Hmm..... I do find stuff at thrift store, but I am pretty fussy and the trick is going often because half the time you won't find anything. And thridt stores are not created equal, neither are their donations. I have a good one a block from my house.

I don't have a lot of money either DH and I have expensive taste too. Consignment stores are a good option.

I things with a lot of detail, I really hate plain clothing. I like to mix textures alot, and mix metals for jewlery. You dont have to deop 200 on a pair of boots. But go to a shop like urban planet that is cheap and has lots to pick from. Find some interesring tops, scarves, hat whatever jacket and ad some jewlery that suits your taste. Or interesting bags, purses..

The trick to doing it on a tight budget is hitting clearance items, hitting up thrift and consignment stores often. I very very rarely pay full price for anything and I have a ton of clothes. Our prices are higher up here than in the states as well for the exact same stuff at the same stores.

Ebay, you can get a lot of stuff there. Look for items where you won't pay duty, some under price shipping big time, and they have funky stuff.

Etsy.com I bet would be right up your ally in taste. Handmade , nice stuff and depending on the seller it can be quite cheap. Just have to browse around it enough.

Plus when you go to sites like that you get an idea of what you want, keep that stuff in mind because when you go out shopping you might find something very similar. Knowing exactly what you like and sticking to it is half the battle. Don't buy stuff just because it fits. If you don't really like it you won't feel good in it, and will still feel like you don't have any clothes. Of course you want it to fit, just have patience to find the right stuff.

Sometimes it is good to buy a few expensive things, like the boots and then get the rest for cheap. Mixing them together so you have stuff you love and more options, rather than 2 expensive outfits only.