Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

Striped Button-Front Shirt

by Katie Haller

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve sat down and tried to write this blog post.  I’ve been wanting to share this look for weeks, but every time I go to write, I realize that I have something else to do before I can start.  That task usually leads to another and before I know it, I’m too tired to write.  The last few weekends have been productive, but busy.  My plan was to get a bunch of blog posts drafted and scheduled for the last couple weeks of October because I’m going to Michigan at the end of the week and I know I won’t have much time for blogging while I’m there.  That didn’t happen though.  There were just more important things to get done before our trip, plus this weekend Jack decided to boycott his naps, which is not a good thing for me.  Naptime is blog time for me on the weekends.  But finally, I have a minute.  Due to not having a nap today, Jack passed out on the living room floor at 7:30, so bedtime was a breeze tonight.  With the husband sleeping too, I can finally work on a few blog posts and plan out my life a little.  Yay!

Anyway, today I want to share this super cute Amazon find.  This black and white striped button-down tank top (Find it HERE) is the perfect tank for wearing under my cardigans this fall.  This style of top is very in style right now with the buttons and the knot at the bottom.  It was only $5 on Amazon, but I don’t have Prime, so I did have to pay for shipping.  Sometimes I get nervous when ordering really cheap clothes online, but this one turned out to be a pretty good find.  Minus the poorly sewed buttons, it’s a pretty decent top.  I bought it in a small, but I do wish I would have sized up because I do like my tops a little baggier for styling. 
I thought that this top went perfectly with my new duster cardigan (HERE) from Forever 21.  I may have mentioned before that I hate going to the mall.  It’s too time consuming and too overwhelming, that’s why I’m all about mall shopping online.  I’ve been doing almost all my shopping online lately.  So I was unsure about this cardigan at first. I wasn’t sure if I should size up or down, but I have to say that I really love it.  It’s the perfect fit and It was under $13, which for a cardigan, I think that’s a great price.  I accessorized my look with my favorite leopard clutch that everyone likes so much.  I love to mix leopard and stripes.  It’s one of my favorite combos for fall. I’m also always a fan of the peep-toed booties in the fall.  These booties are the perfect color for me. You can scroll down to get all the details on this outfit! 
*This post contains affiliate links.  By clicking on and making a purchase through a link, I will earn a small commission for this blog.  Thank you for your support. 

Shop my look

Cardigan- Forever 21 (exact) || Top- Amazon (exact) || Jeans- Old Navy- Savers (similar) || Clutch- H&M- ThredUP (similar) || Shoes- Target- ThredUP (similar) || Necklace- Nordstrom (exact) || Watch- Nordstrom Rack (similar)

Pink Plaid for Fall

by Katie Haller

Hey everyone! Happy Friday! I hope everyone is having a great fall so far.  Today I want to talk about a great fall wardrobe staple to have in your closet… a plaid button-down.  I love the classic look of a button-down and the plaid print just gives it that fun falls touch.  I found this pink plaid J.Crew top on ThredUP for only $3.99.  When I saw that price for that brand, I knew I had to snatch it up.  I feel like most people go for blue or red plaid in the fall, but I thought that the pink fit my personality perfectly.  Plus I thought it would also look great in the spring as well.  My favorite way to style my button-down tops is to layer them under a boyfriend cardigan sweater.  I bought this tan boyfriend cardigan at Target years ago and it continues to be a great go-to sweater.  I’ve linked some similar items below, along with a few other ThredUP plaid shirts. 

