FIRST TIMERS?? Some do's and don'ts!

[Marda]

The Lights in this room are Very Bright but Very Clear and Very Beautiful.

These paths will be much easier for me to travel when I become accustomed to the Brightness.

I'm so excited about all there is To See.

Love / Marda

[Alexandra]

Ok, enough for now. *smile*

there's more????

We await the next batch!

[Virginia]

I don't know CJ, I read all of Gaby post - I don't think she knows the first thing about crossdressing.
Actually Gaby it was great, I think I picked up several things that will come in handy! Thanks,
Deborah

[Estefania]

Uh, I guess you are right Deborah... what's the darn first thing about CDing? I'm not sure I even know what's the second thing!

Anyway... I thought about a few more... Certainly, some of these and the previous come from personal experience, some been told to me by friends, some are that scarse thing we call "common sense".

Some chat room/forum related ideas.

51. The fact you like to wear women's clothes and so do I doesn't make us "sisters". Doesn't even make us friends. Frienship comes with getting to know each other, talking, sharing.

52. It is a big relief when you realize that, just like in real life, a) You don't have to like everybody you meet in a chat room/forum. And b) You can't expect everybody you meet is going to like you.

53. It is ok to be mysterious, after all, you don't have to tell people all about you. But the bits and pieces you tell people about you, let those be real. Ah... and if you don't have a femme name, really, you don't need to get one just because others want you to.

54. People can also get a reputation in a chat room. If you don't want to get a bad reputation... then be careful on what you say, or to whom you say that to.

55. The most powerfull tool when dealing with somebody who is being a jerk is to just totally ignore him/her. And I mean total ignore.

~~~

56. One more about shopping... If you act like if you do not belong in the ladies department, or a boutique, etc. then people will react to you as if you really do not belong there. Relax!

57. Unless you have unlimited funds, try to create your wardrobe with "basic" styles, and very few "trendy" things. You can always make a black knee length skirt look fine with a trendy blouse and trendy accessories.

58. Just because it is "IN", doesn't mean you have to wear it. Some trendy stuff may be all wrong for you. (I know that totally first hand)

59. If you go for a pedicure, bring your own flip-flops. Nothing wrong with the dispossable ones they may give you at the nail place, but they look rather funny. :o)

60. At the nail salon, a restaurant, etc. give a good tip. (unless the service really doesn't deserve it) It is a good way to set up things right for your next visit.

61. If you go to the movies (specially by yourself) it is always a better idea to go and catch a "chicks flick" than the latest "testo film", no matter if you love explosions, car chases and the like. Not a great idea to be mostly surrounded by guys who may not be very accepting of CDing, I think.

62. Unless she is totally ok with it, DO NOT wear your girlfriend/SO/Wife's stuff. None of it. Get your own!

63. Make-up is not eternal. After a few months, even expensive stuff will need to be replaced. (Will go stale) Don't plan to wear everything until it is gone.

64. In many things (like shoes) go for quality, not quantity. Nothing wrong with "Payless", but have at least a couple pairs of leather shoes... specially if you plan to wear them for more than a couple hours.

65. "Perfect hair" usually makes people think of "Wig". Let your hair look more natural... Perfect hair would be great for a wedding or any other big event, but may not be totally right for grocery shopping.

66. Do not, and I repeat, do not, use duct tape to create cleavage! (OUCH!) (I tried it... once. Have a scar to prove it)

67. Unless you are a teenager, be aware that toe rings and ankle bracelets do look a bit tacky on people over, say, 30. But if you still like them (to each her own) please, do not wear them with hosiery!

68. If you want to wear a short skirt, be sure you know how to sit properly. Even better if you can cross your legs in a very ladylike fashion.

69. When out enfemme, it is ok to smile! But... smile to other women, smile to babies, but unless you want their attention, smiling to guys is a bit of flirting. Nothing wrong with that, if you know how to handle things.

70. Most important advise about other people's advise... You are the only one who knows all the facts about your own life. Don't let other people tell you what you should do, or what you shouldn't do. Make your own choices. Find your own comfort level. Be happy about who you are.

Gaby

[Lorna]

Great suggestions, girls!!

Here's another: Keep an emergency change of male clothes in your car along with a face towel, small bottle of polish remover, and a small jar of cold cream.

[Anita]

Thanks, Gaby--those two posts of yours are real labors of love. It's fun reading all of these posts.
A

[CJ]

Thanks, Gaby!

Love,
CJ

[Alexandra]

beginners might want to shy away from waterproof mascara and get the regular kind!


(it doesn't come off easy, or fast!)

[S. Lisa Smith]

Great advise, Gabby. When I read your posts I was smiling and nodding my head in agreement. You did a lot of work and gave it a lot of thought and I think you hit almost everything (I can't think of what you may have missed, but there may be something...). Thanks!

[Estefania]

Looking around I found this rather old topic about advice for newbies and those who have been around the block once or twice already as well. Please feel free to add anything else you'd like. I may be updating some of my entries too.

*hugs*
Gabyv

[Angie G]

Work you way up to those 4 inch heels.
Angie

[Linda S]

beginners might want to shy away from waterproof mascara and get the regular kind!

(it doesn't come off easy, or fast!)

I've always used waterproof so I can't comment on which is better. I take it off with baby oil on cotton balls. I'm sure regular would be easier and faster to remove.

[Estefania]

Lisa, I believe that the advise about staying away from waterproof mascara is along the line of how it would make it rather complicated if you suddenly had to "switch back" to presenting as a guy. (Mostly for those who are not out to their wife or families, I think).

Gaby

[Deanna]

So many wonderful tips here! As being new to CD I have recently read many of these tips and am trying to correct the many mistakes I am making before going out in public again. I am petrified to be out in public dressed, but yet I want to do it for confidence sake. I have learned to "tune down" my outfit and just try to blend in. Again, a lot of practical advice yet a lot that seems based on mistakes others have made! Hopefully I will have something to add when I finally take that giant leap outside!

[Hanna]

I found an easy way to help makeup wash/rinse off. I apply moisturising lotion over my face, eyes, lips, before I do makeup. When I'm ready to dismantle a little soap and water and the makeup comes right off.