Getting Brave!

[Carla L]

I stopped into Fashion Bug yesterday, in another town. A woman came to me and asked me if she could help and before i could even think I blurted out "I'm looking for a blouse I can use for a jean skirt and a black cotten skirt. I'd like it to work for either item."

The clerk simply asked, "What size to you need?" and I said I wore a 14 skirt and not certain about the blouse. We picked some out in several sizes, all in front of other customers and clerks. She then walked me to the dressing room, unlocked the door and I tried them on!

Once done I simply walked out with the ones I wanted and went straight to the register. There were a few customers who gave me a wierd look, I just smiled back, paid and walked out.

I'm getting so brave!

[KimberlyS]

Good job Robyn. Next time it will be easier and you will feel more comfortable. I bet the clerk just treated you like another customer.

Did being out of town help you with the jitters and worrying about coming across someone you know? I know it did and still does for me.

KimberlyS-CD
Joe in a skirt

[DonnaT]

Way to go Robyn.

Last Friday I stopped by the bank and looked across the street to see Fashion bug was having a sale.

Not only were some items up to 60% off, but you could get a second item of same or less cost for only a dollar.

I picked up a very feminine top/shrug combination. The top was stretch lace and ivory in color. It was like a tank or cami, but it had the cross your heart feature. The shrug was also stretch lace and ivory in color.

I then decided to see if they had a bra that would fit. Normally I take a 48B, but settled for a 44B, Enchanted strapless/convertable bra with both clear and white straps.

Took my selections to the counter and the girls were surprised I didn't select a top for the $1 sale. I told them I really didn't see anything I wanted, but they insisted. One of the ladies went to the racks and loooked, anf after about 5 minutes brought up a black top with a cross your heart feature and 3/4 length sleeves. So I got it as well.

The lady at the register asked if I wanted a gift receipt, but I gracefully declined, stating that everything was for me.

I went back today to get my wife a couple of tops as a surprise present. And the lady recognized me and simply said welcome back. She didn't ask if these needed gift receipts, however.

I wore the ivory set to the club Friday with my chocolate colored gypsy skirt. Had to show it off to Silverlady and Virginia.

[DonnaT]

So, what do you call a sleeveless top that's not really a tank or a cami, and has a cross your heart feature leading to the shoulder straps?

[SilverLady(SO)]

Donna -

I presume this top has the same X design (in lace?) like the ivory-colored top you wore on Friday night? Did it have a shelf-bra sewn into it, or was it more like a tank top in design? Without actually seeing a photo of it, I'm going to presume it was just a tank top with a fancy X design, which I've recently seen in some stores.

BTW, the photos I took of you Friday night came out great - and that new blouse is beautiful - very feminine! I'll make sure Virginia sends them to you via email.

Still hoping we can see you again on Friday night!!

- SL

[Carla L]

When I got home, I went to the mailbox and found a few coupons from the fashion bug. Rats! I could have saved 30%!

So, i pocketed the coupons and I'll probably end up there next week!

Did being out of town help you with the jitters

I've really gotten braver as the weeks go by. Seems like you are just ignored. I hope no one runs into me while in town shopping, I haven't even thought of an excuse, just will spill one at the top of my head. Right now if a clerk asks I just tell them, but if I run into a friend, I hope I am not so fast in my response, as I think about it after the fact!

All I know is I can't seem to own enough clothing and intimates or even jewelry... I have a Avon book someone dropped by the house and I'm wondering about a few necklaces in there!

You have all been so helpful and I've never felt more content dressed up.

[DonnaT]

Donna -

I presume this top has the same X design (in lace?) like the ivory-colored top you wore on Friday night? Did it have a shelf-bra sewn into it, or was it more like a tank top in design? Without actually seeing a photo of it, I'm going to presume it was just a tank top with a fancy X design, which I've recently seen in some stores.

BTW, the photos I took of you Friday night came out great - and that new blouse is beautiful - very feminine! I'll make sure Virginia sends them to you via email.

Still hoping we can see you again on Friday night!!

- SL

Yes, the one I wore Friday. No shelf bra. The material goes from the upper waist (lower chest) on the left and tapers to a shoulder strap on the right, and the material goes from the upper waist (lower chest) on the right and tapers to a shoulder strap on the left.

You can post the picture(s) in the gallery if you want as well.

[DonnaT]

Found it!

It's called a "surplice bodice"

http://www.beau-coup.com/wedding-dresse ... bodice.htm

g. Surplice - Another fashion-forward style, the surplice bodice is created by the cross-wrapping of fabric in either the front or back. The lower the neckline, the higher the sex appeal.

[Lisbeth]

Robyn,

I just want to say thank you for being such an inspiration to me and, I'm sure many others. I think that you are very brave to step out like you have been doing. Your little excursions give me strength to take that next step and declare a little bit more of "myself" free.
Thanks to all of you warm sensitive people for being who you are and helping me to become more of who I really am.
Love,
Lisbeth

[Carla L]

Lisbeth,

I appreciate the kind words but I never thought I would be an inspiration to anyone as far as crossdressing .. I guess I never even thought of it.

[Carla L]

Today I picked up some shoes at Payless I had ordered on line. The selection is much better when ordering. They lady opened the box, checked the sizes and asked if they were correct. She didn't even bat an eye. If anything, the store just opened and there was only one other customer. I felt totally comfortable.

I almost (almost) bought a purse. I've been looking lately. Just in case I ever step out the car in public, like I want to.

[SilverLady(SO)]

Be like Nike - - Just Do It!!!

Believe me, you'll feel so much better afterwards - - Lisa(SO) and I call it "Retail Therapy"!!!!!

- SL

[Kimberly Kael]

Isn't it amazing how one thing leads to another? First it's the undergarments. Then you need a nice skirt, and a top that goes with it. Oh dear, now you clearly need some stocking or hose. And makeup, a dozen specialized varieties for various needs. What about jewelry? Earrings, a bracelet and a belt seem reasonable enough. Without pockets, you can't possibly go anywhere so you need a purse! Perhaps a makeup kit so you can organize what you'll need for touch-ups while you're out. Now you realize that it might be chilly and you'll need a coat ...

I'm just thankful at this point that cars are unisex!

[Carla L]

Kimberly,

You are so right! I can't walk by a store, even a grocery store, without thinking what they may sell for my passion that I absolutely need! And it is always something!

I can't stop buying stuff! Yesterday it was a new blouse and earings. Today I picked up new shoes I ordered and also bought a skirt from ebay.

[Kimberly Kael]

At least we're aware of our plight.

I found the same thing during my "early days" where I wasn't buying anything but lingerie. There were definitely two drives co-mingled: the desire for something pretty to add to my wardrobe, and the thrill of buying something forbidden. The two together are pretty irresistible, but eventually I found that the latter subsided to a manageable level. I'm going through the same process now with outerwear and I can already see signs of the "thrill" not being the dominant driver.

The desire for a flattering wardrobe, though? That doesn't seem to change much over time! Again, though, there's a natural balance. I'm finding that I can walk by a display of earrings and think to myself "I don't see anything that different from what I have, and a lot of what I own is nicer." So I think there's a point for me at which it slows down.

I like to think of my current shopping surge as "making up for lost time." If I had grown up socialized as a woman I'd already have a closet full of shoes, jewelry, and clothes to slowly build on. As it is, I feel like I'm closing the gap before getting back to a more reasonable pace. I just hope my wife understands ... a least a little.