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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

Top 10 Favorite Purchase of 2020

December 31, 2020 by Katie Haller

Top 10 purchases of 2020
*This post contains affiliate links, which means by making a purchase through a link I will earn a commission for this blog.  Thank you for your support!

At the end of each year, I love to do a round-up blog post sharing my favorite purchases from the year.  It’s fun to look back on what I bought and evaluate my shopping.  I’m always trying to stay true to myself and this blog by keeping my shopping habit on a budget.  My goal is to never buy anything over $50 unless it’s the occasional splurge.

This year I tried something new.  I kept a record of everything I bought for myself in the notes on my phone.  I only included clothes, shoes, and accessories. I left out makeup and skincare because let’s just say I consider those to be necessities 😉.  I just wanted to have a record to see how much money I was actually spending on my wardrobe, where the money I was spending was coming from and I also wanted to see what stores I was shopping at the most.

Here is what I found out:

  • I spent an average of $70 on clothes and accessories per month.
  • I spent $0 on clothes and accessories for myself during the months of April and May (mostly because it was during the stay home order and I was super pregnant.)
  • I spent the most money in the months of January, June, and September.
  • The stores I shopped at the most were Goodwill, Old Navy, Target, Walmart, H&M, ThredUP, Aerie/American Eagle, Amazon, and Poshmark.

Why I record my shopping

I wanted to record my shopping this year to take a closer look at what I spend my money on.  I try to make thoughtful purchases when I shop.  I want to love every piece that’s in my wardrobe and avoid making those impulse buys that I later regret.  I’m always trying to be a smarter shopper.  When I first started this blog, I was all about finding the lowest prices.  I often would sacrifice buying what I really wanted over price.  I’m still always shopping for a deal, but it’s becoming less about the money and more about making each purchase meaningful.  Instead of having a closet full of trendy pieces and colors I rarely wear, I prefer to buy clothes and accessories that can be worn over and over again in new ways.  By recording each purchase, it helps me look back and evaluate what I should continue doing with my shopping habits and where I need to make changes to become a smarter shopper.

My top 10

It was hard to choose only 10 items to share as my top 10 purchase.  That’s like asking me to pick which one of my children I like better.  Just kidding, but it was still a tough call. I wanted to do 20 for 2020, but that seemed like a lot.  Here is what I narrowed it down to.  I tried to keep a variety of both summer and winter buys.
Winter coat #wintercoat

 1.) Winter Coat– Gap Factory

I bought this coat (HERE) with some of my Christmas money last year.  It was a good practical buy for my first winter back in Michigan. I got a lot of use out of it, even though I outgrew it with my belly by spring, I still was able to wear this coat throughout the winter months and I will continue to get use out of it for many years to come. I love the warm sherpa lining inside it and the fur hood easily comes off for when you want to wash it.  It’s a great everyday winter coat!

snakeskin booties #snakeskinbooties

2.)  Snake Skin Booties (similar) – Meijer

These snakeskin booties were a clearance find last February while I was doing my grocery shopping at Meijer.  I needed something to help pop my winter wardrobe last year and these booties were perfect.  I even wrote a blog post sharing some ways you can wear them on a winter date night (HERE).

Favorite leopard slip on sneakers #leopardshoes

3.)  Leopard Slip-on sneakers (similar, similar, similar) – Walmart

My love for leopard shoes runs deep, so of course, I fell in love with this slip-on pair of sneakers, and sadly they are out of stock 😢.  Walmart surprisingly has some of the most comfortable shoes.  I wore these so much while I was pregnant this year because tying my shoes became too much of a hassle.

Black button-front romper #romper

4.) Black Button-Front Romper– Amazon

This button-front romper from Amazon was one of my most worn items in my closet this summer.  It was the perfect postpartum summer outfit.  The buttons made it great for nursing and it was so comfortable.  I can’t wait to wear it again this summer.

