HOW DID YOU BEGIN YOUR FEMME WARDROBE? slowly OR overnight?

Hi girls,
Kim from Chicago. New to the forum, actually one month anniversary is tomorrow (no flowers please :heehee:)

One month ago my wife and I had a heart to heart. I received her support to bring Kim back into my life. Since then it been like a world wind of research (thanks CD forum & INTERNET AS A WHOLE) shopping, a few make up tutorials from my lovely wife, more conversation with her, more shopping etc...

I just came home today with two new pairs of pumps. Went to buy one and got two at Payless. Also picked up a nice sweater, and slacks at a local woman's resale shop (very nice sales ladies there). I also booked a makeover for my next outing date in February :battingeyelashes:

Since I have the house to myself all day I decided to get EVERYTHING TOGETHER.
That was my OMG moment. I have a lot more than I thought. If I stop shopping now I should be good for the next year! Between bra's, a body shaper, panties, hosiery, jewelry, make up, wig, and ALOT of shoes it blew my mind. I'll blame it on the pink fog and for having Kim locked away for 12 years.

SO MY QUESTION TO YOU IS: Did you go spree shopping like me OR were you able to aquire things slowly. Item by item?
I think my emotions took over and created a shopaholic
Have a great day!
Kim

I started slowly. A skirt. A cute top. Then it snowballed. Over the last year I have filled a closet.

Peace....

Don't let the pink fog make you go crazy and get all kinds of stuff. First get a small list together of what you need. Get her to help you if you can. She can tell you what is important in the near future and probably help you get a stable wardrobe started. But like my girlfriend, she has the same expression but different style for going out. So, I have to buy a lot or her also. We go shopping and generally get two instead of one thing. One for her and one for me. Sometimes I get two to her one. Yep it can get expensive so plan it with her and go slowly.

What you get depends on what you want to do. I ended up buying a lot of different things. Much of it was a waste. After some thinking, I decided I wanted to go out in public. This requires a certain purchasing strategy.

I hinted at this in my post about "Where will I wear that?" I think it's natural to want to build a wardrobe quickly after being in the closet but the the BEST thing to do is shop smartly. Buy things that have multiple uses and mix and match with other things you own. Sky-high stilettos look great, but how often will you wear them vs say a kitten heel or sandals or even wedges? So, to answer the question, I bought way too much way too fast when I first came out. I own none of those items today. None. With half the wardrobe today that I had 4 years ago, I have 500% more options.

Currently I buy things as I need them so for example I might want a new outfit or need new underwear or the other day I wanted some fitness gear.
Other times Ill go for a browse to update what I have, especially when the new season trends start.
And other times Ill get bored of my wardrobe, I have probably about 20-30 male t shirts but only about 10 tops for my female wardrobe and it gets a bit dull wearing the same one every other day.

When I first started off I bought a bit of everything, underwear, pyjamas, jeans, tops etc but I only do that now If I happen to see a lot of things I like which doesnt often happen.

Sarah

I enjoy the anticipation of researching and buying quality items slowly one at a time, Nikki

Kim... have some virtual flowers for your one month anni... :rose::poppy01::rose2::poppy01::rose:

Now... Sara has nailed it for me:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sara.rafaela

What you get depends on what you want to do. ... This requires a certain purchasing strategy.

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So what do you want to do? Stay home - go out...? If you stay home do you like casual? Elegant? Maid? Elvira? Marilyn?

