How much do you / would you spend?

[I Am Paula]

I'm curious about priorities, not who has more money. For example, if you only buy $25 shoes, but regularly buy $100 bras, it shows where your priorities are. How much do you usually spend on:
shoes? How much would you like to spend?
bras and panties? How much would you like to spend?
Dress? Forms? Wig? etc.etc.

Where does your girly budget get spent?

If you don't regularly, but circumstances allowed it, what big ticket item would you buy? eg- super duper forms, Prada pumps.
What's your guilty pleasure? eg- 100 pairs of shoes.
Have you ever lusted for something femme, but went without, or conversely, blown your budget entirely?
Is there something you always go cheap on, and wish you didn't have to?
Is there something you WILL NOT lower your standards on?
Do you spent more on women's clothing, or men's?

And last, do you: Live to shop...live with shopping...or, dislike shopping?
This is just a conversation starter, just answer what you feel like.Hugs-Celeste

[Angela Campbell]

I make my purchases for my girl stuff the same way I do for my drab stuff, and the same as I did for the kids. I get some of it at very low prices from a place like Wal Mart but only if it looks as good as I want it to. I get some things at a much higher price from other department stores or on line but only if it is something that I feel is worth it. I have $20 shoes and I have $90 shoes. I love them all. There are some things you really need to spend more on...like breast forms, but other things are ok at a much lower rate. I do not pay much for panties, and might spend more on a decent bra. But then again a have some $12 bras too. I spend more on womens clothes because I already have so much mens clothes. (and womens clothes are more expensive)

I do like to shop, but only if I have money to spend.

[Samantha43]

My female wardrobe is larger than my male wardrobe.....not to mention alot more fun!

I shop for women's clothing by checking out the clearance racks at Penneys and Penneys.com. I get some good deals there. My budget is probably 30% shoes, 40% clothing, 10% lingerie and 20% accessories.

I hate shopping! Shopping malls are little pieces of hell on earth! I buy most of my stuff online.

[DebbieL]

I'm curious about priorities, not who has more money. For example, if you only buy $25 shoes, but regularly buy $100 bras, it shows where your priorities are. How much do you usually spend on:
shoes? How much would you like to spend? - I spend quite a bit on shoes, especially boots. Many can be worn pretty or plain. - Medium.
bras and panties? How much would you like to spend? - I buy lots of spandex panties - nothing "hanging" - not a lot.
Dress? I buy more dresses than I should. They don't fit well, I have a long torso and long legs, which makes waisted dresses look strange.
Skirts? I have several skirts, various lengths, but I don't spend a great deal on them.
Women's Slacks? Most of my pants are women's. In fact, even in plain mode, I usually wear women's slacks - I spend more because I need more.
Forms? I just recently spent $300 on a pair of forms - well worth the extra money. When I started, all I knew how to get were the foam pads from Fredricks. Later I switched to Silicone. Now I have 3 sets, one takes me to a full B-Cup, another takes me to a C, and the third (cheaper) takes me to a D. I have a big chest (42 inch band), so the C looks best. The smaller pair is for travel.
Wig? I spend more here - a good wig can cost $60-$100 plus styling. I'm OK with Synthetic, but I avoid "Costume Wigs".
Leg Hair Removal - This is a BIG expense for me. Depillatories cost about $10 a bottle, waxing about $160 for both legs ankle to hip. NoNo was $100, looking at the Tria $300. I have dark leg hair and waxing or creams leave me with "chicken skin" for a few days if I'm not careful.I would spend more if I could be sure that I would end up with the nice smooth legs I see on GGs.
Facial Hair Removal - Another big expense and a LOT of planning and pain - I've waxed my sides several times, so I can go several days without shaving and only have light hair on the sides. The Goti area, chin, moustache, and neck - was so painful I have been less willing to do it myself. I'm looking at GentleLase for my face - could still be $2,000 or more.
Herbal Hormones - I've spent way too much and gotten way too little result. Waste of money in most cases. Better to check with Doctor.
I spend far more on girly clothes. Nearly ALL of my men's clothes are received as gifts. I only need shirts. Since I wear women's slacks to work, I suppose I have to count that both ways.
I should spend more on Make-up. When I was younger, I was in theater, and had learned to use theatrical make-up, which is really good for total coverage. The skin care was rather harsh, but got rid of my acne in a matter of weeks (dish liquid with rubbing alcohol to clean, witch-hazel and alum for astringent at night). I would love to go to one of the nice make-up counters, wear a wig, and let them do me up. I have scars under my eyes (hit by rock and shovel for being a sissy when I was 5). I've been using a really good eye cream that has reduced the scars and got rid of the Zombie Eyes or Racoon eyes.

