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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

Off the Shoulder Floral Dress

June 14, 2017 by Katie Haller

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- floral off the shoulder dress
Hey everyone!  I am so excited to share this dress today.  I found it a few weeks ago at Ross Dress for Less for only $8.99.  I was looking for something that was a little more trendy than most of the dresses in my closet.  I am just loving the floral print with the off the shoulder style. 

Sometimes it makes me nervous to make a trendy purchase because I always try to make the most of my clothes and re-wear them in different ways.  I’m always afraid that a statement dress like this will only be able to style in one way.  That’s why the first thing I did after buying this dress was the start to outfit plan, so I could find different ways to style it.  Today I thought I would share 2 of the looks I came up with.

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

For the first look, I wore the dress with my black wedge sandals (similar), my black satchel purse (exact) and some fun jewelry.  I figured that this look would be cute for a shower, dinner date out or even a casual wedding. 
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- floral off the shoulder dress
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- floral off the shoulder dress

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- floral off the shoulder dress

 For a more casual look, I styled it with my white braided sandals (exact) and my new thrift store find black tote (similar).  I figured that this would be a look I’d more likely wear this summer.
Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- floral off the shoulder dress

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- floral off the shoulder dress

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- floral off the shoulder dress

I found that it’s easy to style a dress like this.  It’s really just about switching it up with your shoes and jewelry, then you can create any kind of look you want.

 It’s not hard to find a cute off the shoulder dress right now in stores, because they are everywhere!  I linked a bunch of similar dresses that I love below.

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, outfits, Shopping, Summer Style • by Katie Haller • 2 Comments

What I Wore- Weekday Wardrobe

June 10, 2017 by Katie Haller

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life- Causal  preschool teacher summer outfits
  As most teachers near me ended their school year on Thursday, the summer program at my school has just begun.  It would be so nice to have the entire summer off, but most early childhood teachers work throughout the summer, so I guess I knew what I was getting myself into.
  The hardest thing about working in the summertime is trying to figure out how to dress in the heat.  My dress code at work makes it hard to dress in the summer.  No open-toed shoes and no shorts.  That’s why I’ve been trying to wear a lot of sundresses, skirts, and flowy tops.  Anything to keep cool.
Here’s a recap of what I wore this week

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

Monday

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life Casual summer work outfit
Dress- Old Navy- Thrifted from Savers (similar) || Cardigan- Old Navy (similar) || Shoes- DSW (similar)

Tuesday

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life Casual summer work outfit

Skirt- TJ Maxx (similar similar ) || Tank top- Old Navy (exact) || Vest- Savers (similar)

Wednesday

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life Casual summer work outfit

Top- Target (similar) || Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad Kohl’s (similar) || Shoes- Nordstrom (exact)

Thursday

Thrifty Wife, Happy Life Casual summer work outfit

Dress- Old Navy- Thrifted from Savers (similar)  ||  Jacket- Meijer (similar) || Shoes- Nordstrom  (exact)

Friday

Top- Target (similar) || Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad Kohl’s (similar) || Shoes- Target (exact)
I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, Daily Outfits, outfits, Summer Style, What I Wore • by Katie Haller • Leave a Comment

Maxi Dress Perfect for Summer

June 2, 2017 by Katie Haller

Hi everyone!  Today for My Closet post, I want to take a moment and talk about maxi dresses.  I love maxi dresses, especially in the summer.  I have about 5 maxi dresses in my closet that I wear throughout the year.  I love how effortless they are.  You can just throw on a cute maxi with a couple accessories and you’re ready to go for any occasion.

One of my favorite maxi dresses in my closet is this pink/purple print maxi from Target. (original shopping post here)  When looking for a summer maxi dress, I think it’s important to find something that is versatile and can be worn in many different ways.  Even though this dress is colorful with a print, it’s still a dress that I can re-wear often.  I like to wear it with cardigans, denim or just on its own.   I often have a difficult time finding maxi dresses that aren’t too long, because I’m only 5’1, but this dress is the perfect length for me. I’m able to wear it with flats or heels.  I even wore this dress while I was pregnant during my second trimester.