If you go out, where do you go? Club? Shopping? <yawn> Bowling? :eek: Moonlit walks around deserted reservoirs...? Ladies nights at 'The Whip & Gimp BDSM Club'...? :dom:

I dunno - but I think this ultimately all points towards SLOW development... if you can restrain yourself... ;)

There's certainly a big difference between closet-wear and real world - even club-world... so take your time and enjoy the development. If you're going out you'll obviously need a minimum outfit for one occasion - but take your time and enjoy it. I can't imagine many of us who are not living 24/7 can truly justify spending hundreds of bucks on individual items, but some do... On the other hand, I am known for being cheap (in the nicest possible way.. :battingeyelashes:) and with selective purchases of clothing at thrift stores and economical bling from eBay and Amazon to glitz things up, you can still do this on a budget and look good with a little care... :)

Katey x

Due mostly to my size, one piece(or item type) at a time. I'm a 2XL tall guy, so finding girl stuff that fits isn't guaranteed; the number of times I wanted a particular item and couldn't find anything remotely like it has occured hundreds of times in my life. When younger, I would buy one or two different things, go home and try them on. If lucky, one might fit. And I'd go back to buy more, and there wouldn't be any. Or they stopped making them. Same thing happened with catalog shopping. Get one, then out of stock permanently. So I started ordering stuff as soon as the catalog came in, with rush order. Then order lots more of the same in every color it came in if it fit. Got expensive, but I also got a wardrobe. Shoes still remain a problem, as wearing a size 16EE mens makes girl shoes virtually impossible. Thankfully, I'm into adolescent stuff (school uniforms, cheerleader outfits, etc.) so I buy white sneakers and decorate them with magic markers. Penny loafers go with some outfits too.

Big bang theory.

I started slowly and built up from there. Perging occasionally and rebuilding again.
Di

I take it Slowly... mainly because of financial issues and lack of space. Plus something always gets lost when moving...

It's a 50 year work in progress. Right now, I'm working on the Imelda Marcos Shoe Challenge.

My size makes it challenging, so I tend to buy items when I find a good deal in my size, especially shoes (size 14/15). Some things like pantyhose, I'll stock up to have enough on hand.

My initial crossdressing arsenal was literally obtained overnight, as in,
shipped to me in a large box!

That scenario isn't very reproducible, though (and I'm realizing that that tale
deserves a post of its own), so I'll contribute the following advice: DON'T
begin with online shopping (which can lead to protracted, costly mistakes).
Instead, start out by hitting thrift stores with a philosophy of fail-fast/fail-cheap.

Buying a bunch of low-cost items gives you a chance to quickly iterate a variety of
garments and styles. Pick out some things that strike your fancy, then take them home
and have fun in front of the mirror! If something doesn't fit you or meet your aesthetic
needs, donate it right back to Goodwill! As your sense of fashion and sizing knowledge
evolve, you'll be ready to pinpoint pricier, non-used items that meet your needs.

Sandy

this depends on your sense of "slow". Being a kid at heart, 5 boring minutes can be an aeon. So from one perspective it was a whirlwind of wardrobe emptying and filling over days to weeks to months - and erm, buying two new wardrobes to house the extra clothes - oops. Now I'm gradually filling out the range; but a girl needs a lot of clothes to create matching outfits to go out, compared to stay-at-home wear. From the other perspective, it's taken "forever".

Slowly I guess. It's still minimal. I am finding some lovely dresses on eBay though especially from the far east. Sure there's a bit to wait for delivery but they're so cheap and so far it's been worth it. I'm slowly building up through eBay. I just bought an underbra corset. I really hope it fits as I'm dying to find that perfect hourglass figure :)

I would suggest the speed of buying is related to disposable income, acceptance oh and most important space.

I am sure for some they slow down as the lack of closet space is a problem.

For myself it was a slow start but increased over time. I still don't go mad as I like to be sure I want the particular item first.

Definitely slowly at first - hosiery and lingerie, acquired by various devious means as well as legitimate ones!!! Followed by an odd item or two acquired in sales. Then at some point once Michelle acquired her own identity and began to want to be "out there" the rate of purchasing took off exponentially...