I LOVE to shop for women's clothes. I used to love to go shopping with my mom, and I was such a fashionista that she frequently took my advice, and loved getting the compliments. I suspect that she may have also known that some of these items were actually for me. She couldn't possibly wear boots because of a grapefruit sized ankle, but she bought a pair because I loved them so much.

The hardest part for me is cleaning out the closet. So many items have so many fond memories of parties, social events, love, romance, and good friends - being one of the girls... I have one leather skirt, size 14, that I still hope to be able to wear again some day soon.

I go cheap on casual tops and shorts - there is a store 3 blocks from my house that has a wonderful selection of blouses ranging from $2 to $4 so I can get more than I should, for $20. They also have great shorts and short-shorts for $5-$15 even though they look like they cost 4 times that.

I do spend a bit more on hosiery - I don't want to be out and have a runner - even if I missed a spot in leg hair removal. I don't like going bare-legged except when I'm wearing shorts.

I also have several very expensive and effective corsets. A few ONLY have laces in the back, but they can squeeze down a 40 inch waist to 36, which works well with my 42 inch chest and 44 inch hips. I've always had big hips and a "cute girly butt".

Great thread, should be fun to see how others respond.

[connie23]

Tonight I spent $40 on a nice pair of booties at DSW and I feel like I got a bargain,I used to spend lots on leather and trashy clothes but now I am trying to be fashionable and it is actually cheaper and I feel way prettier.
I will spend what it takes to be happy!
Connie

[michele60]

This week I was able to dress all week and I was also able to hang up all my cloth (In the closet :-( (bun)). We have a large walk-in closet and I filled the whole side with dresses, skirts and tops. I counted and I have 30+ skirts, 12 dresses, and 35 sweaters/tops. I could't believe it, over the course of 3 - 4 years I have this whole wardrobe. I only have 6 pairs of shoes. When I first started dressing I always wanted to own these things, have a draw filled with bras and panyies, I have more than most woman that I know. Loving it!

[Stephanie Miller]

When I first REALLY opened up to myself and started buying my wardrobe I would have to say I was a thrifty bargain hunter. E-bay, discount stores, sales etc. I had/wanted to fill the closet with lots of feminine stuff. New and all different. Spend lots of money - but gets lots of loot! (Think teenager)
But now that I have matured in my dressing ( my opinion mind you) I take a more realistic approach and look for comfort that has style for my body shape and is well made. Be it shoes, lingerie or dresses. Mind you I will not go unrealistic in price (don't own Prada etc.) but will not blink at paying a higher price for somethinf that warrents it. I still look for items that I will get to wear more than once or twice. And still look for a good bargin.

But as a guy.... $19 Costco tennis shoes better last a while. :D

[Karren H]

I've bought $100+ shoes in stores and $1 shoes at flea markets.... $75 bras and $5 bras.... dresses at Maces and dresses at estate sales.... moderately priced makeup at the drug store..... expensive makeup at the MAC store but I always buy the 99 cent brow, liner and lip Wet N Wild pencils! they are amazing!

[KateSpade83]

I'm 4 years unemployed now and my SSDI is $1135 monthly. So that pays for food, buying stuff, eating out, etc. So that limits my monthly budget for buying cd clothes.

