If J Crew/Banana etc is a little pricy (and IMO the outlets aren't as good as they used to be) look at Target or Kohl's...just don't look in the junior section. You'd be surprised what you can find.

I will say...don't go overboard. ;) You've got the rest of your life to wear khakis and stiflingly appropriate sweaters. I think part of the problem is that the clothes in the junior section used to be geared to 17 or 18 year olds...now they seem to be aiming for 12 or 13 year old.

I didn't know about the college id discount or the teacher id discount. Awesome to know now, or dangerous lol.

I mean..I want a style that's laid-back but put-together. So I'll look into a blend of stifling sweaters etc. :P Obviously, I'm keeping some of my old clothing from highschool because there are some great treasures I passed up wearing. I'm just going to get the basics and see where to go from there. :)

UPDATE: Went shopping today at the local mall. Spent about $350 and got some amazing outfits (stayed away from Anne Taylor/Hollister etc.) One can look cute without the namebrand! Wahoo :)

J. Crew is my favorite store evvvvvvvvvvvver.

I haven't stopped by J. Crew but I have a feeling $350 wouldn't get me too far :-P
Got some nice Ray Bans too (purchase of the year!)

Nice! Just don't jump in the surf with them on..so many of my daughters' friends have lost their Ray Bans in very interesting ways...Me..I just step or sit on them:D