Shopping!

[Jester]

Today I went on a pretty big shopping spree.

I got two tank-tops, a very girly hoodie, a top that I didn't know had no straps before I purchased it and am wondering how I'm to wear it without having anything natural to hang the shirt off of, a dress, some hair clips, a belt, a necklace, and this neat little magnetic bangle.  Oh, and I got two mascaras because they were on sale, and a new shade of lipstick!  Hee.

All in all I'd say I spent a bit over $150, and I could have spent more.  Girls' clothes are expensive! 

But I felt really good.  I loved every second of it, and I went to some proper clothing stores and the clerks were all really nice, even though they did notice that I was a man, in men's clothes, and definitely not there to shop for my girlfriend.

One lady asked if I wanted to try them on, and I was taken aback and said "No thanks."  Next time, I'm gonna take her up on her offer though!  After the sale, the clerks always looked me straight in the eyes, and I never look anyone in the eyes, and I didn't feel uncomfortable like I usually do when I meet someone's gaze.  It felt a bit warmer.  Like there was something in their expression that made me feel like it's alright to be who I am.

I think the world's perception of crossdressers and transgendered people is changing.  At least a little bit.

[placeholdername]

One lady asked if I wanted to try them on, and I was taken aback and said "No thanks."

I'm guessing you really wanted to say something more like "God, do I EVER!", right?  I totally understand that feeling, and then what actually comes out of your mouth is the opposite of what you really want.  I'm glad it went well though!

[Kimberley]

It feels so liberating to be able to shop in the womens section or in womens stores and not care what others around may be thinking. My first time was AMAZING and the second and third have also been AMAZING. Saving up for my next shopping trip. And if asked I will try the outfit on. Courage builds to shop but not to venture out fully dressed.

[Cindy]

There is nothing like a good shopping trip, and it gets easier each time BTW. I have never had a bad experience either in drab or as me. I go to a few stores now quite regularly and the girls recognise me and make suggestions before I have had a look around; Some really nice new skirts over there etc. And give advice along the lines of : No - a bit tooo young,or old etc. It has been and is a really pleasant experience. When you get the courage up go as the real you, it's even more fun

Cindy

[Rock_chick]

I had a shopping excursion on sat with two of my house mates...I even tried things on. Best bit was no one really seemed to care. Shopping is definitely awesome.

[darkshine]

Tried doing my first "shopping for my other self" experience today. All I managed to get was some lotion for my legs (which Im currently trying to get clean shaven legs, but its taking forever with my gorilla hair) and this face scrubber thing (I dont know, I was nervous okay).

Oh and a box of ferrero rocher of course 

[NessaJ]

I wonder if the stores around where I live would be that open.  I usually have my female friend do my shopping for me but I'd like to do it myself

[VelindaSalazar]

I love to shop.  I do wish I had a partner to shop with.  I tend to spend at least $100 each trip I go on.  I always shop in boy-mode for myself, and the salespeople are actually helpful where I shop.  The only thing I try to do is to not be too noticeable.  Don't want peeps thinking I'm a pervert hanging around.    All in all, shopping is fun, and I love it!  Of course, the truth is women's clothes are expensive, and style change constantly.   Oh well...

[PhSensei]

Oh the joy of shopping, lol.  I am very fortunate that my wife is so accepting and helpful.  She'd rather shop for me than herself.

We made a deal when I debuted the 'i like to wear skirts etc' talk...  she gets veto power on outfits.  Our tastes are pretty similair but she's involved the whole way and its fun.

[Jenna Lynne]

This morning I drove up to a large women's department store (that is, a large store...) in a nearby town. Not to buy anything, just to scout the place out. They even have a unisex restroom, which I thought was very considerate and is bound to put their cross-dressing customers -- and others -- more at ease (though you have to stand in the hall and wait if someone else is using it, which would be a little obvious).

What I thought was sad was that the customers were doing so little to doll themselves up. 98% pants, only a couple of skirts the whole time. Very casual, and therefore very businesslike. They could have been shopping for gardening supplies!

When I go back, I'll know how to dress to fit in. But it won't be as much fun as I'd like! Well, the part in the dressing rooms will be fun, at least.

*** Jenna ***

(Blogging about gender at jennawillow.wordpress.com)

[dafavifid]

I can certainly relate. So many times I went to a store determined and chickened out.. Especially difficult when there's lots of people, many with kids.  You kinda have to figure out when there's going to be less people.

Recently, I had the greatest experience. Wasn't even looking for it. I was on Harry Hines (an area in Dallas with lot's of warehouses/wholesalers), looking for something unrelated, when I saw a women's clothing display at one and a dress that was just divine. I stopped, went in, there was this lady. I asked about the dress up front, and said "the problem is I'm not sure what size.. you see, it's for me.. " she was VERY supportive, helped me look, it just wasn't gonna be available my size, but she went further, asked about my likes, wants, I ended up trying 10-15 different things and bought a pair of shoes, some skinny jeans that are to die for, two skirts, a blouse, a bracelet.. I still get goosebumps.

Since then, I've been in 2 or 3 other places when there's not a lot of people, and I have had the nerve to ask for help. I've not yet been hurt. I'm sure it will happen at some point or another, but the liberating feeling to be able to just go shopping and TALK to someone  ("does this make me look fat?").. It's definitely worth it!