It has been a while since I posted here but I haven't been shopping much lately. This morning I went to Macy's and bought a push up bra. I didn't get afraid or feel uncomfortable at all. The lady there was great and showed me several styles to choose from. I chose the Maidenform smooth push up-it fits me perfectly & I love the little bit of extra volume it gives me!!! It's not so much that it looks out of place but is just enough that I can wear it at work and not worry that it is too much too soon for everybody else. I am very happy with my first bra purchase.

Randi

Huge step, Randi!  Congratulations!

Kristi

Macy's has always been pretty open, perhaps because it's Flagship Stores are in NYC and SF, perhaps because someone in their head office found out that money is money no matter where it comes from, either way.

Congratulations, girl!

Thanks all! I was in a discount store this morning and figured while I was there I would just look around in the womens section and found another very nice bra with a bit less padding than the first one. I am turning into a shop-a-holic! I had to go outside for a bit today and was pleasantly surprised that my chest stayed warm whereas before it always got cold first.

For my next adventure, I am going to buy some makeup for under my eyes and some days my skin is a mess from shaving so I want to wear makeup to cover it. And a trip to get my ears done is still in the works. 

My mother made a comment the other day (no she doesn't know or at least I haven't discussed being mtf with her) about how I am wearing my hair now. She said she didn't know what I am doing different with it now but it really looks good on me-PRICELESS!

Randi

Talk to someone at a cosmetic counter or at MAC or some place like that and find out what shade works best for you, it will save you a lot of money in the short run.

I went back to work today and put on my new bra-I wore it the rest of the day. It doesn't have quite as much pad as the other one so it will work better for work unless I will be out wearing my heavy coats. I can't remember when I have felt so relaxed as I felt today. I wondered if any of you got any strange reactions from coworkers when you wore one all day for the first time. For the most part nobody acted like they cared. A couple of girls who are pretty sharp and friendly to me checked me out closely and went on. Another is lesbian and she got a good look. I find her very attractive and she is hot. I wonder if she already knows I am a lesbian too? One thing I love is my nips don't show. I wore it in a brief meeting with my manager and she didn't notice it and she always checks out if my nips are visible-they are getting a bit larger. Do all girls feel this happy when they finally get their first bras?

Quote from: Randi on January 08, 2010, 07:47:36 PM
Do all girls feel this happy when they finally get their first bras?

While I had a good feeling with my first bras, I actually had more of a feeling of satisfaction when I *wore out* my first bra.  It meant that I was so active in my chosen life that it had an effect on the clothes I wore.

-Sandy

Quote from: Randi on January 08, 2010, 07:47:36 PMDo all girls feel this happy when they finally get their first bras?

I am not quite sure whether people count me as a girl, but I was a little bit happy when I got my first ones (it was stapless ones 34A). I was most excited and happy when I first wore high heels that my wife purchased for me.

Barbie~~

Hi Sandy, Yes I can see how that would boost your spirits. I have noticed of late that I notice colors more vividly and more color in my dreams-especially in the difference in hues of a similar color. Perhaps that will help when I start using makeup.

Barbie, I consider you to be a girl. One of mine I can wear without the straps on and it doesnt wander-at least it didn't while I had it on that way.  I love your avatar pics, I hope to be that slim again -someday -somehow -maybe? I have been neglectful of my workout time for the past year or so-devoting more time to guitar practice. My waistline has suffered the most-or at times my neighbors depending upon which amp I am playing thru.

Randi

It's interesting to read the range of experiences and reactions to this issue that is a definite part of the tg/cd  experience across the board.
  So adding to the above--like some of y'all, I just go en male and buy anything, including bras (knowing size), dresses, blouses. If I'm shopping in 2nd hand stores I bring a cloth tape measure to measure if the size labels are missing
   Yes, now and then I feel self-conscious--and once in a while someone, a woman, may give me a raised eyebrow lookover--but when that happens I remind myself that what I buy is my business and I'll feel better holding my ground, buying what I want and not cave in to pressure to conform to gender roles. That attitude opens up a whole world of fun. Shopping IS FUN [for girly things, not for anything else] and always a mood lifter.
  If this sounds like self-inflation so be it--I wimp out on lots of other things!
   But a few months ago in JC Penny's I was looking over some dresses on a rack when a woman shopper walked by and without stopping said 'Are you sure that's your size?' But that felt more humorous than embarrassing and a little embarrassment can also make your day  

Quote from: Chrissty on October 30, 2009, 06:01:30 PM
If you want a silly confidence tip that works for virtually everything including make-up.....

