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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

Styling a Winter Dress

January 28, 2019 by Katie Haller

 I have to say that I’m pretty thrilled with how fast January is going by for me.  January is one of the longest months of the year and it always seems to drag on.  I’m always ready to move on to February.  The days start to get longer, it slowly starts to get warmer (at least it does in Las Vegas.)  Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and then before you know it, it’s St. Patrick’s Day and then spring break is here.  Something I really start to miss in January, besides the sun are dresses.  I feel like I rarely wear dresses during the winter.  The thing is, I have dresses, and they are actually really easy to wear in the winter. You just have to layer them up a bit.  Today I want to share with you one of my favorite winter dresses and how I styled it for winter.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means that 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 bought this long sleeve fitted striped dress at H&M way back when I was pregnant with Jack.  I loved it when I was pregnant because it showed off my bump perfectly.  (See how I styled it as a maternity dress HERE and HERE)  Since then, I’ve worn this dress several times.  It’s just a really great basic dress to have in your wardrobe.  It makes for a great winter dress.  For this look today, I styled it with my tan duster from Forever 21 and my riding boots, which were a recent thrift find.  In the winter, I usually wear leggings or tights under my dresses.  For this look, I’m wearing a black pair of tights that I actually bought at the grocery store.  I guess tights are tights, so these are nothing fancy.  My necklace is new.  It’s a clearance find from Nordstrom Rack.  I love how it adds a touch of color to all my outfits.  My purse is my favorite purse in my closet.  I love having a simple black satchel purse in my wardrobe.  It can be worn with everything!  The thing I love about this look is that it can be worn almost anywhere.  Out for lunch with friends, to work, to church… it’s just a simple way to dress up your winter style a little bit. 

Dress– H&M (Similar, Similar) || Duster Cardigan- Forever 21 (Similar) || Necklace- Nordstrom Rack (Exact) || Purse- Last Call Neiman Marcus (Similar, Similar) || Boots- Savers thrift find (Similar) || Sunglasses- Grocery Store (Similar) || Tights- Grocery Store (Similar)

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

The Perfect Cardigan

January 24, 2019 by Katie Haller

Grey cardigan
My closet is filled with cardigan sweaters, but for some reason, I always feel like I never have the perfect cardigan.  Every time I turn around, I see someone wearing a cardigan that I don’t have and now want.  Since I don’t buy everything I always want, I have been on a search for the perfect cardigan to purchase.  Of course, it had to be for the right price.  I still try to stick to a $30 budget, but for a cardigan, I set my budget for under $20.  I was thrilled when I stopped in at Target a few days before Christmas and found a bunch of cardigans on sale for 50% off.  Sadly I’m slow to blog about it and it’s sold out, but I will still link it along with a ton of other similar options.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means by clicking on and/or making a purchase through a post I will earn a commission for this blog at no extra cost to you.  Thank you for your support! 

I decided to go with a grey sweater because it’s a really good staple cardigan to have.  I love my neutral colors to layer with because you can really wear anything under them.  For this look I’m sharing today I styled it with my Amazon striped tie front tank top that you all seemed to really love.  I also wore my Abercrombie jeans that I bought on clearance in the fall for under $20!  I’ve decided that my 2 new favorite places to shop for jeans are Abercrombie and American Eagle.  Of course, I always wait for a sale.  I also have been looking for them at the thrift stores as well.  To top off my look I wore my favorite cut out booties, my satchel purse, and bar necklace. 

Grey cardigan

Grey cardigan

Grey cardigan

Grey cardigan

Grey cardigan

Shop the look

Cardigan- Target (Exact– sold out Similar, Similar, Similar, Similar)  || Top- Amazon (Exact) || Jeans- Abercrombie (Similar, Similar) || Booties- Zappos (Exact, Similar) || Necklace- Nordstrom (Exact) || Purse- Last Call Neiman Marcus (Similar) 

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

3 Ways to Wear a Corduroy Skirt

January 17, 2019 by Katie Haller

3 Ways to Wear a Corduroy Skirt
I love it when I find a great versatile piece of clothing.  I love it, even more, when I find it for a great price!  Last month right before Christmas I got a notification on my phone that ThredUP was doing 24 hours of free shipping.  I had been waiting for this for a while because I only had a little over $2 left in my ThredUP account.  I love shopping at their online thrift store, but my biggest complaint is that you need to spend over $79 to get free shipping.  I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time spending that much money at a thrift store.  That’s why I was waiting for free shipping.  I ended up buying this super cute Old Navy corduroy skirt for $.99 plus an Old Navy tunic top (HERE), also for $.99.  I was pretty excited about my finds and I still have some change leftover in my account for my next ThredUp shopping trip.

