A couple of days ago I plucked up the courage to go to asda and buy myself a lovely pair of black high heeled shoes a nighty tights and underwear,this is the first time ive ever bought all stuff at pnce. The thing about it was how scared I was my heart was pounding. Its got to be the hardest thing we have to do and it doesnt get any easier,i was very clever about it cos what I did was put a valentines card in my trolley so it looked like I was buying for my partner and it worked didnt even get any funny looks which lets be honest we do get them so might try that more often. I was like an exicted teenage girl I couldnt wait to get home and try them on one thing about the shoes I got a size 9 but I am a mens size 10 but the shoes sort of fit me there a bit tight but I think they would stretch do womens size the same as mens ie do I need a size 10 womens or would 9 do me,just need to know bfore I buy any more(im too embarased to try them on in shop) any help woud be appreciated x anyway chuffed with me stuff,the start of things to come....

Buying clothes and shoes in the store can be quite scary initially, but it gets easier with time.
Try taking small steps to get used to it. Start with department stores (talking to a sales person can be way scarier ).
After you get a bit more confident, take something to the dressing rooms.
Mayebe do that somewhere you usually don't go, so you can think "I'll never meet anyone here elsewhere, so who cares", which is a bit reassuring.
Next try doing the same in a boutique store. Maybe buy something saying it's a gift (they probably will know it's not, buy will go along).
Then try clothes on in the boutique. Maybe ask a sales person for another size or color.
Somewhere along that path you will get the courage (or stop caring for what others think) to try shoes in the middle of the store

I'm still in the closet so I always shop in drab.
When I first started buying things in person I was very scared, walking around in circles many times trying to buildup courage to pickup something and get out as fast as I could.
Now I put on heels and walk in the store, take clothes to the dressing rooms, ask clerks for sizes / styles / whatever ...
I still get a bit nervous, but not nearly as much and now think it actually adds to the fun of shopping

I got my first pair in 1975 from a shop in Mile End Road London that used to advertise in the back of the Daily Mirror.I then spent 3 weeks anxiously waiting for the post man as I realised they would be addressed to J Brown(also Dad's initials).
Much better to buy things and try them for size at the shop than online.

I buy my shoes online,usually off ebay.I`ve never had any problems with fit as I always search the "wide fit"or EEsizes.I do the same with clothes too but lately I`ve shopped at BHS and a few other places.One way to avoid the funny looks is to ask for a gift receipt.Buying clothes online is ok,but its a real buzz looking through the skirts and dresses on the racks.I love it!!!

I wish I could go to a store and try on and buy shoes you are so lucky.  Because I am a woman's 14 none of the stores in my area sell my size.    I have to buy on-line and hope they fit.  I have bought quite a few on Amazon because I have the prime membership I can get free returns and exchanges when they don't fit right.  Long Tall Sally is another place that has some very nice shoes and boots in my size.

Im a womans size 12 in the US (or a UK size 9).  I hope i can drop down to US 10.5 once I start HRT...

Though I lived in the Netherlands and my shoe size is almost normal for Dutch women.

Sure do wish I could go to a store and try on shoes. No such luck :-( I wear a womens size 17 and would love to get a pair of slides in that size but they don't make that size. I wear a guys size 15 shoe...do you think I could wear a womens size 16 open toe shoe or is that too small. HELP!!!

Quote from: vrony on February 02, 2015, 05:44:05 PM
The thing about it was how scared I was my heart was pounding. Its got to be the hardest thing we have to do and it doesnt get any easier,

It does get easier. I think it is a matter of confidence.  I am very much "in the closet" when it comes to crossdressing, but I walked into a lingerie store just last week, sure I was nervous when I first walked in; however, I was a lot less nervous after I told the sales girl I was shopping for myself (she was really cute too).  It didn't seem to bother her one bit; in fact, I think she really enjoyed helping me pick out my new lingerie.  She even talked me into purchasing a lot more then I intended by informing me that if I buy 3 bras, I get them at a discounted price, and oh, that one doesn't come in the size you're looking for, here you can use these bra extenders! I even thought she was going to offer me a free bra fitting (she kind of mentioned something toward teh end, no definitive though). $175 later... Ouch!  It was a really enjoyable experience though.  Right now, I really want to go back there and spend another $175!  That was not the first time I have done that either.  I walked into Victoria's Secret one time and had a very similar experience.  The point is, I think we all worry way too much.  I really wish I would have had that attitude 20 years ago.

It does get easier. I usually look online before I go to the store. So I know what they have. Also usually go when its not busy. I also find it is easier when your upfront woth the sales associate. They usually are nice and helpful. IMO. Also like Patrica mentioned they are good at getting your to add stuff. After you get a taste of shopping, you will gain confidence. Eventually you will just and not even worry about any one else there. Glad you enjoyed your trip. Ashley