Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Katie’s Closet~What I Wore this Week

January 2, 2015 by Katie Haller

While most of you were enjoying your long holiday breaks from work these past 2 weeks, I’ve been working. (If you can’t tell, I’m just a little bitter about this. But don’t feel too bad for me. I did get a few days off.) The one good thing about working over Christmas break is that I get a chance to play around with my wardrobe a little more than usual.

I’ve been doing a little bit of shopping here and there, so I had the chance to wear some of my new clothes this week. I also played around with my old clothes, creating some new looks for the workweek.

Monday
On Monday I got creative and tried out a layering look. I layered a denim button-down, under a striped long sleeve shirt, with a blazer on top. Being in the classrooms so much at work, this is not a look I would attempt on a normal day, but for the office this week, it worked out great.

A layered look with denim button down, over striped shirt with a navy blazer

Navy Blazer- Target

Green Pants- Old Navy

Navy Striped Shirt- Old Navy

Denim Button Down- Target

Brown Boots- Target

Necklace (New)- Meijer ($7, I’m really loving this new accessory!)

Tuesday
I really love this polka-dot blouse. I can already tell that I’m going to get a lot of use out of it.

LC Lauren Conrad Collection Polka-dot blouse

Black Blazer- LC Lauren Conrad

Polka-dot Blouse- LC Lauren Conrad

Black Jeggings- Jessica Simpson

Flats- Audrey Brooke

Necklace- Charming Charlie

Wednesday
This black skirt is a hand-me-down from my mom. I loved that I had the chance to wear it this week. It’s such a classic skirt. It’s the perfect staple to have in my closet.

Black skirt, accessorized with a leopard print scarf

Black Tank Top- Old Navy
Sweater- Old Navy
Black Skirt- Ann Taylor
Scarf- Charming Charlie
Boots- DSW
Leg Warmers- Five Below

Thursday
It was nice having a day off in the middle of the week. I get excited any time I can wear jeans!

Black shirt accessorized with pearls and rhinestone necklace

Black Shirt (new)- This is another Meijer find. I’m always surprised by the bargains I find while grocery shopping. This top was $5.
Jeans- LC Lauren Conrad
Brown Boots- DSW
Necklace- Meijer

Friday
This little sweater dress is nice and comfortable. It’s perfect for my job.

Sweater Dress (New)- TJ Maxx ($10 clearance find)

Scarf- Five Below

Leg Warmers- Five Below

Brown Boots- DSW

So that sums up my outfits for the week. I hope everyone had a Happy New Year!

5 Ways to Avoid Buyers Remorse

December 26, 2014 by Katie Haller

I know that we have all experienced a case of buyers’ remorse from time to time. How many times have you bought something at the store and said “this is cute, I’ll wear it one day”, then that one day never comes? We’ve all made those impulse purchases before.

When you’re living on a budget, it’s extremely important to avoid buyers’ remorse at all coast! No one wants to have regrets, especially when it comes to spending money. This time of the year can be difficult, with all the after Christmas sales out there, it’s important not to get lured in by the price tags. You want to be sure that you always are making smart purchases on things you will actually use.

Here are a few quick tips on how I have learned to avoid making impulse purchases.

1.) Just because it’s on sale, does not mean you have to buy it!

I’ve made this mistake before. I see a great deal on a piece and decide to buy it. Then when I get it home, I realize that it’s the wrong color and I have nowhere to wear it. Be smart when shopping. Ask yourself “Do I need this?” “Can I wear this?” “Is it practical?” If you answered no to any of these questions, put it back!

2.) Try on clothes at the store

If your questioning a purchase, be sure to try it on at the store. There is no better way to talk yourself out of buying something, than trying it on under those horrible lights in the store fitting rooms. (This is most likely the reason I have not bought a new bathing suit in 2 years.) If you still love the piece, despite the lighting and your static electric hair sticking up, then it’s worth buying. If it’s still a maybe, put it back!

