Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

Dressing for the Holidays on a Budget

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. 

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!

Katie’s Closet~Winter Wardobe

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!

Flawless Face on a Budget

by Katie Haller


I am always searching for new makeup products for my face.  I love testing out different products and seeing what works best with my skin.  I used to be a huge fan of BareMinerals.  It was my favorite foundation for a long time.  But when I started to cut down on my spending habits, I just couldn’t justify spending $27 on one single makeup product anymore.  That’s when I started searching for another foundation.  My skin tends to be on the oilier side, so it’s hard to find a good foundation that will keep my face from shining up after an hour.

About a year ago, I started watching a lot of makeup tutorials on YouTube.  I love learning different ways to apply my makeup.  After watching some tutorials on foundation, I decided I wanted to try some liquid foundation.  I’ve always been a little hesitant to try a liquid foundation, because of my oily skin.  I started doing some research on the best drugstore foundation brands.  I tried out a few that I liked, but it wasn’t until recently that I found my favorite liquid foundation so far.  At Ulta, I stumbled upon a foundation called Ready, Set, Gorgeous, by Covergirl.  Usually, it cost around $7.99, but on this particular day, it was on sale for $5.99. I just had to try it.
One thing I’ve learned about makeup is that you can’t just use foundation and be done. Here is my daily face routine, using my Ready, Set, Gorgeous Foundation.

  1. First I like to start with a good primer. I haven’t always used a primer, but now that I do, I feel like it’s an important step that I don’t like to skip.  It helps even out my face and most importantly, it helps my foundation last through my long workdays. I’ve been using Rimmel’s Stay Matte Primer. It’s the perfect primer for oily skin. Best of all, the price is right! It was only $6.99 at Ulta. 
  2. Next step, I move on to my Covergirl Ready, Set Gorgeous foundation. I like that this foundation has a light to medium coverage. I hate makeup that feels heavy on my face. It’s perfect for oily skin.
  3. To apply my foundation, I always use my Elf Studio Powered Brush.  I like the flat top on the brush.  It helps apply my foundation evenly and gives it an airbrush finish.  I try to stay away from using my figures to apply my foundation because my fingers have oils in them.  I always feel like I’m just putting oils back into my face when I use my fingers.
  4. After my foundation is applied, I use a concealer to high light under my eyes, my forehead and down the center of my face.  I’ve been using an NYC concealer.  I’ve always liked NYC products for the price. This concealer was $3.99.
  5. To apply my concealer, I’ve been using my knock off Target beauty blender.  I’ve heard great things about the original Beauty Blender.  Apparently, it’s a magical sponge that blends your foundation perfectly.  Well, I may never use a real Beauty Blender, because I don’t think I will ever be able to spend $20 on a sponge.  For now, $4.99 for a knock off beauty blender, sounds like a much better price.  I’m not crazy about using this blender for my foundation, but it works perfectly with my concealer.  The shape is perfect for getting under my eyes and around my nose.  For the price, this sponge is worth trying. 

    6.  

Once I have my foundation on, I move on to my eyes, then complete my face with some blush, bronzer and a little finishing powder.

 Hopefully, you’ve learned something new, or you might be thinking about trying out a new product.  It’s important to have fun with your makeup and never stop looking for what works best for you!

How to Travel in Style

by Katie Haller

Back in the “Golden Ages of Flying”, flying was a luxury.  People dressed up to fly.  Women wore their best dress, heels, and pearls, while men wore suits.  People treated flying as a treat and they dressed the part.

A suitcase adds from the 1950s.
Nowadays, with travel websites and low-cost airlines, flying has become more affordable for the average person.  People don’t treat flying as a luxury anymore and this is clear in the way they dress.  
When I travel, it’s on Kevin’s work benefits, which means there is a dress code to follow.  Dress code or no dress code, I still feel that it’s always important to look presentable and put together while traveling.  It’s important to be stylish, while at the same time staying comfortable when traveling.

    Here are a few clothing items you should consider when traveling…

    • Dark Skinny Jeans- Jeans can still be considered business casual if you wear them in the right way.  I’ve always felt that dark jeans look dressier than light jeans.  I always like to wear a pair of jeans with a stretch for them to keep me comfortable on the flight.
    • Blazer- A blazer is a perfect way to dress up your look when traveling. It’s simple and stylish!
    • Scarf- I don’t like to wear a lot of jewelry when traveling, so a scarf is a perfect accessory to dress up my travel outfits.  
    • Crossbody Purse- I love a crossbody purse when traveling.  It helps keep my hands free and I don’t have to worry about anything slipping off my shoulder. 
    • Boots- Boots are the last thing that you will want to pack in your suitcase, especially if you only have a carry-on size.  This is why boots are perfect to wear on your travel days. 
    • Flats- I love my Audrey Brooke flats when traveling.  They are super comfortable, easy to take on and off, plus they’re stylish! 
    • Maxi Skirts- Maxi Skirts are perfect when traveling in the summer or to a warm vacation destination. 

    Here is my NO NO’s for traveling…

    • Sweat Pants or Yoga Pants- Sorry ladies, I know that they are comfortable, but save them for the comfort of your own home.  The flight crew will judge you for wearing these, especially if they have wording on the butt. 
    • Tennis Shoes- Tennis Shoes are made for the gym.  Besides that, untying your shoes at security is only going to hold you and other passengers up. 
    • High Heels- Most airports are big and require a lot of walking.  You will not be able to make your connection if you have to run across the airport in heals.  Pack them in your suitcase instead.
    • T-Shirts and Sweat Shirts- This goes along with the sweat pants look, save it for the comfort of your own home, not the airport. T-Shirts and sweat shirts are just too casual for traveling.

