First time fursuit: Espeon---Suggestions, where to begin?

Hello everybody!

I am a crafts(wo)man who is fairly new to building fursuits. I have made tails and ears before, but full characters are still new grounds for me. However, this April my friends and I are going to an Anime convention, and I wanted to make something super cool for my first con. Thus hatched the idea of an Espeon (Pokemon in my avatar) Fursuit.

I am planning on starting with the head and hands first just in case I run out of time, but other than that I don't really know where to start. I kind of wanted to make a toony suit, but more like a giant stuffed animal/'Plushie'. This is the closest reference picture I could find of what I mean.





I also really like the mouth on this fursuit, but was wondering if it was possible to do on a non-rigid mask (upholstery foam)





I will also probably have to use fleece (hence why I opted for toon-style) because all of my extra funds are going towards the trip.

I have been reading and researching as much as I can, but still feel kind of lost. I can't get any ideas down on paper, let alone any ideas. Any help or suggestions to help me get on the right track?

Thank you all in advance for your time and help,
-Plush :3