Is crossdressing a luxury?

[Aleca]

I've been asking myself this question after spending nearly $35 on lipstick, mascara, a new used wig, used sunglasses and pair of shorts in order to push myself out of the house while I have an opportunity to live as a woman the next 3-4 weeks and see how I like it.
This Tuesday I will be attending my Debtors Anonymous meeting and have to record all my expenses. My budget for the whole month is only $350 (unemployed without benefits).

At one time I did see this as a luxury, a hobby or lifestyle for only those with money. Twelve years ago I was that, spent $6k on a complete female wardrobe, some items later purged that I would give up an arm to get them back.

Being in such a destitute situation has really tested me though and shown my resolve as a CD/TG person. Having so little to work with and spending 10% to get me out of the closet, to take advantage of the time my wife is gone (for 3-4 weeks) tells me this is not a phase, this is not just to fill boredom (although it helps) but my inner self telling me to seize the moment, to get out there and make something of herself.

[celeste26]

There are ways to save money. I buy most of my clothes in thrift shops or consignment shops. I do without much of the very expensive makeup since not a single GG in my life uses the stuff.

I do underdress almost everyday and that certainly fills much of my needs.

Shoes have been one of the toughest items since I do have rather big feet and even the cheapest shoes run into $50-$100 and they are hard to find. But there are times in the year when I have more money and I have three pairs now.

[Aleca]

Forgot to add that I bought these items at a Thrift Store. Shoes are an expensive item. I have only one pair, they are a size too big so have to stuff cotton in them. Think I bought them on Ebay used for $30 a year ago, mainly because it is so difficult to find a women's size 12 shoe.

[AllieSF]

In answer to your thread title and your explanation of where you are in life, I would say, No. Since this is part of your life, spending a little, very carefully and only occasionally, is not bad. If you already had everything you need to be you and this is just extra surplus items, then yes it can be considered unwise spending. Good luck and you do have the right to enjoy living, even if it is frugally.

[marcy77]

Forgot to add that I bought these items at a Thrift Store. Shoes are an expensive item. I have only one pair, they are a size too big so have to stuff cotton in them. Think I bought them on Ebay used for $30 a year ago, mainly because it is so difficult to find a women's size 12 shoe.
size 12? You can find those in more places than you think. Try Payless.com , Torrid.com , or my favorite. Snaz75.com

[Debb]

I think to some people, it tilts more toward "luxury" than for others.

I dress because I am transgendered, and this is the way I can express that transgendered-ness (is that a word?). I am not as bad off financially as you are, however I really don't have money to be spending on non-necessity stuff.. but I regard this as a necessity, and spend very little over a long period, mostly on inexpensive stuff bought at Walmart.

Back when I was earning a good deal more than I am now, it was more of a luxury, because I could afford to spend more on silly stuff. Now-a-days, the stuff I buy isn't silly, it's useful.

[Freddy12]

Luxury? No, but crossdressing can be done on a tight budget. Underdressing with inexpensive panties, shopping at thrift shops, buying inexpensive cosmetics (Aldi's actually carries nail polish) are a few ways crossdressing can be done withou a lot of expense. If it's an important part of who you are, it's a necessity!

[MargaretJ]

It is more of a hobby for me, and as such, I don't mind spending the money on it. I'm not working at the moment, so I have to rely on my stock of clothes and make up, to indulge myself at the present time. I have a long list of stuff I want to get, when I do get back to work though, and I am looking forward to going on a spree.

[Jamiegirl1]

I do not have alot of money to spend on my girl things,I found a thrift shop that has wonderful clothes and shoes,today I bought a blouse for $2, a sexy nightie for $2,There are new high heels for $4,I didn't buy any shoes today,nothing I liked today that fit,I wear a ladies size 10 shoe,so find shoes fairly easy,Goodwill prices are about twice these prices, but still pretty reasonable...........I only spend $30-$40 dollars on wigs.........

[emilygielen]

Yes I think that crossdressing IS a luxury! For the moment I can spend all the money I want (have) in clothes, cause as I'm still student, I don't have bills to pay! no rent, no electricity/water bill, no food. But when I will live by myself, I will have to reduce my shopping. I think it will be a very hard time!

But to reduce the costs, eBay is a great place to find nice things for a cheap price. There are some stores that are very cheap and also Asian stores are pretty cheap as well.