I’ve had really good luck with thrifting my skirts.  You can usually find a lot of great basic skirts from thrift stores.  I like the light khaki color of this skirt.  I also think that corduroy is a great material for fall and winter.  This skirt would make the perfect classroom skirt if your a teacher or for any office job.  It’s also a perfect way to dress up a little bit more.  Today I’ve styled it 3 ways to show you how easy it can be to add a corduroy skirt into your wardrobe.   

*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 at no extra cost to you.  Thank you for your support!

Look #1- This look includes all my favorite things.  A chambray top and a pop of leopard.  This look is perfect for work.  It’s really a simple look to pull off. 
3 Ways to Wear a Corduroy Skirt
Skirt– ThredUp-Old Navy (Similar, Similar) || Top- Target (Similar) || Booties- ThredUP- Target (Similar, Similar) || Belt- Hand me down from my mom (Similar, Similar)  || Necklace- Nordstrom (Exact)

Look #2- I love to layer my button-down shirts with a cardigan.  I love how it has a classic and preppy feel to it.  The key is to cuff the sleeves.  This shows off the blouse a little more and hides any imperfections and bumpiness you might get in your sleeves. 

3 Ways to Wear a Corduroy Skirt
Top- ThredUP- J.Crew (Similar, Similar) || Cardigan- Target (Similar) || Shoes- ThredUp- Madden Girls (Similar) || Necklace- Nordstrom (Exact)

Look #3- Sweaters tucked in are such a trend right now.  I never thought that would be a thing, but it looks so polished when you tuck your sweater.  Wearing a sweater with a skirt can be the perfect combination in the winter. 

3 Ways to Wear a Corduroy Skirt
Sweater- Target (Exact) || Booties– Zappos (Exact, Similar)

For more styling ideas to make the most of your wardrobe check out my other posts HERE!!

Shop my closet

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

How to Put Together an Athleisure Look

January 14, 2019 by Katie Haller

How to Put Together an Athleisure Look

 As a native Michigander, I really can’t complain too much about the 50-degree temperatures of the Las Vegas winter, but I’m still feeling the winter blues.  The days are short and days are colder, it still puts me into a funk with my wardrobe.  Thankfully winter in Las Vegas is very short.  Before I know it the sun will be out and it will be 70 degrees every day, probably before I ever get around to posting these posts.  To be honest, all I want to do lately is to wear comfortable clothes.  Leggings, cozy sweaters, t-shirts… anything to keep me comfortable and warm.  That’s why every weekend I’ve been wearing athleisure wear.  I love athleisure clothes because it’s a perfect combination of workout athletic clothes with everyday casual clothes.  

Today I want to share one of my favorite athleisure looks and also what the key components are to putting together an athleisure look.  It’s actually really easy and most of you probably already have these pieces 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 commission for this blog at no extra cost to you.  Thank you for your support!
How to Put Together an Athleisure Look
1.) Tennis shoes-  The most important piece of an athleisure look is athletic tennis shoes.  I personally think that black athletic shoes make for the best athleisure look, but.  I just feel like the black and white look so polished, but I also love other tennis shoes with these looks too.  I bought my tennis shoes (HERE) at Kohl’s back in the fall.  Tennis shoes seem to be my most expensive shoes in my closet because I always buy name brand.  I love Nike, Adidas, New Balance… they all have great styles.  The key is to find them on sale!  I’ve linked some of my favorite shoes below.

How to Put Together an Athleisure Look

2.) Leggings-  I think we can all agree that leggings are the best!  When I buy leggings, I look for 3 things; comfort, thickness, and affordability.  I like something comfortable that sucks in everything with a high waist.  I also look for something with a decently thick material.  One of my biggest fashion fears is to be the person who bends over in leggings and you can see the pattern on their underwear perfectly.  Lastly affordability.  My dream leggings are the Zella Live in High Waist Leggings (HERE), but I just can’t bring myself to spend the $59 for them. (Maybe the next big Nordstrom Sale).  I typically will look at stores like TJMaxx or Marshalls for decent brands of leggings.  I recently bought this pair of leggings (HERE) at Nordstrom Rack for under $10.  I really like the thickness of the leggings, but I will say that they are not as soft as some of my other leggings.  Another legging steal is at Forever 21 (HERE).  Their leggings are really nice everyday leggings and they are under $4!!  I still have a pair of Forever 21 leggings that I bought when I was pregnant with Jack, but I will say that their thickness wears out a lot, so I save those ones for my around the house leggings.

