/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Hello seagulls, I need some help.
I've been a cosplayer for some years, but lately I became interested in the Japanese fashion. Not lifestyle-like, I just want to get out of the t-shirt and jeans "style".
I've been thinking about gyaru and lolita. While gyaru suits more my age and lifestyle, I'm short and have big hips, so lolita would fit me better.
Problem is, the only lolita style I like is the most expensive one. I'm talking about classic lolita. I'm not confortable with wearing second-hand clothes and the thought of spending 500€ on a single dress scares me.
Any good alternative? I don't want to be a replica-only, bodyline-chan, or something like this.
Pic related, my dream dress I'll never have.

>>6710686
Here's the original for you. It gives the effect that the bow "ties" the two sides together, but if I remember right, it is just a broochpin pinned to a band insert. Anyway. F+F always does everything the hard way.