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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

A Day at the Salon with Douglas J. Aveda Institute

July 24, 2019 by Katie Haller

*This post is sponsored by Douglas J. Aveda Institute.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Last week, I was invited to the Douglas J. Aveda Institute in downtown Grand Rapids for a complimentary spa and salon day.  I was absolutely thrilled about this invite because as you know I’m new to the Grand Rapids area.  After a stressful move across the country, a relaxing day at the salon sounded amazing.

What is Douglas J. Aveda Institute?

Douglas J. Aveda Institute is a salon and also a cosmetology school.  All the services are performed by students in training with the supervision and assistance of licensed professional instructors.  The programs that the school offers include cosmetology, esthiology, and massage therapy.  The students start off in a classroom setting, where they learn the ins and outs of their chosen field.  Once the classwork is out of the way, students have the opportunity to work in a real salon setting with hands-on training.

My experience

I had heard of Douglas J. Aveda Institute because I’ve known several people from high school who had gone there and went on to have a successful careers in cosmetology.  I had also heard that it was an inexpensive place to get your hair done, but I was always a little nervous about trying them out. It’s a little scary trusting your hair to a student, but when I found out that the students were closely monitored by an instructor, that made me feel more comfortable about trying them out.
The salon is located right in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids on the corner of Commerce Ave. and Cherry St.  I loved the downtown setting of the building.  As you walk in there is a lot of natural light and openness.  You would think that you were walking into a high-end salon in New York City if you didn’t know any better.  The salon uses and sells all Aveda products, which I have always been a fan of.  They are high quality, cruelty-free products that always smell amazing!

What I found out was that the salon offered way more than just hair services.  They have a long list of services from hair cuts to waxing to alternative therapy.  I chose to start with a Stress Relieving Treatment, which they referred to it as a relaxing back rub, rather than massage.  I had never had a massage before or any stress-relieving treatment, so I was most excited about this.  My student greeted me at the front and lead me back to the massage rooms, which was a calming, serene setting.  My student seemed very well knowledgeable about the treatment and she explained the process to me perfectly.  Her educator greeted me as well and checked in to make sure the student went over all the details with me.  Then the massage started with a foot bath, followed by an hour of pure relaxation.  She rubbed the skin on my face, neck, arms, hands, feet, and back.  It was just what I needed.  After the massage was over, her educator came in to ask me for some feedback on how her student did.  I honestly didn’t know what to say, since I had never had a stress-relieving treatment before, so I thought she did great.  I would have never known she was still in training.

After my relaxing massage, I had my hair appointment for high lights and a cut.  I figured that this was the service that most people would use at this salon, so I had to try it out.  Again my student greeted me in the front and introduced herself.  She led me back to her chair where we discussed what I wanted to be done.  Before she started her educator came over and asked her a few questions on how she was going to do the highlights.  She then got started.  High lights can be a long and tedious job, but I thought she did great.  We chatted during the whole thing and she was super friendly.  One thing I noticed that they teach the students is how to have a conversation with your client.  It’s something that you may not think about needing to know as a hairdresser, but it’s actually a really important part of the job.  I’ve had a few times where I have had a hairdresser who doesn’t talk and it makes for a long 2 hours of sitting in a chair.  I’d say knowing how to have a conversation probably helps build a list of clients, because I know I’m more likely to go back to a friendly hairstylist over someone who I had to make all the conversation with.
After the highlights were done, my student consulted with her educator to make sure everything was on track.  I really liked how both the student and educator explained to me what they were doing and why.  It made me feel included in the whole learning process.  I had shown the student a picture of my hair from last summer and she was able to use it as a reference for how I wanted my hair cut.  I ended up getting an a-line bob cut and it turned out great.  She even recommended some products for me, including a dry shampoo, because I’m clueless when it comes to dry shampoos.  The hair services ended with a hand massage, which I thought was a nice final touch.
Overall, I have to say that I had an amazing experience at the Douglas J. Aveda Institute.  Everyone was so friendly an knowledgeable about the services performed.  I don’t think in any way I got a lesser of services because they were students.  If anything, I think I got more from it than a typical salon.  I know that I will go back.  Because all the services are performed by students, the prices are significantly lower than a typical salon, plus they don’t accept tips.  Just to give you an idea the stress-relieving treatment is priced at $39.  A haircut/blowout is priced at $28 and color treatments start at $42.  You can find a list of all their services and prices HERE.  It’s definitely worth trying out.

