A Channel girl, I'm not.....trust me. But I
was a model in 7th grade, mostly because I was 5'9 and hadn't yet broken 100 pounds. That experience taught me to stand up straight, but it didn't last more than a few years. High school dances are tough on the posture of Amazons.
But I digress.
Being tall (on its own) doesn't solve all body image and wardrobe issues, but certainly has distinct "fashion" advantages. It is mostly that height that I attribute to my frequent compliments. Okay, I have a snazzy side too, so here's my point, because when I started writing this, I DID have one.
PREAMBLE: Be Yourself
Years ago when my husband and I moved to the small town of Lynchburg, VA to open our B&B it was important to us that we secured the business loan locally. [This ultimately hurt us, but that's a story for another day, and probably another place.] Our loan officer was a petite but round. She was the lone female in a herd of masculinity. Gentle, soft spoken, ivory skin, pale blue eyes, and bouncy blond curls. Like every other loan officer, she marched into work wearing navy and black suits with starched white shirts buttoned right up to the neck. She looked awful! At some point in the life of our loan, she married, began to wear skirts, soft dresses with linen blazers, and color. She became herself, and was ravishing. What a transformation.
It wasn't until my mid 40's that I allowed my SnazzyArtsy side to show, even at work. What a difference it made in my confidence level, outlook, and success. I highly recommend authenticity, and hope EVERYONE finds it at an earlier age than I. <Sermon concludes. Cello music swells>
BIG THING: The $140 pants
Upscale department store basics are often shockingly expensive, but not always. [Nordstroms, IMHO, provides excellent customer service, and carries quality merchandise. This is not a plug for any store in particular, but I have an exceptionally low shopping threshold, and this is one of the few places I don't hyperventilate].
Seven years ago I bought a pair of black pants; incredibly flattering, stylish, washable, light weight, yet lined. They cost me $140. I wore them at least once if not twice a week, year round, for SEVEN YEARS. They were still not out of style nor worn out, but were looking a little tired, so this summer I donated them with great regret. So what in the world is the Queen of Cheap doing in Nordstroms, buying $140 pants, you ask. Ah! Let me tell you!
Here's the math: 140 ($) divided by 7 (years) x 52 (weeks) x 1.5 (average of 1-2x/week) = $.25/"wear". Because they were washable I incurred no dry cleaning expense. They looked AMAZING on me, and lowered my stress because they were a quick morning "grab". TWENTY FIVE CENTS PER 'WEAR', people; 25 cents per wear!
MIDDLE SIZED THING: Thrift Shops (Yessss, Mildred, she's talking about THRIFT SHOPS agaaaay-un)
Women's clothing is a steal at thrift shops. Here in DC, I can score tops for $3-4, and jewelry and accessories for $1-5. Here's how the math goes for me: Run in, scan the racks, grab 6 funky.slash.snazzy tops for $3-4 each; 2 bracelets for $2 each, and 2 silk scarves for $4 each. That's $35. At least I think it is. Please note verbs "run", "scan", and "grab" because this is EXACTLY how I shop. I take them home and try them on (no dressing rooms at these places). Three of the six tops work, and the bracelets and scarves are fabulous (or you wouldn't have BOUGHT them now would you?). Three tops, two bracelets, and two scarves for $35. Put the "no go's" in a bag, throw it in your car, and donate it back the next time you shop.
TINY THING: Stir the SoupMix trendy with classic. Mix lasting quality with unbelievably cheap.
Mix yin with yang (but then, close the door and leave the room).
There's no math in this section, so you get full credit, and can skip to the next segment. Don't forget to use your #2 pencil, and fill the circle completely with the correct or best answer.
THE NEXT SECTION: Result
You swish out of the house wearing your fabulous pants, your snazzy new top with an amazing silk scarf and bracelet, looking like a million.
Here's the math on that: How much is a million? Correct. You get an "A". 
Just my two cents, from The Queen of Cheap
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Yep, all my clothes come from the thrift store but I wouldnt' pay as much as 3 bucks for a top. I pay $1 or I won't buy it. I also take more time. I currently 3 thrift stores I scan once a week. I spend 30 minutes in each store. I stick with a simple color palette (black, brown, beige, grey and white). If I do come across a red top I MUST have, I know it will fit with something I already have.
I never take more than 5 bucks and some change with me. I walk away with 5 pieces. I love it!