I didn't want to hijack another thread but someone recently was talking about their "Just a Crossdresser Phase."
(Disclaimer: I know that being a crossdresser only is a REAL THING for a lot of people. I accept the truth of the gender spectrum and the transgender umbrella.)
For me this phase lasted about as long as it took for me to hear the words coming out of my mouth. I was in the closet for years and wouldn't admit openly TO ANYTHING. Then I came out as transgender last year and said to my family (I told everybody at once at last Thanksgiving Dinner) "I'm transgender. I'm a crossdresser. And I can't hide it anymore. I won't. But I don't want any HRT or surgeries or anything." When I heard myself say the last part, it I knew it sounded wrong. I knew I was more than a crossdresser. But at least I was out. And the rest just kind of took care of itself. I would be curious to hear about any other experiences concerning the "Just a Crossdresser" phase for other transexual women.
I tell people I do drag shows, which isn't a total lie, just to avoid awkward conversations. I don't really think I'm "in the closet" with friends though...
I thought the same thing, that it was "just a phase" every time I would buy something then purge or throw everything away. I always knew I was not right somehow and it would come and go. Now, I have told my wife and her sister as well as my GT so I know now, it is not a phase but rather a way to express who I am. Like you though, I am not sure HRT is in the cards.