Shopping

[Jester]

Yesterday on my break at work I scoped out the mini-mall by the grocery store where I work, and I saw lots of nice things I wanted.  I didn't like the fashion stores, but I did like what the Zellers had to offer, which I thought was strange, but who am I to slight my own taste?  But yeah, I saw a black dress I liked, some jeans, a couple shirts, vests and whatnot, some jewelry and accessories, pajamas, underwear (That place has freaking everything.)  I couldn't though, because there were only male clerks working.  Like every time I chicken out about buying girls' clothes, I felt really bad about myself afterward.  I don't really have a point to this post... just felt stupid about it.

[Sarah_Faith]

I've been in that situation countless times. Sometimes I'd go somewhere just to get something and then I'd lose my confidence. I'd go away feeling like a failure. Something you can buy, like makeup, and say it's a gift for your gf / wife, but when your buying things like underwear that is very ordinary, I know that they know it's for me.

Of all the places I've gone, I've finally found a place I'm comfortable shopping in and no one pays any attention to me. A certain Marks & Spencer shop, but I'm not sure if it's outside Ireland and the UK.

[gennee]

I shopped in drab and while dressed. It's strange but the sales ladies are eager to help me when I'm in drab. Go figure.

Gennee

[r.morgan]

Ok I have to admit that I'm a bit jealous.  Part of the reason I haven't started dressing because I'm scared to go shopping in person. (another part is weight - I want to look as good as I can once i do )  I look and what is see is a mine field at the register.  Between the men and old women with large prominent crosses I feel like I have no one who will safely check me out. 

I think I'll end up being a traditional coward and just shop online - at least until I'm more comfortable with myself.

[Jester]

Oh.  Zellers is the Canadian K-Mart.  For those who don't know.  And for those who don't know what K-Mart is, it's a budget Wal-Mart.

[Aantoin]

I am the same way but at the place where I work I am almost completely open.  I don't work anywhere fancy but the manager knows almost everything about me.  I sat down with her and talked for about an hour a few days ago.  She is so understanding and now we can open up to each other.  Of all people I was shocked,  shes as open as she is.  My wife on the other hand isn't at all.  Anyways I can buy what ever I want when she is on duty as well as one of the other female employees.  Just recently I bought my makeup deodorant and Pantyhose no questions asked and no funny looks.  Its so amazingly nice but I don't thick I could do this as freely at the local Walmart.

[Jester]

Hee ^^.  I went in today and I totally got a Hello Kitty Tank + Boy short pajama combo.  Cliched, I know, but it's cute.  The panties have a little red bow on the back.  I am proud of myself.

I noticed a strange juxtaposition whilst I was doing this thing though, and that was I was going around the store and seeing clothes and being like "Oh cute!" and "That's really pretty!" while Megadeth's "Hanger 18" blared into my eardrums.  Hmm....

[Dianna]

Oh.  Zellers is the Canadian K-Mart.  For those who don't know.  And for those who don't know what K-Mart is, it's a budget Wal-Mart.

K-Mart is also in Australia, not shopped there as yet, it's not close to me.

[MasterAsh]

Hee ^^.  I went in today and I totally got a Hello Kitty Tank + Boy short pajama combo.  Cliched, I know, but it's cute.  The panties have a little red bow on the back.  I am proud of myself.

Congratulations! Hopefully it will get easier the more you do it.

Two weeks ago, I staked out two Goodwill stores out-of-town (and on the same street, oddly enough). Sadly, I didn't realize these places were like Wal-Marts on a rainy day, that is everyone that's bored just goes. The first one was pretty packed, and on top of that, some kid was taking random pictures of things with his cell phone. As I passed by him and his father, I heard the father say something about making sure to get a picture so they could post it later.

That's exactly what my paranoia needed: the knowledge that someone was randomly taking pictures of "amusing" things.

I left empty-handed, banged on my steering wheel, and hit the other one. It was smaller, but just as packed for the space. Also, the majority of the customers here mostly around my age. (Not too odd, given this is in the Bryan/College Station area.). . .I walked out without anything again. As soon as I got to my car, I screamed as loudly as I could.

I felt completely crushed, but I'll keep trying. . .I know eventually I'll get over that wall.

[FairyGirl]

K-Mart is also in Australia, not shopped there as yet, it's not close to me.

ooh really? That's good to know. I know Target is there and no Walmart! Yay! I love Warringah mall in Sydney

[Jester]

That's weird, there aren't any Targets in Canada.  I wonder how these mega corporations make these decisions?

[jesse]

select different days until you find the day that is the slowest then go in what i had to do was buy cloths that were uni in type but clearly female by label or in details like pocket size this helped my self esteam immensly. i bought make up today and it didnt bother me at all its familiarity is all. your mind plays tricks and makes you think the whole store is watching you when in reality no one cares.
jessica

[Cindy]

I know we have had similar posts before. I shop in drab epending as well as Cindy depending upon the circumstance. I have NEVER had any bad comments or experiences. I have bought bras and asked for my size to be checked. She just went with me into the change room I took my shirt off and she measured me. Asked what size cup I was (C) and then we went out and looked around. It was fun. Bought a top and bottom jammies yesterday from Bras and Things. The girl asked me if I wanted them gift wrapped and I said no they are for me, she just looked at me and said, in that case I reckon you need a 14 top rather than a 16, I'll just get one. If it's too small bring it back and we will exchange.


I shop at Myers and I have been as Cindy and as drab. As  Cindy I use the change room, the girls know me and never make any nasty comments (the same credit card and store card so they know who I am). Again total acceptance. At another shop (Table I  bought a skirt, and the girl said I've got a great top to go with that, then there was some jewellery to go with it. Then we walked down the Mall to a shoe store and got a pair of shoes to match. All in drab.

The fear is within. I know it's difficult but once you break through the barrier there is no stopping you, except the credit limit. It's one of the first steps. You can do it girls. Yes you can. Truely.

Happy Shopping
Cindy

[ohRikki]

I have never liked men. Just haven't. I understand how you felt. All I can suggest is try buying an item or two. You will not feel as conspicuous. It also helped me to chose a male checkout when a female was also working.