One year ago this weekend I went shopping at the Tanger Outlets. My reasoning for that? To look for my favorite brand of designer purse known as Coach. I came away that day feeling confident as my gender nonconformity journey was just beginning to heat up.
I started to gain interest in Coach in the Fall of 2020 when one of my coworkers at my old job carried a Coach purse almost like mine. I fell in love with the bag myself and would buy one of my own someday. I posted a picture on my Facebook page and my adopted family just fell in love with it. I had to explain myself because I’m a guy who likes things that women like.
When I was making plans to buy my bag, a good friend who is my sister and fashion buddy reminded me, “Aww don’t be embarrassed. Be proud. Fashion is nothing to be ashamed of.” The excitement was building one day in early February as Sara and I met for coffee at Abigail’s Coffeehouse when she and Rob were still living in Ligonier. I showed her the purse I was interested in buying and she was all for it. Part of me still worried what people might think though but she told me to continue being me.
A few weeks later, after working in Belle Vernon, I made my way to the Tanger Outlets in Washington located near the Meadows 🎰. I ate lunch and then shopped at Bath and Body Works and Old Navy (my appetizers) and then it was time for main course. Time to hit up the Coach Outlet. I window shopped at Kate Spade ♠️ to boost my confidence and not get stage fright walking into the Coach outlet.
I did great while I was shopping in the Coach Outlet. I confidently made my purchases and got the purse and crossbody I wanted. I showed off the tote one Spring day in Ligonier and at Rob and Sara’s wedding in May.
That day confirmed this and that is I mean business on this gender nonconformity journey. My shopping spree and my gender nonconformity were a big part of my 2021. It’s sad that the latter came at a cost, and that was losing some friends who just couldn’t come to terms with me being different. Oh well, I’m still winning regardless.
The journey has become so much better since that day. I bought blazers and cute tops and now it’s onto more amazing fashionwear 👗. I have more Spring and Summer fits on the way and I want you to stay tuned for that.
Stylish 🍒 