Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Reading a thread, I was want to re-direct, and so I figured, why not post my first poll. So here it is.
Smiles,

edit; maybe I needed to think out the concept of "Poll" as oppossed to "Survey"

My bad. I do hope it works,,, though.

When I was 16 my GF and I went shopping in SF and that was my first outfit, my money, her taste more or less.

Probably should have posted a story of mine when I posted the poll. Fact is, I didn't remember even posting it till I read my replies this morning. Too many drinks after a long days work, I guess. No excuse.

So, (this is my first complete outfit!!) about 25 years ago, (I was about 20) I was shopping for a gf's b-day, she worked as a CNA, and I was looking for white uniforms. I suddenly got brave, threw a pair of girls jeans, a denim skirt and a top kinda like a henley, except it had no cuff, more like open, flowy sleeves. Ya, hippie chic, I know.

The girl at the register said, "You did a real good job on the sizes", I just told her I looked at the tags in her clothes. Which was true. She was a few inches shorter with a bit more girth than I. So the sizes were close.

After purging last year, a collection which I bought over ten years and was huge,(major error), I've started again. I almost forgot the thrill. Almost naughty, but nice. It feels good, (blush).

I don't remeber what it was that I bought but I went by myself and shopped.  I was ready to use the old "For my wife" trick, but I was never even asked or looked at as strange.

Janet

Quote from: Janet Lynn on December 20, 2008, 11:49:32 PM
,,,but I was never even asked or looked at as strange.

Janet

I have to agree with that, Janet Lynn. I find the cashiers are usually more tactful, usually. It's the clerks in the departments I find more, "threatening", for lack of a better word. Always hawking around, trying to help. While it affects me somewhat, I just tell myself, it's just another day of shopping for me. Then it's all good.

Quote from: Janet Lynn on December 20, 2008, 11:49:32 PM
I don't remeber what it was that I bought but I went by myself and shopped.  I was ready to use the old "For my wife" trick, but I was never even asked or looked at as strange.

Yup! My experience exactly.

Quote from: Linda on December 21, 2008, 12:26:33 AM
I have to agree with that, Janet Lynn. I find the cashiers are usually more tactful, usually. It's the clerks in the departments I find more, "threatening", for lack of a better word. Always hawking around, trying to help. While it affects me somewhat, I just tell myself, it's just another day of shopping for me. Then it's all good.

I agree, the floor clerks can be too eager. Most of the time I get intimidated, I sigh and offer some excuse like "Maybe I should play it save and bring her along," and then I split.

But at times they have been extremely helpful. For example, a few weeks ago, I found a nice skirt, but I wasn't sure what top would go with it. A clerk surprised me by asking if I needed help. Instead of running for the hills, I kept my cool and explained the problem. She found one in a color I never would have thought of. And when I got home and tried it on, I discovered she was right on the money -- the combination worked.

I really don't recall my very first purchase, however, I know that my "serious" purchasing binge started when I was about 39 or 40.  I was (actually still am) married and have a den on the second floor of the house with a large walk-in closet.  By the end of the year, the closet was half full!  Also, by the end of that year, my wife discovered this.  That's another story...  Anyway, I purchased from the Speigel catalog usually, and did hit up the mall quite a few times.  And yes, I used the "buying for the wife" story.

Bought some knickers, a bra and a little black dress when I was teen.
Things went from there.

I had bought a few items on ebay and the net early in this journey.  Then...

Once I shown the door of my house, I bought my first outfits, in person, at Catherine's.  I said that I was looking for a jacket, slacks and a few tops.  Flo, the salewoman who JUST retired, asked what size does she wear.

I smiled, told her the sizes I was looking for and away we went.

Once we were done, she asked if I needed gift boxes.  I said no because they are for me.

"OH!.  Okay.  No problem."  Then she looked at me, smiled slyly and asked if I had any jewlery.

I said no and we added necklaces and clip on earrings.

Since then, I go to this store on a regular basis.  I go as me.  I use the changing rooms.  It's not a problem.

Chaunte

Quote from: Chaunte on December 22, 2008, 02:59:37 PM
"OH!.  Okay.  No problem."  Then she looked at me, smiled slyly and asked if I had any jewlery.

Haha! That is so unbelievably awesome.

