Six Months Left to do Your Christmas Shopping

 

Wearing Boston Proper

Vincent McDoom

Stuff: Thoughts from Abroad

By J.J. Atwell

Abroad?

Did you think this was going to be about me referring to myself as “a broad?” Sorry to disappoint. Instead, I’d like to relate some observations from a recent trip abroad – observations about women’s styles of course. 

There is a Different Aesthetic

My trip included England and Norway. A couple of places that are similar, but very different. I’d also allow that the places I visited were more touristy, but did include some regular locations, with regular people, as well. 

Perhaps the most interesting thing I noticed was that the professional women I saw were frequently wearing skirts and hose – very stylish outfits for sure. The fact that they were wearing hose was the odd thing for me. You see, JJ lives in the south where the temperatures are pretty high. So we seldom see women wearing hose. It’s just too hot for that. But I understand the bare leg look is not uncommon at all even in the big northern cities in the USA. 

As an aside, when getting ready for one of JJ’s group meetings, I went looking for some dark pantyhose. It wasn’t an easy search. There were few options available here where the weather is hot almost all the time. It seems like here in the USA that the regularity of women wearing hose is fading away. Perhaps, Europe is behind the curve here.

Other Differences?

Yes, I noticed interesting styles. Especially in Norway where much of what was for sale was targeted more to the colder climates. Not surprising, you say. Well yes, except that the weather while we were there was in the upper 70’s and low 80’s. So obviously there should be a market for some lighter wear. Also, lots of clothing in Norway were knitted with interesting, intricate patterns. 

Sizes are also a bit different. It seems that it’s hard to find things in larger sizes when abroad. Marked sizes are only an indication of what the garment might be. In the US we often hear the term “Vanity Sizing.” That’s the practice of making clothing larger than the standard size or marking it one size smaller. That way people can proudly say they are a size 8 when in reality they are a 10. Or a 12. 

I noticed however that sizing in Norway especially seems to run pretty small. An XL size there might be equivalent to a M or L in the US. If you go shopping abroad be sure to hold up the clothing to get a better idea if it will actually fit. 

I’ll admit that most of the women I noticed were younger and perhaps my impressions are just my old, male bias showing through. But I did come away from the trip with a different perspective on style abroad. Maybe it is simply differences in the environment or climate in the places I visited. People adapt their clothing to suit where they live. 

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.

Wearing Nine West

Sture Lagerwall femulating in the 1934 Swedish film Adventures At The Hotel
(Äventyr på hotell).

His New Look

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

Veit Alex, male womanswear model

Breaking Ties

 

Wearing Madeleine

Meg of Call Me Meg fame

Yet Another Hemline Ha Ha

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

Ben Sander femulating on television’s The Brini Maxwell Show. 

Trans-cationing

Where is the best place for a crossdresser to vacation in the USA?

If you're a crossdresser looking for a welcoming and inclusive vacation spot in the USA, here are some great options.

San Francisco, California: Known for its LGBTQ+ community, San Francisco offers a vibrant atmosphere, Pride events, and supportive resources .

New York City, New York: With a rich history and a diverse community, NYC is a fantastic choice for crossdressers. Explore the city's nightlife and embrace your identity.

Portland, Oregon: A must-visit in the Pacific Northwest, Portland is known for its progressive mindset and LGBTQ-friendly environment.

Providence, Rhode Island: Providence offers excellent resources and a welcoming atmosphere for trans individuals.

Atlanta, Georgia: Atlanta's LGBTQ+ scene is thriving, making it a great destination for crossdressers.

Remember to check local LGBTQ+ travel sites for specific recommendations and events!

Outside the USA?

When it comes to transgender-friendly vacation destinations outside the USA, there are several great options to consider.

Greece (Greek Islands): The Greek Islands, including Mykonos and Santorini, are known for their LGBTQ+ acceptance and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy beautiful beaches, historic sites and a welcoming atmosphere.

Gran Canaria, Spain: This Canary Island is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. It offers stunning beaches, lively nightlife and a diverse community.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam is renowned for its open-minded culture, Pride events, and LGBTQ+ scene. Explore the city's canals, museums and friendly cafes.

Berlin, Germany: Berlin is a hub for LGBTQ+ culture with numerous bars, clubs and events. Visit historical sites, art galleries and experience the city's inclusive vibe.

Bangkok, Thailand: Bangkok has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene especially in the Silom district. Enjoy street food, temples and exciting nightlife.

Remember to research local laws and customs and consider safety precautions when planning your trip. If you’re looking for a tailor-made luxury vacation, reach out to travel experts who specialize in LGBTQ+ travel for personalized recommendations.