Thrifted pair of Madewell jeans #thrifted

5.) Madewell Jeans– Style Encore

These jeans were a second-hand find at a local second-hand store.  I had wanted a pair of Madewell jeans for a while, but I wasn’t a fan of their price tag.  I found these ones for around $15.  They fit great and have a classic look to them.  I know they will be a good pair of jeans to have in my wardrobe for years to come.

Button-fly black jeans #blackjeans

 6.) Button-Fly Black Jeans- Abercrombie

I love Abercrombie jeans and this pair (HERE) is so good.  I’ve been wearing them all the time.  I love the cropped look with the raw hem and I absolutely love the button fly.
Neutral color sweater #sweater

7.) Sweater- Old Navy

As always, Old Navy comes in for the win on this one!  I love this sweater.  It’s so good that I might have to get it in one more color.  It’s so cozy.  Since I spend most of my days at home, I always feel a little more put together with my leggings when I have this cute sweater on.
Over the knee brown boots #overthekneeboots

8.) Over the knee boots- Target

If you follow me on Instagram, you know how much I love this pair of boots (HERE).  They are so comfy and stylish.  They just go with everything.  I wasn’t sure how I would feel about these boots at first, but I instantly fell in love with them.  The heel is lower, which makes it more practical for my everyday mom life.
Faux leather leggings #fauxleather #leggings

9.) Faux Leather Leggings– Aerie

I heard all the hype about Spanx faux leather leggings this year and don’t get me wrong, I’d love a pair, but I don’t love the price tag.  That’s why I was thrilled when I found this pair of leggings at Aerie (HERE).  They are definitely a quality pair of leggings and I like the price much better.  You can see some styling ideas for them in my post (HERE).
Cozy turtleneck sweatshirt #cozy

10.) Turtleneck Sweatshirt- Aerie

This sweatshirt was a cyber week buy and I love it.  It’s so cozy and warm.  The perfect piece to help me get through this long winter ahead.
There you have it.  Those are my top 10 favorite purchases of 2020.  I don’t have any plans to make any changes in my shopping habits in 2021.  I want to continue to shop smart and buy affordable clothes that are versatile and easy to wear.  I will continue to keep track of my purchases.  It will be fun to compare them next year.
 I hope everyone has a wonderful 2021! Happy shopping to you all!

Katie🤍

Don’t forget to pin the post!

Favorite purchases of 2020

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

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    October 13, 2022 at 6:46 am

    […] that I was really loving the new clothes that I was bringing into my wardrobe. (Related post: HERE!) I started to keep my clothes longer. I stopped settling for the clearance items that were the […]

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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

Helping women love what they wear on a budget!
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Katie || Affordable Fashion
I found some fun pieces on my latest @amazon order I found some fun pieces on my latest @amazon order! Here's how they look! 

T-shirt hoodie- $21.50- I love this top! It feels like a t-shirt so it's perfect for layering under jackets! 

Flare leggings $24.99- aka yoga pants. These pants take me back to the early 2000's. I am loving them! 

Tunic $24.98- Love this tunic! It's a great length. Perfect for layering under sweaters! 

Matte faux leather leggings- These are the best faux leather legging dupe for the Spanx I have found so far! 

Wide leg trousers- I have loved these pants on everyone else, but they weren't my favorites. I still felt that they are a great pair of trousers! 

Check out my stories for more details! Everything is linked on the @shop.ltk app and also in my Amazon Storefront. You can find both in the link in my bio!! 

#amazonhaul #amazoninfluencer #amazontryon #amazonfashion #amazonfinds #affordablefashion #amazonblogger #momstyle #everydaystyle #momootd #casualstyle #winterstyle #leggings #flareleggings #fauxleatherleggings
These black Converse Chucks are my first thrifted These black Converse Chucks are my first thrifted purchase of 2023 for $7.99! I found them at @goodwillmidmich! Here's a casual way to wear them with joggers! 

