty of shrining my clothes in the dryer.  No matter how hard I try to pull certain pieces of clothing out of the washer to hang dry, one always gets left behind.  Sometimes I get lucky and it doesn’t shrink up, but every once in awhile that cute summer dress I bought turns into a tunic.  So what do you do with your clothes when that happened?  Do you get rid of them, or do you try to still wear them?  For me, I try to still wear them.  I hate to get rid of clothes that still have life left in them.

Today I want to share 3 ways that you can wear a dress after it’s been shrunk in the dryer.  This dress below was from my fill-a-bag sale at Goodwill a while ago.  After I picked out a few cute things that I wanted, I just started stuffing clothes in the bag without trying them on.  I picked out this striped dress and when I tried it on at home, I realized that someone must have shrunk it in the dryer and ended up giving it away.  Well, I always believe that someone’s trash can be someone else’s treasure, and since the dress was basically free, I wanted to get some use out of it.  Here are 3 ways that I like to wear my shorter dresses.  

1.)  Wear it with tights.  I love the look of tights in the winter.  They might be uncomfortable, but they suck in your legs and smooth everything out, making your legs look flawless.  When I add tights to this dress, I feel like it gives it a Parisian look. 
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || Stripe dress with black tights and booties

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || Stripe dress with black tights and booties

2.) Wear it with leggings.  Wearing this dress as a tunic with leggings gives it a more casual feel.  I love throwing on leggings and boots under a dress for work.  It always gives the appearance that I dressed up, but really I feel like I’m wearing pajamas. 
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || dress with leggings and boots

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || dress with leggings and boots

3.) Risk it and wear it on its own.  Sometimes in the summertime, it gets so hot that I don’t care how short my dress is.  If you do wear a short dress, I recommend wearing it with flat shoes.  I also like to wear some shorts under my shorter dresses.  What I do is take an old pair of leggings that I never wear and cut them to wear as bike shorts under my dresses.  This is a great trick for moms with little ones and definitely teachers, specially preschool teachers!

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || Stripe dress with flats and denim jacket
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || Stripe dress with flats and denim jacket

*This post contains affiliate links.

So there you have it.  There is no need to get rid of a dress that you really love just because it shrank up in the dryer.  Try out these tips and see how you like them.

If you don’t have any cute dress that you’ve shrunk up on your own.  Here are some fun stripe dresses that you could style up.  All under $20!!

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, Making the Most of your Wardrobe, outfits, Thrifty Tips • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

Accessorizing Your Look With an Unique Wooden Watch

February 26, 2018 by Katie Haller

Today I want to talk about accessories.  To me, accessories are the key pieces to any outfit.  I love to put together budget-friendly outfits and pair them up with a nice classic accessory.  I would much rather invest in quality accessories, over an expensive piece of clothing.  Clothes get worn out and they go out of style too quickly.  A good accessory can last you a lifetime.

A watch can be a great investment accessory.  A watch can be worn every day, with almost any outfit.  I hadn’t worn a watch in years.  I recently started to wear them again, and I don’t understand why I ever stopped.  I love how they look with an outfit.  You can layer them with bracelets and I actually use my watches for telling time.  It’s much more convenient to look at my watch on my wrist than to dig through my purse for my phone.

*This post is a collaboration with JORD Wood Watches. As always all opinions are my 100% my own. 

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || Unique Wooden Watch

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || Unique Wooden Watch

I was recently gifted this unique wooden from JORD Watches.  JORD sells a variety of unique timepieces that are so classic, but also have a modern feel.  They have so many great styles to choose from.  I went with the Cassia series in Walnut & Vintage Rose (HERE).  I love the rose gold face of the watch and the thin band.  It fits perfectly into my daily wardrobe.  I love the quality of this watch.  It’s definitely something that is going to stand the test of time in my wardrobe.  JORD watches are the perfect gift for both women and men.  They even offer watch engraving, which would be perfect for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in the coming months. 

Below, I picked out a thrifted outfit from my closet.  It’s very basic and something that I would wear any day of the week.  I love how the watch adds so much style to the look.  You would never know that my outfit was under $20 before I added my accessories.