I have now reached a point where I really need to stop buying "bargains" or "nice to haves" - my wardrobe is full, my dresses overspill into my wife's wardrobe because she has long handing whereas as mine only has short hanging (for shirts, jackets, trousers and other such drab items!!!, it is a perpetual struggle to find drawer space, for lingerie and hosiery and sweaters and tops and... Then there are the shoes and boots and the wigs and the make-up and the bags and the jewellery and the falsies and the perfume - Michelle has overflowed into every available space!!!!!

Trying to attach a suitable mathematical representation of my wardrobe acquisitions....
Attachment 256374

I think this will be followed by a vertical line back to the axis!!!!

Michelle
xxx

Slowly at first then the last ten years its been sporadic. Lets say I have a big walk in closet with two rods full of dresses skirts and topsa few evening gowns. Have three shelves full of purses,shoes wigs and a dresser full of my everyday work clothes. And a bedroom dresser full of lingerie and hose. Well I think I had better do some closet cleaning after posting this. Better cut down. Lol.

When I first started I was living with my mum so it was hard to dress or start a wardrobe. It was more a case of wearing her clothes. I would also wear my own tights under my trousers when I went to work. I was always an early bird at work so I would go round various female colleagues desks trying on their shoes. Like many I have had clothes and shoes etc chucked them all away and then felt the need to start again. It was not until I had my own flat that I began to get a decent wardrobe gradually. EBay charity shops and as I began to confidentiality go out buying new trying clothes on in shops. Nowadays if maria needs new clothes etc I either have my wife's cast offs which is cheaper or go out and shopping more fun but more expensive.

It's been slow. Certain things were bought and others cane as I opened up. Still a work in progress. As most of what I have is purple. There isn't much choice in my closet. I've been working on that. Searching Goodwill and sales racks. Blending it all together.

Mine has always expanded slowly except in my single days when my girlfriends would purge their wardrobes.

This became a problem as I now had to get rid of lovely things to make way for even lovelier things that I admired when my girlfriends owned them.

Like a lot of girls (unfortunately) I have built mine up, slowly because I purge EVERYTHING.

I have had great outfits, breastforms, corsets, and heels. Amassed under a steady period of months and then tossed out after a night fully dressed in the town. Very frustrating process but for the last 3 years when I've gotten to the purge point I remember the money that goes into a CD wardrobe and can stop myself. I have a small but full wardrobe these days.

I have built my collection up slowly over the years. First acquiring through various means and then as I became more confident buying for my “girlfriend”, With the internet came an easy way to buy – but clothes would often not fit or not be what they looked like on the net. I now buy directly from the shops and always ask if I could please try them on. Sometimes I get some funny looks but rarely do I get rejected. I sometimes have a comment made something like “But they are female clothes.” Really, I didn’t notice!

I do read a common theme though – the old Guilty Purge. Like most here, I have been there done that – many, many times. How many dollars I must have discarded in senseless guilty purges.

I must confess about two months ago, I was close to the point again. I packed up my beautiful dresses and skirts, gorgeous high heels and sexy bras and panties into a box ready for the late night trip to a Charity Bin. Just as I was about to seal the box, I stopped and thought about the promise I made to myself to stop feeling guilty about a side of me that is actually good side of me.

I unpacked my clothes from the box and sorted them out as I went – some were dated, there was a pair of heels that was worn and a bra that was uncomfortable (bad buy that one!). I packed these items back into the box, I put on my make-up and repainted my nails, put on my favourite light tan leather skirt with a white blouse and off course put on white buckle-up 5 inch high heels. Grabbing my handbag I placed the box of unwanted staff in my car and drove to a Charity Bin.

As it was day time and not the dead of night, when I got back home I felt ecstatic. I had avoided a Guilty Purge, had gone out in public again dressed as should be and I had discarded some clothes to make way for new ones – I couldn’t wait to go shopping.

Started out slowly, it's been continuous work in progress.

