How do I shop successfully?

[Robyn]

I love the color... very pretty

[Toni_Lynn_P]

Kinda sorta just been shopping and trying things on in store since I was about 14 or 15. Back then , I just grabbed something girly and and then a pair of pants and headed to the change room. That of course can be tough to do, and maybe back then I was braver -- maybe not -- more likely to take dumb risk.

Now a days, I don't care. But I will say that thrift store (such as our Value Village -- aka Le VV Boutique -- here in Canada) are a blessing!

My wife used to work for Walmart and nowadays is assistant manager at small chain of variety stores. Here attitude is - -if a guy want's to try on dress in the change room - -so what. Her store has at least one crossdresser who shops there -- wait I forgot -- make that two.

Bravest I every got was when I went to store in a mall (kinda like a Limited Express) and bought a girl's jump suit and trie dit on - -this was back in 1982 or so - -and let them know it was for me. Now THAT was an adventure -- wish I had known my wife then

Hugs

Toni-Lynn

[Ralitsa]

well I'm just anxiously waiting for the after-Christmas insanity to die down a bit, then I'm off to check out all the sales.
I just go shopping like anyone else would. I start at the clearance racks and see if there is anything there in my size that I like, and when I've collected an armful I go try it all on and decide what I will get and what I will come back for next time
There is a Dress Barn at the local mall here with a SA who is great. She has an excellent eye for fashion and knows my sizes. A few times she has picked things for me that I would not have chosen myself and after trying them on I realized how right she was!
I'm going to go over there later this afternoon, because they have some sweater dresses that are just perfect for this weather, and I need at least one more.

[Toni_Lynn_P]

I'm going to go over there later this afternoon, because they have some sweater dresses that are just perfect for this weather, and I need at least one more.

Ooooo! I LOVE sweater dresses! On a cold day like today, give me a sweater dress, tights, and my (knock-off Ugg) boots. (Oh -- and a bra and panties too -- but that goes without saying

Picture of my in that gear in the gallery

Hugs

Toni-Lynn

[Robyn]

I'm going to go over there later this afternoon, because they have some sweater dresses that are just perfect for this weather, and I need at least one more.

... and how was your shopping Ralitsa? Did you find some pretty sweater dresses?

[Ralitsa]

actually I never made it to Dress Barn, I decided to stop at Ross on the way just to pick up a few things. And I ended up getting several pair of tights (one can never have too many on hand) a long warm skirt, a red and black top that will be good for Christmas next year, and a cute dress that is more of a fall style but I think can work fine for winter too, along with the couple things for the house that I originally went there for.
After that I realized I exceeded my shopping budget and had to quit

And now today we have a blizzard here and it would be a perfect time to wear a new sweater dress.

[Toni_Lynn_P]

I decided to stop at Ross on the way just to pick up a few things.

You mean our favourite store CRoss Dress for Less

Hugs

Toni-Lynn

[Robyn]

After that I realized I exceeded my shopping budget and had to quit

My SO and I were just light heartedly talking about the costs of being a lady. Dressing at home in private was easy, I’d put on something pretty and that alone would fulfill my inner sense of who I really am. I didn’t apply makeup, hair, or accessories as I was merely satisfying a softer more delicate emotional need. I never considered letting others see me as a woman, thus the minimum was required to satisfy my desire. One article of clothing and some cute shoes did the trick. Now that I’ve begun opening up I’m happier than ever, but purchasing all the common feminine adornments overnight has added up fast. My SO has had a lifetime to procure her wardrobe, makeup, accessories, etc.; as for me, a supply of black shorts, jeans, t-shirts, casual button ups for the office and a couple of suits completed my elementary, yet functional male needs. Now that I’m able to nourish both sides of me I’ve realized that I have many womanly needs (wants) to add to the closet, dresser, and vanity, lol. There’s been a lot of shopping recently, and yesterday was yet another very pleasant experience.

So after a day of mentoring last weekend it became apparent that a silver/gray/ash/skunk colored wig is appropriate for my age and style, and when dressed this way I truly experience content. However, I didn’t currently own any of my own wigs of this color, so on the advice of others I purchased a Paula Young online. But like a child waiting for Christmas I became antsy awaiting its arrival so I looked for a local shop (with a bit of apprehension due to my demure nature). After studying the websites and yelp reviews of the local merchants I decided to call one of them to ask if they stocked what I was looking for. When I did, the lady on the phone was very pleasant, yet direct. While talking with her she asked me if my wife was Caucasian, and I said “yes (with a chuckle), but the wig is for me”. She simply said “okay, come on in”. I did, but I took my SO as a security blanket, lol.

When we walked in the door we were graciously greeted by the owner. She expressed a sincere excitement and gratitude that we (I) had come to visit her establishment for a purchase. Although I was dressed as a male, I showed her a couple pictures of me in dress and with much enthusiasm she began studying my features and demeanor. She then comfortably sat me down and began fitting me with a number of wigs. I had absolutely no sense of discomfort being a man while openly trying on woman’s wigs. The owner was an amazingly wonderful person with a heart of gold. In fact, I was so pleased with the service and personal attention she was giving me that I selected two cute wigs. Then, she looked me in the eye and said, “I’m blessing you with this third wig which looks good on you as well”. Lastly, she heavily discounted the two that I was purchasing from the listed price, and I left with three new looks.

I’m finding that I’m not going to be treated as an outcast for cross dressing. However, it goes without saying that sound judgment of when and where to expose Robyn will always apply. My personal needs will never require me to dress en femme full time, but right now it seems to be in overdrive as I’m discovering myself. It feels right!!!

[Ms. Erin]

Well congrats dear Robyn, I am, happy for you. Great moments when people like that sales lady accept you for who you are and three wigs for the (discounted) price of two, priceless.