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

Shop my closet

Plaid Shirt- J.Crew- ThredUP (similar, similar, similar) || Jeans- Express- Very old, I distressed them myself (similar) || Cardigan- Target (similar) || Shoes- Madden Girl- ThredUP (similar) || Watch- Jord (exact) || Necklace- Nordstrom (exact) || Purse- Last Call Neiman Marcus (similar) || Earrings- Walmart (similar) 

Travel Must Haves with Rock Flower Paper

by Katie Haller

Back before we had Jack, fall used to be my husband and I’s favorite time to go on vacation.  We always enjoyed traveling in the fall, because it’s not a time of the year when most people are going on vacation.  You can usually get low prices and do a tropical vacation for a fraction of the price of what you would pay during the high travel season.  I remember our first vacation together we went on a 4 night cruise to the Bahamas in late October and we paid under $250 per person (for everything).  That was probably the best trip ever.  Nowadays, our vacations are few and far apart.  After moving to a vacation destination a few years ago, having a baby, having a husband in and out of training with his airline and both of us having busy work schedules, when we get a little time off we mostly vacation to visit our family.  Our next trip is to Michigan in a couple weeks.  Even though it’s not a “real vacation”, it still involves traveling, which is always an adventure when you have a two-year-old.  

*This post is part of a collaboration with Rock Flower Paper.  As always my opinions are 100% my own.  It also contains affiliate links, which means by making a purchase through a link will result in a commission for this blog.  Thank you for your support!
For today’s post, I have teamed up with a store called Rock Flower Paper.  Rock Flower Paper is based out of the San Francisco Bay area and they sell unique, high-quality lifestyle goods at affordable prices.  They have everything from home goods items to clothing and accessories.  Many of their products are perfect for traveling, that’s why for today’s post, I’m going to share my 4 must-have items when traveling. 

1.) A Tote Bag–  As a mom, I can’t think of anything more useful than a giant tote bag.  The bigger, the better.  I always like to bring a tote bag as my carry on when flying because it’s like bringing an extra suitcase.  One thing that’s great about a large tote bag is that you can throw a smaller purse inside and still use the tote as your personal item when you’re flying and bringing your suitcase as a carry-on.  This bag above is from Rock Paper Flower’s Jute Tote Bag collection.  I love the whale tale print on the bag, but sadly they are sold out on this print, but they do have some other great prints worth checking out.

2.) A makeup/cosmetic bag– I always need a safe place to transport all my make up and this adorable pineapple print is the perfect travel makeup bag.  It’s large enough to fit all my makeup, brushes and then some.  I’m still debating on whether I want to keep it as my go to makeup bag or use it daily as a purse organizer.

3.) Small pouch-  I don’t know about you, but I’m always losing all my stuff in my tote bags.  Having a little pouch to organize all your important things in your purse is extremely helpful.  It’s nice to have a safe place to keep your keys, passport and credit cards.  I love this black and white wavy stripe canvas pouch.  This is now going to be something that I use daily in my purses.

4.) Comfortable Travel outfit- Lastly, but not least, I always need to have a comfortable travel outfit.  This black and white palm print kimono is perfect to wear as a comfortable travel look.  I love how it looks over leggings and a tank top.  The best part about this kimono is that it’s totally versatile.  It’s great to wear on travel days, but it also makes a great bathing suit cover up.  It would also look great layered over a dress.

Even though I plan on using all my new travel accessories now, it makes me really excited to plan our next “real vacation”.  What are some of your must have travel items?

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Denim Skirt Fall Look

by Katie Haller

Hey guys! I’m so happy it’s Friday.  For some reason this week felt long, yet it seemed to go by quickly for me.  Which is always a good thing!  I have to say that I love putting together outfit posts together like this one.  If I could, I would spend all day, every day putting together new outfit posts and getting creative with my wardrobe.  In reality, I can’t spend all day, every day putting together outfits, so that’s why I can’t share everything I’d like to.  Luckily, I’ve had some extra time in the last couple of weekends to put together some fall outfits that I can’t wait to share. 

For today’s outfit post, I wanted to share this denim skirt that I found last spring at ThredUP.  It’s a mid-length raw hem skirt from Forever 21.  This skirt got me through my summer as an easy bottom to wear to work during the week.  I love this skirt so much, so I wanted to share a way to wear it this fall.  I’m a firm believer that clothes don’t have seasons.  You should be able to wear almost all your clothes for any season you want.  Everything besides heavy sweaters and boots in summer and sandals when it’s snowing…obviously.  It’s all about the way you style it that defines what season it is.  Since fall in Las Vegas is still pretty warm, I used fall neutral colors to style my denim skirt.  To pull them all together, I wore my favorite leopard clutch.  A pop of leopard always adds fall to any outfit.  Scroll down for all the details on this look. 