But I have a gigantic clothes collection so I really don't need to shop much anymore. Probably $40,000 in women's clothes! Over 120 skirt suits!

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi T G Celeste, I'm pretty Conservative now but I dread the thought of the amount of money that I've spent over the years.

[Danni Renee]

I have no idea how much I spend but I do know that I pretty much buy food, gas for the car, and girl stuff. I absolutely LOVE to shop for girls stuff; dread shopping for guy stuff.

I think my guilty pleasure is cheap jewelry. I do not like gold so I buy a lot of silver items - bracelets are my favorite but that is mostly because I will wear a feminine bracelet even in guy mode.

I mostly shop at Walmart but that is a function of the fact it is across the street from the apartment and therefore so easy! I also shop a lot online especially for wigs.

Danni

[flatlander_48]

I find that my buying goes in streaks. Last summer, I bought a skort. In less than 3 months, I had 6 plus 3 mini skirts. One or two were $35, but the rest were $15 to $25. I was quiet for about 6 months until I bought my first pair of heels. Within a couple of months I had 6 pairs ranging in price from $110 (Naya sandals) to $30 (Nine West slides). I tend to buy thongs 5 or 6 at a time. I have a couple of styles (from Barely There and Flexees) that I like so unless there is a sale or new colors, I won't be buying any for a while.

My female wardrobe is maybe 25% to 30% of my male wardrobe, but the same principles apply. I try to buy good quality, but on sale. All the dresses I have came from a vintage shop and I think all were under $20. I try to go for quality foundations; usually by VaBien, Rago, Amoena, Exquisite Form and Moving Comfort. I am often willing to spend a bit more to get more. I really hate to buy something cheap and have it wear out or fade out prematurely. REALLY hate that...

Even I had sufficient money to buy Prada or Jimmy Choo for example, I doubt if I would. I find most of it just plain bizarre. It's like the effort to be different just becomes bizarre and just too weird for me. On the other hand, I like Kork-Ease, Nine West and Born but the list prices rarely top out at over $150. Sometimes on sale or through Amazon/E-bay you can find them under $100.

[erickka]

I primarily get all of my clothes at thrift stores, but lingerie must be new stuff. I consider myself frugal, so I only buy something when I really need it. If I had lots of money to burn, I would probably go for some really nice top line designer dresses and shoes, but that is not in the cards right now. That being said, I'll just stick to my L'eggs hose, Goodwill clothes, and Target lingerie and shoes.

[Cheryl T]

I absolutely spend more on my wardrobe than on men's clothes. The last time I really bought any male things of consequence was 10 years ago for a cruise when I bought a jacket/pants and shirts.

I love a bargain and refuse to pay sticker price for anything. I get lots of things (new) on Ebay, I shop only the sale racks at Macy's and Lord & Taylor and labor over spending $25 for a dress that's on sale down from $150. There are other priorities in my life and I make sure they are taken care of...then if there's anything left I might buy something for myself.

[Tracii G]

I'm a bargain shopper when it comes to girl clothes.Thrift stores,consignment shops.Some new but on the sale racks.
Undies and bras I buy at WalMart nothing fancy.
Shoes I tend to buy at DSW when they have a sale but still not cheap at all IMO.
The things I don't scrimp on are are wigs,forms,shapewear and make up.
I'm more likely to drop big bucks on guitars and I don't scrimp when it comes to those.

[Lorileah]

My female wardrobe is larger than my male wardrobe.....not to mention alot more fun!


Well...yeah...that's the rule right? Guy stuff you need like three shirts, two pair of pants and some shoes. Done. Girl closet(s) you need summer, fall, winter and spring fashion that can be combined with skirts and slacks and shoes and then short skirts and long skirts and long sleeve and half sleeve....OH sorry:daydreaming:

I learned a long time ago that there are cute shoes for photo shoots and one hour functions and you can get those cheap. But if you plan on walking (at all) or doing anything that lasts over an hour, buy good leather shoes. That is why god invented the clearance area at Nordstrom's Rack. So you can buy 200$ shoes for 49.99.

