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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

Katie’s Closet~What I Wore this Week

January 2, 2015 by Katie Haller

While most of you were enjoying your long holiday breaks from work these past 2 weeks, I’ve been working.  (If you can’t tell, I’m just a little bitter about this.  But don’t feel too bad for me. I did get a few days off.)  The one good thing about working over Christmas break is that I get a chance to play around with my wardrobe a little more than usual. 

I’ve been doing a little bit of shopping here and there, so I had the chance to wear some of my new clothes this week. I also played around with my old clothes, creating some new looks for the workweek. 

Monday
On Monday I got creative and tried out a layering look.  I layered a denim button-down, under a striped long sleeve shirt, with a blazer on top.  Being in the classrooms so much at work, this is not a look I would attempt on a normal day, but for the office this week, it worked out great.
A layered look with denim button down, over striped shirt with a navy blazer
Navy Blazer- Target
Green Pants- Old Navy
Navy Striped Shirt- Old Navy
Denim Button Down- Target
Brown Boots- Target
Necklace (New)- Meijer ($7, I’m really loving this new accessory!)
Tuesday
I really love this polka-dot blouse.  I can already tell that I’m going to get a lot of use out of it.
LC Lauren Conrad Collection Polka-dot blouse
Black Blazer- LC Lauren Conrad
Polka-dot Blouse- LC Lauren Conrad 
Black Jeggings- Jessica Simpson
Flats- Audrey Brooke
Necklace- Charming Charlie

Wednesday
This black skirt is a hand-me-down from my mom.  I loved that I had the chance to wear it this week.  It’s such a classic skirt. It’s the perfect staple to have in my closet.

Black skirt, accessorized with a leopard print scarf

Black Tank Top- Old Navy
Sweater- Old Navy
Black Skirt- Ann Taylor
Scarf- Charming Charlie
Boots- DSW
Leg Warmers- Five Below

Thursday 
 It was nice having a day off in the middle of the week.  I get excited any time I can wear jeans!

Black shirt accessorized with pearls and rhinestone necklace

 Black Shirt (new)- This is another Meijer find. I’m always surprised by the bargains I find while grocery shopping. This top was $5.
Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad
Brown Boots- DSW
Necklace- Meijer

Friday
This little sweater dress is nice and comfortable.  It’s perfect for my job.

Comfortable sweater dress

Sweater Dress (New)- TJ Maxx ($10 clearance find)

Scarf- Five Below
Leg Warmers- Five Below
Brown Boots- DSW
 

So that sums up my outfits for the week. I hope everyone had a Happy New Year! 

Filed in: Daily Outfits, My Closet, outfits • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

Celebrity looks~ Lauren Conrad

December 21, 2014 by Katie Haller

*This post contains affiliate links. 
Post updated 8/7/2019
During my sophomore year of college, a show came out on MTV about a bunch of drama prone high school students growing up in Laguna Beach, CA.  This show was of course called Laguna Beach.  Even though I was a college student at the time, I wasn’t far from my high school years.  My friends and I could definitely relate to the stories. But it was never the drama on the show that kept me watching.  I loved watching the show mostly to see what the girls were wearing.  There was one girl, in particular, that was my favorite.  Her friends called her LC.   I remember being obsessed with her chunky white purse, oversized sunglasses, and layered tank tops.  I did my best to recreate her California teenage beach style looks.  After Laguna Beach was over, I continued watching LC as she matured, moved to LA and became a fashion intern for Teen Vogue on The Hills.
Lauren Conrad continues to be a fashion inspiration for me as an adult.  Her looks are so classic, practical and chic.  I have to say, I might have to put her ahead of Kate Middleton on my fashion crush list.  I recently read her book Style.  After reading this book, and following her lifestyle blog, I’ve learned that there is not much that I disagree with this girl when it comes to fashion.  I just love her basic fashion advice!

