Today I had a wonderful day - I feel it was a bit of a turning point on my transgender journey. First, a bit of background about me, then I'll describe my experience today.
I am 45 years old, AMAB, on low dose feminizing hormones under the care of a trans-friendly primary care doctor for about 3 years. I have developed breasts from the hormones (currently 36B), otherwise few physical effects from the hormones due to the low dose. I am still mostly in the closet but enjoy occasionally going out dressed and made up as a woman, since I live in a fairly large city. I consider myself non-binary, presenting mostly as male but occasionally as a woman.
Today I had a day free, so I planned an outing to a local mall. I carefully did my makeup (foundation, two applications of concealer on my beard area, powder, eye shadow, mascara and lipstick), and dressed in a pair of flowered jersey pants and a black and white striped top, with Keds, necklace and purse to complete the look. I often struggle to get my makeup to look decent (it is tricky since I haven't started laser or electrolysis on my beard area so it often shows through), but today I managed to get it just right. I got the right coverage on my beard area without the makeup looking overdone, and overall I could tell I looked much more like a normal woman than I usually do when I go out. My confidence boosted, I drove to a mall not too far from my house, parked and walked confidently in.
I started at the Sephora inside JC Penney - I go some foundation since I was almost out, and got one shade darker than what I had before, which I think will be a closer match to my normal skin tone. I also got some pressed powder, which the salesgirl tried on my in the store to make sure it was the right shade. It is perfect, and a better coverage powder than what I was using previously.
Next, I went to Old Navy. I browsed a bit and found a short sleeve, blue and white striped sweater top that was on clearance for only like $4. I tried it on and it was a good fit, so I bought it and was on my way.
Next, I went to Nordstrom Rack, one of my favorite stores. I started in lingerie, and found a couple of bras that I decided to try on, and a couple of pairs of Natori panties that match bras I already have. I browsed some more and found a gorgeous burgundy short sleeve blouse that looked like it would fit me as well as a dressy tank top that looked nice. I went to the dressing room and tried everything on - one of the bras was not a good look on me but the other fit perfectly, and the burgundy top looked great on me as well. I liked the tank top but decided since I was getting a bunch of other stuff to pass on it this time. Then, before heading to the register I went to shoes and found a great pair of fancy flip flops (black with gold trim). All told, I spent about $80 and got a bra, two pair of panties, the burgundy top and the flip flops! After that I walked back to my car and drove home, on a total high from the experience. Not only did I find a bunch of stuff I liked, but all the people I interacted with in the stores treated my just like a normal customer - nobody gave me a second look or was anything but totally courteous. Not only was my makeup spot on, but I've been working on my voice and I think my voice was right in a normal female vocal range. If anybody read me as trans, they totally took it in stride and didn't treat me as anything out of the ordinary!
Once I got home, I had a wonderful time trying on all of my new purchases and checking myself out in the mirror. Nothing I got is out of the ordinary for what a normal woman would buy or wear. It is nice to have some new pieces I really like for next time I have a chance to go out again! I am excited for the opportunity - with the new makeup and clothes I am confident I will look even better next time....
Now I just need to start coming out to more of the people close to me so I can start wearing my feminine wardrobe, makeup, etc. more often!
Hi Colleencd,
I'm Laurie, the wandering waif of Susan's Place. I see that you are new here. So please let me say, Welcome To Susan's Place! Come on in and take a good look around. I'll add some links and information below that can help you get more out of our site. Please take time to become familiar with them especially the RED one as we are always getting questions that are answered there.
Laurie
Global Moderator
Laurie@susans.org
Things that you should read
Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html) | Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html) | Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.) | Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,82221.0.html) |
Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html) | News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,174951.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) | Membership Agreement (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,216851.0.html) |
Hi Colleencd :icon_wave:
Welcome to Susan's Place :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
Hugs
V M
@colleencd Dear Colleen:Thank you for your interesting and detailed posting introducing yourself. Many of our members will now be aware of your arrival to the Forums and will be able to share with you and you with them regarding your questions and comments.
I see that you have already been
Officially Welcomed to Susan's Place by our lovely members
@Laurie and
@V MPlease allow me to also give your a warm
Welcome to Susan's Place.I am thinking that you may have lots more questions and concerns, this is the right place for you to be to find out what others have done that may have been in your circumstances.
Be aware that there are a lot of members here that can identify with your situation..
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes. When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here on the Forums if you wish and receive support from others and offer support to others. ....
***It's a very good chance that you might find that you will
make some new friends here.
Please come in and continue to be involved at your own pace.
In her Welcome Message
Laurie included
Important LINKS that will tell you about Susan's Place. Included there is information about the site that will help you navigate around and best utilize the features here.
Please look closely at the
LINKS in RED, answers are there to many questions that new members ask.
Please don't be a stranger, we want to share postings and thoughts with you.
Again, Welcome to Susan's Place.
Danielle
Colleen,
It's wonderful to meet you. I like your bright and cheery demeanor. I can only hope to be where you are someday. Your account of your day out is very inspiring for me. I fear that my journey is going to be traveled alone but I never want to give up hope. This story gives me hope. Thank you for that. Love and faith.
Gabrielle
Hey Colleen!
Great experience you have :) That's cool you make your voice feminine, guess it helps a lot lol :D
Have a good luck with coming outs!
Welcome here :)
Quote from: Gabrielle66 on September 20, 2018, 11:17:09 AM
Your account of your day out is very inspiring for me. I fear that my journey is going to be traveled alone but I never want to give up hope. This story gives me hope. Thank you for that. Love and faith.
Gabrielle
Welcome Colleen! Look what you've done already!
Gabrielle, you too, are welcome here and I hope you soon find that you are welcome wherever you may be, because you are not alone.
❤️
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk