Wearing Tory Burch |
The Kinky Boots Angels on stage in Phoenix, 2014 |
How do I look? |
Despite their drop-dead gorgeous appearance, a typical email post will ask the other members of the subreddit, “How do I look?”
Unsure about their presentation, they are reaching out for affirmation that they are on the right path to achieve their feminine goals to be able to safely step out of the closet and experience the world en femme.. Positive emails build their confidence and out the door they go.
Back in the day, most of my sisters could not dress to the nines and ask for feedback about our presentations before stepping out. (“Hey, Pop. How do I look in these new high heels?”)
No, we had to gird our loins, open the door, step out into the real world and hope for the best. If people did not stare, laugh or point at you, that might be the best affirmation you could expect. Not the greatest confidence-builder, but it was something.
On the other hand, if you were called “Ma'am,” or even better “Miss,” that was our equivalent of receiving positive responses on reddit.
And so it goes.
Wearing DailyLook |
Michael Scott |
Julie Slowinski |
Christina Marie remarked, “So much easier to shop for things when in girl mode, huh?”
Yes, indeed!
You have your shapewear strategically in place, so you know how the item will fit when you try it on and you are in makeup and wearing a do, so you know how the item will look on madam.
Yes, shopping in girl mode is so much easier… even if you are not shopping for girly things!
Which reminds me of the time I visited a Lowe’s home improvement store in girl mode to get a replacement part for a piece of plumbing that failed. I had no trepidation about going to Lowe’s and I found my trip very revealing.
Whenever I go to Lowe’s or Home Depot in boy mode, I have to find and ask a store employee when I need help. In girl mode, I had a male Lowe’s employee practically at my beck and call without asking.
When he saw me looking lost in the plumbing department, he asked what I needed and directed me to the exact location where the part was displayed. After I found what I needed, he came over and compared it to the old part I had brought along to make sure I got the right part.
That's the power of a short skirt and high heels!
Wearing Paige |
Richard O’Brien |
By J.J. Atwell
More Stuff
Let’s talk about accessories in today’s Stuff. In an earlier installment, I mentioned a friend Gigi who I often correspond with about various things. Today’s installment of Stuff is one suggested by her about items she referred to as “statement accessories.”
Accessories?
First I should explain just what “accessories” are for the purpose of this column. I’m using that term to mean pretty much everything besides the actual clothes/shoes that we wear when crossdressing. Things like a bag, necklaces, earrings, bangles and maybe something in your hair. Selecting the right accessories is something that helps complete your look. Of course, you need to start with the basic outfit, so go ahead and pick that out. I’ll wait.
OK, Got the Outfit - Now What?
So now that you have your outfit, how do you accessorize? Of course, this depends on what you have available and where you will be going.
I tend to go for casual, blend-in looks when being JJ. Take a moment to look at my avatar at the top of this page. Notice the lariat-style necklace and how it does several things. It compliments the rest of the outfit, which is a grey cardigan over a white shell and I’m wearing black skinny jeans with it. The necklace is made of a metallic black and silver twisted together. It hangs smoothly from around my neck and dangles down to draw attention away from my face (one of my worst features) and adds to the illusion of a long neck.
Once I decided on the outfit and the necklace, it was time to finish off the outfit. I didn’t want my other accessories to work against the impact of the necklace. That would result in several different items competing for attention. So instead of big, dangly earrings, I went with a small set of pearls. Instead of big, clunky bangles, I went with a simple bracelet. My watchband might have been a bit too much as it looked like a black hair scrunchie, but I had limited options, so I had to make do.
At this point I’m sure a lot of you are saying, “I would have done…” Yes, your sense of style is probably different from mine. I tend to be very conservative in my femme look. One of these days though, I’ll go a bit more flamboyant in my look. I intend to talk more about accessories in a future post so stay tuned! And send me your thoughts about accessories please.
I’ll be back
I’ll be back with more Stuff in the next installment. Comments are welcome either here on the blog or by email to Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com. JJ is always looking for more stuff, so let me know what you would like to read about.
Navigating the Art of Makeup at MAC
By Paula Gaikowski
For many people exploring the world of crossdressing or transgender expression, navigating the art of makeup can feel like a daunting task. Fear not! One of the best resources for beginners is a visit to a MAC cosmetics store.
While I admit to a personal bias here, my experiences across the country, from Massachusetts to California, have been consistently positive. The staff at MAC is known for their genuine support and understanding of the transgender and crossdressing communities.
To delve deeper into this welcoming environment, I recently embarked on a research mission for the Femulate community, specifically focusing on makeup consultations and makeovers at MAC stores. I contacted locations in Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles, and here is what I discovered to help make your own makeover exploration a breeze!
Service Options for Every Need
MAC caters to a variety of desires, with service options to suit individual preferences.
A Welcoming Atmosphere
As a transgender individual, my biggest concern was feeling comfortable and accepted. I'm happy to report that every makeup artist I spoke with was incredibly welcoming and reassuring. They expressed excitement about working with me and emphasized their desire to make me feel confident and beautiful as a transgender woman.
Private Rooms and Personalized Service
MAC stores typically have a dedicated private room tucked away in the back, offering a comfortable and discreet space for you to relax and chat with your makeup artist during consultations and makeovers. This privacy allows you to feel at ease while discussing your preferences and trying out different looks.
Tips for Planning Your MAC Makeover
Invest in Yourself
The price tag might raise an eyebrow at first, but consider it an investment in yourself, not just an expense. Think of all the money you've wasted on makeup that wasn’t the right shade, formula or simply never got used.
The MAC artists will create a personalized list of products they used on you. You can buy them all at once or spread it out over time. The quality and longevity of MAC products make them worth the initial investment. Treat yourself to a new item every couple of weeks and slowly build your own go-to kit for stunning looks every time you step out the door.
Remember, exploring your makeup journey is about having fun and expressing yourself. With welcoming staff, personalized service options and high-quality products, MAC can be a valuable resource for anyone navigating the art of makeup, especially those in the crossdressing and transgender communities.
Go forth, experiment and embrace your femininity!
Wearing Rue La La |
Tony Curtis femulating in the 1959 film Some Like It Hot. |