Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

Wardrobe Essentials for the Thrifty Girl

by Katie Haller

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Wardobe Essentials for the thrifty girl

People often come to me and ask for fashion advice.  To be honest, I don’t know what to tell them, because I’m not a fashion expert.  I don’t always shop for the latest trends and I don’t know all the designer brands.  I don’t even know what certain patterns and materials are called (I still don’t know how to pronounce Gingham properly when I say it).  What I do know about fashion, is that I understand the basics.  My entire wardrobe is mostly made out of affordable basics essentials pieces.  I like to buy clothes that can be mixed and matched with different accessories.  I like to re-wear my clothes, but I don’t like to wear them the same way twice.

Today I want to share my must-have wardrobe essentials with you.  If you are someone who is lost at how to put yourself together, hopefully, this can give you a guide of what you should have in your closet.

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

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Wardrobe Essentials
Once you have the basic wardrobe pieces, you can easily accessorize them with different shoes, jewelry, purses, and scarves. Here are my must-have accessories in my wardrobe. 
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Must Have Accessories
Shoes
Purses
Scarves
Jewelry 
Hopefully, this guide can help you build and evaluate what’s in your own closet.  If you want to see more style inspiration you can look back at more of my outfit post HERE.  You’ll see that I’m almost always wearing something from my essentials list.

Thrift Store Look

by Katie Haller

I feel like ever since I moved to Las Vegas 3 years ago, my closet has been overtaken by thrifted clothes.  I’ve always loved to thrift shop, but now I have such a great selection of thrift stores in my area.  It’s so hard to go back to shopping at normal stores after you have just finished a shopping spree at a thrift store. 
On my most recent thrifting trip, I went to my local Goodwill store.  I’m a VIP member there and they always have great sales every day.  On Sunday’s they do a fill-a-bag sale, where they give you a bag and they pick a color tag that you can fill as much into your bag of that colored tag that will fit for $12.99.  I’ve never actually done a fill-a-bag sale, but on this particular day I ended up finding some really cute things.  I came home with 2 blouses, 3 dresses, 3 striped tops and a pair of jeans.  I probably would have stuffed more in my bag, but it was getting close to nap time and Jack was getting pretty restless.  Everything I bought rang up to $50 which is a pretty good deal for 8 different clothing items, but I only paid $12.99 which is even better.  It’s so addicting when you get sales like this. I should also mention that you don’t pay tax at the Goodwill, which also helps keep your sale price even lower!

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

Here is one of the outfits that I bought.  The top is Tart brand, which you can find that brand a lot at Nordstrom Rack.  I believe the jeans are from H&M, but the tag was cut out.  The jeans were super comfortable, but a little worn out, so I decided that I would distress them myself, the same way I have done it to my other jeans. (Read about how to distress your own jeans HERE.)  I accessorized my look with some of my fun designer jewelry from my Rocksbox. (Be sure to try out a free month of Rocksbox. Click HERE and use my code thriftywifehappylifexoxo)

Shop my Closet Styles

Are you a thrifter?  If not, I highly suggest checking out a few thrift stores in your area.  Find out what the sales are and I promise, you will have a hard time going back to the mall.

Pink Bell Sleeve Top

by Katie Haller

Shopping has been difficult for me lately.  I have a hard time setting aside the time to just stop in a store and browse like I used to.  It can be really time-consuming when you’re shopping on a budget.  I’m always looking for the best deals, so it’s hard to find the right amount of time to dedicate to spending time at a store.

There’s always online shopping, but there are 2 things that I don’t like about online shopping; waiting for my purchase to arrive and paying for shipping.  I only buy online when the shipping is free.

Back in December, I had $10 of Kohl’s cash that I wasn’t going to let expire.  I just didn’t know how I was going to fit in a shopping trip to Kohl’s and have the time I needed to stretch my $10 out the best I could.  I decided to try online.  I remembered that at Kohl’s you can buy online and pick up at the store the same day.  It was perfect because I was able to spend as much time as I wanted on my phone searching while Jack played with his puzzles.  The next morning I had an email saying my order was ready, so I made a quick stop at Kohl’s to pick up my order.  It worked out perfectly for me.

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

I ended up buying this blush bell sleeve top for $7.99.  I’ve been wanting to try out bell sleeves, but I don’t like to spend a lot of money on trendy clothes. I thought this simple cotton top was the perfect way for me to try out a new trend and also save my money if it goes out of style in a month.

In case your wondering, I also bought a beauty blender for my makeup and I ended up only spending $1.50 of my own money.  I’m sure I’ll be trying this style of online shopping again.  It’s perfect if you’re not willing to wait for a package, but don’t feel like dragging a toddler around a store for an hour or more.

Have you ever tried in-store pick up?

Thrift Wife, Happy Life || Blush bell sleeve top
Thrift Wife, Happy Life || Blush bell sleeve top

Thrift Wife, Happy Life || Blush bell sleeve top

Thrift Wife, Happy Life || Blush bell sleeve top

Thrift Wife, Happy Life || Blush bell sleeve top
Top- Kohl’s (exact) || Jeans- Meijer (similar) || Shoes- Target (similar) || Purse– Ross (similar) || Necklace- Nordstrom Rack (similar) || Watch- Nordstrom Rack (similar) || Bracelet- Kohl’s (similar)

Making the Most of Your Wardrobe- Leopard Pocket Cardigan

by Katie Haller

3 ways to wear a cardiganOne of my favorite clothing items in my closet for winter are long cardigans.  I love them and I could wear them everyday.  That’s why I have to get creative with how I wear my cardigans.  My latest favorite cardi is from PinkBlush.  I love it because it’s different than all my other cardigans.  It’s made out of a soft velour material, which is super warm and cozy.  Another unique thing about this cardigan is the leopard pockets.  I thought that was a fun touch.  As much as I love this cardigan, it’s a little more trendy than my other cardi’s in my closet.  A trendy cardi like this can get old fast if you don’t find new ways to wear it.  Luckily it goes with almost anything.  I’ve put together 3 casual looks for today’s post wearing this PinkBlush cardigan.

