/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Hopefully I can get a bit of advice. I'm struggling with making a decision on a purchase. I have about 220 to spend on my first real lolita dress and I've been browsing LM and Closet Child restlessly for days. I've seen some things I really like - but I am totally enjoying one dress in particular (pic related). As you can see, it's not BURANDO. On one hand, I think it's a lovely dress that suits my tastes and with as cheap as it is - I can get nicer accessories and put money towards another dress, sooner. However, I'm going to be wearing this dress to my first meetup at the comm in a state I just moved to. I don't really know anybody here and I'm bad at socializing in the wild - so I'd love to make friends in the Lolita comm. I don't want the other Lolitas to think I'm cheap or distasteful. Also - it seems the only thing people take seriously is BURANDO. Is it worth it to spend a bit more on getting brand to earn the respect of my fellow Lolitas - or should I just b myself? Sorry for the angst/blog post.

P.S. The comm is the MN Rufflebutts.

Just saw this on taobaospree's tumblr. Thought some people would be interested here.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.1-c.w4004-4979621133.2.vzIMxV&id=43868148445