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || Thrifted outfit styled with a wooden watch

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || Thrifted outfit styled with a wooden watch

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life || wooden watch

I love my JORD watch and I’m so excited that I get to share their watches with you.  JORD has generously offered to give one of my followers a $100 e-gift card to JORD Wood Watches.  (click HERE to enter)  If you’re not a winner, that’s okay!  You can use my code thriftywifehappylife25 and take $25 off your purchase.  You will have until March 11th to enter the giveaway.  Good luck!

Luxury Wooden Watch

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, outfits • by Katie Haller • 1 Comment

The Perfect Black Dress for Spring

February 18, 2018 by Katie Haller

People always think of spring dresses as floral prints and bright colors, but not for me.  For me, my go-to spring dress is always a black dress.  I can’t find anything wrong with the color black.  It’s slimming, versatile, you can wear it year-round.  A black dress is always a safe way to ease me out of my winter clothes and into my spring dresses.

 *This post is part of a collaboration with PinkBlush.  As always opinions are 100% my own. 

I have a million back dresses in my closet (not literally, but I have A LOT of back dresses!!) That’s why I wanted to find something a little more trendy.  I wanted a back dress that was different than just a sleeveless black sundress.  My go-to place for affordable trendy clothes is always PinkBlush.  This black cold shoulder dress (HERE) is exactly what I was looking for.  I love the exposed shoulders.  As a mom of a toddler, it’s hard to wear dresses that are off the shoulder, but this dress is perfect because it has a high neckline and off the shoulder sleeves.  For the look below, I wore peep-toe booties, which I think are the perfect shoes for transitioning out of winter and into spring (or transitioning out of summer into fall).  To accessorize, I felt like my leopard print clutch was the perfect way to add a pop to the black dress.

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Black dress for Spring

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Black dress for Spring

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Black dress for Spring

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Black dress for Spring

PinkBlush is having a Presidents Day sale this weekend!  Take 30% off your purchase! Plus there is always free shipping!!  Happy Shopping!!

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, Mom Style, outfits, Pink Blush • by Katie Haller • 1 Comment

Shein Review

February 15, 2018 by Katie Haller

This post contains affiliate links, which means by clicking on and/or making a purchase through a link, I will earn a commission for this blog.  Thank you for your support! 

I’ve been wanting to try the store Shein for a while now.  I keep seeing their ads pop up on my Facebook and Instagram.  Their clothes are so cute and trendy and even better, their prices are amazing!  I was a little skeptical of them at first.  It’s always a little nerve-racking ordering clothes online when you’ve never tried out the brand before.  I finally decided that I would just give it a try anyway.
A couple weeks ago they had a flash sale going on.  I wanted to play it safe, so I ordered 2 stripe tops that were on sale for $8.  I figured that tops fit me pretty true to size no matter what, but the site has the measurements listed for each size, so I knew they would fit just fine.  My shirts arrived in a little over a week after I ordered them.  The quality of the shirts is similar to Forever 21 or H&M, which I have always been a fan of.  I wanted something a little more trendy, so the first shirt I ordered was a peplum top.  I’ve been wanting to find a cute stripe peplum top for a while, but I didn’t want to spend a lot of money.  This top is perfect for what I was looking for.  The second top was a striped t-shirt with ruffled sleeves.  I love love this shirt.  It’s so simple, but the sleeves give it the perfect pop of style.
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Shein Reveiw- Stripe peplum top

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Shein Reveiw- Stripe peplum top

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Shein Reveiw- Stripe peplum top

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Shein Reveiw- Stripe peplum top
Hot women's fashion at SheIn 
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Shein Reveiw- Stripe top with ruffle sleeves

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Shein Reveiw- Stripe top with ruffle sleeves

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Shein Reveiw- Stripe top with ruffle sleeves

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Shein Reveiw- Stripe top with ruffle sleeves
Shop SheIn for the latest in Fall and Winter Fashions

I think that a lot of people are afraid to order from Shein because their prices and cute styles seem too good to be true.  Well, I can tell you that I was really happy with my Shein experience.  I love my new tops and I know that I will be ordering from them again.  I’m already eyeing their swimwear for this summer.  If you’re looking to add a few trendy pieces to your wardrobe this spring, I would definitely not overlook Shein! 