With 3 closets of clothes, anything I buy that lasts 4-5 washings is fine. If it lasts longer than that BONUS!:cheer: Hosiery I always buy on closeout from high end stores unless I plan on them being destroyed during playtime (:shush:No details here...it would have to be by PM:naughty) and then they are cheap, wear them one time, throw away. Wigs are medium quality (High end are too expensive but if you are just going to get one....get a better one). Makeup is whatever I like at the time but Boots is just as good as department store and half the price.

With unlimited money, I would get my beard removed. It doesn't show much as is but if I didn't have to shave it would be so much better (and I can't laser...blonde). :sigh:

[Angela Campbell]

If I had spent as much on clothes as I have on guitars I would have an entire warehouse full of stuff.

[Tracii G]

If I had spent as much on clothes as I have on guitars I would have an entire warehouse full of stuff.

Me too but I still have two full closets of girl clothes and just one with guy clothes that never gets opened.
One closet for the guitars I use.The others stay in the spare bedroom with some amps.

[MsRenee]

Id have to agree wih Samantha M closet is mostly for my femenine side only drab clothes in closet are some polos some shorts and a couple suits the rest is skirts,blouses and few dresses hehe It helps sharing it with my girl as our clothing swallows up the majority of our closet. lol.
Renee

[Angela Campbell]

Me too but I still have two full closets of girl clothes and just one with guy clothes that never gets opened.
One closet for the guitars I use.The others stay in the spare bedroom with some amps.

Except for the three or four I use everyday in my studio, I have them hanging on hangers all over the house. I sold some a while back and gave a couple away to my grandson and his dad, so I only have about 15 at the moment. My house looks like guitar center.

[sandra-leigh]

I have some $100 bras. They are fairly plain. Their distinguishing feature is that they fit (or did at the time): my size is not available in departments stores.

I did spend a bundle on high-quality forms several years ago, following a professional fitting by a specialist (her only business.) Maybe it was like trying out a sports car compared to a commuting car, but the differences were not slight: the proper fit and construction were worth the high price in order to look and feel authentic. (Women thought they looked great on me.)

Shoes: again I run into sizing problems. Sometimes I am lucky and manage to buy flats or near-flats (max 1" heel) from Payless, for $30-$40. But for any kind of style or heel, I need to pay $120+ from a specialty shop that specifically commissions large sizes from designers.

Skirts: I have more than I need. I have to stop myself from buying more that are in sooth similar to ones I already have.

Skirt-suits, dress-suits, pant-suits: I have less than I need 'cuz I always need more :o These I mentally categorize as my "work clothes", "professional" clothes that I would literally wear to the office or business occasions. Really, though, I don't have that many: it isn't easy to find good matches in my size.

My weakness is classic dresses, simple elegance, especially off-white linen dresses, regular price about $350; I tend to buy them at end-of-season sales for 40% to 50% of original price. These are "timeless" all-occasion dresses, not too fancy for work but refined enough to be acceptable at (say) the concert hall.

[vikki2020]

I'm a pretty good shopper, and find the sales! Trouble is, there are a lot of sales,lol! My wardrobe has been growing! I'm thrifty when I shop,though, and don't spend a lot. But,yes, a good pair of nice looking shoes is important! I'll say most of my purchases have been $20 or less. Wigs from Vogue-- on sale, of course! Usually $30 to $60. I find them to be pretty good, if you shop carefully. If anything, I'll break the bank for that "perfect" wig!

[ChelseaErtel]

I bargain shop for everything but wigs. I've spent up to $300 on wigs (synthetic). I try to minimize the impact to my family budget.

[SoCalBikiniLover]

Dresses and skirts and tops I will search the clearance racks at any store im at. but when it comes to my swimsuit collection. I will spend up to $200 on one. My swimwear collection first started with target and ebay. but once I tried on a really nice designer one I was hooked. I still wear some of my target ones from time to time, just not made as well. I tend to buy at least one new swimsuit every month. I just cant get enough of them. My other biggest splurge was over $700 for a wedding dress at Davids Bridal.