This look is 90% thrifted, so, unfortunately, you can’t find my exact look in stores, however, I’ve linked some affordable options for you below.

Shop the look

Denim Skirt- ThredUP- Forever 21 (Similar) || Top- Old Navy (Exact) || Cardigan- Savers- Old Navy (Similar) || Shoes- ThredUp- Brand unknown (Similar) || Clutch- ThredUP- H&M (Similar) || Necklace- Nordstrom (Exact) || Watch- Nordstrom Rack (Similar) || Earrings- Walmart (Similar)

Fun Ways to Accessorize with Socks this Fall

by Katie Haller

Temperatures here in Las Vegas are finally starting to cool down a bit and it’s getting me really excited!  I love all the accessories that come with the cooler weather.  Boots, scarves, hats and especially socks.  Socks are such a fun way to accessorize.  They are practical and also affordable.  I’ve always been a big fan of knee socks and thigh-high socks.


*This post is part of a collaboration with Chrissy’s Knee High Socks.  All opinions are 100% my own.  This post also contains affiliate links, which means by making a purchase through a link, I will make a commission for this blog.  Thank you for your support! 

There are 2 ways that I like to style my socks during the fall.  One way is with a dress or skirt and boots.  The other way is over leggings when lounging around the house.  These grey thigh high socks are absolutely perfect for styling both of those ways.  They are from Chrissy’s Knee High Socks.  They have a great selection of affordable knee high and thigh high socks, plus all their socks are made right here in the USA!!  Did I mention they are a Michigan company?  I always love supporting my home state!

Here are 2 ways that I will be wearing my thigh high socks this fall with my wardrobe.

Socks (EXACT) || Dress- (SIMILAR) || Jacket- (EXACT) || Boots (SIMILAR) || Purse- (SIMILAR) || Necklace- (EXACT) || Earrings (EXACT)

Socks (EXACT) || Shirt (EXACT) || Leggings (SIMILAR) || Earrings (EXACT)

I hope you will take a minute to check out Chrissy’s Knee Socks for some cozy ways to accessorize your outfits this fall.

Floral Fall Maxi Dress

by Katie Haller

It’s hard to believe that it’s already October.  I’m not sure what happened to September, but I’m okay with the month change. It’s finally cooling down in Las Vegas and feeling a little more like fall, not quite like a Michigan fall, but it looks like our hot 100 days are finally behind us.  

Fall has always been my favorite season to dress for.  The weather is perfect for wearing almost anything in my closet.  Everyone always gets really excited for boots, scarves, and sweaters during the fall.  I do too, but I also love wearing dresses in the fall.  I think with all the fun fall clothes everyone forgets about fall dresses.  I love a pretty fall floral prints on a flowy maxi dress during the fall.  That’s why I’m loving this navy floral ruffle trim maxi dress from PinkBlush.
When I saw this dress, I immediately was drawn to the print and style.  Most of my wardrobe is pretty casual and practical, but having a dress like this is the perfect way to spruce up my everyday momiform.  It’s the perfect dress for work, date night or church, and I’m not against wearing this dress on a day you just want to be a little more dressed up while you’re out running an errand.  I’m planning on wearing it on my teacher’s workday next week because I always find it safer to wear my clothes I love the most when the kids aren’t at school.  In a maxi dress like this, it gives the appearance that you tried to dress up, but really you feel like you are wearing pajamas.  I love that you can easily wear this dress on its own or you can layer it up with a denim jacket. 

Shop the Look
Dress- PinkBlush (Exact) || Shoes- ThredUP (Similar) || Jacket- Old Navy (Exact) Purse- Last Call Nemian Marcus (Similar) || Necklace- Nordstrom (Exact) || Earrings- Walmart (Similar) 

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