*This post is part of a collaboration with PinkBlush.  Although I was gifted this item, all my opinions are 100% my own. 

Look #1
I wore a simple neutral-colored shirt under the cardigan with jeans and flats.  It’s very simple and easy to wear.

PinkBlush leopard pocket cardigan

PinkBlush leopard pocket cardigan

Look #2
I wore all black underneath for this look.  I always love to wear leggings and boots in the winter.  A long cardigan like this is the perfect way to complete a legging look like this.

PinkBlush leopard pocket cardigan

PinkBlush leopard pocket cardigan

Look #3
Of course, I had to style this cardigan with a striped top.  Whenever I want to mix up my patterns, I always go with a stripe leopard combination.  I wore distress jeans and booties to complete the look.

PinkBlush leopard pocket cardigan

PinkBlush leopard pocket cardigan

Christmas Look with Red Houndstooth Skirt.

by Katie Haller

Today I’m sharing my last outfit posts for this year.  Blogging has been hard lately for me to keep up with.  I’m surprised that I get out as many posts as I do sometimes.  I think that sometimes I put too much pressure on myself to get blog posts out and keep up with it all.  It sometimes overwhelms me too much and I don’t like that feeling.  I blog because I love it, but I do have other things in life that I need to tend to, and that sometimes comes first, especially when it comes to my family.  

*This post contains affiliate links, which means by clicking on and/or making a purchase through a link will result in a small commission for this blog.  Thank you for your support! 
Before I take a little break, I wanted to share a Christmas look with this red houndstooth skirt that I’ve been dying to share.  This skirt is from Express, but it was a thrift find by my mom who passed it down to me.  I love it!  It’s the perfect winter skirt.  I just love how this skirt looks with all back.  To complete this look I added some sparkly accessories to make it perfect for Christmas.  I love this black satin clutch with the rhinestone buckle.  My statement necklace is from Rockbox. If you’ve been following along with me on Instagram, you know all about how much I’ve been loving my Rockbox subscription.  That’s why I want to make sure and share my code for a free month of a Rockbox subscription. Go to Rocksbox.com and use my code thriftywifehappylifexoxo.  I’m actually getting ready to send back this box and get a new set of jewelry for January!  I can’t wait to see what new designer jewelry I will get next!
Christmas outfit with Red houndstooth skirt
Christmas outfit with Red houndstooth skirt

Red houndstooth skirt
Christmas outfit with Red houndstooth skirt

Christmas outfit with Red houndstooth skirt

Red houndstooth skirt
Skirt- Express (similar, similar, similar, similar ) || Top- Forever 21 (similar) || Booties- Kohl’s (similar) || Clutch- Jessica McClintock (similar) || Necklace- Rocksbox || Sunglasses- Glassesshop.com (exact)

Outfit Planning with Metallics- Year of Color

by Katie Haller

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Outfit Planning with Metallics

Where did this year go?  How is it almost Christmas already?  I feel like it was just the 4th of July.

Not only is it the last month of the year, but it’s the last Year of Color link party of the year.  I joined in as a host halfway through the year, but I’ve had a lot of fun putting together different outfits to match the color theme each month.  Some were a challenge for me, while others were easy to come up with a post for.  
For this month our color theme is metallic colors.  
December is the perfect month for metallic colors.  I think of all the metallic decorations that the month of December brings.  Our homes are decked out in silver and gold, but what about your wardrobe?  I love adding metallic into my wardrobe this time of the year. 
For today’s post, I wanted to share some outfits for the holidays with all my favorite metallic pieces in my closet.  Instead of my normal outfit posts where I model the clothes, I decided to try something a little different and do some outfit flat lays for a change. 
*This post contains affiliate links, which means by clicking on and/or making a purchase through a link, I will make a small commission.  Thank you for your support!
This first look is perfect for a Christmas or New Year’s party.  I love this grey metallic skirt.  I like to wear it with my black booties and some black tights.  For this outfit, I added my favorite statement necklace that I received in my most recent Rocksbox.  I love how sparkly it is.  I think it’s the perfect way to dress up all your favorite looks this season.  If you haven’t tried a Rocksbox subscription yet, I suggest you check it out.  Use my code thriftywifehappylifexoxo and you will get one free month of a Rocksbox subscription.   
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Outfit Planning with Metallic skirt

This next look is casual, but the metallic accessories really dress it up.  My mom gave me this metallic gold scarf a few years ago for Christmas.  I like to wear it with a simple black sweater.  I also love this pretty little metallic purse.  I’ve had it in my closet for years.  I always feel like a statement purse can really add to an outfit. 
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Outfit Planning with Metallic scarf and purse

This last outfit is with my sequin top.  I have only actually worn this top a few times and it’s always around the holidays.  I like to pair it with a black blazer and jeans.  
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Sequin shirt for holiday outfit


Thank you to everyone who has participated in a Year of Color.  I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s posts and getting new ideas from all of you.  Don’t forget to link up below and share your favorite metallic color posts.

Follow

@thriftywifehappylife