For me very slowly a top, skirt,tights,panties then purge and start again take a few things to work with me then purge those i have no where to store things at home or work such a wast of beautiful clothes :sad:

For me it was kinda quick 😉

Attachment 256422

Back when I first started buying my own stuff (vs using my Mom's as a teen or my SO) which was about 25 years ago I started with only a few items of the usual. Bras, panties, garter belts, lingerie, and shoes. I then bought a wig and some makeup and I was fine with just a few changes of these undergarments for a number of years. Now that I am a bit more mature I am into the whole appearance. But my accumulation of wardrobe is slow and deliberate. I research the internet for countless hours looking at shoes, purses, dresses, wigs, etc. before finally pulling the trigger and making a purchase. Also, when at the mall, I have to peruse countless stores and racks of clothes before finally making one purchase. But I must confess, I do the same thing when buying anything. As a result, my wardrobe has accumulated very slowly but I "love" everything I have acquired. Everything fits great. And I have no "Buyer's Remorse". But it is always a challenge to resist the "impulse" purchase when walking by a cute dress or jewelry.

I never had the opportunity to go on a spree. At my size and shape (think retired football player ), there aren't many places I can find things that fit. I browse a lot and occasionally have the good fortune to find something that fits AND actually looks great on me. So, my wardrobe grows slowly.

My wife and I bought several nylon nightgowns for me to wear. It was strictly bedroom play then. The I started buying an occasional slip and matching panties. When my wife saw I had purchased a vivid red Vanity Fair bra she realized my interest in women's clothing was more than a passing fetish. Then I was on my own. I expanded into dresses. Because there was no Internet back then, I was buying too many dresses that did not properly fit me. Most of those were donated. Once I got the hang of sizes and buying styles that properly fitted my body type I turned into a buyer. Maybe, it is retail therapy. You'd think a woman would stop at 20 dresses? Thirty? Fifty? 100 dresses? No, number 133 is on the way with 132 being delivered today. I've been buying panties in quantity when they are on a good sale. I buy stocking in quantity also. If I were to pass on unexpectedly my wife probably could open a really nice resale shop. I can understand binge buying. When I feel stress I engage in retail therapy. I think it is cheaper than professional therapy, and, at the end of the day I have a new dress to wear.

I just get things as I need them.
The key is to keep abreast of which stores are having sales,this will save you money long term.
My one weakness is when I get my Chico's sale catalog in the mail LOL.
Shop consignment stores that carry a nice assortment of upscale clothes.Preferably one in a well to do part of town. $120.00 designer jeans for $20.00 is a good deal in my book.

Hi, Kim!

I started slowly with panties and hose, but then took a quantum leap when my wife suggested that I try on dresses during an out of town trip. She felt I would get a better fit than buying online. So I dove in and got 4 dresses, 2 skirts, 4 tops and 3 pair of shoes. In just a couple of months since then I've added forms and bras, hip pads, wigs, makeup, etc. in very short order.

So it feels like it was all at once!

Hi Kim
For me it was wife slowly buying everything she felt I should try/wear over the past 3 years.
At times she had bought a few items at a time other times its been just one. most recent a new nail polish.
Generally its been pretty overwhelming for me, her understanding of this side of me better then I even understand myself and her ability to encourage,push,bring forth this side of me. Even with it still at times confusing and worrisome for me I know I will never be able to thank her enough.
have a wonderful day
Jean

With me its difficult to have much of a wardrobe as my wife who love very much, just would not understand or tolerate my dressing

Slowly!!! Omg if I did it overnight I'd have to sell my car!!

Very slowly - the usual terror about shopping for myself and buying my own clothes (skirts, blouses, skirt suits, then dresses and lingerie, shoes fit in there some place once I decided I needed heels)

Slowly in secret at first. In the weeks before Halloween I could by at thrift stores with a good excuse "costume party". Later it was for my daughter's birthday. Then my "other daughter".

However, eventually, I became more at ease with buying dresses at thrift stores, and consignment shops. And eventually I told the truth to a few clerks that I knew well.