CARRY A MOBILE PHONE ! 

Just hold it to your ear and walk around looking bored, when you find something you like stop and say...

"yes dear found it...what shade was the shade/size...hold on a minute...yep they have that..."

..holding the phone does become a bit of a bind, but usually by then you have what you want ...

..same thing applies at the checkout if you are still nervous.. 



Chrissty

IMPORTANT NOTE:
turn it OFF before doing this, because it ruins the moment if it rings while your asking "did you want the frilly one?"

but yeah, this is a great idea ^.^

Quote from: sobesemail on January 18, 2010, 02:58:01 PM
IMPORTANT NOTE:
turn it OFF before doing this, because it ruins the moment if it rings while your asking "did you want the frilly one?"

but yeah, this is a great idea ^.^

Hmmm, good point.

Most items (such as tops or pants) I managed to get my own size with some personal measuring tape; I figured from my measurements that I would be about a 36A for a bra, but before I bought one I thought I should be sure, so I went to JC Penny in male mode and asked for a sizing. The woman there was very kind and quick about it, with no real negative comment or anything and actually made me feel a lot more comfortable (I ended up being a 34A). So I ended up buying my first proper bra there (mind you, I already have worn women's jeans for several months as well as women's T-shirts under my button-downs, so I already had those sizes  ).

As for actual fashion, I generally bring one of my friends along (I call him my fashion adviser) or go to the local Plato's Closet. For those of you who don't know what Plato's Closet is, it is basically a Goodwill for clothes from name brands like American Eagle, Aeropostale, Hollister, Guess, and other more upbeat teen-based clothing.

If you tend to be nervous or get in the mindset that things will turn out so much worse than they actually might, bring your phone along and have some actual conversations with your friends BEFORE you even go in; for me it helped shake off some anxiety and keep my stress levels low, even if we just talked about video games and the like. Also get in the mentality that you know what you are going for and make it a 'mission,' I ended up planning my first purchases days ahead so I could get myself prepared to go out and buy them, and remember that once you get sized, you can always buy online 

reminds me of the time when i went to buy a sports bra while dressed male. i was almost sneaking at the store...part of me just wanted to grab a random one and go but i also didn't want to blow my money so rash. then this salesgirl came up and asked if i need help taking measurements, and i was like hell no i'm just trying to find a b cup...she looked at my chest and said i think it's better if we take measurements...i was so embarassed to tell her i was wearing binder which is the reason i'm there to buy a sports bra in the first place 

I've gotten over those hang ups a while back. On saturday I had left the gym so was in drab (and sweaty yuk) gear. I wanted a blouse for going out that night. Went to a shop and saw just the blouse. Manageress asked me if it was for someone and I said yes Me. She recovered really quite quickly. Oh Oh, well it's my favourite colour as well, do you want some jewellry to go with it. Why not open a loyalty account and we will send you specials by email.

No hassle at all. Money is money.

A year ago? No way

Cindy

oh goddess yes i've done it all the time of course i get stared at but i really don't pay anyone no mind, through truth is i used to get so embaresed about it but not anymore (giggle) through the real test will be getting a one piece bikini now that will be a pain in the arse (and not the good kind either)

If you manage to get a "one piece bikini," I will be mightily impressed, indeed!

i will or i'll try to at least 'sides here only target has their bikinis out yet not the regular places , or were you being sarcastic?

Ask and you shall receive.  Only $68 at Victoria's Secret this spring.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/14/victorias-secrets-topless_n_423117.html