/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

I've had 4 bodyline pieces and some versatile shoes and blouses for maybe 3 years, but I still haven't joined my comm
Honestly, I really like some bodyline pieces, but I don't want to look like a total offbrand ho. I've been lurking cgl for just as long, as well as wearing bodyline occasionally, so I'm sure I could come up with something half decent. In my mind, I'd wait until I had at least one nice brand dress, wear a good bodyline coord to the first meet, brand to the second, and hopefully I'd have a few nice pieces by then. Tbh the hardest part is getting the burando ball rolling, there's always something else that would really be a better use of my money. But I've managed to put enough coins in the jar for a dress, and I'm searching y!a for one I really love now!
I did go to a "lolita tea party" at a con alone once and it was literally a continental breakfast with watery piss tea in styrofoam cups, but one girl's reportedly first ever coord was all IW besides the shoes and she was so cute.
I'm sure this isn't the norm, but I want to make a good impression, damn it.