Today I wanted to share one of my favorite ways to style my maxi dress this summer.  I wore it here with my denim jacket, sandals, and turquoise accessories.  As you’ve probably seen with my recent outfits, I’m kind of obsessed with turquoise accessories.  I’m especially loving the color combination of turquoise with the pink.

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

Shop my closet
Dress- Target || Shoes- Target- (exact) || Purse- Hand-me-down (similar) || Necklace- Nordstrom Rack (similar)

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any dresses out right now that are similar to this one with the pink and purple print.  However, I did link some really cute printed maxi dresses below that I am absolutely loving.  I think these would all make for a great summer maxi dress.  Everything is under $40, and most of these dresses are under $20!

One || Two
Three || Four
Five || Six

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

Summer Trends to try on a Budget

May 29, 2017 by Katie Haller

I wouldn’t consider myself a very trendy person.  I like to play it safe and stick to the basics.  I find that it’s easier to mix and match your wardrobe when you keep it simple.  However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t ever buy trendy pieces.   I am loving some of the trends I’ve been seeing lately.  There are so many great styles out this summer that I would love to try out.  When it comes to making a trendy purchase, I always have to stick to a low budget.  Something that I’m loving right now, might turn into something that I don’t want to be caught dead in 6 months from now.

I’ve been doing a lot of research and I’ve found 4 trends that I would like to try this summer.  I’ve linked some of my favorite pieces below.  Everything is under $30, so you can try a fun trendy piece of clothing and still stick to your budget!

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

Statement Sleeves
I’m really loving statement sleeves right now.  When worn with the right top, they can look very fun.  I would probably go for something a little more subtle because I really wouldn’t want it to look like I was wearing the puffy shirt from Seinfeld.
 

        One || Two || Three
        Four || Five || Six

Floral print dresses
Floral prints are everywhere right now and my closet has very little floral in it.  I’m loving all the dresses with the floral.  It’s so fun for summer.

One || Two || Three
Four || Five || Six


Off the shoulder tops
I’m really liking the off the shoulder look.  I think it’s cute to have your bare shoulders showing.  It’s a very 80’s look that is fun to see come back around.

One || Two || Three
Four || Five || Six


Slide sandals
These sandals remind me of the kind of sandals that my mom wore in the 90’s.  I guess I’ve been wearing the thong style of sandals for so long, I forgot about slide sandals.  I’m really liking the look right now, especially with our summers being so hot, it would be nice to have a cute pair of slide sandals to slip on easily.


One || Two || Three
Four || Five || Six

What are your favorite summer trends?  Do you think these trends are worth a try?

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, outfits, Shopping, Summer Style • by Katie Haller • 5 Comments

My Favorite Blazer

May 26, 2017 by Katie Haller

Happy Friday everyone!  One thing I love to do on my blog is to show off affordable looks using the clothes that I already have in my closet, hence the title “my closet”.  My closet is full of basic pieces that can be mixed and matched in all kinds of ways. 
Today I wanted to share one of my favorite staple pieces in my closet which is my black LC Lauren Conrad blazer from Kohls.  I bought this blazer on sale with a coupon a couple years ago for under $15 and its classic look has made it one of my favorite items in my wardrobe.  I love to accessorize with a blazer because it can take a casual look and dress it up.  At my old job, I had to dress business casual.  This blazer was one of my favorite things to throw on with a cute pair of pants or a dress.
Since I don’t get to dress up for work anymore, I decided to put together a cute spring look that is perfect for a business casual dress code.  I love how the white pants look with the darker colors on top.  I’ve linked the look the best I can below!

