Adventures In Shopping

[Guest Margaret]

Laddered my stockings last week, and needed to get a new pair for this weekend. So I went shopping to Matalan for some stockings and got 2 pairs of 10 denier hold ups, very nice, and only £2 a pair. I was also after a pair of denim shorts, but they didn't have any. Then I made the mistake of looking at the shoes, and found a pair of bold leopard print peep toes on sale, so they went in the basket, along with a very nice leopard print scarf. So... no denim shorts, lets try Asda. No shorts my size, but bought a lovely short red skirt, and what I thought were combat fatigue style shorts, but were in fact a skirt. Also bought a printed design T Shirt, a couple of pairs of 60 denier hold ups and a couple of pairs of fishnet tights. All in all, over £55 spent on clothes for Margaret on Friday, and all I went out for in the first place was some stockings and a pair of shorts. Now I sort of understand what is going on in a womans mind while she is out shopping. I have been wearing my new clothes over the weekend and the red skirt looks great, as does the green military style skirt, and the 10 denier stockings are so lovely and smooth next to my skin.

When out shopping I have a quickish walk around the Ladies dept, to see whats available and to make sure there is nobody there I know. Then if there is anything I like I go to get a basket, and quickly go round and get the stuff I want. Sometimes though you meet someone you know, so its "oh they're birthday gifts". Two weeks ago I was in a shop and was surprised by my sister who was out shopping with my neice. I was really embarrased, and luckily all I had in the basket was a couple of t- shirts, so no overtly feminine items to give me away. I'm not embarrased at the check out, but like to hang back until there are not to many customers waiting, and the sales people never seem to comment on my puchases.

Since I'm new here , are we allowed to pass on information about items that are in the shops that may be of interest, and can I put pictures in with a thread?

Margaret

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Hi Margaret,

It is so nice isn't it to get clothes for yourself! It is alright to pass on information about clothing, and it is OK to post picture. Keep in mind however that the pictures must be of appropriate attire. No underwear pictures, or other pictures that could be considered provocative. Remember that children and their parents read these forums too.

Unfortunately, there are also some creeps out there that could see the pictures as well.

HUGS

Brenda

[Sally]

Sounds like a good dy's shopping Margaret!

I'm glad that you had a good time and found so much to buy!

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Donna Jean]

Wow!

Maggie....I wanna borrow that red skirt! I'm a size 10 ....will it fit me?

LOL...That sounds like a GREAT shopping trip!

Glad that you got some nice things!

I got a nice black silk skirt yesterday....maybe we could trade for a weekend?

Have fun, Honey!

Donna Jean

[Guest NatalieRene]

Hi Margaret,

I for one would love to share sales announcements and pictures of our latest acquisitions to our collections. Personally I spent more then I probably should have on cloths and shoes this month. *counts with her fingers* Somewhere in the range of $500. I can no longer joke with my sister about her signing over her check that one time to the gap by coming home with a wardrobe of cloths as pay when she was in high school, I understand now.

Hi Margaret,

It is so nice isn't to get clothes for yourself. It is alright to pass on information about clothing, and it is OK to post picture. Keep in mind however that the pictures must be of appropriate attire. No underwear pictures, or other pictures that could be considered provocative. Remember that children and their parents read these forums too.

Unfortunately, there are also some creeps out there that could see the pictures as well.

HUGS

Brenda

Brenda,

What you said got me thinking. There are some sites that block guests from viewing pictures. I don't know if it's even possible but by not allowing guests to view user photos the potential creepiness factor is reduced.

Speaking of guidelines, I'd probably also avoid showing pictures of yourself in a bathing suit also. The rules are in place for your safety and I would suggest even if you can elsewhere you refrain because it will only draw the wrong kind of attention.

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Speaking of guidelines, I'd probably also avoid showing pictures of yourself in a bathing suit also. The rules are in place for your safety and I would suggest even if you can elsewhere you refrain because it will only draw the wrong kind of attention.

Hi Natalie,

Very well said. Bathing suits are also not allowed, along with see thru clothing, speedos, body suits, etc. I am not 100% sure, but I think is one posts a picture in their post it is viewable by all (non-members and members). The admins would know the correct answer on that question. I guss I could simply not log on to Laura's and confirm what is viewable as a non-member (very good Natalie!!). I also agree with you 100% to simply say "safety"

Thank you hon,

Brenda

[Guest NatalieRene]

Hi Natalie,

Very well said. Bathing suits are also not allowed, along with see thru clothing, speedos, body suits, etc. I am not 100% sure, but I think is one posts a picture in their post it is viewable by all (non-members and members). The admins would know the correct answer on that question. I guss I could simply not log on to Laura's and confirm what is viewable as a non-member (very good Natalie!!). I also agree with you 100% to simply say "safety"

Thank you hon,

Brenda

*giggles* I feel like I just earned myself a cookie.

[Guest ~Brenda~]

*giggles* I feel like I just earned myself a cookie.

