I am so sorry to hear about your experience and sad that you have to spend time shopping, which isn't that fun. : (
I don't know what shops are close to you but I can think of a few that you should try if they are near:
Charlotte Russe
Forever 21
H&M
Target
Old Navy
Payless Shoes.
All of these shops have contemporary designed pieces and are very cheaply priced.
I would recommend that you invest in a little black dress, because you'll be able to wear it again. I am not sure what the weather is like and if you have to have your shoulders covered, so I would also suggest a wrap, tights/hosiery, and shoes. Unfortunately, I don't think your white shoes will be too helpful here.
Here are some ideas for you:
Dress/Charlotte Russe:
http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2906871&cp=2843536.2903751&view=all&parentPage=family
Dress/Target:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=/qid=/ref=br_1_br_1_3/602-4518415-3777408?ie=UTF8&node=144457011&frombrowse=1&asin=B000GUHAKC&rh=&page=1
Dress/Target:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=/qid=/ref=br_1_br_1_2/602-4518415-3777408?ie=UTF8&node=14192381&frombrowse=1&asin=B000R2R5D6&rh=&page=1
Dress/Target:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=/qid=/ref=br_1_br_1_9/602-4518415-3777408?ie=UTF8&node=14192381&frombrowse=1&asin=B000Q32J46&rh=&page=1
Dress/Target:
http://www.target.com/Merona-Full-Skirt-TRW-Dress/dp/B000NB7PMM/qid=1197407635/ref=br_1_12/602-4518415-3777408?ie=UTF8&node=14192381&frombrowse=1&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=14192381&rank=%2Bdaterank&rh=&page=1
Dress/Target:
http://www.target.com/Merona-Knit-Wrap-Dress-Ebony/dp/B000WHSERW/qid=1197407686/ref=br_1_27/602-4518415-3777408?ie=UTF8&node=14192381&frombrowse=1&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=14192381&rank=%2Bdaterank&rh=&page=1
Shoes/Payless:
http://www.payless.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?&TLC=Womens&SLC=WomensHoliday&BLC=WomensHolidayHoliday&Width=Regular&DescriptiveColor=Black&ItemCode=58961&LotNumber=059217&Type=Adult&cm_id=coloritemgraphic
Shoes/Target:
http://www.target.com/Merona-Grosgrain-Aretha-Pumps-Black/dp/B000FCNSS4/qid=1197407817/ref=br_1_7/602-4518415-3777408?ie=UTF8&node=13621961&frombrowse=1&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=13621961&rank=%2Bdaterank&rh=tgt%5F2%3ABlack&page=1
Shoes/Target:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=/qid=/ref=br_1_br_1_10/602-4518415-3777408?ie=UTF8&node=13621961&frombrowse=1&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=13621961&rank=%2Bdaterank&asin=B000PKNC32&rh=tgt%5F2%3ABlack&page=1
Shoes/Target:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=/qid=/ref=br_1_br_1_12/602-4518415-3777408?ie=UTF8&node=13621961&frombrowse=1&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=13621961&rank=%2Bdaterank&asin=B000PRYG2Q&rh=tgt%5F2%3ABlack&page=1
Certain dresses you can pair cool tights with:
http://www.target.com/ASSETS-Sara-Blakely-Terrific-Tights/dp/B000RLO4XQ/sr=1-6/qid=1197408110/ref=sr_1_6/602-4518415-3777408?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Atights&page=1
wraps/target:
http://www.target.com/Erin-Fetherston-Target-Wrap-Sweater/dp/B000WXX6ZQ/sr=1-1/qid=1197408333/ref=sr_1_1/602-4518415-3777408?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Awraps&page=1
wrap/target:
http://www.target.com/Xhilaration-Lurex-Wrap-Black/dp/B000UU5I0C/sr=1-10/qid=1197408369/ref=sr_1_10/602-4518415-3777408?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Awraps&page=1
You don't have to have black everything. You could do greyish tights/hose and also a dark purple or teal wrap instead.
I think you should not go too trendy and try to find something that is classic. You should also ask a friend to come with you for support; and even ask a friend to borrow something so you don't have to deal with shopping.