How to Put Together an Athleisure Look

3.) Graphic tee or loose-fitting top- I love my stripe tunics and I also love a good graphic tee.  For this look I’m sharing today I stuck with my comfy thrifted striped American Eagle top (HERE).  With tops, I like something that’s loose-fitting and long enough to cover my front and backside.  

How to Put Together an Athleisure Look

4.) A layering piece-  When I say a layering piece, I mean anything you can wear casually over a t-shirt.  It could be a vest, cardigan, jacket… really anything that you like to layer with during the cooler months.  I personally like denim jackets or boyfriend cardigans.  For this look, I went with my grey boyfriend cardigan (HERE) from Target.  It’s super cozy for the winter.

How to Put Together an Athleisure Look

5.) A hat- I love wearing hats lately, especially when it’s cold out.  For this look, I wore my winter pom pom beanie hat (similar HERE) that I got in the dollar section at Target before Christmas.  I also wear my Tigers baseball cap (HERE) all the time with my athleisure clothes.  It’s the perfect way to hide the fact that I didn’t want to do my hair.

So there you have it, 5 key components to completing an athleisure look.  If you like this post, check out my post on 5 Ways to Make Your Momiform More Stylish. Post HERE!!

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, Fashion Tips, Mom Style, outfits, Winter Fashion • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

Traveling Light for the Holidays

December 17, 2018 by Katie Haller

Next week I’m going to be making another trip home to Michigan for my Christmas break.  I’m excited, but of course, overwhelmed thinking about it all.  It’s always stressful traveling around the holidays.  My husband is going to be flying our flight, which I’m very excited about, but it also means that I’m on my own with our crazy 2-year-old.  The hardest part about traveling by myself with a toddler is the amount of stuff we have to bring.  His car seat, stroller, luggage, toys to entertain him… it’s a lot.  I haven’t really mastered how to travel with a kid and look like one of those cool put together moms I see on Instagram.  I’m always an over-packer because I hate leaving my wardrobe behind.  The last time I traveled home, I learned my lesson that less is more.  That’s why on this trip home, I’m going to try and travel light.  As light as I possibly can.  That’s why I started planning what I was going to pack for my trip weeks ago.  I’m hoping this will help me when the actual travel day comes along.

Today I want to share what’s in my suitcase this December.  I’m trying to keep it simple, casual, versatile and most importantly warm.  Our only plans are to visit with family and we have lots of family to see. 

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

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Filed in: Affordable Fashion, Making the Most of your Wardrobe, My Closet, outfits • by Katie Haller • 1 Comment

Sweater Weather

December 13, 2018 by Katie Haller

We might be a little late to the game, but it is finally sweater weather in Las Vegas.  Just in time for the holidays!  To be honest, I really don’t have very many pullover sweaters.  Most of my sweaters are cardigans because they are so easy to layer with.  I required a good pullover sweater.  One style that I have always loved is a cowl neck sweater.  They are so nice and warm during the winter.  I went searching for a good warm sweater that I could pack with me when I go home to Michigan at Christmas time and also wear around home this winter.


 I always know that Kohl’s has a good selection of sweaters for good prices this time of the year and since I was just sent some Kohl’s cash from Influenster, I decided to stop by and see what they had.  I found just what I was looking for.  I bought this grey tunic sweater (HERE).  It came in several different colors, but I wanted something neutral that could match anything.  I really like the length of this sweater and also how soft it is.  My sweater was on sale for $15, then I used a 25% off coupon and my $10 Kohl’s cash, making my sweater only $4.06 for me.

I decided to style it with my favorite Abercrombie distressed jeans (HERE) and my brand Eileen Fisher booties (HERE).  I would typically never buy a pair of shoes like this for myself, but they were a hand me down.  My boss had told me that her sister had bought these booties a while ago and they were the wrong size.  She never returned them, so she was just looking to give them away.  Since the shoes didn’t fit anyone in their family, my boss offered them to me.  I guess I was the lucky size 7 1/2!  But seriously, I’m so grateful, because I’m loving these beauties!

*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!

Sweater outfits

Sweater outfits

Sweater outfits

Sweater outfits

Cut out booties

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Filed in: Affordable Fashion, My Closet, outfits, Winter Fashion • 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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This blog contains affiliate links, which means by clicking on and/or making a purchase through a link I earn a small commission.  For more information click HERE!  Thank you for your support!

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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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