These are a few classic Lauren Conrad looks
 With the LC Lauren Conrad line at Kohls, it makes it easy to recreate Lauren Conrad’s looks at an affordable price.  I absolutely love this line!  I’ve found some really great deals on blazers, jeans, tops, and even jewelry.  Being the bargain shopper that I am, I, of course, look through the clearance racks at Kohl’s to find these clothes at a great price.  Her line can be a bit pricy for me at times, so Kohl’s coupons are also another great way to save money on her clothes.
LC Lauren Conrad Kohls outfit
 This look is completely from LC Lauren Conrad at Kohls, minus the shoes.  The blazer (Exact) I found a year ago. (You can read about this shopping find HERE.)  I used coupons, and I ended up spending around $12 for an originally $70 blazer.  The jeans (Similar, Similar) were a clearance find for under $10, and the top (Exact) is new.  It’s my favorite top right now!  I found it online at Kohl’s on Cyber Monday.  It was on sale for $19.99, but I used a 20% off coupon and got it for $15.99.  I wouldn’t say that it’s one of my best steals, but it was definitely a great deal, especially because I just saw it on sale today for $24.99.

In Lauren Conrad’s book Style, she talks about the importance of the LBD (Little Black Dress).  I could not agree more about this.  Black is my go-to color.  I love it!  When it comes time to picking out a dress, I always gravitate towards a black dress.  You can’t go wrong with black.  You can dress it up or dress it down, add color or sparkle.  Having a little black dress is a must-have in your closet, especially if you’re trying to be a thrifty shopper.
  
A little black dress is perfect for any occation
This is one of my favorite little black dresses (similar).  I bought it at T.J. Maxx for my rehearsal dinner almost 4 years ago.  I needed a dress, but couldn’t find a typical rehearsal dinner dress, so I went with a dress that I knew best and felt the most comfortable in.  Since then I’ve worn this dress to a handful of weddings and other occasions.  I just accessorize it differently each time I wear it. 

I love Lauren Conrad’s casual looks.  She does a great job of looking youthful, but also mature.

A Lauren Conrad look for less

Here is my attempt at recreating her casual style.  My shirt (Similar) is an LC Lauren Conrad clearance find.  I tucked it into a dark pair of Jessica Simpson skinny jeans (Similar).  Then I accessorized it with a skinny brown belt, leopard flats, and some fun bracelets.

What’s your favorite Lauren Conrad look?

Filed in: celebrity looks, looks, outfits • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

Katie’s Closet~What I Wore this Week

December 13, 2014 by Katie Haller

I definitely find it a challenge each week to come up with something stylish to wear to work every day.  I have my weeks where I struggle, especially during these long, dark days.  This week I decided that I needed a challenge.  I did some digging in my closet.  Here’s what I came up with Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (I wasn’t a fan of my Wednesday look, so sorry I won’t be sharing that one). 
Monday 
Black dress- Target
Sweater- (New) Old Navy
Scarf- Old Navy
Boots- DSW
Leg warmers- Five Below
Tuesday 
Grey Blazer- LC Lauren Conrad
Top- Target
Black Jeggings- Jessica Simpson
Boots- Target
Necklace- Charming Charlie
Thursday 
 Denim button-down- Target
Black Jeggings- Jessica Simpson
Black Sweater- Macy’s
Shoes- Audrey Brooke- DSW
Necklace- Kohls
Friday
 Stripe Dress- Target
Leggings- Target
Scarf- Charming Charlie
Shoes- Audrey Brooke- DSW

Filed in: Daily Outfits, My Closet, outfits • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

Weekend Wardrobe~Shopping Finds

December 7, 2014 by Katie Haller

Yesterday, I did a little bit of shopping.  While I was out, looking at all the cute Christmas gifts, I realized just how much money people spend this time of the year.  Stores do a great job of marketing their products and making you want to buy them.  Shoppers are not only looking for gifts, but they are also looking for themselves.  Who can resist all the bargains that are in the stores this time of the year?  I too ended up buying myself something.  I was proud of myself for not getting lured into buying any of the beautifully displayed winter items.  Instead, I found some steals in the clearance section. 

 
I found this lightweight grey striped tee-shirt and tan sweater at Old Navy in their clearance section.  Each one coast $2.49.  It was hard to resist the price, especially when I know I will get a ton of use out of these.  The stores are packed with all the latest winter apparel, but if you really want to find good deals, you have to look at the out of season clothes. In my opinion, there are some clothes that can never be out of season, so that tends to be what I fill my closet with.

Here are a couple ways that I used my new “out of season” clothes and turned them into “in season” winter outfits. 


