Welcome FlyGirlX!!!
boy, do i get where you're coming from in my experience, if you don't have much money, you can compensate (and not make so many expensive mistakes) by putting a lot of time and thought into the wardrobe experimentation process BEFORE you drop a lot of dough.
I'd suggest at least 2-4 weeks of shopping your closet and tracking your outfits before making any major buys (like over 5 or 10 bucks). Another great resource is this category of "Ensembles" (used to be called the "Mom On The Go" formulas, or just "Ma'am On The Go" if you don't have kids
http://youlookfab.com/category/outfits/ensembles/
Check out which ones look good to you, and which ones you could make from items you already have. If there're looks you'd really like to try, but you're missing one or two items, note them (write down somewhere you can find again). Analyze your list, as it'll tell you what items will give you the most flexibility.
If you're going for a polished look, make sure that hair and makeup look polished. You wear your hair and face everyday, they make a big impact on your look! MakeupAlley and MakeupGeek are both excellent resources for reviews, looks, and recommendations. Be sure to test products before you buy, get samples or buy from a drugstore that allows returns. You can blow HUNDREDS of dollars on makeup that doesn't work, on a tight budget you have to be careful!
It's also so helpful to track your outfits and clothes - what you wear, how often, what you wear together, how you like or don't the looks. Keep a notebook, a spreadsheet, or take full length everyday. REALLY helpful.
Even on a budget, maybe especially so, you need to have some high quality items for a polished look. I find it's worthwhile to save up and really shop (work those online coupons and sales!) when you have a good idea of pieces that you'll wear everyday and can be worn often, so those 'signature' pieces make the impact you want them too. I do not hesitate at spending $100, $150 on a pair of shoes, earrings, or a necklace because i wear those things every single day, and repeat them often. They have a big impact on my look, so it makes sense (even tho i'll balk at laying down $10 for a tee or tank). So you may want to think about this when looking at your budget, tho you'll want a solid idea of the looks you'll be wearing every day before committing to this kind of purchase.
HTH and have fun!! i started developing my wardrobe around five years ago, it's been loads of fun and i love my closet more and more every day. Everyone here is fun and sweet and has loads of style. Don't for get to check out members' WIW's and blogs for inspiration! oh, and Sabrina of afterDRK has a wonderful tomboy style, she looks a lot like you in your profile pic, too. This month she is specifically channeling her sexy girl, go take a peek!! steph
