Has anyone fashioned a hime lolita look around Bodyline or other offbrands and pulled it off?

I'm new to lolita. I've always been into bows, pink, pearls, and floral, and huge, curly wigs. Stockings and knee and thigh high socks in white with frills on them are pretty much my fa-vo-r-ite things.

I love the look of sweet lolita, classic lolita, sailor lolita, even guro lolita... but hearing "hime lolita" set something off in my head. The long-sleeved, all white look, adorned with a tiara, or little crowns and holy hell all those pearls makes my mouth water.

I see a lot of dresses on Bodyline that are good bases for a hime lolita look (in my newb mind), but I'm wondering if I should stick it out and wait until I can afford something a little higher tier. Honestly, higher tier to me is ATTEMPTING to save up as much as I can and buying something secondhand off the egl_comm_sales. D:

Being princessy means looking at least a little bit expensive, even if it's OTT, right? If anyone has any pics or examples of doing hime on a budget and pulling it off, I'd love to see.

If anyone has any advice about being a hime lolita (or any lolita in that matter) on a budget, I'd love to know. I'd also love to hear tips about buying a first lolita piece! Convince me to save and not cave into Bodyline ;( A lot of their dresses look...semi shiny?