/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

After following the fashion for almost six years, I think I've finally decided I want to get into lolita. I've lurked long enough, know what styles I like, and have (I think at least) pretty good taste, so I'd like to believe I could avoid being ita and maybe become a pretty decent loli.
I guess I'm pretty nervous though, and not sure where to start. I've read all the guides, made lists of dream dresses and everything, but somehow I'm still a bit overwhelmed. Do I go all in and buy a /semi/-expensive dress, or do I go for like, BL first? Will I still be able to afford cosprayu? I'm sure I'm just overthinking it, and I've been cosplaying for years so it's not as if I'm unfamiliar with the idea of pouring money into my hobbies, I guess I just don't want to fuck up.

I feel dumb just saying all this. I just want to look pretty and make new friends and feel like a goddamn princess.