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, Casual Work Wear, My Closet, outfits • by Katie Haller • 2 Comments

What I Wore- Weekday Wardrobe

February 5, 2018 by Katie Haller

Happy Monday everyone!  It’s been a while since I last posted my weekday outfits.  Sometimes I just really miss sharing my weekly outfit selfies. I had hoped to post this one last Friday, but these posts actually take some time to put together, so I thought I’d give you a little inspiration for this coming up week.  

I know I’ve said this before, but it’s hard to put together cute outfits when you’re a preschool teacher.  I spend the entire day with my little ones.  We eat together, play together, do art, go outside.  I’m always worried about ruining my clothes at work.   The good thing is, I buy most of my work clothes at thrift stores.  
Here are my outfits from last week. 
Monday
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Pinkblush cardigan with leopard print pockets
Top- Forever 21 (similar) || Jeans- Hollister (similar) || Cardigan-  PinkBlush (similar) || Shoes- Ross (similar) || Purse- Last Call Neiman Marcus (similar)
Tuesday
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Stripe sweater and jeans. Preschool teacher outfit ideas
Sweater- H&M (similar) || Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad (similar)  || Shoes- Target (similar) 
Wednesday
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Preschool teacher outfit ideas. Layered Chambray shirt
Top- Target (similar) || Cardigan- Target (similar) || Jeans- Old Navy (similar) || Shoes- Target (similar) 
Thursday
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Preschool teacher outfit ideas. Sweater and jeans
Sweater- Banana Republic (similar) || Jeans- Hollister (similar) || Shoes- Burlington Coat Factory (similar)
Friday
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Preschool teacher outfit ideas. White jeans with denim jacket and white jeans
Top- PinkBlush (exact) || Jacket- Jessica Simpson (similar) || Pants- Target (similar) || Shoes- Burlington Coat Factory (similar)


I should mention that Friday was a teacher workday, so I usually like to wear something that I can’t wear around the kids.  On this particular day, I wore my white jeans with my favorite booties.

I hope you have a great week!

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, Daily Outfits, outfits • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

Denim Dressed Up

February 1, 2018 by Katie Haller

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Chambray shirt with black pencil skirt, nude pumps and a pop of leopard

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Chambray shirt with black pencil skirt, nude pumps and a pop of leopard

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Chambray shirt with black pencil skirt, nude pumps and a pop of leopard

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Chambray shirt with black pencil skirt, nude pumps and a pop of leopard
Hey everyone!  The other day I posted about all my favorite wardrobe essentials, so today I wanted to do a post featuring some of the pieces I shared.  I took these pictures back in the fall, but I really love how this outfit can really be worn year-round.  It’s a perfect work or church outfit and it’s made from 4 of my essential wardrobe pieces.  Here is why I love these clothing items. 

Chambray Shirt- I love denim and I think that having a chambray shirt in my closet is a must.  I love that I can layer it under a cardigan or over a tank top.  It’s perfect on its own as well.  I can wear it with white pants, black pants or even jeans.  I like wearing it with a skirt because it gives the appearance that you’re dressed up, but having denim on keeps it a little more casual than a blouse. 

Black Pencil Skit- This is a must-have in my closet.  A black skirt will go with EVERYTHING!  It’s flattering and classic.  You can find a pencil skirt easily at an affordable price.  I’ve had great luck finding skirts like this at thrift stores.  I’ve also found cute skirts under $10 at stores like Forever 21 and H&M.

Nude Pumps- I love nude shoes!  I prefer them over black pumps.  I think that the nude color lengthens your legs and for a short girl like me, that’s always nice.  Nude is a very neutral color, so shoes like this will go with everything.  My nude shoes are from Target and they are my favorite pair of heels.  I can wear them comfortably for a long period of time, which is rare for a heel.

Statement Purse-  A statement purse could be anything from a beaded purse to a bright color.  I love my leopard clutch.  I love to accessorize in leopard print and this clutch gives a sublet pop of fun to any simple outfit. 

What are your favorites?  

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, My Closet, outfits • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

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Hi I'm Katie! Welcome to my blog! I am on a mission to help women build a wardrobe that they love without spending a lot of money doing it. I believe that everyone has the right to feel good in their outfit, no matter what your budget is! I am excited to have you here!
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thriftywifehappylife

Affordable everyday petite (5’1) mom style
A mix of affordable retailers + thrifted fashion
👨‍✈️Wife + Mom of 2 💙💗
💌 katie@thriftywifehappyllfe.com

I believe that what you wear under clothes can mak I believe that what you wear under clothes can make or break your outfit. This is why I am sharing my favorite, most comfortable undergarments! 