Wearing Halston

Wilson Cruz femulating in a 1997 episode of television’s Aly McBeal.

Stuff: Restocking, Part 2

By J.J. Atwell

Hello again

Glad you are back reading my Stuff. 

In the last installment, I mentioned thrifting. Thrifting is going to the pre-owned stores like Goodwill to add to your femme wardrobe. I mentioned it can be incredibly cheap, but it can also be quite a hunt.

A Hunt?

Yes, a hunt. Even odder, a hunt with no real target in mind. You may be going in with a thought of what you need, but it’s almost guaranteed that you won’t find it. However, you are likely to find some treasures. You just never know what you are going to find when thrifting. Unlike going to a regular clothing store for something cute in a large array of sizes and colors, these stores only have one of a particular item. 

Think of it like going to a restaurant. OK, not a fancy restaurant, but one that doesn’t have a menu because it is a smorgasbord. What you get either works for you or it doesn’t. If it works, you might find yourself leaving stuffed. And yes, you might go away hungry. 

But I Can’t Afford It!

You remember I said in my previous post that thrifting can be a great opportunity to add to your wardrobe very inexpensively. Note the use of the word inexpensively rather than cheaply. Yes, some of us dress cheaply and if that’s your fashion choice, you’ll likely find it at a thrift store. Some of us prefer fancy, designer stuff. You’ll likely find that at a thrift store as well. Basically, just about any woman’s clothing you can think of you will find at a thrift store. Well, perhaps not true for underwear – which is a good thing. 

Back to the inexpensive part now. If you go to a Goodwill store, all the merchandise will have a price tag on it. Much of what you’ll see will be under $20. Even better is that these price tags are in various colors. On any particular day, there is a color of the day and goods tagged with that color are half the marked price. 

On a recent thrifting excursion, I was able to find some really good buys. I noticed that some were even designer clothes with the original price tag still attached. Amazing deals. I wound up with 20 new outfits (tops or dresses) for an average of $10 each. 

I’ll Be Back

Yes, there will be more Stuff. In the meantime, 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 if there is something you would like to read about, please let me know!

Wearing Mac Duggal

Christopher Morley and Warren Fremming femulating in the 1972 film All About Alice.
This is a femulator-full film with countless males playing female roles. 
Click here to view this “classic” on YouTube.

Don't Thread on Me

How should a crossdresser react when harassed for crossdressing?

Experiencing harassment can be distressing, especially when it’s related to crossdressing. Here are some suggestions for how a crossdresser might react:

Stay Calm and Composed:

Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Responding with anger or aggression may escalate the situation.

Assess the Situation:

Consider the severity of the harassment. Is it verbal, physical, or online? Assess whether it’s safe to engage further.

Choose Your Response:

Ignore It: Sometimes, ignoring the harasser is the best option. They may lose interest if they don’t get a reaction.

Assertive Response: Politely assert your boundaries. For example, say, “I appreciate your opinion, but I’m comfortable with my choices.”

Seek Help: If the harassment continues, seek help from friends, family or authorities.

Educate and Advocate:

Use the opportunity to educate others. Explain that crossdressing is a personal choice and doesn’t harm anyone.

Advocate for acceptance and understanding. Share your experiences and encourage empathy.

Self-Care:

Harassment can take an emotional toll. Practice self-care by talking to supportive friends, seeking therapy, or engaging in activities you enjoy.

Remember, you deserve respect and kindness regardless of your clothing choices. If you ever feel unsafe, prioritize your well-being and seek professional assistance. 

Wearing Boston Proper

Femulating in Italy, Stefano/Stefania Ferri
Click here to read an interview with Stefano/Stefania

Comments

I occasionally receive inquiries and complaints about leaving comments on the blog... readers wondering why and/or when will their comments appear on the blog.

I moderate all comments and some days, I don’t get to it right away because real life gets in the way. For example, Friday morning, I went grocery shopping and cut the lawn before I visited the blog to moderate comments. On the other hand, if my laptop is in my lap when a comment is submitted, it gets approved (or rejected) very quickly.

Also, some people have trouble submitting comments and in the past, I suggest try using a different web browser. Sometimes that fixes the problem, which indicates that the problem is browser-related. 

After receiving another “can't comment” complaint, I finally Googled the problem and it seems that the cookies setting in the offending web browser is set to a restrict cookies, thus preventing it from accepting a cookie from the blog software, which in turn, prevents comment submissions with that browser on that blog.

So please check your web browser’s third-party cookie and privacy settings and change the settings to permit you to submit comments.

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

Vittorio Gassman femulating in the 1963 Italian film I Mostri.
Click here to view the film on YouTube.

Not Your Father's Father's Day

 

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

Father and Son, Jean and Kristen