curious conversation

[Ralitsa]

I was chatting with a lady in an airport bar in Atlanta a month or so ago, just before I met Jimmy Carter on the plane, and we were talking about clothes and travelling.
I was in the process of going from Bulgaria to the US, to Saudi Arabia, back to the US and back to Bulgaria in the period of a month. So I needed enough clothes in my suitcases to last a month (with washings of course). And I was a little bit complaining that I didn't like wearing the same outfits for a month, and I would be happy to get to either Wisconsin, Bulgaria, or Texas so I could change out my wardrobe. She mentioned that she was usually only gone for a week at a time, but agreed that it was a pain living out of a suitcase. Then she said "I don't get to enjoy my clothes as much as I'd like to." That comment really caught my attention, and revealed a lot to me. I realized that a big reason that I wear womens clothes is that I want to enjoy my clothes. Womens clothes are enjoyable, because women want clothes they can enjoy and are not afraid to admit it. I've never heard any guy say that he enjoyed his clothes, or even consider that the concept of enjoyable clothes could exist. And this was really the only time I've ever heard a woman explain it that way, usually they give some external reason like "it makes me look good" or similiar. When viewed in the context of "wanting to enjoy ones clothes" then wearing womens clothes makes perfect sense.
Like many of us, I've been trying to find a better reason to explain why I crossdress than "because I want to." That reason is good enough for me, but most people think you're being a smart aleck when you give them that reason. So my new reason is "because I want to wear clothes that I can enjoy." It means the same thing, but sounds better

[Leeza]

Interesting. I have never heard it put that way, but is does make sense.

Leeza

[Wendae]

I like to get dressed up because it feels so good. All the stress leaves and I drift on a calm sea enjoying the feel of the fabrics, the smell of the makeup and the feel and taste of the lipstick.

[S. Lisa Smith]

Then she said "I don't get to enjoy my clothes as much as I'd like to." That comment really caught my attention, and revealed a lot to me. I realized that a big reason that I wear womens clothes is that I want to enjoy my clothes. Womens clothes are enjoyable, because women want clothes they can enjoy and are not afraid to admit it. I've never heard any guy say that he enjoyed his clothes, or even consider that the concept of enjoyable clothes could exist. ... When viewed in the context of "wanting to enjoy ones clothes" then wearing womens clothes makes perfect sense.
Like many of us, I've been trying to find a better reason to explain why I crossdress than "because I want to." That reason is good enough for me, but most people think you're being a smart aleck when you give them that reason. So my new reason is "because I want to wear clothes that I can enjoy." It means the same thing, but sounds better

I agree, couldn't put it better!

[ArleneMcCarthy]

An excellent way of putting it.

[Davita]

It's right. I pick what I want to wear because that's what my mood calls for. My selections are because I want to wear them because I enjoy them. I enjoy looking good, feeling comfortable, etc.

Y'all remember some commercials about looking "good all under"? Don't we all enjoy knowing we are looking sexy underneath even if no one else gets to see?

[Paula G]

Interesting, when I select my male clothing it is either for practicallity, or what is expected by whoever I will be seeing, it is only my women's clothing that I choose because I enjoy it. Even when dressed up in DJ etc. it is still for the audience not me, I might enjoy a nice pair of cuff links or a particular shirt, but on the whole men's clothing is just not fun.

I like this and think I too will use this in the future.

[Carol Ann]

I agree an am a lot like Davita, I dress to look good and what makes me happy for the day.

[Gillian]

I agree, clothes should make you feel good about yourself. The problem with men's clothes is that are BORING. The nicest suit that I ever saw had a $3000 price tag to go with it. What a beautiful silk suit, but not in my price range. Women's clothes have color, texture, flair, and well you get the picture.

[Absaroka]

Interesting topic.

My teenage daughter will sometimes talk about enjoying her clothes, usually after shopping. She will also get excited about wearing her new clothes.

Having amassed a considerable wardrobe of womens clothing at this point, I've come to understand that while wearing lingerie started of as an erotic thrill, there is something about various sweaters (Also skirts, tops, and so on) that is fun in a non erotic way.

I'd disagree about enjoying guy clothes. I do have some I enjoy- sweaters, flannel shirts and so on. In fact I'd say that since I started CDing a lot half a dozen years ago that I've also developed increased enjoyment of my guy clothes.

[Anita]

Ralitsa wrote:

Then she said "I don't get to enjoy my clothes as much as I'd like to." That comment really caught my attention, and revealed a lot to me. I realized that a big reason that I wear womens clothes is that I want to enjoy my clothes

That really does sum it up very nicely! I'd never thought of it that way, either.

I think I did have more enjoyment of clothes when I was a boy and then a teen. I had certain jackets that made me feel good, and I liked my Boy Scout uniform. When I got older, there was some stage clothes that I liked wearing, too, but it was less distinct.

But yeah, when I opened up to shopping for women's clothes, there was a whole world of enjoyment I'd never known before. I liked shopping, I liked trying on clothes (which I had never liked before) and I found that having all kinds of choices about what to mix and match was great.

[Ralitsa]

Nobody commented on the Jimmy Carter reference. I really in fact did see him on the plane, and shake his hand. Maybe everyone thought i was being a smart aleck

[Mary Sanders]

My daughterinlaw is a psychology student. She got into a conversation with my wife one day when she was visiting about panties and how the style, color and how feminine they are can play a big part in how you feel about yourself that day based on what panties you chose to wear.

I couldn't agree with her more. I had to just sit there and listen to the conversation. I wanted so bad to get into the conversation with her. I can 100% relate. Every morning I open my panty drawer and have to take a few minutes deciding what color and style I feel like wearing that day. I find myself stopping what I'm doing durning the day for just a few seconds to think about and visulize what I'm wearing under my drab clothes.

I find the infinite amount of styles and colors of womens clothes gives you the opportunity to dress the way you feel that day. I find nothing more fun and enjoyable on a hot sunny summer day than putting on a very bright colored and flowery house dress. What I'm wearing speaks volumes about how I'm feeling.

Just a final thought, how often have you seen women and girls put on a dress and stand there looking at themselves in the mirror while they twirl the skirt. I rest my case. Feminine clothes are FUN!!

[Absaroka]

I find that on days that I don't feel good, about myself or about life, that I don't want to dress, and it doesn't cheer me up if I do. However on days that I feel good sometimes how I dress is a reflection of something, although it has more to do with the outerwear than anything else.

Today for example I have on black leggings, cami, and top with a black party dress over the whole thing. The sort of thing you might almost see in a dance recital. What am I feeling. First of all warm, the leggings and top accomplish that. And then playful- the party dress. The happy little elf in her home in the winter, or something like that.

[Anita]

Nobody commented on the Jimmy Carter reference. I really in fact did see him on the plane, and shake his hand. Maybe everyone thought i was being a smart aleck

I read it as a reference to another thread where you'd already mentioned meeting Jimmy. Sort of like:

"You all remember that trip where I met Jimmy Carter? Well, here's something else that happened on that same trip."

My impression of him is that he would try to be gracious to whoever approached him. It sounds like he was with you.