🛍️Comment LINK and I will send you the shopping link to this post! 🔗https://liketk.it/5dB8f

#whattowear #styleover40 #momstyles #momstyleblogger #momshelpingmoms #amazonfinds #straplessbra
Cruise theme night outfits 🛳️ Planning outfi Cruise theme night outfits 🛳️

Planning outfits for a cruises cruise can be so much fun and I can’t resist a good theme night! Each cruise is different, but these were the theme nights from my 3-night Royal Caribbean last year. 

Make sure you check your itinerary to see if your cruise has any theme nights planned! 

🛍️Comment THEME NIGHT and I will send you the shopping link to this post! 🔗https://liketk.it/5dzC7

#cruiseoutfit #themenightoutfits #cruisewear #resortwear #amazondresses #amazonfinds #affordablefashion #outfitideas #styletips
What I wore this week as a 40-year old mom of 2! What I wore this week as a 40-year old mom of 2! 

Happy Mother’s Day!! 💕 Today I am truly embracing this day and remembering how much I always wanted to be a mom! 

I recently came across a journal entry I wrote 10 years ago on Mother’s Day—right after my second miscarriage. I wrote that I was ready to be a mom, but I was so scared and worried about our future. I didn’t know when and if it would actually happen. 

One month later, I was pregnant with my son.

And now here I am, ten years later—tired, busy, deeply grateful, and fully embracing this season I once wanted so so bad! 

To every mom today—in the waiting, in the chaos, or missing the days that flew by—I see you. We are all in this together! 💕

And if you are looking for some mom outfit inspiration then comment OUTFITS and I will send you the shopping links to all my daily outfits from the week!! 🛍️

#mothersday #momoutfits #momstyle #momoutfitideas #outfitideas #dailyoutfits #realoutfits #wiwtw #styleover40
What I wore then vs. What I wore now! I’m upda What I wore then vs. What I wore now! 

I’m updating this outfit I styled back in 2014. I have always loved this outfit combination, so I pulled some clothes from my current wardrobe to recreate the look for 2025! 

🛍️Comment LINK and I will send you the shopping details to the updated look! 🔗https://liketk.it/5de55

#outfitideas #updatingmillenialoutfits #whatiworethenvsnow #workwearoutfit #widelegjeans #chambrayshirt #navyblazer #chicstyle
What I would wear to work if I was still teaching! What I would wear to work if I was still teaching!! 👩‍🏫🍎📚

I’ve been sharing teacher-friendly workwear over the last few weeks here on Instagram. So in honor of #teacherappreciationweek I’m rounding up 4 weeks on the blog today! 

🛍️ Comment TEACHER and I will send you the link to my blog post and the shopping link to this post!! 

🔗https://thriftywifehappyllfe.com/2025/05/what-i-would-wear-4-weeks-of-spring-teacher-outfits/

#teacheroutfits #teacherstyle #workwearoutfits #workwearideas #affordablefashion #styletips
Looking for a cute versatile top for spring and su Looking for a cute versatile top for spring and summer? This $16 striped sweater vest from @walmart is perfect! 

🛍️Comment VEST and I will send you the shopping links to this post! 🔗https://liketk.it/5d6b3

#walmartstyle #walmartfashion #budgetfashion #howtowearit #6waystostyle #outfitideasforyou
I have one month until my Caribbean cruise 🚢 va I have one month until my Caribbean cruise 🚢 vacation and I’ve been outfit planning! 

Here are some looks that I would wear while sightseeing on at the island ports! 

🛍️Comment CRUISE OUTFITS and I will send you the shopping links to this post! 🔗https://liketk.it/5d2E8

#cruisevacation #cruiseoutfit #sightseeingoutfit #whattowear #outfitideas #vacationoutfits
What I wore this week as a 40-year old mom of 2! What I wore this week as a 40-year old mom of 2! 

Which day is your favorite? 

🛍️Comment OUTFITS and I will send you the shopping link to all my daily outfits! 

#outfits #dailyoutfits #dailyoutfitinspo #momstyleinspo #momoutfits #momootd
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