1. Don't be afraid of thrift stores and offbrand. I've had good luck in Primark and Orsay more than once and I've got a thrifted skirt from Zara which I absolutely adore - and which, btw, with all its perfect ruffles and petticoat-friendliness cost me but 1 USD. There is another reason why I'd advise newbies to try thrifting and offbrand first other than simple frugality - and that is, it might be...