[lingerieLiz]

That's a great question. I buy clothes that I like and think are good value. While I've spent $100+ on a bra I don't usually. It was a very fun shopping experience. I love shopping and finding bargins. I buy beautiful lingerie when it is on sale. Same with my other clothes. Shoes included. I've spent $100+ on shoes when I knew they would never make it to sale days.

[sometimes_miss]

with my size, I have to pay for whatever fits. The most expensive single item I've purchased is a very pretty black party dress, I think it was about $180.

[CorsetAngel]

If I had saved any of the money I've spent on women's clothes, (especially Lingerie) I probably could retire today, and I'm only 32 years old. Lol. I've spent Hundreds of dollars on Bras, panties, garter belts, girdles, bustiers, teddies, nylons, slips, merry-widows, Body briefers, and corsets. I own several bespoke made to measure corsets, that were close to $500 dollars a piece. But I think the most expensive item of women's clothing I have ever bought, (which was just last month) was my Wedding Gown. I dropped nearly $1200 on the dress alone.

[Eryn]

I'm not terribly extravagant on clothes. I like to bargain shop and I'm willing to leave a item behind if it is too high in price. There are so many items out there that I would like to have that I can let a few slip by.

The only extravagance I've really indulged in is my face. Laser and electrolysis has probably cost more than my wardrobe. The cost bothers me but my wife encouraged me to stick with it because it makes me feel better about myself.

Of course, clothes are only the tip of the iceberg. Once you have them you need someplace to wear them, so you add costs for dinners, plays, movies, concerts, travel, etc.

What this has meant for my wife and I is that we have a more interesting and out-going life than we had before. That is worth the additional cost to us.

[k lynn]

panties 7 for $26.00 bras 2 for $49.95 jeans never more than $30.00

[Launa]

My big feet cost me a lot of money because I need real big sizes they just seem to charge a fortune for the nice looking stuff. I just spent well over 400 bucks for 2 good looking pair of boots that should have been at least 1/2 that price.

My big head is going to cost me money too because I want a real high end wig that will help create the illusion to make my head smaller. I just haven't gone to go get one made.

I was just told by the wife last weekend to watch the spending on my hobby as she put it :(
I'm trying not to make any costly mistakes on my purchases right now like I've done in the past. Its hard because all the good looking clothes have to be ordered on line, for some reason we get all the ugly shite in Canada. The best I can do is the Bay for good looking 1x clothes.
Why the heck can't we have Macy's etc....

[Sally24]

I learned a long time ago that there are cute shoes for photo shoots and one hour functions and you can get those cheap. But if you plan on walking (at all) or doing anything that lasts over an hour, buy good leather shoes.
Yeah....I've got plenty of what I call "Picture Taking Shoes".:devil:

I spend most of my girl money at thrift stores. It just isn't possible for most people to pay retail for clothing for 2 personas! Unless I'm buying for a very specific outfit I buy only leather shoes that fit well, and usually have straps.

By far I purchase more dresses than anything else. They are the one thing that just is very female in appearance and feel. I pay anywhere from $4 to $25 for most of them. The most I ever spent was on a blue and silver dress from Cache' that I fell in love with. $188!! And yes, I did tell me wife.:heehee:

I would like to buy a Drag Chestplate or expensive forms but can't justify the expense and the look of them really isn't up to my standards yet.

I currently buy Hanes Silk Reflections hose that aren't cheap but aren"t too expensive. I would love to try some of the more esoteric hose, especially some real silk ones. Something for the future.....or maybe Christmas?

[Jenny Doolittle]

I think this is an excellent question, and in many ways says to others how far out of the closet you have emerged. I have been dressing since a child, am now retired and by no means am considered upper income.

My closet is becoming close to 50/50 male/female, however I don't buy a lot of things. The amount I have spent on Ladies jeans, skirts or slacks would top out at $30 each, Bras, ( I own about 7-8 now) under $25. I own about a dozen pairs of shoes and boots and never paid more then $40.00 for any single pair. I am looking at a pair of boots that are just killer in the Massey's catalogue for $160.00. Big Purchase, but I am just in love with them.