Things to remember before you go

I’d say that the number one thing that you need to remember before going to a Douglas J. Aveda Institute is that these are students.  Most of them are fresh out of high school, so you need to be patient with them.  Your haircut might take a little longer, same with an up-do.  You don’t want to make the students feel rushed at all, so my advice is that you schedule your appointment for a day when you have lots of time.  Also, I recommend trying out new services that you may have never tried before, like the stress-relieving treatment.  That’s not something that I would typically spend money on for myself, but at a lower price, it’s defiantly worth trying out.
If you know someone who is interested in exploring the worlds of cosmetology, esthiology, or massage therapy, I highly recommend they look into Douglas J. Aveda Institute. They have locations in Ann Arbor, Chicago, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Knoxville, and Royal Oak.
I want to say a big thanks to the Grand Rapids Douglas J. Aveda Institute for treating me to such a fun and relaxing day.  Also a huge thank you to the students, Cameron and Olivia, who performed my services.  They both exceeded my expectations and I wish them the best in their future careers.

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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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Helping women love what they wear on a budget!
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Katie || Affordable Fashion
I look forward to my PM skincare routine every nig I look forward to my PM skincare routine every night! It's probably my favorite time of the day!! Here is what I am currently using!

Products are linked on the @shop.ltk app! Follow @thriftywifehappylife for all the details! Also check out my blog post today! I am sharing my daily mom beauty routine! Every is linked in my bio! 

#pmskincare #skincare #skincareroutine #versedskincare #cerave #momselfcare #momlife #affordableskincare #affordablebeauty #michiganblogger #momstyleblogger
🖤 What I wore as a SAHM this week 🖤 I just 🖤 What I wore as a SAHM this week 🖤

I just realized that I don't think that I have missed a daily outfit post in 2023 yet. That means that I have shared every outfit that I have worn so far this year, which is pretty good! 

I have always loved sharing my real life daily outfits. I always shared my work outfits when I was teaching preschool, but after I stopped working it was harder for me to stay consistent on sharing my daily outfits because I didn't think my SAHM outfits were "instagram worthy". Last year I decided that I should try sharing a round up in a reel to show what I actually wore on a daily basis and it's been so fun ever since! 

So many of you told me that you found me through these reels and that makes me so happy! I hope these outfits help you step up your daily style even if you are only potty training a toddler that day. (Like I am at the moment 🤣) 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio for my shopping page on my blog!
✨ Message me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊
✨ Go to my SAHM Outfit highlight for all the links to my everyday outfits!

#wiw #sahmstyle #momoutfit #momstyle #momfashion #momiform #momootd #momiform #themominfluencers #momstyleblogger #sahmlife #casualstyle #michiganblogger #midweststyle #winteroutfits #everydayoutfits
Last weekend I was stumped on what to wear on an o Last weekend I was stumped on what to wear on an overnight staycation without the kids. I wanted an outfit that was practical for the cold weather and the afternoon, but also something I could wear out for a nice dinner later on in the evening. This is what I decided on...

✨ I like wearing bodysuits under my clothes in the winter. They help keep me warm and also cover up any skin that might show through when you sit. 

✨ My plum sweater from @gibsonlook transitioned perfectly from day to night. (Use code: THRIFTYWIFE10 for 10% off!)

✨ For pants and shoes I wore @express skinny jeans for day time. They work best with my Chelsea boots. Then for night I wanted to wear my favorite lightwash straight leg jeans (old) with heels. 

✨ Cute outerwear is so important in the winter. You have to layer up when it's cold and you plan on walking around outside. I found my camel wool coat to be warm, especially with my hat and scarf. I also wore thick boot socks to keep my feet and ankles warm! 

Head over to the @shop.ltk app to shop this look! You can either download the free shopping app and follow @thriftywifehappylife or go to the link in my bio! 

#ltkstyletip #datenightoutfit #dateday #valentinesdayoutfit #winterdateoutfit #winteroutfits #winterstyle #michiganblogger #momstyle #momoutfits #momoutfitinspo #outfitideasforyou
Today #ontheblog I am talking about my recent clos Today #ontheblog I am talking about my recent closing clean out. I go through my closet seasonally to get rid of the clothes that aren't getting worn, but at the end of last year I felt like my closet had an overload of clothes and I needed to do a major refresh! 

I ended up parting ways with a lot of clothes, but there were some that I keep every time I do a clean out because they are my favorites and still hold their value in my wardrobe. 

✨Little black dress- I bought in 2011 for my rehearsal dinner. 
✨ Polka- dot blouse from @lclaurenconrad I bought in 2014. 
✨Metallic skirt- I bought this in 2011 to wear for Christmas Eve. 
✨ Chambray button down shirt. I bought it in 2014 at Target and I haven't found a better one to replace it with. 
✨ Thrifted @oldnavy denim jacket. These just get better with wear! 
✨ Gold strappy sandals I bought in 2007 to wear to a fraternity formal in college. They still get worn when I need a fun shoe! 

