I find much better stuff in the stores here than on the net, I don't see what I see in the boutiques here for at least a year on the net, but I shop in person, spend money where people know me, do that local business deal.

Quote from: Alyssa M. on July 11, 2009, 08:53:00 PM
Flash,

Go to a store or a department that only sells women's clothes. Then use the dressing rooms; there are no the men's or  the women's dressing rooms, so you don't have to worry. And nobody else will worry either. If you must, ask a clerk where you can try on the clothes you're getting, and she'll point out the dressing rooms. If you are freaked out, get a girl friend to go with you. That's a good idea anyway -- it's nice to have someone to help you find things and give you suggestions and tell you whether something looks good or not.

Doesn't that kinda put me in the spotlight though?

I once entered a women's store accidentally. 5 of women including the clerk stopped doing everything and looked at me as if I was a pervert. I ran out so fast lol. I only told one person about my situation but she lives in another state so that rules out of going together any time soon. She's cool with it though and she's hoping to dress me up next time I visit her lol.

Quote from: barbie on July 11, 2009, 07:27:06 PMImpulse buying sometimes causes problem for me.

Barbie~~

lol I have the same problem dear, basically every time I go into a Macy's store. I keep using the excuse that I must build up my wardrobe now that I'm living full time, but I already have way more female clothes than male ones. Now what I really need is another good excuse

Quote from: Final_Flash on July 12, 2009, 05:22:27 PM
I once entered a women's store accidentally. 5 of women including the clerk stopped doing everything and looked at me as if I was a pervert. I ran out so fast lol. I only told one person about my situation but she lives in another state so that rules out of going together any time soon. She's cool with it though and she's hoping to dress me up next time I visit her lol.

About 6 years ago, when my hair was short, I once stopped at a women's store. My excuse at that time was that my waist is to thin, and no men's pants fit to me. The clerk woman happily guided me, even to the fitting room. I tried size 2 blue jeans in the fitting room, but it was too small. She said to me come back at any time, but that store stocked expensive items, and I could not affort to visit again. But, she was so kind.

Barbie~~

Quote from: barbie on July 12, 2009, 06:15:15 PM
About 6 years ago, when my hair was short, I once stopped at a women's store. My excuse at that time was that my waist is to thin, and no men's pants fit to me. The clerk woman happily guided me, even to the fitting room. I tried size 2 blue jeans in the fitting room, but it was too small. She said to me come back at any time, but that store stocked expensive items, and I could not affort to visit again. But, she was so kind.

Barbie~~

That was very sweet of her. I wish everyone was that nice haha

I never once had a problem with buying anything in stores  . In fact, all the employees of the stores have been extremely helpful, and sometimes excited, to help me. The only problems I get sometimes is from other shoppers (mostly just the guys  ) and they just stare. I think it's more "did I just see what I thought I saw?" Probably due to my short hair (finishing up military term, can't help it  ), but that will change when I get out in a couple years.

Quote from: Final_Flash on July 11, 2009, 08:40:40 PM
It's so nerve wrecking going into the fitting room while trying to hide women's clothes behind guy's clothes as disguise. I still haven't bought mine because I'll might get the wrong size if I buy it online. I'll probably get more confidence when my hair grows out long. I so want a dress..

I once went to Rite Aid to pick up a few things. There was only one other shopper in the store and two clerks. I walked up to one with makeup, pantyhose, a nail file, and a copy of Glamour magazine. The clerk was very friendly and we chatted a bit. It was really nice . Oh, I was also in drab! 

Quote from: Final_Flash on July 12, 2009, 05:22:27 PM
Doesn't that kinda put me in the spotlight though?

I once entered a women's store accidentally. 5 of women including the clerk stopped doing everything and looked at me as if I was a pervert. I ran out so fast lol. I only told one person about my situation but she lives in another state so that rules out of going together any time soon. She's cool with it though and she's hoping to dress me up next time I visit her lol.

The clerk was probably thinking "oh, more business!"

Mostly, people shopping for clothes aren't very interested in what other people are doing. You very well could have imagined it. I know in my first experiences breaking out of the male role, I thought that everyone was looking at me. Now, being more relaxed and better able to see what's goinng on around me, they don't.

