All really good advice !I think working on your confidence from the inside and also focussing on your outward appearance is good...as long as you still look like YOU and dont become too obssessed on how you look.
Take a little time each day to focus on an area of your looks, that will also build confience.I alwys think starting with a good haircut and colour would make the most impact.Ask your hairdresser for a style that is low maintenance.I always colour my hair myself as it needs doing every two weeks.I have gone down the road in the past of having it coloured at the hairdressers but it cost me a fortune.I use L Oreal Excellence in frosted brown...it doesnt fade as much as some!!(recommended by a hairdresser friend of mine!)
If you cant afford books or glossy magazines, get yourself to your local library and pphotocoy articles that interest you, and keep them in a special file, to refer to.