my journey to me!

[Ricci]

My earliest recollections of my femininity were at the skirts of my great aunts. I am from a small town in Quebec where our family lived in close proximity. Birthdays, Christmas' and other special occasions were shared between my Grandparents ( I grew up in their care ) and my Aunts. These lovely, caring women came from an era where it was unusual to wear pants and in fact I cannot remember ever seeing them wear them even for gardening. Of course dresses and skirts were always worn with stockings and I now have a healthy love of stocking. When everyone was relaxing after dinner, I would take opportunity to sit on the floor by my Aunt where I could see and often 'accidently' brush up against her stocking clad leg. The sensation was at once exciting but also comforting. I was often alone in those homes and would explore the treasures of their dresser drawers. Foundation garments from the 40's, bras, garter belts, girdles and of course many stockings. The feelings that these lovlies stirred in me were fantastic but very confusing. I experimented with trying on hosiery, panties from time to time growing up, but never really connected until about two years ago. I honestly don't know what changed in my life that allowed me to finally realize the real me but I'm so grateful it has. I now dress everyday, wear bras, breast forms, stockings and heels. I am however growing more confused about what's next. I am and as I have read not alone in this considering hormones and perhaps cosmetic surgery but I will tell that story in the 'coping' forum.
Thank you all for listening and I would love to hear from anyone about any of the above.
Love to you all...Ricci

[Bernice]

Ricci:

I think we all go through a journey of sorts, as we mature. For many of us, we started all this at an early age, often before puberty. For late starters like yourself, the confusion must be more extreme.

You are more fortunate than some, in that you found support groups like ours relatively soon after you began your journey, and have not had to endure quite so many years of self-fear, non-acceptance, and misundertanding.

Your journey is what ever you want it to be. There is no predetermined destination, just as there is no known cause or cure. There are no "wrong answers".

Those of us with wives who accept us must also seriously consider our spouse's feelings. Hormone Therapy has it's own set of problems after about age 40, and is less effective when you start that late. Forgive me, am I reading too much into your post? You talked about clothing from the 40's so I thought perhaps you are now in "middle age".

Anyway, thanks for sharing.

Hugs,

Bernice

[Beauty]

Hi Ricci,

It sounds like you are able to live, as far as dressing, in a CDr's utopia. I think your beginnings story was very grounded.

You make me remember those days years ago when I'd wander through the dresser drawers of my female relatives. I would usually find pantyhose first and an occasional one piece girdle (it was like a catsuit).

You are right you are not alone with the thought of hormones. Please do a lot of research and feel free to PM me if you have any questions that I may be able to help you with.

Thank you for sharing your beginnings story Ricci, it was wonderful!

Beauty

[Ricci]

Hi Bernice
I am am 48 (just about), so that's roughly middle aged. Wow, that's the first time I've said that outloud! Thank you so, for your kind and considered thoughts. About the 40's, my Aunt's lived their youth in that time and my visual experience was through the movies. It always impressed me that they and most women during that era were always beautifully attired, dresses, stockings, nice shoes etc., my view of how femininity was expressed at least on the outside. Knowing what these ladies were wearing underneath was also very attractive. Sometimes I feel that we ( the collective we ) are becoming too casual in our ways, socially and esthetically and so I try to emulate those ideals in my manner of dressing.
I love real stockings and vintage style underpinnings which are still readily available at some very good sites. I would love to share this with everyone and also restart an old thread re; what we are wearing, love to wear, how to wear etc. What part of the forum is best??

Love to you and all

Ricci

[CJ]

Hi Ricci,

That's a great little post. You're fortunate to have had a circle of female relatives like you did (not so much for the clothes as for the "aura" of femininity surrounding you).

Thanks for sharing this.

Love,
CJ

[Kyra]

Hey Ricci,
Great story! I also have a love for stockings, pantyhose, etc. I just love the feel against my skin.

Hugs,
Kyra