Stuff: Spring Cleaning

By J.J. Atwell

Hello again!

It’s spring and that, of course, means spring cleaning. Now that shouldn’t just be an excuse to break out the French Maid outfit, even though that does sound like fun. 

Today, I’d like to write about a difficult subject – how to thin out your closet. Yes, getting rid of some of those beautiful clothes that you worked so hard to acquire in the first place.

Why Should I Thin Out My Closet?

Well, in my case, my closet is only so big. There is only so much Stuff I can cram in there.  I’ve managed to accumulate quite a few pieces of femme clothing over the years, most of which I hadn’t worn in quite a while. It was time to make room for new Stuff. I’ve also lost a few pounds from my previous high, so I can now buy a smaller size. Looking at it like that makes the process a bit more bearable.  

How can I make it “bearable” you ask? Easy, because the only way to decide what to part with requires that you first try it all on. Imagine having to spend hours and hours trying on different outfits! Yes, that can be fun! It takes even longer if you let yourself get distracted by your image in the mirror. And don’t forget to go through your lingerie drawer(s).  

You may want some objective help when deciding what to keep. If you have an understanding friend, you can ask for their opinion on each outfit. You can also take pictures of yourself in each outfit and study them carefully. Ask yourself do they fit well? Are they still in good condition? Do they hide your figure faults? Do they enhance your best features? If you say “no” to any of those questions, then out they go. It’s time to be ruthless... and don’t call me “Ruth.”  

Ok, so now it’s time to organize the keepers. Some of them may need to be washed and pressed first. Then create some kind of order in your closet – something that makes sense to you. Perhaps putting all skirts together and arranging them by color? Or maybe pair the skirt with its matching top? Some people put the pieces they wear most often in the front. Again, whatever works for you.

The Stuff you aren’t keeping shouldn’t just go in the trash. The crossdresser group that I belong to has an annual event where everybody brings in their no longer needed clothes. We put them all out on tables and the other members sort through them for things they might like. If you don’t have that option, donating them to charity is good for the soul.  

I’ll be back

Yes, there will be more Stuff. If you’ve found this whole spring cleaning effort to be traumatizing and now need therapy, I find retail therapy works for me. In the meantime, comments are welcome either here on the blog or by email to Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com. J.J. is always looking for more stuff, so if there is something you would like to read about, please let me know!

Wearing Alice + Olivia

Alexandre Styker (right) femulating in the 2013 French film Belinda and Me.