    So with that said, here are some travel looks I’ve put together…

    Blazer/Dark Skinny Jeans/Leopard Scarf/Black Tank Top/Crossbody Purse

    This look is one of my favorite travel looks.  It’s stylish and smart, all while being comfortable.
     

    Grey Blazer/Black Tank Top/Necklace/Dark Skinny Jeans/Flats

    This is another great look for traveling.  I wore this outfit a few months ago when I went on one of Kevin’s flights.  It’s a great spring travel outfit.

    Black Leggings/Black Tank Top/Black Long Sweater/Brown Boots/Turquoises Scarf

    This look is perfect for a long flight or an early morning flight.  I wore this outfit on my way home from visiting my brother in Germany.  Sometimes you can get away with wearing leggings, as long as you can dress them up in the right way.

    Maxi Skirt/Black Tank Top/Teal Sweater/Necklace

    This is a great vacation travel look.  Maxi skirts are extremely comfortable and easy to travel in.

    What will you wear on your next flight?

    photo credit: 1950sUnlimited via photopin cc

    Katie’s Closet~What I Wore

    by Katie Haller

    It’s Wednesday.  The week is half way over.  I feel like it’s a good day to show off my favorite outfits from the past few days. 

    Saturday
    Grey boyfriend cardigan sweater- Target
    Striped tank top- Meijer
    Grey jeggings- Old Navy
    Brown boots- DSW
    Sunday
    Navy shirt dress- Old Navy
    Denim jacket- Meijer
    Brown boots- Target
    Necklace- Charming Charlie
    Monday
    Navy dress- Old Navy
    Tan striped sweater- Old Navy
    Brown boots- Target
    Brown belt- Target
    Grey tights- Kroger (I grabbed these tights as I was waiting in line at the grocery store. They are super comfortable! I love tights in the cold weather!)
    Wednesday
    Green and white polka dot blouse- Target
    Grey boyfriend cardigan sweater- Target
    Black jeggings- TJ Maxx
    Nude pumps- Target

    Favorite Fall Fashion Trends on a Budget

    by Katie Haller

    I absolutely love fall fashion! It’s my favorite time of the year for putting together cute outfits.  That’s why I want to share my top 5 favorite looks for fall this year, and also where to find them for a great price!

    1.) Denim
    I love the denim look in the fall.  I’ve always loved a classic pair of blue jeans, but this fall I am going beyond just my jean pants.  I’ve been mixing up my outfits with my jean jacket and denim button-down shirt.  I am just loving this look! 

    Left: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohls $10  Top Right: Jessica Simpson, Meijer $10  Bottom Left: Target $16
    2.) Button-down blouse with a boyfriend cardigan sweater
    I am just loving this layered look for fall this year!  You’ll see I have this look pinned over and over again on My Style board on Pinterest. I can’t get enough of it!
     Blouse: Target $16  Sweater: Target $16
    3.) Scarves
    Scarves are not just something you wear in the winter to keep your neck warm.  They are a fun way of dressing up any of your everyday outfits.
    Left: Kohls $5  Center: Charming Charlie $5  Right: Old Navy $7

    4.) Boots
    I love boots in the fall.  Riding boots, ankle boots or rain boots, it doesn’t matter.  I just love wearing boots!
    Left: DSW $50 (originally $200)  Center: Kohls $12  Right: Target $30

    5.) Trench Coats
    I’ve always loved a classic double-breasted trench coat. It is a must-have in my closet. I have a black and a khaki trench coat. I get a lot of use out of them this time of the year.  They are perfect for any occasion. 
    Left: Old Navy $15  Right: Forever 21 $30

    Where can you find these looks for a great price?

    • Denim- You can find denim almost anywhere right now.  Target, Kohls and Old Navy are my favorite places to find cute denim for a great price.  Be sure to check out their sales and clearance sections.
    • Button Down Blouse- I like to look at thrift stores for blouses.  I have found some gently worn button down blouses from stores like Express and Banana Republic, at the Salvation Army, for only $5 or less.  It’s definitely worth a shot to look.  If you don’t have any luck at a thrift store, there is always the clearance section at Target!
    • Boyfriend Cardigan Sweaters- Target is my favorite place to buy these sweaters.  They start around $19.99, but I like to buy them when they go on clearance or when I see a sale for them.  Don’t forget about your Cartwheel app.  They often have these sweaters on special with the app!
    • Boots- Whether you are looking for ankle boots or riding boots, it’s always a good idea to wait until you see a great sale.  They run a few sales in the fall, but the closer you get to Christmas, and even better, after the holidays, you start to see boots on sale everywhere.  Target, DSW and Kohls are great places to look after the holidays. 
    • Scarves- Scarves are everywhere in the fall.  With the winter months right around the corner, stores are stocking up on their heavy winter scarves.  Now is a great time to find light weight scarves on sale in the clearance section.  I’ve had good luck at Charming Charlie and Old Navy.
    • Trench Coats- Old Navy is a great place to find inexpensive coats for any season.  They always have great sales this time of the year!  Forever 21 is also my go to store when I’m looking for an expensive look, with an affordable price.

    My best advise for finding the best fall trends on a budget, is to always keep your eyes open.  You never know when or where you will find an amazing deal!

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