3.) Carry your future purchase around the store with you

I find when I build a collection of clothes on my arm, I’m more likely to put it all back before I leave the store. It gives me time to really think about what I’m about to buy. I like to spend time weighing the pros and cons of the purchase.

4.) Bring a shopping buddy along

Having a friend with you can be a good thing. They can be the voice of reason you are looking for while shopping. For some reason, I make most of my impulse buys when I’m shopping on my own. Just make sure you bring a friend who also shares the same views as you on shopping.

5.) Make a list before you shop

I keep an ongoing list of clothes that I really want to add to my closet right on my notes on my phone. This way I can always refer to it when I’m out shopping. Once I find what I’m looking for (at the right price), I take it off the list and add more. This is the best way for me to avoid those impulse purchases on an item I’ll regret later.

Hopefully, you can use these tips while your out shopping all the after Christmas sales this weekend! Have fun shopping with no regrets!

Celebrity looks~ Lauren Conrad

December 21, 2014 by Katie Haller

*This post contains affiliate links.
Post updated 8/7/2019
During my sophomore year of college, a show came out on MTV about a bunch of drama prone high school students growing up in Laguna Beach, CA. This show was of course called Laguna Beach. Even though I was a college student at the time, I wasn’t far from my high school years. My friends and I could definitely relate to the stories. But it was never the drama on the show that kept me watching. I loved watching the show mostly to see what the girls were wearing. There was one girl, in particular, that was my favorite. Her friends called her LC. I remember being obsessed with her chunky white purse, oversized sunglasses, and layered tank tops. I did my best to recreate her California teenage beach style looks. After Laguna Beach was over, I continued watching LC as she matured, moved to LA and became a fashion intern for Teen Vogue on The Hills.

Lauren Conrad continues to be a fashion inspiration for me as an adult. Her looks are so classic, practical and chic. I have to say, I might have to put her ahead of Kate Middleton on my fashion crush list. I recently read her book Style. After reading this book, and following her lifestyle blog, I’ve learned that there is not much that I disagree with this girl when it comes to fashion. I just love her basic fashion advice!

These are a few classic Lauren Conrad looks

With the LC Lauren Conrad line at Kohls, it makes it easy to recreate Lauren Conrad’s looks at an affordable price. I absolutely love this line! I’ve found some really great deals on blazers, jeans, tops, and even jewelry. Being the bargain shopper that I am, I, of course, look through the clearance racks at Kohl’s to find these clothes at a great price. Her line can be a bit pricy for me at times, so Kohl’s coupons are also another great way to save money on her clothes.

This look is completely from LC Lauren Conrad at Kohls, minus the shoes. The blazer (Exact) I found a year ago. (You can read about this shopping find HERE.) I used coupons, and I ended up spending around $12 for an originally $70 blazer. The jeans (Similar, Similar) were a clearance find for under $10, and the top (Exact) is new. It’s my favorite top right now! I found it online at Kohl’s on Cyber Monday. It was on sale for $19.99, but I used a 20% off coupon and got it for $15.99. I wouldn’t say that it’s one of my best steals, but it was definitely a great deal, especially because I just saw it on sale today for $24.99.

In Lauren Conrad’s book Style, she talks about the importance of the LBD (Little Black Dress). I could not agree more about this. Black is my go-to color. I love it! When it comes time to picking out a dress, I always gravitate towards a black dress. You can’t go wrong with black. You can dress it up or dress it down, add color or sparkle. Having a little black dress is a must-have in your closet, especially if you’re trying to be a thrifty shopper.

A little black dress is perfect for any occation

This is one of my favorite little black dresses (similar). I bought it at T.J. Maxx for my rehearsal dinner almost 4 years ago. I needed a dress, but couldn’t find a typical rehearsal dinner dress, so I went with a dress that I knew best and felt the most comfortable in. Since then I’ve worn this dress to a handful of weddings and other occasions. I just accessorize it differently each time I wear it.

I love Lauren Conrad’s casual looks. She does a great job of looking youthful, but also mature.