Hi Natalie,

Not only a cookie you get some more cocoa too!! Well you got me thinking... so before I logged in agian today, I decided to lurk around here with out logging in first.

Someone who is not logged in cannot see any member's profile.

They cannot see anyones avatar.

They can see all posts.

They can click on links to "photobucket" and see the pictures.

If they click on a picture link not in photobucket they will get a message to login, but if they simply copy that link to another IE page then they can see the picture.

So simply put, non-members CAN see pictures that you post outside of your profile area.

Well done Natalie

Brenda

[Guest NatalieRene]

Hi Natalie,

Not only a cookie you get some more cocoa too!! Well you got me thinking... so before I logged in agian today, I decided to lurk around here with out logging in first.

Someone who is not logged in cannot see any member's profile.

They cannot see anyones avatar.

They can see all posts.

They can click on links to "photobucket" and see the pictures.

If they click on a picture link not in photobucket they will get a message to login, but if they simply copy that link to another IE page then they can see the picture.

So simply put, non-members CAN see pictures that you post outside of your profile area.

Well done Natalie

Brenda

Cocoa and a cookie!

I didn't do anything but I do love praise so I'll take it even if the praise really should go to the admins that setup the security for us.

[Guest Heather H]

I agree about the 'compulsive' nature of shopping sometimes. I've often found coming home with things entirely different from what I started out to get, or spotting things in stores and saying 'no' at first, just to find myself going back for them a few days later.

As far as the denim shorts go, Margaret, have you tried Primark? I got a great pair of plain blue denim shorts in there just a month or so ago, for just £3! Either that, or New Look seem to have a sale on just now, and they always have racks of denim shorts for around a fiver when I go hunting for a bargin.

[Guest rachael1]

I haven't mustered up enough courage to go shopping on my own yet.

I take my wife on these expeditions for cover - I guess I'm just a big coward.

One day I am just going to walk in on my own, pick out a dress that I like, try it on and buy it!

The bravest I have been so far is to try on several pair of boots in Target and buying one particular pair that I think are very cute.

Shop to you drop.

Rachael

[Guest Emeraude]

Rachael, it is scary, and breathtaking, to go shopping for your girl clothes. I just try to remember that I've bought clothes on my own for my wife for years, and pretend that's what I'm doing. (Of course, I have to watch out for holding them up to myself at the mirror!) Just act like you belong there, and focus on the shopping. Nordstrom Rack is great for this, good prices, great clothes, and all the ladies there are focusing on looking through tons of racks and getting what they're looking for, not on you. I got the sweetest short black satin skirt and a sheer black/red/white flower print top, plus a pink knit top, all are now my favorites. Since I know my sizes, they fit without my having to try them on.

And when I check out, they ask "Do you want a gift receipt?" And I smile, and say, "Yes, please!"

--Emeraude

[Carolyn Marie]

I just try to remember that I've bought clothes on my own for my wife for years, and pretend that's what I'm doing. (Of course, I have to watch out for holding them up to myself at the mirror!) Just act like you belong there, and focus on the shopping.

And when I check out, they ask "Do you want a gift receipt?" And I smile, and say, "Yes, please!"

--Emeraude

Emeraude, I had to laugh. I do the same thing. My wife and I both wear petites, so I just tell curious onlookers

or sales people that I'm shopping for a gift. They don't give it a second thought. I still buy almost everything

through the Internet, but I browse a lot in stores. Of course, if I took items into the changing room, I

would have to come up with a different story.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest NatalieRene]

Rachael, it is scary, and breathtaking, to go shopping for your girl clothes. I just try to remember that I've bought clothes on my own for my wife for years, and pretend that's what I'm doing. (Of course, I have to watch out for holding them up to myself at the mirror!) Just act like you belong there, and focus on the shopping. Nordstrom Rack is great for this, good prices, great clothes, and all the ladies there are focusing on looking through tons of racks and getting what they're looking for, not on you. I got the sweetest short black satin skirt and a sheer black/red/white flower print top, plus a pink knit top, all are now my favorites. Since I know my sizes, they fit without my having to try them on.

And when I check out, they ask "Do you want a gift receipt?" And I smile, and say, "Yes, please!"

--Emeraude

Oh my God that is perfect! I'm so going to do that next time I want to get some cloths. I'll just go buy my cloths and if I get looked at weird by the clerk I'll just ask "can I get a gift receipt for this stuff?" Thank you.

Yay no more sitting around waiting on Fedex and UPS!

[Guest BeardedMan]

That is pretty brilliant!

I still have trouble sizing dresses in particular - very narrow waist and very broad shoulders - so I find myself really needing to try things on at the store. Finally I just decided, "Screw it," and went to the changing room with a fistful of women's clothes. The sales attendant gave me only a brief curious look. Since then, I've been pretty fearless. Well, at least at the store...

-- Beard

[Guest *Elizabeth Anne*]

Well - slightly different story.

I like to just 'out' to the clerks. As I am on HRT and have obvious results, I just explain I have a condition, and am on treatment for it, and I am in transition and learning to re-live my life. I NEVER use the word 'transsexual!" I have not ever been refused.