What is the oldest piece of clothing in your wardrobe? 

#cleaningoutmycloset #closetcleanout #shoppingyourwardrobe #shopyourcloset #wearitloveit #thriftythursday #weartheclothes #styleinspo
As you can see, shopping is challenging with a tod As you can see, shopping is challenging with a toddler, so let me help you shop! I'll take one for the team and bring my 2-year-old in the fitting rooms with me so you don't have to! 😉

Here's what I found at @target this week 👇🏻

✨A New Day High-Rise Slim Straight Leg Ankle Pants- Brown- 2- This is a great dress pant option.  They have elastic in the back so the stretch. They fit TTS.  No petite length available. 
✨Universal Thread Realax fit button-down-shirt- White and Navy striped- Small- Both these color tops are going on my spring wish list! I love the relax fit and the material! They fit TTS! $25
✨Universal Thread High-Rise Slim Straight Fit Jeans- 2/regular- I am loving the fit and style of these jeans! So cute for spring! They fit TTS! $28
✨A New Day Striped Long sleeve T-shirt- Small- This is a great t-shirt.  I love the boxy fit. It comes in other colors. Fits TTS! $12
✨A New Day Blazer- xsmall- This blazer caught my eye. The material is great for spring. It fits TTS. It is currently not available on the website, but I will link it when it becomes available. 
✨A New Day Cami- small- I actually already own this cami! It’s one of my favorite spring tops! Perfect to layer a blazer or cardigan over. 
✨A New Day Slide Sandals- 7 ½- Cute slide sandals for spring! I love the little heel! They fit TTS!
✨A New Day Mule Heels- 7 ½- I love the straps on these heels.  They are very comfortable! Available in multiple colors. 
✨Universal Thread Triple Compartment crossbody purse- Love this crossbody bag! If you are looking to downsize your mom purse this is it! It has 3 compartments and the strap makes it easy to wear. 

Details are linked on the @shop.ltk app! Find the link to it in my bio! 

#targettryon #targetfinds #targetstyle #targetdoesitagain #springstyle #affordablefashion #shoppingideas #wearitloveit #momstyle #michiganblogger #shoppingonabudget
This week I am teaming up with some of my Instagra This week I am teaming up with some of my Instagram friends to bring you some Valentine’s Day outfit ideas! ❤️ We will be sharing outfits all week long so make sure you are following along! I know you will find some great ideas! 👇🏻

Monday- @thriftywifehappylife and @asimplelifeblog 
Tuesday- @getschooledinfashion 
Wednesday- @mrssarahgoodman 
Thursday- @momthechaoscoordinator 
Friday- @corriellington 

Today is my day! I'm sharing 3 Valentine’s Day looks for different occasions! 
Look 1- Wear to volunteer in the classroom party
Look 2- Wear on a date night or girls night out. 
Look 3- Wear to work!

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#valentinesdayoutfit #vdayoutfit #outfitideas #outfitinspiration #outfitideas4you #easyoutfit #affordablefashion #styleonabudget #styleover35 #momstyle #simpleoutfits #michiganblogger
What I wore as a SAHM this week! This week my out What I wore as a SAHM this week!

This week my outfits are all over the place because that's how our week was. Plus I have a bonus outfit so I thought I would share where I wore these outfits! 

Monday- Home with a sick kid
Tuesday- Home and school pick up
Wednesday- Home for a snow day
Thursday- Home for snow day number 2
Friday- Ran errands aka went to Target 🎯
Saturday afternoon- Dropped off kids with my in-laws and went to Canada 🇨🇦 for a little staycation/date night at @caesarswindsor with my husband. 
Saturday night- Dinner and drinks
Sunday- Picked up kids and preparing for the week ahead. 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio for my shopping page on my blog!
✨ Message me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊
✨ Go to my SAHM Outfit highlight for all the links to my everyday outfits! 

#sahmstyle #sahmoutfit #momoutfits #momootd #wiw #realoutfitgram #whatiwore #momstyle #outfitinspiration #outfitinspo #outfitideas4you #easyoutfit #michiganblogger #michiganmoms
I wore this heart sweatshirt the other day in my s I wore this heart sweatshirt the other day in my stories and you guys loved it! It's my favorite heart sweatshirt because it's neutral colors so I get to wear it year round, but I especially love wear it around Valentine's Day! 

Here are some ways I've worn it! 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨Find it on my Amazon storefront! The link is in my bio! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#amazonfinds #heartsweater #valentinesoutfit #valentinesdayoutfit #outfitideas #affordablefashion #styleonabudget #michiganblogger #momstyle #momoutfits
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