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

Shop my closet
Top- Thrifted from Savers- (similar) || Pants- Target (similar) || Blazer- Kohl’s (exact) || Shoes- Target (similar similar) || Purse- Neiman Marcus Last Call (exact)

     

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

Instagram Roundup- Spring 2017

May 24, 2017 by Katie Haller

Spring 2017
Hey everyone!  It’s hard to believe that summer is almost here!  June is just around the corner.  I thought that now would be the perfect time to do an Instagram roundup of some of my favorite Instagram posts that didn’t make it to the blog. 

You may have noticed that I’ve been making a few changes around here.  I’ve kept this little blog of mine a secret for a long time and this year, one of my goals is to grow my following and share my blog with others.  I’m pretty shy and I’m not always comfortable putting myself out there,  but I do put a lot of time and effort into my blog, so I figured why not share my hard work?
 The one place I’ve been putting a lot of time into growing my following and promoting my blog is on Instagram.  I love Instagram, but it’s hard work trying to get followers, especially when I really don’t have the tons of extra time for social media.  Motherhood and my job take up the majority of my time, but since I enjoy blogging so much, I try to make the time for it.
 So today I want to go back and recap my spring through my Instagram (@thriftywifehappylife)
*This post contains affiliate links which means by clicking on and/or making a purchase through a link, I will receive a small commission.  Thank you for your support.
e.l.f Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzer ||  Sally Hansen Miracle Gel || L’Oreal Color Rich Lipstick || Garnier Skin active BB || Maybelline Volum Express Pumped Up
I love trying out new beauty products.  This spring I tried out a few new products and stuck with a few of my favorites.  I’m really loving anything pink right now!

The dress is thrifted similar here
Our Easter was nice and quiet.  I had a week off work, which was amazing!!  We spent the first part of my break in Denver visiting my sister in law, then we came home and finished off the week just relaxing and enjoying the weather.  I even got a cute picture on Easter with my cute little guy. 
Similar Bathing Suit || Similar Hat || Similar Sunglasses
Pool season has officially arrived and I finally got the chance to wear this cute polka dot bikini that I bought at the end of the summer last year at Walmart for only $2! 

Tank top || Cardigan || Similar Jeans || Purse 
I made a few trips to Old Navy this spring to stock up on some super cheap tank tops.  I’ve been loving my $2 tanks that I bought at the end of April.  They are perfect for wearing under my cardigans with jeans. 

Similar Hat || Similar bathing suite Top and Bottoms
I’ve been learning what it’s like to take a busy toddler to the pool and let’s just say that my summers at the pool aren’t as relaxing as they used to be, but that’s okay.  That’s mom’s life for you.  I’m loving my new pool hat.  I found this one in the dollar section at Target for $5.  It’s the perfect pool accessory. 

Dress || Shoes || Purse || Necklace
My go to outfits this spring have been dresses with my denim jacket.  It’s such a comfy and also safe look, especially when I feel stumped on what to wear.  

Top || Necklace || Sunglasses
I’ve rediscovered my love for the color pink this spring.  I just love this bright pink tank top.  I especially love it with turquoise accessories. 

My poor baby had an ear infection over Mother’s Day weekend, so he was very cranky.  We had a hard time getting a good picture, but that’s okay, because he’s still cute, fussy or not. 
 Purse || Similar Shorts || Similar Shoes
Now that it’s pretty much summer, I have to break out the shorts.  I don’t really like wearing shorts, but it’s really hard to wear long jeans when it’s over 100 degrees, so it looks like I’m going to have to embrace my shorts.

So that’s my life through Instagram.  Don’t forget to follow me for the latest posts!

Filed in: Affordable Fashion, Beauty, instagram review, Living Life, outfits • by Katie Haller • 10 Comments

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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

thriftywifehappylife

Affordable everyday petite (5’1) mom style
A mix of affordable retailers + thrifted fashion
👨‍✈️Wife + Mom of 2 💙💗
💌 katie@thriftywifehappylife.com

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! 

