Beginner Advice for Wa-Loli

[hito-maku-shi.livejournal.com]

Hi. I'm basically a newbie and though I'm not certain if I could be considered a Lolita, I do have a lot of respect for the fashion and understand it as a lifestyle. That is why I want to do this right without it looking like Cosplay or ita. I'm not sure whether to go with the kimono or the yukata for the top but if I decide to go with a yukata I'm planning to use a light cotton [I'm from the Caribbean and it's very hot] 

I know not to use shiny fabrics and that my skirt should be plain. [I was thinking about making it a nice solid black] The thing is that I want to make the entire outfit from scratch. I have about six designs and am torn between two. I plan to literally make the skirt, the petticoat [either a-line or bell shaped depending on the design chosen], the obi, the bloomers and even the kanazashi for my hair. 

I'm not spectacular at sewing but I have the patience to learn and someone who is willing to help me with it. I can't afford to get the items now [I am very, very broke] but I'm getting a job in July, so I was wondering would it be more economical to just buy certain items or to make them? I also plan to do more research because I really want to pull this off. I want to make it piece by piece so it's definitely take some time.

Do you have any dos and don'ts? What items would be best bought and where could I get them? The best types of fabric for each piece.  I feel it is so easy to jump from Lolita to Cosplay and that is something I would not want to do. I am grateful for any advice. Thanks in advance =]