Here is my attempt at recreating her casual style. My shirt (Similar) is an LC Lauren Conrad clearance find. I tucked it into a dark pair of Jessica Simpson skinny jeans (Similar). Then I accessorized it with a skinny brown belt, leopard flats, and some fun bracelets.

What’s your favorite Lauren Conrad look?

Simple Sunday-Girly Day

December 14, 2014 by Katie Haller

It’s been a while since I’ve done a “Simple Sunday” post. I decided that today is the perfect day for one. As I sit here working on my blog posts, watching old Laguna Beach episodes and reading Lauren Conrad’s book Style (I’m doing a little research for some upcoming blog posts), I realized that I’m having a very nice and relaxing Sunday afternoon.

My Sunday afternoon entertainment

This morning I took Kevin to the airport. He’s heading back to Las Vegas for the final stage of training at his new job. Even though I miss him terribly when he’s gone, I do look forward to a little alone time.

Yesterday, I stopped by the library to pick up a copy of Style by Lauren Conrad, a book I’ve been wanting to read for a while now. Before I left the library, I decided to be nostalgic and check out a season of Laguna Beach, just to relive my early years of college. While I was in the TV series section at the library, I couldn’t pass up a season of Sex and the City. I decided to go with season 6, my favorite! With Kevin gone for the rest of the month, I know I’ll have plenty of time to watch it.

Today, while I was home enjoying my free entertainment, I came across a quote from the movie Clueless. So of course, now I’m watching Clueless. It’s turning into the perfect afternoon. If Kevin was home, I’m sure Lion’s game would be on, but it’s just me, so it’s girly shows and movies until bedtime.

I think most of my married friends would agree with me in saying that even though we love our husbands dearly, at times you still need to have your girly time alone. Those days where you can just binge-watch movies like Mean Girls, Legally Blonde and Dirty Dancing, all while doing your nails and drinking a glass of wine.

So girls, tell the husband or boyfriend to go out with the guys. Stay in and have a girl’s day! Days like this are rare, so enjoy!

Katie’s Closet~What I Wore this Week

December 13, 2014 by Katie Haller

I definitely find it a challenge each week to come up with something stylish to wear to work every day. I have my weeks where I struggle, especially during these long, dark days. This week I decided that I needed a challenge. I did some digging in my closet. Here’s what I came up with Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (I wasn’t a fan of my Wednesday look, so sorry I won’t be sharing that one).

Monday

Black dress- Target

Sweater- (New) Old Navy

Scarf- Old Navy

Boots- DSW

Leg warmers- Five Below

Tuesday

Grey Blazer- LC Lauren Conrad

Top- Target

Black Jeggings- Jessica Simpson

Boots- Target

Necklace- Charming Charlie

Thursday

Denim button-down- Target

Black Jeggings- Jessica Simpson

Black Sweater- Macy’s

Shoes- Audrey Brooke- DSW

Necklace- Kohls

Friday

Stripe Dress- Target

Leggings- Target

Scarf- Charming Charlie

Shoes- Audrey Brooke- DSW

Weekend Wardrobe~Shopping Finds

December 7, 2014 by Katie Haller

Yesterday, I did a little bit of shopping. While I was out, looking at all the cute Christmas gifts, I realized just how much money people spend this time of the year. Stores do a great job of marketing their products and making you want to buy them. Shoppers are not only looking for gifts, but they are also looking for themselves. Who can resist all the bargains that are in the stores this time of the year? I too ended up buying myself something. I was proud of myself for not getting lured into buying any of the beautifully displayed winter items. Instead, I found some steals in the clearance section.

I found this lightweight grey striped tee-shirt and tan sweater at Old Navy in their clearance section. Each one coast $2.49. It was hard to resist the price, especially when I know I will get a ton of use out of these. The stores are packed with all the latest winter apparel, but if you really want to find good deals, you have to look at the out of season clothes. In my opinion, there are some clothes that can never be out of season, so that tends to be what I fill my closet with.

Here are a couple ways that I used my new “out of season” clothes and turned them into “in season” winter outfits.

Sunday morning church look