My wife and I went to Sears on holiday to the US, from Australia. We went mad on the floor buying in clothes after clothes. The clerk new perfectly well that we were shopping for both of us, we are one size difference.
I've been buying clothes for ever dressed as a guy, if an assitant says anything , try the does the manager want me to shop elsewhere.

I have to admit I've never had a problem, the best though was an assistant who finally asked me what I was looking for. I had been wandering around for a while. I said I like this but I don't know if it will fit and I cannot use your changing room. She didn't bat an eye lid. Got the tape measure out, said you need the next size up, here I'll help you. As I was paying she said keep the labels on and if the size is wrong come back to me and I'll change it. I shop at that store regularly and she is still as helpful as ever.

Cindy James

Well, my mother/family invariably bought me girly clothes as a child.

I don't recall the first time I managed to buy myself unisex/male clothes, but I know that I sure was happy about it.

I'm sure no one in the shops gave me a second thought, it is much more "acceptable" for girls to buy guys' clothes than the other way round.

I've begun shopping again online.  I really don't have a choice right now because of where I am living/working.  Anyway, once you know your sizes, it's easy.  When I return home I'll be shopping in the stores.  I still get a bit apprehensive, but I imagine I'll get over that eventually.  The most difficult for me is shopping for shoes.  I wear a size 12.  As far as those helpful floor reps, some are a bit over eager.  The ones that make me feel the most self conscious are those that seem to be watching every move I make when I enter the store.  I'll just be happy to get over these little things.

The first purchase I made was with my wife and was panties, I kind of stood behind her nonchalantly as she said "these' and I said "no" softly until she found a pack of six I thought I would be comfortable with. It was to be the last time I ever wore anything else but womens under clothes.

About a week later with her in tow I bought myself a bra and in another shop, ladies tennis shoes. It was always easier each time after that and I since then go shopping by myself as myself, a woman. Hugs

Wendy

umm me and my mom and sis went to Hot Topic, and i got my first pair of girl jeans. they're bright red ruby skinny jeans =p
this wasn't too long ago, seeing as i just begun my transition. lol x3
LOL as a matter of fact i have em on right now xD

Quote from: SakuraPrincess on January 01, 2009, 06:49:52 AM
umm me and my mom and sis went,,,

shopping with mom and sis, so sweet! You are a lucky girl, I never had the oppotunity.

good luck with your transition.

xo
happy new year.

Quote from: Katherine on December 27, 2008, 04:42:17 AM
As far as those helpful floor reps, some are a bit over eager.  The ones that make me feel the most self conscious are those that seem to be watching every move I make when I enter the store.  I'll just be happy to get over these little things.

Not only the over eager floor rep's, but next time look up at all the cameras ! last time I went into Target to get some jeans, there must have been 10 cameras in the ladies department alone !
anyway the fist time I went I bought jeans and a nice sweater, I was very nervous and asked for a gift receipt. I was lucky and got the right size !. that was a couple of years back. Mow when I need some thing my wife will go with and help to make sure everything goes together ! For this xmas she bought me the most beautiful night gown !
Jamie L

Quote from: jamie lee on January 01, 2009, 09:52:09 PM
Not only the over eager floor rep's, but next time look up at all the cameras ! Jamie L

I was recently restocking, and I didn't have what it takes to try it on in the fitting rooms, but when the jeans I got were way too loose, i opted to exchange them. If it wasn't during the holiday shopping, I ask myself, could I have done it. BUT OF COURSE!! to quote grey poupon 1980 something.

My very first piece of woman's clothing was a hand me down from my mom. It was a black, pleated, peasant shirt with very flowery buttons, and I'm actually wearing it right now. I still haven't come out to her, but for some reason she keeps buying me woman's clothing, like shirts and shoes and sometimes jeans, ever since grade school. 
We would also go shopping together all the time, and my sister actually did not like to shop with us.
It's rather odd because I'm pretty sure that my mom will be very uncomfortable with me transitioning, but she seems to already know about it in some subconscious way.

My was with my ex girl friend. I got a pair of jeans, and a shirt at Hot topic strangely enough...seems Sakura an I have similar tastes! lol

Hi wolfgirl.

