Wednesday 28 February 2018

Life laundry


I’m doing a lot of throwing out as I intend to sell my current home. I’ve lived here for over 20 years and my moving in coincided with my fully acknowledging that I was trans and embracing it. I recall how, in the first weeks here, even with all the decorating and furnishing to be done, I made up for my previous purge by buying a huge new stash of clothes, from shoes and coats to skirts and nightwear… everything.

Every so often I’ve exchanged clothes with other women, be they transgender or genetic, and thrown out stuff that was worn out, no longer fitted or was out of fashion, and I’ve blogged about that in the past. I can’t seem to get my clothing to fill less than two cupboards and three chests of drawers (as opposed to one of each for the boy stuff I still have to have).

This time, though, I am doing a significant clearout and the charity shops will get some decent stuff, like these sequinned peep-toes (frankly, I can’t do five-inch heels any more!)



and the white satin pencil skirt (that wouldn’t survive a second on London’s grimy, greasy public transport system). The dustmen can enjoy the horror purchases (surely anything is better than those orange boiler suits, boys).

Ah, yes, the horror purchases. Those things that only a weirdo would design, a crook would sell and a ditzy TGirl would buy! Like this top in layered lace frills, a sort of goth ra-ra vest. One TGirl who saw it gave me a look that suggested I burn it immediately (with me still in it was the implication).



But then there are the things that are simply no longer fashionable, like 50 denier tights in avocado and turquoise that were all the rage about ten years ago. They are so soft, warm and comfortable, though, that maybe I’ll keep them just for use at home. Or the leather trousers from the MILT* era fifteen years ago. Leather legwear is in again, but as leggings and skinny jeans, not loose trousers.

*For those who’ve forgotten, MILT = mothers in leather trousers.

Clearly it’s time to throw out the shoes with broken straps, the boots that have worn through (so hard to do - I loved them! L ).

A necessary clearout, but everything I get rid of is part of my history, and I feel strong emotions of loss.

Sue x

6 comments:

  1. Ah, memories and items. I think I know what you mean about needing to be ruthless with some stuff. Shame about the shoes, but hopefully, they will be someone else's gain.

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  2. Thanks, hon. It's hard, but yes, it needs to be done. Sue x

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  3. My situation keeps me from doing much disposal of outdated clothes...I have so little storage space that I don't add any, or get rid of any.

    Thus my pix show me in the same type of outfits...oh well, we try to do the best we can...

    Hugs,

    Mandy

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    1. Despite the vast array of clothes I have (or had) I still seem to wear the same few things! Sue x

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  4. Never worn any heals higher than 3 inches though I can see their attraction.
    Sometimes you need a hard headed clearout and hopefully the items will enjoy a new lease of life.

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    1. Thanks, Lucie. Yes, there was no point in keeping stuff that didn't fit or was worn out or unappealing, and those at the charity shop may well find a delighted new owner. Sue x

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