STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I am new and I hate to start by asking for help instead of trying to help someone else,  but here it goes.  I need a summer wardrobe for work and have only $500.  I am ok in the shoe and skirt department, but I need pants and tops.  At my place of work we dress business casual--no suits are necessary, no pantyhose are necessary, sleeveless is ok.  I am just at a loss though.  For some reason I am just have not been really impressed with much I have seen this spring and summer in stores or online.  Maybe I am just not looking at it in the right outfit.  Please, please help me in putting some things together--I need your insight.