Hi mtfbuckeye,
Welcome BTW, I don't think I have had the chance to say hello. I'm in Australia so I don't know the USA stores etc.
I think one of the first (of many) steps that mtf go through is buying clothes. Why people who present as M have a horror or embarrassment of buying female clothing is one to get over quickly.
The facts and the rules:
No store person cares what you buy, it is a sale.
If a store person 'tries' to embarrass you ask for the manager and report them.
I have a post were I got a free coat doing this
If your are nervous about using the changing room to try a skirt try this trick. Measure your waist with a tape measure. Divide the measurement by 2. Hold the tape measure with your fingers. Mark on your arm where the measurement/2 is. Mark it with a biro or get used to the spot. When looking at a skirt, pick it up and hold it with your fingers and see where it is to the biro mark. To and casual observer you are just looking at how a skirt looks for your 'wife, whatever'. In practice you have sized it.
Woman but clothes for men all the time. Why can't M presenting people buy clothes for women? The store doesn't care.
OK big fears. Being caught out. What with? Who gives a toads ass?
I think it was a few years ago I was going out that night and wanted a top to go with the skirt I had bought. I was (and am) part time. I had been working out at the gym so was hot, sweaty and in trackies and a T. Went to a store and found the blouse to die for. Took it to the counter, it was a small boutique with one person serving, 'Oh that's one of my favourite colours' the manageress started. Oh by the way get used to chat, woman chat. Who is the lucky girl. "Me" I replied. "Oh, Oh, Oh" you have good taste. "I'm TG, but I'm in M mode because I've been to the gym. "Oh no problems, what are you wearing it with?" I described my skirt, where I was going. " I've got some new jewellery that will go with it, she says, I ended buying a cute wrist band. Are you sure it's that right size you can try it on . I declined only because I was
sweaty glowing from the gym session.
She then signed me up for a royalty card. Told me I was welcome at any time. And I told her I would visit her as Cindy to she if she recognised me. I did so the following weekend, wearing the same blouse. She didn't. I whispered to her, "I knew you wouldn't recognise me" She was so taken aback. and gave me a hug.
I have been to shoe shops presenting as M. Can I try those high heels, sure no problem. I take off my shoes showing painted toenails. No comment from the girl, beyond, I think they are too small, try these. Ok walk in them, are they comfy. Look in the mirror, what are you wearing with them? Should be fine. They seem tall but I wear that height for several hours. Oh just a hint, she says, giving me a pair of rolled up flat shoes. These are just flat pumps, they will go in your handbag, and makes walking to the cab a lot easier.
To be honest this has been the typical types of response.
I also got measured for a bra, I wear falsies because the puppies are still a work in progress. Not an eye was blinked. I was even given a guided tour of what not to buy. 'It's a waste of time buying a push up if you don't have anything to push. These are T- shirt bras you wear them when.. These are dress ups, These are just when you feel sexy. These are when you want to drive your man nuts."
Fear is fear. Don't be afraid.
You have the same right to a happy life as anyone else. Do it.
Hugs
Cindy
