Shopping in Richmond, VA

[S. Lisa Smith]

I just got back from a sucessful shopping trip to Richmond, VA. I am reluctant to go out dressed in Southside Virginia because I'm always worried that I will be "caught". Richmond is two hours away and that gives me more than enough room.

My sister lives in Richmond and I was able to change at her home. There is a relatively new shopping area in North West Richmond and that was my destination. Although I have been out many times, I was still nervous. I thought I looked ok, but one never knows. I was dressed in this outfit, but at the last minute decided to go without the belt.



Notice the shoes (you can just barely see one in the full shot), my favorite square toed brown heels, they will become important later.

I arrive at my first destination, Kohl's. I love to shop there because they always send discount coupons and I love a bargain. I also love some of their styles. No one gave me a second look as I wandered around shopping. I picked up a top and a pair of sunglasses I needed and a pair of earrings and went to check out. Got Ma'amed by the sales associate and everything was going smoothly until she saw my Kohl's charge with my male name on it. She asked for some ID. I fessed up and showed her my Male ID. She said no problem. I asked her if she had recognized me as a crossdresser and she said she hadn't until the charge card. She was very sweet and said she came from a family of tall woman and just thought I was a tall woman. She made some suggestions and I asked for some help finding some additional items. We wondered all over the store and I ended up with more earrings and some leggings that I wanted to get and couldn't find. She said my voice was good and that I carried myself well. How wonderful is that?

I left there and went to Payless, but didn't have any luck. Then I went to Nordstrom. Unfortunately by that time my feet were killing me! So I didn't stay there long (plus everything is soooo expensive!!) Then...I had to the powder room. Well the inner part of the mall has these beautiful brick walkways...beautiful to the eye, but painful in high heels. So I walked around a bit to see if I could find a ladies room. After what seemed to be an hour, I found one and went in. Checked my makeup, smiled at the other women and walked out. I was sooo glad to get back to my car and sit down. Now I know why I was the only woman shopper in heels. I'm looking for some nice flats for next time. I had a wonderful time!!!

[Virginia]

Hi Lisa,

I agree, there are some great shopping places in Richmond. SL and I were at the new mall off I-64 north and I wanted to try some new Sephora eye shadow I had seen advertised. It may have been Nordstoms, anyway, I guess the make-up girl read me, but she treated me just like any other customer. Like I say, our money is as green as anyone else's. She offered to do some makeover on me, but we did not have time. Like you, no one gave us a second look until we ran into a pack of "our worst enemy" some teenage girls. They did a second and third look, and I know they were, "just not sure," which is what most of us want anyway.
Shop on ladies! and just remember "when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping!"

Virginia

PS: the two Goodwill stores on West Broad, were very beneficial to our wardrobe also!

[DonnaT]

Cool!

I like going to the Short Pump Town Center. The Dillard's there has a pretty good selection of ball gowns in larger sizes.

We don't have any Dillard's up here.

[Bubba A.]

I am in the richmond area, I am wondering what have ya'll found that is crossdresser friendly????

[S. Lisa Smith]

Any Goodwill is CD friendly. Virginia and SL go to them all the time when they are in Richmond. Years ago Blythe's at Short Pump was CD friendly, I expect they still are. Call first. The helpful woman at Kohl's at Short Pump was Kat Sharb (not sure of last name) and she is in charge of the Candee's section (I think). If you go in ask for help and are nice, you shouldn't have much of a problem anywhere. I love shopping at Macy's and if you fess up, the sales associates are very helpful. It's actually all in your additude.

[Ms. Erin]

Miss Lisa, that is a real nice outfit. Perhaps one day we all can go shopping, girls day out.



If i might add...

The KG fashion in twin oaks mall and Ruby Red on NineMile rd are two locations where i have a great experience with the sales staff being helpful and CD friendly.

They answered all my questions and took me serious. They also showed interest in my "orientation" and gave me advise on both clothing and hair / makeup.

I shopped in both stores not dressed up, but as a man.

It is my intention to visit these stores again as woman.

Soon

[S. Lisa Smith]

Blythe's is still CD friendly. The Sephora that is moving to Short Pump is very CD friendly (ask for Kimber, she is wonderful)!! Thanks for the compliment on the outfit, it's long gone, however...

[Ms. Erin]

Today this girl just had to get a new outfit.

Went back to KG Fashion and the sales lady remembered me from last time. I think she was more excited then I was "en Femme". She was getting on brake and wanted to help me find some clothes, which she did. She told me to fit it in the dressing room, so I asked her which one, ladies or gents? She looked up, thought about it and checked the ladies dressing room which was occupied, so she let me in the men's dressing room, to fit a sweater.

However a little later when we found the skirt/dress to go with it, she told me to use the ladies dressing room instead, as she was told by her manager to do so.

She waited in the dressing room lobby, she wanted to see me in those clothes and check the fit. (and perhaps because other ladies where in there)

This was a great moment. Again making progress all the time. It's little things like these that make me feel complete.

[Requal Jo]

You all sound like you are having a fabulous time shopping. It must be an enormous relief to have CD friendly shops in your location. Beautiful outfit Lisa and I to like square nosed shoes.

[Ms. Erin]

Dear Requal Jo, I have read somewhere in the local news paper that Richmond VA is a LGBT friendly city and wants to promote this. I will try to find the article and place a link.

And yes, I am having so much fun, being myself really.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/business/e ... 55c37.html