To Answer Your Questions

[Georgia(SO)]

OK. In no particular order,

RE: Merle Norman. IMHO, they fix people up like mannequins and there is absolutely nothing natural about it. So, if you are going for the vamp look, they are good. Otherwise, you might try having them do you up, just to get an idea, and then go home, slice off 2/3rds of that stuff and go at it with a much lighter hand.

RE: Bras. No. They aren't very comfortable, although after this many years, I barely notice them. By the end of the evening, the band does get tight. They ARE miserably sweaty in the summer, but then again, so are free falling breasts. I am a big fan of Frederick's bras. Truly. They used to be trash, but have improved noticeably over the last decade or so and are the only ones that carry a decent underwired, low decollotage bra. Don't like Victoria's Secret at all. Frederick's also carries bras in a gazillion sizes, probably mostly thanks to ya'll. If you are wearing forms, it's bound to be hot and sweaty and miserable. My guy manages to get a really amazing amount of cleavage out of a nicely underwired bra with a low decollatage in a AA cup from Fredericks. But he's a slender guy who can pull off being a small-breasted woman. In general, to reduce the sweat factor, go for lace only, no padding. I've never used sports bras - I was gifted in the cup size and they smush things up to an uncomfortable degree.

BTW, Silver's right, different brands fit differently. Even in the same size.

RE: CJ's hair. I like the long black hair in your avatar. You have a farily long face, it appears, with a sharp oval. Normally, long hair would fight against that, but it works quite nicely for you. (No false compliments here - I think it looks really good on you...)

I assume that you are taller than the average gg, and I particularly like long hair on tall women. And remember, shorter hair - especially curled shorter hair - will make you look older, unless you go for a pixie cut, which is pretty hard to pull off if you are taller than 5'2". Silver being the exception, of course. Remember, us gg's are told that we are "too old" to wear our hair long after we turn 40. (Really. I ignore them and wear mine long, much to Mother's dismay.)

Moreover, I would think that for those of you who are trying for this uber-feminine look, without having to worry about doing it up in the morning before work, that shorter hair would not meet that emotional need. Ya know, as I said before, if you are going to be a man wearing a dress, for God's sake, wear the dress you want to....

Question. How many of you wear your boy hair long and bypass the wig problem altogether? My guy does, which is perfectly in keeping with what he actually is - an old hippie... I love it!

I don't know anything about wig quality, having never even looked at one up close.

RE: Calf muscles and heels. Yep. They'll do that. One of the reasons that heels make you have killer legs is because they stretch the calf muscles into this unnatural Barbie-doll shape. Ergo, said calf muscles bellow in rebellion.

You can try walking around the house barefooted on your tippie-toes to strengthen the calf muscles, as a daily excercise, or as a more subtle alternative, while you are seated, stretch that muscle by flexing your foot - oh geez, how? Uh. OK. (Hang on while I wiggle around in the chair to get my feet to actually touch the floor...) You have your foot in it's natural position flat on the floor. Now pull your toes up so that only the heel is touching the floor. Then go the other way, lifting your heel while leaving the toes on the floor. Back and forth, 10 reps, then hold for a count of 10, etc. You know the drill.

Other than that, Silver's right. Stop standing around and perch somewhere. Cross your legs, then wiggle your foot from the ankle to get some circulation in to the calf. Besides, a crossed leg in heels, while perched on something tall like a bar stool, still retains its shape and is an open invitation to be looked at!

I'm not sure whether the difference in how men stand affects how their legs relate to being in heels. 2-3" heels aren't all that tall. Remember to point your toes ever so slightly inward. If they are really skinny heels, with a stilleto type heel, your calf muscles may be screaming from trying to balance you on needle points. Try a little thicker heel if it's really a problem. For me personally? I'll take the skinny heels and the killer legs and just keep watch for a place to sit when my legs get tired!

One last thing, be sure that your shoes are actually wide enough for you. If your heel is hanging out over the edge of the shoe, your body is going through all sorts of contortions trying to just keep you balanced.

And back to dress styles for tall, slender ladies. I was watching Hot Shots, Part Deux this weekend, and noted that the blonde woman was wearing this killer blouse that would work well on someone like Stephanie. It was white, long sleeved, and designed with a crossover panel similar to a double breasted jacket. (Rent the movie, watch for the long sleeved white blouse.) Very classy style...but not good for someone with broad shoulders. I know this because the good Lord graced me, at 5'3" with a set of half-back shoulders...

Hope ya'll had a great Thanksgiving...

-g

[SilverLady(SO)]

A great, big thank you to Georgia and Virginia, Curly and Lisa, and everyone else who has contributed recently for their help! It's always great when we can work as a Team. You ladies rock!

My experience with Merle Norman was very positive, and I'm glad I had their help. However, no two MN stores are alike. I also like Virginia's suggestion on having a Mary Kay rep help (V's reply in another thread by Jessica S.) - I had completely forgotten about them!

Bras - ah, yes, they are uncomfortable, and I should have commented on that; my excuse is similar to what Georgia stated: after a while, you barely notice them.

Hair - The concensus, CJ, is that we like you with your long black hair, so if you are going to change your hairstyle, please don't do anything drastic!

And remember, shorter hair - especially curled shorter hair - will make you look older, unless you go for a pixie cut, which is pretty hard to pull off if you are taller than 5'2". Silver being the exception, of course.

Thank you, Georgia! Actually, I'm 5'3" and I get lots of compliments on this cut, which is actually just a short cut with a center part and the sides combed back, like a quasi-feather style. Considering at age 43 I still get 'carded' on a regular basis, I say "...it's gotta be the hair!" ...and quite possibly my new attitude, too!

Calf Muscles - Again, big thanks to Georgia and Virginia for their additional input here! I had never thought of doing those exercises, mostly because I can't recall my calves ever cramping from wearing heels. Hmmm, maybe I should try them, anyway, just to strengthen the leg muscles as part of an overall toning process?

Also sitting on the floor and with your legs straight out flat in front of you put your ankles behind your neck and......... just kidding!

Good one, Virginia - - you do it first, though, okay? This I just gotta see!

As you can see, this Dear GG thread is a group effort - thank you, ladies!

Have a great day!

[Absaroka]

Thanks for the bra input ladies. I guess you also answered my question about why some women at the gym wear a bra with a cami and shirt over. Seems awful warm to me.

To answer the question I wear my guy hair in a ponytail. But it is clearly guy hair and if I was to try to pass I would at this point still need a wig. But I would also need to shave off the beard I have proudly worn for a couple of decades so I don't go out and don't try to pass. I know it will grow back but that is a big decision that I am not ready for yet. I have been told by the one person I discuss this with f2f that I could probably pass if I tried.

About women trying to figure out their image vs throwing something on. My wife seems to do this as 2nd nature anymore on days she goes to work. She has a very people oriented job however.

Andrea