#thriftythursday #thriftfinds #goodwillfinds #converse #thriftedfashion #thriftstorefinds #thriftedfashion #winteroutfitideas #casualstyle #momstyle #momootd #momstyle #outfitinspiration #michiganblogger #joggerstyle
I've been in a winter outfit rut for the last mont I've been in a winter outfit rut for the last month. All I want to do is throw on a big cozy sweater with some leggings and call it a day. That’s why today, to help myself get out of my winter outfit funk, I wanted to switch it up a little bit and put together a workwear winter capsule wardrobe post.

Today on the blog I am sharing 15 neutral workwear pieces with 20 outfit ideas. Head over to the blog for all the outfit details! 

Blog- www.thriftywifehappylife.com (link in bio)

Capsule items are also linked on the @shop.ltk app! Follow @thriftywifehappylife for details or go to the link in my bio! 

#capsulewardrobe #winterwardrobe #winterworkwear #workwear #businesscasual #workingmom #workwearstyle #workwearwednesday #workstyle #whattowear #howtowearit #momstyle #affordablefashion #teacherstyle #shopyourcloset
My husband and I have plans to have a night away f My husband and I have plans to have a night away from the kids this weekend. I've been brainstorming some outfit ideas for our date night. Which top do you like best with these jeans? 

🛍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! 😊

#datenightoutfit #outfitideas4you #skinnyjeans #outfitinspiration #whattowear #howtowearit #momstyle #michiganblogger #ootn #outfitsideas #affordablefashion #express #expressyou #expressjeans
Do you have a short cardigan in your wardrobe? Her Do you have a short cardigan in your wardrobe? Here are some ways you can style them for winter! 

This sweater is out of stock but I linked some of my favorite short cardigans on the @shop.ltk app! Follow @thriftywifehappylife or go to the link in my bio! 

#cardigans #howtowearit #outfitideas4you #winteroutfits #sweaterweather #whattowear #midweststyle #michiganblogger #momstyle #momoutfits #styletips #styleinspo #styleblogger #momstyleblogger
🖤 What I wore this week as a SAHM! 🖤 I have 🖤 What I wore this week as a SAHM! 🖤

I have another round up of cozy outfits! I have to admit that I have been in a bit of a style rut! The lack of sunshine has made it really hard for me to feel motivated to get creative with my outfits and I've been finding myself repeating the same clothes over and over again. 

That's why this week I built each outfit around one piece in my wardrobe that I haven't worn in a while. I have a lot of clothes and sometimes rediscovering pieces that I love help my outfits feel more fun and creative! 

🛍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! 

#sahmoutfit #styleinspo #momoutfitinspo #momstyle #momootd #wiw #momiform #dailystyleideas #dailyoutfits #dailyoutfitinspo #ootdfashion
Get ready with me on a gloomy winter day! Even whe Get ready with me on a gloomy winter day! Even when I have no plans of leaving the house, I still want to wear an outfit that makes me feel good! Cozy sweatshirts, leggings and socks have been helping me get through these dark winter days. 

Out for details 
Leggings- @amazon
Sweatshirt- @oldnavy 
Tunic- Old Navy
Necklace- @silverado_jewelry (code: KATIE10)
Socks- Amazon

Shopping details are linked on the @shop.ltk app! Download the free app and follow @thriftywifehappylife or go to the link in my bio! 

#ltkstyletip #ltkunder50 #sahmoutfit #outfitideas #outfitideas4you #grwm #momstyle #momootd #momiform #cozyoutfit #momlife #winteroutfitideas
More pictures is a request I have gotten from a lo More pictures is a request I have gotten from a lot of people in the last year, so I'm going to do my best this year to  incorporate more picture posts! I miss them too! 

This leopard blouse is one of my favorite tops in my wardrobe! Which way is your favorite?

🛍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! 😊

#amazonfinds #amazonfashion #amazonfavorites #affordablefashion #affordablestyle #shoppingonabudget #howtowearit #outfitinspiration #outfitideasforyou #michiganblogger
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