I've posted this link before, and it bears rereading, especially for someone in your situation:


from the "->-bleeped-<- Freedom Fighter Page," a.k.a. "The Art of Not Passing," a.k.a. "The Solitary Arc," a.k.a. "Pristine's Good Homemaker Adventures," 1999

Quote from: VanessaPink on July 13, 2009, 05:33:41 AM
I once went to Rite Aid to pick up a few things. There was only one other shopper in the store and two clerks. I walked up to one with makeup, pantyhose, a nail file, and a copy of Glamour magazine. The clerk was very friendly and we chatted a bit. It was really nice . Oh, I was also in drab! 

Haha that's awesome.

Quote from: Alyssa M. on July 13, 2009, 03:26:25 PM
The clerk was probably thinking "oh, more business!"

Mostly, people shopping for clothes aren't very interested in what other people are doing. You very well could have imagined it. I know in my first experiences breaking out of the male role, I thought that everyone was looking at me. Now, being more relaxed and better able to see what's goinng on around me, they don't.

I've posted this link before, and it bears rereading, especially for someone in your situation:

How To Buy A Dress In Public

from the "->-bleeped-<- Freedom Fighter Page," a.k.a. "The Art of Not Passing," a.k.a. "The Solitary Arc," a.k.a. "Pristine's Good Homemaker Adventures," 1999

There was one incident at the mall, one lady bumping into me (kinda brushing her elbow against my back) while I was browsing through racks. I have no idea if it was accident or not but she was little agitated it seems. Couldn't really tell though because she was in a hurry I guess.

Thanks for the link.

I stopped by the local grocery and picked up a few items, including an item of makeup.

Instead of simply ringing it up, the person made a point of asking me if "this was my makeup"?

Uumm... yeah? It's in my basket? You question all of your customers as to what they are buying? How about the female that is buying some male deodorant for her hubby?

Jeez.....

Agree with everyone, the  more you do it the easier it is.

Tekla has a point I shop at a couple of big stores regularly. The staff recognise me in drab and as Cindy (voice I think) Offer to look for a better size, say that skirt would look cute with this top, etc etc, Guess what, they are making money.  One of them also measured me for bra, waist and hips, at her suggestion, and just says no way when I bring some items and then fetches others. Sizing is all over the place.
Yes, that's the job. They also check out a change room for me, very discretly BTW. Nice people and I go back there. Always have a laugh and giggle.

I go to the gym regularly, I went today and was wearing a T, sports bra, 3/4 tight female leggings. Obviously no make up and no wig, so short grey hair. M&F have given up looking at me at the gym. I went to a shopping mall in the same clothes on the way home. Basically had forgotten what I was wearing or how I looked, bought a phone - the reason I went. The guy I bought it from didn't bat an eye lid, we had a short conversation about the footy season (in Aus) as he did the paper work.

I called into a KMart on the way out ended up with a new skirt, pair of boots, handbag and a cute watch.
At the checkout the girl asked me if I had a bag ( we have gone green here, the shops don't supply plastic bags anymore.) I replied mine was full with the phone and to pack things into my new handbag (which is big and cute). No problems, did I want the booties in the box, no they are for me so can go in my handbag. No response. Paid by CC, I was in a queue. No one said anything. Didn't give a rats arse if they had.

So moral of story.
The biggest fear is fear itself.
People generally don't care. And some do and really try to be helpful. The ONLY negative comment (well 2 actually), was a when the salesgirl said I hope you look good in this top looking at me with a smirk, I replied it was for my wife sitting in her wheelchair next to me (and it was much too large for me), people with disabilities are invisible. The other was 30 yrs ago when I nervously bought a mascara at a chemist and the salesgirl said "I hate people like you"

OK different at night around the clubs when the drunk hoons need to test their manliness or rather lack of it .
As an aside do any of these dolts get laid? or remain drunk boasting virgins for ever?

Sorry for the ramble.
Oh by the way Riven_One. I buy sanitary napkins without any comment about who are they for. I would have told her she was being rude.