I went shopping yesterday at a major Department store, and was looking for something specific in this HUGE place, two floors dedicated to women's clothing - I found a top in one section of the store and it was spandex based, hummmmmm.... and I found a top in another section of the store and it was long sleeved - hummmmmm. Clerks watch customers. They saw me comparison shopping and wondered what I was doing. I finally picked the long sleeve top. I went to pay and the clerk said - did you find what you wanted? I sighed - 'Finally made up my mind!" She said, "its so pretty." I said, "it is beautiful isn't it"! She smiled and said, "you can shop here all you want, PLEASE come again!" I realized she knew the joy I was having in finding that gorgeous top - something she would buy herself. I had been confident and shared my secret with her... I never was male with her or faking a story... she knew it was for me... we women are soooo conspiratorial! She was saying... you enjoy it honey! in her attitude.

I went to a large fit women's store as well. The clerk was one I had spoken with before. She said hello, I haven't seen you for a while. I explained how I had lost my job and didn't live in the area, but now I am back.

I am treated as a woman in this store and try on the clothes and ask opinions on how they fit. This woman is so helpful! I am between a 16W and an 18W - depending on the cut. She will bring me the next size up or down to try on. The other women in the store caught on to my being accepted - so I wore my tank top when dressing so they can see I really do need to by women's fit as my chest is developing... it seems to be a 'rite of acceptance' thing, I guess, a line jumped over when I showed I have breasts, even if I sorta look like a man... and they give me advice - even the customers.

Maybe as a cross dresser I wasn't like that. BUT - I want you people to know, at the right time of the day (when they are not busy) and with a proper attitude, and a credit card - you can be treated royally! The HRT results help tooo...

Just wanted to share - so GOOOD, when you are accepted!

Lizzy

[Guest mia 1]

When out shopping I have a quickish walk around the Ladies dept, to see whats available and to make sure there is nobody there I know. Then if there is anything I like I go to get a basket, and quickly go round and get the stuff I want. Sometimes though you meet someone you know, so its "oh they're birthday gifts". Two weeks ago I was in a shop and was surprised by my sister who was out shopping with my neice. I was really embarrased, and luckily all I had in the basket was a couple of t- shirts, so no overtly feminine items to give me away. I'm not embarrased at the check out, but like to hang back until there are not to many customers waiting, and the sales people never seem to comment on my puchases.

Margaret

Well margret welcome to the world of "cross dressing shopping."

When we are in the ladies dep't we are completly enveloped in the feminine mystique..there is a certain thrill and challenge it's true.

Remember unlike those that are transgendering we are their for "recreational" purposes to fulfill our needs as women.

So my advice to you is get friendly with the sales staff, ask for specific items that will fit you and look good on you especially for your size, complexion, and the look that you want.ask for specific colors for the outfit you want to create...and if need be, go to another town and then you won't have to look for family or friends..soon you will be happy and relaxed...Remember this is a pleasure trip to feed our needs which are real and undeniable.......|

Best of luck.......Mia

[Guest Donna Jean]

Gee......

When I started to get my wardrobe together, I was afraid to get anything...

So I cheated and took my wife...

I'd pick out what I wanted and she carried it around while we shopped and up to the counter....

But now?

Heck, I just go in alone and shop for what I want ...Hold it up to myself, carry it, and take it to the cashier!

Some where along the line the need overcame the fear!

I also try on shoes in the ladies shoe dept.

I have my own big closet and dresser! Way cool!

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest Guest_]

When out shopping I have a quickish walk around the Ladies dept, to see whats available and to make sure there is nobody there I know. Then if there is anything I like I go to get a basket, and quickly go round and get the stuff I want. Sometimes though you meet someone you know, so its "oh they're birthday gifts". Two weeks ago I was in a shop and was surprised by my sister who was out shopping with my neice. I was really embarrased, and luckily all I had in the basket was a couple of t- shirts, so no overtly feminine items to give me away. I'm not embarrased at the check out, but like to hang back until there are not to many customers waiting, and the sales people never seem to comment on my puchases.

Margaret

Well margret welcome to the world of "cross dressing shopping."

When we are in the ladies dep't we are completly enveloped in the feminine mystique..there is a certain thrill and challenge it's true.

Remember unlike those that are transgendering we are their for "recreational" purposes to fulfill our needs as women.

So my advice to you is get friendly with the sales staff, ask for specific items that will fit you and look good on you especially for your size, complexion, and the look that you want.ask for specific colors for the outfit you want to create...and if need be, go to another town and then you won't have to look for family or friends..soon you will be happy and relaxed...Remember this is a pleasure trip to feed our needs which are real and undeniable.......|

Best of luck.......Mia

Mia you are one smart lady. When I read you post on this topic I felt like you were speaking for me. One thing I might add is when I have execptional service I will give the sales lady a tip for being so helpful. It never hurts to show our appreaciation.