happy transition with out spending a ton of money?

[Allyda]

Yup online is another great source to shop for clothes and your right, we do need some nice things to wear. I do stick with the basics mostly as you say -the things that stay in style. While I do have a few special items keeping with the basics does hold down cost quite a bit.

[Missadventure]

Find thrift stores near a college. College kids cycle through clothing like crazy - especially at "fancier" colleges. I just moved near Purdue University, which is a Big 10 school, and the thrift stores here are AWESOME. I went from no female clothing to having a feminine wardrobe 4 times the size of my male wardrobe, and all of it super cute, for $150. Sadly it's become a bit of an addiction. 

So far I'm in for about $700, which includes wardrobe, Tria for at home facial hair removal, doctors appointments, bloodwork, and a 6 month supply of estrogen/spiro.

Sadly I'm at that age where testosterone has left my face pretty well fugly, and I'm probably never going to be able to afford FFS. So, yay for a lifetime of body dysmorphia.  But, I'll still find happiness as I get more and more closer to being the "me" I was supposed to be.

[Allyda]

Find thrift stores near a college. College kids cycle through clothing like crazy - especially at "fancier" colleges. I just moved near Purdue University, which is a Big 10 school, and the thrift stores here are AWESOME. I went from no female clothing to having a feminine wardrobe 4 times the size of my male wardrobe, and all of it super cute, for $150. Sadly it's become a bit of an addiction. 

So far I'm in for about $700, which includes wardrobe, Tria for at home facial hair removal, doctors appointments, bloodwork, and a 6 month supply of estrogen/spiro.

Sadly I'm at that age where testosterone has left my face pretty well fugly, and I'm probably never going to be able to afford FFS. So, yay for a lifetime of body dysmorphia.  But, I'll still find happiness as I get more and more closer to being the "me" I was supposed to be.

Please though before getting discouraged give the hormones 2 to 3 years to do their thing.

[oh hai!]

The hardest part for me so far is restraint when times are good; I tend to start spending like a madwoman when there is a surplus instead of spreading it out and keeping some for when times get lean. I think the key is to pace yourself; this is a lifelong change and thus doesn't have to be completed in any mandatory timeframe. You shouldn't have to sacrifice your quality of life (or your families,) just to speed through transition.

[stephaniec]

Yup online is another great source to shop for clothes and your right, we do need some nice things to wear. I do stick with the basics mostly as you say -the things that stay in style. While I do have a few special items keeping with the basics does hold down cost quite a bit.

yea, online sites, dresses for $10 or less . I bought  areal  nice dree from a thrift sore for $3.00

[Allyda]

yea, online sites, dresses for $10 or less . I bought  areal  nice dree from a thrift sore for $3.00

Sounds like you too have been doing the online shopping thing for awhile too Steph!

[stephaniec]

yea, online pretty convieniant