Sunday morning church look
Ann Taylot Tweed Skirt
Sweater (New)- Old Navy
Tank top- Old Navy
Shirt- Ann Taylor
Boots- DSW
Tights- Target

Sunday afternoon, errand running look
Casual winter look
Shirt (New)- Old Navy
Leggings- Express
Scarf- Five Below
Jean Jacket- Jessica Simpson
Leg warmers- Five Below
Boots- DSW

 

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

Dressing for the Holidays on a Budget

December 1, 2014 by Katie Haller

Dressing for the Holidays on a Budget

It’s officially December… time to bring on the Holidays!  Christmas and New Year’s are right around the corner.  This time of the year is full of celebrations.  It seems like the entire month is booked with parties and get-togethers to celebrate the season.  Whether it’s an office party,  family gathering or a reunion with old friends, having a cute and festive look is essential.  The problem with the month of December is that it can be an expensive month for most people.  You’re spending money on gifts, baking, traveling…and anything other expenses that might come your way.  It’s not really the time of the year to be spending money on your wardrobe (even though I know we all do).  Instead of buying a whole new Christmas outfit every year, I have a few inexpensive favorite items that help me bring some Christmas flair to my everyday looks. 

Here are a few ideas of how to add the perfect amount of Christmas style to your wardrobe, without going overboard and blowing your December budget.

Holiday outfit for a night out

With all the lights and tinsel this time of year, I just love anything that sparkles!  What better way to sparkle, than adding some sequins and rhinestones to your outfit.  I love this look with my sequin top from Charlotte Russe (Similar/ Similar) and my sparkly rhinestone necklace from Target. (Similar)  It’s the perfect look for a casual night out with friends. 

Add a touch of Christmas to your everyday looks

Adding a pop of green and red can really take a normal outfit and make it festive.  My green pants and red bead necklace help make the perfect work outfit around the Holidays.  My green pants are from Old Navy (Similar), but I found them at the Salvation Army for $5.  I bought my red bead necklace from Aldo (Similar) years ago.

Shimmer scarf

  This gold shimmery scarf is the perfect way to add some glitter to your look.  I got this one a few years ago as a Christmas gift (Similar/Similar).  I always get a lot of use out of it this time of the year.

Casual Christmas Day outfit
Red is the perfect color for the Holidays.  My red sweater from Target (Exact) and my sequin white tank top from Old Navy (Similar) make for the perfect outfit for a casual family gathering.
Sinful Colors- Sugar Sugar
To top off all my Holiday looks, I like to have nails to go with the season.  I recently picked up this color Sugar Sugar from Sinful Colors at Meijer for $1.99.  It has the perfect amount of shimmer in the dark red color, which makes it my favorite Christmas nail polish this year!

I hope you can all add an inexpensive touch of Christmas to your wardrobe this season!
Happy Holidays!

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

Katie’s Closet~Winter Wardobe

November 29, 2014 by Katie Haller

I really thought that we would be moving out of Michigan just as the cold winter weather started to hit this year.  Well, I thought wrong.  If there is one thing that I’ve learned from being married to a pilot, it’s that nothing is ever for sure.  Nothing is ever laid out perfectly with a clear timeline.  We are still moving to Las Vegas, but it looks like I will get the chance to experience one more Michigan winter.

Unfortunately, I prematurely got rid of my Ugg boots.  I know, Ugg boots do not snow boots.  Someone who has grown up in Michigan should know this, but they were my only warm pair of boots that I owned.  I’m not looking to spend any more money on winter clothes, so I’ve been slowly going through my closet looking for warm clothes.  It turns out that I don’t like winter, so I don’t have a whole lot of winter clothes.  I pretty much just do a lot of layering during the winter.

Here are a couple outfits I put together this week.

My Friday work outfit
Shirt Similar/ Skirt Similar/ Jacket Similar/ Boots Similar/ Necklace Similar
I actually wore this outfit to the grocery store, with the boots from above, not the heels. I just thought the heels would be cute for a dinner out.  This is one of the only sweaters that I own and it’s not even a real sweater, but I like the slouchy sweater look.
Sweater Exact/ Jeans Similar/ Shoes Exact

I will have to do some more searching in my closet for my warm clothes.  I’m sure I’ll be able to find some more winter looks to share in the next couple of months. Until then, stay warm!

Filed in: Daily Outfits, 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! 

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#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! 

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#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! 

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#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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