Wow, I think you've made an excellent start! Bra and jeans shopping can be so incredibly frustrating - I'm so picky now about how both fit me - so by getting one of those squared away, I'd say that's a great accomplishment. One suggestion - since you are starting from scratch, and have a limited budget, strive for the best quality that you can. (This is something I'm not good at and am trying to learn.) Make sure that you love the fit of the jeans, and that they are made well enough to last you for a while. And don't feel like you have to exclusively buy basics, either - you do want items that will mesh well together, but you need to feel fab in what you're wearing and including in your wardrobe, too.
I find this post of Angie's quite inspirational:
http://youlookfab.com/2010/04/.....an-be-fab/
Additionally, as you are gauging how best to spend your $800 over the space of the year, it might be helpful to plan where some of the major holes are that you'll get the best use out of. Are you a dress/skirt girl, or do you prefer pants? Do you live in a warmer climate where you'll need to invest in summer wear next year, or is fall/winter your dominant season? I also think it would be helpful to list out what "your* basics are, as opposed to a list that is recommended by a seasoned professional, but isn't necessarily tailored towards your lifestyle.
For example, if I had to start over totally from scratch with my wardrobe (or select a small capsule from my current clothes to keep), here's what would be on my must-have list: Bras, undies, killer glasses, a pencil skirt, a dress that makes me feel killer that I could wear to work and could layer items under or over it, a cropped blazer or jacket, a colorful cardigan, a large wool or silk scarf, a loose-but-not-boxy silk blouse (sleeveless and/or 3/4 sleeved), a cotton woven "button-down alternative" blouse, bootcut jeans, a weather-resistant trench coat with a removable lining for added warmth, a watch, a signature necklace, a pair of patterned/micro-fishnet tights, a versatile tote or satchel in a fun color that I could use as an everyday handbag, a pair of chunky mid-or-low heeled pumps, and a pair of cognac knee-high boots. That's not to say that I don't wear other items, but that I would be hard pressed to get though the year without at least these. Note that some of the basics that a lot of wardrobe consultants mention are absent from my list - my dress would probably not be a "little black dress" but would probably be a a totally different shade; I can and do live without a pair of dress trousers in my closet; my pumps would be red or burgundy; and I'd probably be inclined to pick a patterned blouse that will coordinate with my solid-colored skirt and cardigan rather than go for basic black and white. And your list would probably look quite different.
My sister is also a graphic designer, and while she works in an office, it's in a very casual environment. Her wardrobe would translate well to a smart-casual mom on the go, too: jeans with flat shoes and loose fitting, printed knit tops; knit dresses on their own in summer or over long-sleeved tops and leggings, or under cardigans and with knee-high boots in winter; a few fun scarves, cropped jackets, and a wool coat for winter.
