New to Lolita, you guys look amazing!

[abba12.livejournal.com]

Hi, I'm starting to get into Lolita and have been watching this group for awhile, so finally signed up with LJ and joined!

I'm in Australia, and had never seen a Lolita before, ever. I mistakenly thought them to be an erotic, teasing sort of sexualized japanese fashion completely unavailable here.

Then I went to a craft show in the Brisbane entertainment center last year and saw one. I tried to subtley follow her around the whole day! (creepy stalker? maybe.) She looked amazing! I knew I wanted to dress like her but had no idea how, since it was a craft show I assumed she made it all herself, and I was too shy to actually introduce myself. But one thing that struck me was, she wasn't sexual at all! not even in that little teasing way, it was a completely modest, childlike look!

I wished to look like her, but with a lack of sewing ability soon forgot about it, until recently when I was feeling really depressed, and googled princesses. I came across a princess website run by a lolita, and more than that, she was Australian! Much googling and research later, and I'm now saving up for some clothing and begging my husband to help me choose lol.

I've also discovered that my wardrobe probably already qualifies as casual EGA. I guess I always had it in me hehe.

I had some questions if people don't mind my asking.

Firstly, I've seen that the skirts can be anything from a subtle 'poofieness' to a very distinct and big bell. I love the more distinct, bell shape. Is that achieved by petticoat or hoop skirt? And if it's petticoat, how can I know when buying one online how much shape a petticoat will give? Or do I wear two?

Secondly I am working on a very limited budget, brand names are completely out of the question. I found your trading group here which looks great, I found Anna house, and Fan+Friend (And read the reviews on them, I shop at op shops regularly and have some basic sewing knowlege plus a wonderful grandma, so I think I will probably be ok shopping from them, I'm not a perfectionist, at least not yet, so the lace probably won't be an issue, who really sees it up close but the wearer anyway?) But then just this morning I found Bodyline. I'm wondering what the catch is :P Working in american dollars here, before today the cheapest loli dress I could find was $70, with most I liked being up around $100-$125 even from Anna house and F+F, but Bodyline has dresses as cheap as $30, and more than that, actually seems to have very good reviews! What's the catch? Am I working in the wrong currency or something?

I find I love the frillier, more extravagent, lacy dresses, any hints or things I should be aware of when trying to purchace them? And is there anything I need to keep in mind as a caucasian buying them, like sizing differences and stuff?

And finally, is there a Brisbane based loli group and how do I get in contact with them! lol!

Thank you for your time :)
Emily