The weather had been terrible this week 😩 So I basically wore my go-to comfort outfit combo all week long— thrifted jeans + cardigan/sweater + ballet flats. 

How is the weather where you live this spring?? 

🛍️Comment OUTFITS and I will send you the link to all my daily outfits! 

#dailyoutfit #realoutfit #thriftedstyle #momstyle #momoutfits #momfashion #wiwtw
My Mom-Friendly Summer Capsule Wardrobe is LIVE on My Mom-Friendly Summer Capsule Wardrobe is LIVE on the blog! ☀️

✨See all 96 outfits in blog post!! Outfit reel coming soon!! 

🛍️Comment SUMMER and I will send you the
link to the blog post!! 🔗https://thriftywifehappylife.com/2025/05/effortless-summer-mom-capsule-wardrobe-2025/

#capsulewardrobe #summercapsule #momoutfits #momstyle #summerstyle #effortlessstyle #affordablefashion
What I wore then vs. What I wore now I have alway What I wore then vs. What I wore now

I have always loved cardigan sweaters. Lately I’ve been wearing them buttoned up, which is an easy way to update the style and wear it in a new way! 

🛍️ Comment LINK and I will send you the shopping link to the updated outfit! 🔗https://liketk.it/5erRV

#whatiworethenvsnow #outfitideas #updatingmillenialoutfits #updatingoutfits #whitepants #cardiganoutfit
If you are over spending money this school year, b If you are over spending money this school year, but still want to send in a little end of the year appreciation gift to your kid’s teacher then this $5 gift idea is a perfect! 

@walmart has these cute little faux plants for under $5! I googled these free printable tags and used some left over Christmas ribbon to make these cute little end of year teacher gifts. 🪴

🛍️Comment TEACHER GIFT and I will send you the shopping links to this post! 🔗https://liketk.it/5emTs

#teacherappreciation #teachergift #walmartgifts #walmartfinds #giftsunder5 #affordablegifts
Field trips, field day, park day… if you’re lo Field trips, field day, park day… if you’re looking for a cute casual outfit to wear to any of these places, this is a great go-to! 

This top has a built in bra which is so convenient and comfortable! Skirt has built in shorts! Both are super easy to accessorize! 

🛍️Comment LINK and I will send you the shopping link to this post! 🔗https://liketk.it/5edIb

#amazonfinds #amzonstyle #fieldtripoutfit #momootd #momoutfits #momstyle
Amazon vacation dresses 👗 🌴 I’m loving al Amazon vacation dresses 👗 🌴

I’m loving all these beautiful dresses from @gracekarin_brand! These will all be coming on vacation with me this summer!! Which dress is your favorite? 

🛍️Comment DRESS and I will send you the shopping links to this post! 🔗https://liketk.it/5e77Y

#vacationdress #amazondresses #gracekarin #gksummer #gracekarinstyle #affordablefashion #amazonfinds #outfitideas #vacationstyle
I’ve been doing a lot of outfit brainstorming fo I’ve been doing a lot of outfit brainstorming for my cruise vacations coming up next month! That’s why  today on the blog I am breaking down some outfit ideas for all the different places you need outfits for on a Caribbean cruise! 

✨Comment CRUSE and I will send you the link to my blog post with all the outfit details! 
💻🔗https://thriftywifehappylife.com/2025/05/cruise-wardrobe-what-to-wear-for-a-caribbean-cruise/

#cruiseoutfits #cruisevacation #vacationoutfits #resortwear #momstyle #affordablestyle
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! 

This week we finally got some warmer weather which meant I could take my outfit pictures outside! But that was short lived because it’s cold and rainy again 😩

Let me know what day is your favorite! 

🛍️Comment OUTFITS and I will send you the shopping links to all my daily outfits! 

#dailyoutfits #momstyle #momoutfits #outfitideasforyou #momootd #sahmstyle
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