[Tasha McIntyre]

If arguing technicalities, I suppose anything you buy that is above and beyond necessity would be consudered a luxury, so I suppose for the part timer like myself many CDing items are a luxury.

I CD about 1 day per week, for about 6 hours - so having 6 skirts is a bit of a luxury (even though it's a pitiful wardrobe compared to others here). It is, however, a luxury I'm happy to pay for and live with.

Tash :)

[docrobbysherry]

In the states, we're ALL pretty spoiled!:straightface:

I wonder how those CD/TGs in 3rd world countries manage!?
Many r just trying to get themselves and their families by. And, some haven't enuff to eat, cloth and house them and their families properly!:sad:

Would THEY consider CDing a "luxury"?:eek:

[Anneliese]

Yes, but what a wonderful one! (my first picture post...trying to figure out how to get it into my signature)

[Starling]

Well, it's an absolute necessity for me, as I see myself as primarily female. But nowadays I always shop sales, and I tend to fill gaps in my wardrobe rather than going for the cute but inappropriate items that I used to indulge in.

Shoes are my downfall, however. I should take twelve steps to the nearest arch support program.

:heehee: Lallie

[Loni]

well i would not say cross dressing is a luxury. but a life.


i would say going to the store and buying a good steak or roast is a luxury. :eek:


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[eluuzion]

By definition, the term "luxury" refers to something perceived to be a costly comfort or pleasure that is above and beyond those things which are believed to be “necessities” under the current circumstances. It also suggests a “excess”… that somebody can “choose” to participate in.

The decision to indulge or not and the prudence of the decision (ability to afford it or not) is irrelevant to my point. My point is that defining something as a “luxury” also defines it as being a “choice”.

Based on my observations of human behavior, I believe people spend their time doing things that are truly important to them. They find excuses to avoid spending time on things, which are not truly important to them. Motivation precedes action. Motivation can involve justification without compulsion, making the action a “choice”.

Motivation can also initiated by a compulsion, which may or may not be accompanied by justification. The justification element is then a by-product of compulsion,(but irrelevant to my point.) The compulsive element defines the action as being an action of necessity, rather than of choice. Engaging in the action even though it may negatively impact current circumstances further supports the action as being compulsive, not a choice.

Consequently, logic demands that the element of choice be present for something to be defined as a luxury. Given the context in which the question was presented and the actions described, my answer is…

“No”, cross-dressing is not a “luxury”. Logic does not support the definition.

Now that I have covered the merits of being logical...I do not always follow sound logic. lol
I have never been one to miss many opportunities to "seize the moment", regardless of the "consequences", particularly when it comes to blowing money on cross-dressing inventory...lol.

Just my thoughts…:love:

[BRANDYJ]

In today's economy, eating hamburger vs. peanut butter is a luxury. And it's gonna get worse before better. I am just so thankful I have a job, and feel for those looking and can't find work.

[Anneliese]

It may be a luxury soon. I may need to take a step backwards in my career.

[Kate Simmons]

$35 for lipstick? No way Jose. This is why catalogs like Beauty Botique exist. Quality for less for frugal gals like myself.:)

[Loni]

In today's economy, eating hamburger vs. peanut butter is a luxury. And it's gonna get worse before better. I am just so thankful I have a job, and feel for those looking and can't find work.

my problem is i have a full time job, some weeks i do not get full time work, and some weeks the paycheck just does not make it till the next paycheck. this web is a luxury, and might have to be cut off. :eek: then i get to sit at home and stare at a blank wall. (gas at $3.+ and at 8mpg at best) i do not go any place unless i really must. and i am sick of peanut butter.:doh:


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[t-girlxsophie]

I love to shop,but I shop well within my means and never really Impulse buy,of course at times I see something I just have to purchase,but I always tell my wife if I see somrthing and make sure its ok with her before I rush out and buy It,I have to admit in my early days I went crazy and went into a bit of debt,but I am older and wiser now

[AKAMichelle]

I think you need to put priorities where they belong. With limited funds take care of the necessary items only. Cd'ing isn't one of them. I know how you feel but sometimes you do with less to get through the hard times.

[jenifer m.]

im unemployed also.and in school so moneys tight for me too.i like to find tops,and skirts at goodwill.i got a skirt and two tops for 4.99 the other day.i gotta admit i have mac taste but im on a revlon budget.

[Cheryl T]

Definitely not a luxury for me...it's a necessity for me to be me!!

Some of the things I buy are luxuries, but that's just reality for a girl.