JMO
Cindy

Quote from: riven_one on July 19, 2009, 01:58:54 AM
I stopped by the local grocery and picked up a few items, including an item of makeup.

Instead of simply ringing it up, the person made a point of asking me if "this was my makeup"?

Uumm... yeah? It's in my basket? You question all of your customers as to what they are buying? How about the female that is buying some male deodorant for her hubby?

Jeez.....

Don't take is serously. People are interested in you, so they may ask you a question. Or, just they just check whether it is your mistake or whether other customer left the item in the basket.

In cosmetic stores, I frequnetly got questions on whether the item is for me or for others. I reply it is of course for me. Then, they begin to recommend other items for me. They are not interested in my inner side, but just interested in providing me with list of items they can sell to me.

Barbie~~

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Post Merge: July 19, 2009, 05:18:57 AM

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Quote from: CindyJames on July 19, 2009, 04:27:29 AM
I called into a KMart on the way out ended up with a new skirt, pair of boots, handbag and a cute watch.
At the checkout the girl asked me if I had a bag ( we have gone green here, the shops don't supply plastic bags anymore.) I replied mine was full with the phone and to pack things into my new handbag (which is big and cute). No problems, did I want the booties in the box, no they are for me so can go in my handbag. No response. Paid by CC, I was in a queue. No one said anything. Didn't give a rats arse if they had.

Cindy,

You seem to be addicted to shopping. Me, too. Just ago I ordered formal trousers for women online, as men's pants are rather baggy. I checked again and again the size chart. It's a most difficult thing.

Regarding handbag, I heard that the color of handbag should be the same as that of heels. Fortunately, I have several black handbags (all of them were actually my wife's), and most of my heels are black.

I once had a pink handbag which I no longer have as my dad dumped it away somewhere. When I see my pink high heels sandals, I miss the pink handbag.

I may need brown heels, as I have a brown bag, and etc.

Barbie~~

Hi Barbie, A very cute medium sized hadbag. Sorry How do I download pics, you do it I'm a bit lost.

Ah yes. Shopping is a majory pleasure. And I really don't need more clothes or shoes but............


Love Cindy

Hey everyone! 

Last week my wife was teasing me mercilessly about being a "queen". I told her she better watch out or else I'd really get dressed to the nines. Anyway, I was off on Friday and went to the Salvation Army store but didn't see anything at all. Also although I have bought an outfit from them before that place makes me uncomfortable to shop in. So I just decided to head to Beall's and get a nice summer dress. I surmised they'd be on clearance and I was right.

Anyway, I shop there all the time for women's clothing. Usually, I am shopping for my wife and everybody is helpful there including the other customers. No one ever looks crossways at me or anything. I bought a real nice dress and even got the sales clerk to reduce the price 25% more. Got an awesome man's shirt as well. I was confident in myself and that made all the difference.

The dress did fit perfectly and looked stunning on me. With makeup and accessories the only thing that marks me is my adams apple. My wife was very envious as she hasn't lost any weight like I have. When she does she is going to confiscate my new dress.

Quote from: ginger39 on July 20, 2009, 08:51:47 PM
My wife was very envious as she hasn't lost any weight like I have. When she does she is going to confiscate my new dress.

Sure, it happens. My wife confiscated the skirt I purchased at discounted price. She said it is too pretty. I just wore it once.

Barbie~~

Quote from: riven_one on July 19, 2009, 01:58:54 AM
I stopped by the local grocery and picked up a few items, including an item of makeup.

Instead of simply ringing it up, the person made a point of asking me if "this was my makeup"?

Uumm... yeah? It's in my basket? You question all of your customers as to what they are buying? How about the female that is buying some male deodorant for her hubby?

Jeez.....

If it's just the one item, sometimes it's a mistake -- left in the cart by a previous shopper, somehow placed in the wrong cart, etc. So if you were presenting male and it wasn't snide, maybe it was just an attempt to avoid a mix-up by charging you for something you weren't interested in buying. Heck, I get asked "is this your xxxx" all the time at grocery stores, about perfectly ordinary and mundane items (an onion, a jug of milk, whatever).

