Steppin Out

[Kelly]

As I have said many times, I don't get out much. But I did today!!!!!

I used the make over service I have used before. This rent vs buy approach works for me right now as I don't have anywhere to build up a stash.

I had fun.

The make up application was flawless, which I guess is to be expected when a professional is doing it. The wig was shorter than those I have used in the past; I liked it as it just seemed more age appropriate. I used a smaller form this time and guess what? The cloths fit better and looked more natural. Finally settled on a floral print skirt with black sweater. Wore flats; me in heels is not ready for public display - yet.

I wanted to gauge just how well I could pass. We went to a large mall and toured the stores. It was crowed. As far as I or my hostess/companion could tell, I didn't draw so much as a double take. Talk about a confidences builder. I think this is because I took along the most important thing of all: a good attitude.

I was just me. Happens that at the time me was just another gal out shopping with a girlfriend. Wasn't worried about anybody else or what they thought.

Best part? I discovered that now 3X is now too large for me and 1X fits just fine. YEA!!!!!

There are a few unexpected emotions swirling around. I'm going to reflect a couple of days before talking about them. Now, I need some sleep.

Kelly

[Davita]

Congrats!

Mow about that no place to build a stash. You need to asking some of us sneaks where we hid our clothes until we came out.

For a start, an attic is a lousy place. It's hot, not good for the clothes and tends to be dirty and not usually a place to be able try things on as you decide what to wear. The basement is better but you know if yours has any drawbacks. We being packrats would always have a stack of boxes so I would just add my boxes to the heap and make sure it was me moving them around when we were looking for something. I would also hide things in the closets with the extra clothes like the stuff the better half hoped to get back into some day. We know that never really happens so that stuff was hardly ever gone through. I even hid stuff under the guest bed. Why not? Who's looking there other than to clean and you don't look in boxes if you're cleaning around and under them.

Good luck and again, congrats.

[Kelly]

Thanks. It was a fun evening. I feel like I have handled the crowed commerce venue; next time out we are going clubbing!

Now on to the stash thing. There was a thread a while back on clever stashes. I have evaluated the strategies. I have two considerations.

First. Our household is very open. There are no secret stores. An unrecognized box is opened; not because of suspicion, but curiosity. And, this is taking up valuable space, does it justify its existence. A box under the guest room bed will be investigated. I have already had my one bra end up in the to-be-donated-to-good-will box (the assumption was that it belonged to one of my daughters legion of girl friends that leave cloths all over the place). I rescued it, of course, but I am not sure when it will be found again (that is WHEN, not IF). As a side note, this no secrets "policy" had the unintended consequence of combating four teenagers not bringing home stuff the folks don't want brought home. [To head off a tangent, there was never parental snooping, just knowledge that anything can be opened in the innocent course of living life].

Second. When THE TALK happens, if it id because of a chance discovery, I am on the immediate defensive and unprepared. If I introduce it at least I am in control of the discussion for about three seconds. But they are an important three as I can layout some foundation that hopefully would reduce the amount of ensuing angst.

Kelly

[Babbs]

Excuse my ignorance but what is a "makeover service" ...I myself am running out of hiding places easy to access. The safest spot is in the garage attic....no one in my family has ever gone there but me. But it's a pain in the neck to go there to pull out the clothes I want....I have resorted recently to emptying my briefcase and putting my wigs and lighter items in there...my basement has one hiding spot I think is safe and that's it. Makes it hard to hide pocketbook and two pairs of shoes and one pair of boots though. I just went out for the first time so I feel your joy. Glad you enjoyed yourself!

[Rader]

I would love to travel beyond the confides of this "Closet- House"
But I would have to shave off my Mustache, and try to make my
huge hands look smaller
I am happy for your great time out and about.
Rader

[Kelly]

Babbs,

A makeover service is kinda like a full service outfitter (e.g. a hunting guide that provides all the gear), except the 'expidition' is getting all dolled up and getting out. The advantage is that you don't have to have a lick of cloths and don't have to know how to combine them; you have a coach that can help you every step of the way. The disadvantage is that you have to pay for the service, and some of them are pricey; fortunately the one I use isn't.

Thus my "rent vs buy" remark. Rather than building a wardrobe, getting forms, and purchasing cosmetics, I instead just rent them for a day. Right now it works for me; someday it won't - but not yet.

I just did a bing search on 'trangendered makeover service in mass' and there are several interesting hits.

A couple of points about selection. Definitely price compare. Make sure they really have the inventory and/or service you need. Is what they promote on their web site, what you want. Vet for customer satisfaction, fraud, and discretion.

Kelly

[Babbs]

Thanks Kelly, I'll do the search as you did. I was merely curious but if it can work I may try it one day

[Requal Jo]

Thanks Kelly for sharing your experience. Sounds like you had a wonderful day.

[ArleneMcCarthy]

Attending the St. Patricks Day Parade with the boyfriend.