I have this really funny feeling that your Mum knows. Not my place to suggest anything but maybe a sit down and talk over a tea or coffee may be in order. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy!
I think your mum and her new daughter may be having a great 2009.

Lol
Cindy James

Yea Id Say your mom knows. I wish it was that easy with me...not only does she not buy me woman's clothes. She buys me men's clothes that are 2+ sizes to big...The joys of Christmas and returning everything she buys!

Selene
We never discuss pix unless allowed. Mine is me. If yours is you send it ot your mum, with a similar request for T or C. And throw in somewhere, " And mum I really need a bra that fits can we go somewhere together"
c'os you are girl, girl

LoL
Cindy James

First thing I'm going to buy is some shoes.  I love heels, and always wanted to wear them.

Yea I really should talk to my mom...I'm just not ready yet, and I'm not to sure how she would take it. She has had a lot to deal with the past 5 years. First my dad died and then her father. I'm not to sure how she would take finding out that (the only man left in the family) as she puts it is actually a second daughter.

This may be a stupid question buts whats a pix? is that another way of saying picture/pic? if so disregard my question and forgive my stupidity lol

Quote from: Selene on January 02, 2009, 04:23:12 AM
Yea I really should talk to my mom...I'm just not ready yet, and I'm not to sure how she would take it. She has had a lot to deal with the past 5 years. First my dad died and then her father. I'm not to sure how she would take finding out that (the only man left in the family) as she puts it is actually a second daughter.

This may be a stupid question buts whats a pix? is that another way of saying picture/pic? if so disregard my question and forgive my stupidity lol

I know how you feel on telling your mom and all.  I write mine a letter but it still doesn't seem to capture everything I want to say or how I feel. I think pix = pic. Haven't seen it in a while lol. So use to seeing p4p.

I should be so lucky to have my wife shop with me.  With all the drama that went on when I came out to her, it has been a difficult road.  I went off into a ditch, but now I'm back on my journey.  Anyway, I plan to shop when I return home later this month and rebuild the wardrobe again.  Until I meet other women, I'll just shop by myself.  I think I've reached the point where I just don't care about the clerks or anyone else, but that's not to say I still won't feel a bit self-conscious.

Quote from: Selene on January 02, 2009, 01:42:19 AM
My was with my ex girl friend. I got a pair of jeans, and a shirt at Hot topic strangely enough...seems Sakura an I have similar tastes! lol

lol, awesomeness!
and after those girl jeans i bought, i just kept buying more and more female clothing.

I bought my first out-fit.

It's a lovely navy blue dress

I bought my first outfit (Black Skirt and Stripey over the knee socks). I bought it mainly to wear in my band (I liked women's clothing so I thought why not dress it clothing that makes me comfortable for it). Though my friend bought me the gloves I wear ;D

Quote from: Selene on January 02, 2009, 03:23:09 AMYea Id Say your mom knows. I wish it was that easy with me...not only does she not buy me woman's clothes. She buys me men's clothes that are 2+ sizes to big...The joys of Christmas and returning everything she buys!

Well, sometimes she buys me girls clothes, but every other time its the same over-sized men's clothes.

Quote from: Selene on January 02, 2009, 04:23:12 AMYea I really should talk to my mom...I'm just not ready yet, and I'm not to sure how she would take it. She has had a lot to deal with the past 5 years. First my dad died and then her father. I'm not to sure how she would take finding out that (the only man left in the family) as she puts it is actually a second daughter.

I'm seriously in the same boat as you! My Dad died last year, and all of my grandparents are long dead. It's just me, my Mom, and my younger sister. Whenever I come down from San Francisco to visit I become the "handyman" around the house. I don't mind doing it because I'm a little bit of a tomboy anyway, but its still that same old gender role...

First thing I got was a long black dress from my mum a few weeks after I came out.  Months later I me someone from the internet and spend 2 weeks at her house. (great fun!). I think my first purchase were some heels that acually did fit.  And a lovely knee length grey dress.

I was 12 years old i lived in chicago with my father but he sent me to my grandparents here in ohio for the summer because he "just couldn't handle me anymore" I rode my bike to the next town from the small town they lived in which was fifteen miles away and went to a harts store and bought a pair of lacy red panties and on the ride back i got caught in freezing rain. I still thought the long ride was worth it.