I have spent a lot on makeup, I like MAC which is expensive and probably spend several hundred a year. Wigs, I have 5 or 6 and none more then $150.00.

My favorite shops are Penny's. Kohl's, Fashion Bug, Dress Barn, Avenue, and several consignment shops in my area.

[Abby74]

Still to new, haven't made it out of the house much. Well not in public yet. Once that happens I'll have to watch it!! Trying to work up the courage to thrift store shop. Next weekend will be my first public dressed appearance, Halloween of course. If I get more Ma'am then I love your costume I guess I'm doing something right.

I do have tons of clothes but nothing stylish. When I work up that courage if ever maybe 250 to 500 a year.

As for guy clothes well the southern boy plan. Buy it wear it then don't wear it for long time then wear it again. People (my Mother) I love that new shirt, I've had it for 10 years lol.

[Meghan]

Fun question Celeste!

I love to shop, which is interesting because when I used to shop for my male side I ABSOLUTELY hated it. Hated it. There is something really nice about constantly having a look in my mind and evaluating clothes and makeup to see how I can fit it in. I don't spend money foolishly and buy everything in sight, though. I think my look-at to buy ratio is pretty high now that the initial shock is over.

Now, I browse shoes every day. I joined Shoedazzle and Just Fab, and I get customized emails every day.

We just went to Sally Beauty today (I "needed" white eyeliner) and went to the Goodwill store on Tuesday where I found a fabulous pair of size 10 heels with ribbon that wraps around the leg up to the knees (for six dollars)!

At this point my budget is maxed out, but I would guess I spend between $25 and $50 a month on average, now that I have filled out my wardrobe and makeup cart!

Meghan

[I Am Paula]

I just did a complete inventory of my guy clothes, took less than a minute. Black wingtips I bought at goodwill 10 years ago for $7. 2 hawiian shirts. Dress shirt and dark suit I bought three weeks ago for funeral. 1 black sock (lost the other one) 1 really ugly bathing suit (I tried it on in my hotel in Mexico, then bought a high cut bikini, and wore bottom on the beach). 1 pair work boots I just never got around to throwing out.
The rest of a very full walk-in closet is my real clothes. Celeste

[Jamie Christopher]

Just wanted to say great thread Celeste- still working on a response! Just love the thread,

Jamie

[Jamie Christopher]

OK - first pass: just love buying nice bras on eBay; love Chantelle, Wacoal, etc., and have never paid more than $30 for bras that retail for that X2+, new with tags....oh oh, don't all of you compete with me (Stacy!).... I shop the better store discount racks on better brands, and for instance, found a great Evan Picone dress at Macy's for $18.....steal. Like JC Penney for discount skirts & tops, usually less than $20 each.....shoes, at my size 12W - 13W I'm usually at Payless, for flats, pumps, boots, etc. at $40 or less, and have been very happy...would love to spend more but the big names aren't available in my size. Hose is from Onehanesplace stores in bulk packs, and happy with that. One thing I have been spending more money on is better cosmetics, but always on sale, buy one get one 1/2 off.....and have a new love for fashion jewelry from the big discount stores, because accessories make the outfit. Bags that I find on sale, but never more than $40 or so....still building, and working on getting better, feeling great! Have been happy with my Transform forms ($150-ish) in several different styles and sizes, and have to agree with Karren on Dollar Store buys for things like make-up brushes; I don't need to pay $12 for a foundation brush or a make up brush I can buy for $1 that works fine. I do like better liquid foundation, eye shadow, eye liner and mascara though....I do think that's money better spent. One last thing: I've been spending a bit more on better wigs, and having them shaped by my stylist at Ulta - does that ever make a difference - huge improvement! And as you can probably tell, I do love shopping so......every chance I get!

Thanks for the thread Celeste, and hugs,

Jamie