Quote from: Alyssa M. on July 23, 2009, 12:04:59 AM
If it's just the one item, sometimes it's a mistake -- left in the cart by a previous shopper, somehow placed in the wrong cart, etc. So if you were presenting male and it wasn't snide, maybe it was just an attempt to avoid a mix-up by charging you for something you weren't interested in buying. Heck, I get asked "is this your xxxx" all the time at grocery stores, about perfectly ordinary and mundane items (an onion, a jug of milk, whatever).

Yeah, but the way that it was done (loudly to draw attention) and the expression on his face told me he did it on purpose. It could have been done a lot differently.

Oh well, his problem not mine 

i have had people do the same thing to me in the past. say things like why are you buying a mans shaver? and i would just be like um... cuz i am a guy may be? the inbetween phaze when i first started hormones was more or less weird?

Q - why are you buying a mans shaver

A - "Because my boyfriend is getting out of prison today after 10 years in on that murder rap."


P.S.  I've seen that line work well in other contexts.  Like girls trying to discourage guys from trying to pick them up.

thats a good one. i will have to use that one for many things. lol

One of my most rewarding experiences was at Macys, I was buying much needed lingerie that was on sale. Several bras, a body briefer, nylons, and a nice knit blouse and matching skirt from the clearance rack.
The store was not busy and I was the only shopper in that dept.
At the checkout, the slightly 'elder' woman asked me if I had found everything that I needed, I said yes and she commented on the clearance outfit, saying that she liked the blouse.
I added that one of the bras was a good match as it wouldnt show through underneath. a tan sculpted underwire.
She then inquired if I wanted to try everything on just to be sure, I said sure why not!
She picked up my clothes and led the way to the dressing room. She set it all out and held the door for me. "I'll be back in a minute" as she left me in the small cubicle. My heart was going 1000 bpm!
I undressed and put on the matching bra and panties, then the blouse and skirt, a perfect fit! Of course, As always, I was already wearing a 'firm control' panty and coffee nylons, everything is much easier.
She returned as promised and asked me if I was ready, I opened the door and stepped out of the booth, she asked me to turn around, then proceeded to run her finger underneath the band of the bra, she also adjusted the blouse and skirt, and said that it was a good fit, then she presented me with a one-piece dress from the clearance rack!
"Here try this on, I thought that it would fit you very well." Moments later I came out wearing the dress, it fit perfect! Burgundy short sleeved knee length with a wide matching belt. The bra had molded cups so the top was filled out somewhat correctly. She asked me what style wig that I used and what size forms I wear, she then she looked closely at my face and said that she would like to see me totally dressed. She suggested that I dress and come into the store, then she would have a better idea as to picking outfits that would match my look.
" I bet that you look very nice all made up huh. especially with your wig, forms in and heels on"
I agreed and thanked her. She gathered everything up and headed for the counter. The bill was close to $200, no big deal as I had come in to spend some money on myself.
She thanked me for shopping at Macys and reminded me to please return soon all made up. Just be sure that I come in on her days only.  I smiled and thanked her again.

I returned at a later date, all made up, I felt so normal navigating the parking lot, riding the elevator, and finding my way through he store. She was there straightening items on a rack, I walked up and asked her in my femme voice if she could help me with something in the lingerie dept. She turned and hardly glanced at me as she led the way to all those bras, panties and underthings. "Now what may I help you with?" She turned and looked at me, I said 'Hi again' and she recognized me, she smiled and exclaimed that she had absolutely no idea that I was male.
I was also wearing the 2-piece outfit that I had bought previously, she recognized it, gave me a long look over, she focused for a moment on my 'rack', smiled and said that I looked very nice.
We spent about an hour trying things one, blouses, skirts, several bras.
I think she was having a fun time helping me with the selections. There were more customers that day, she kept me in the dressing room as I tried on everything that she brought me.
At the checkout, there were several other ladies in line behind me, we continued conversing as she rang up my items. She was treating me like any other female customer.
So $15O later I bid her goodbye as I strutted out of Macys again with packages of new clothes for Linsey!