Advice for the lonely lol

[Miss Jo]

I have recently noticed a lot of dressing services on the Internet. I was wondering if anyone had used these services and what they were like. Reason I ask is because I havent got many clothes for miss Jo and would love to try something different on. Also im having trouble getting my wig how I want it and am hopeless at doing my make up and I have never met anyone like myself and im interested in meeting others x

[Anne Bonny]

No. But I have found that you learn as you go along. I would recommend The Lazy Crossdresser by Charles Anders it was $20. you can probably order it off Amazon. I say this because it is a really straightforward and lighthearted book addressing all your concerns. I know my sizes and order everything online so there is no longer worrying about having to get up the nerve to shop for women's clothing and shoes and accessories with people staring at me as I wait in line at the check out. Though you can pass it off as a birthday present by purchasing a cheap card, and save it for use when there actually is a birthday for someone. There are some really great sites that show animated make up instruction like L'oreal Paris as I recall and the book gives good tips as well. Make up is basically foundation powder, lipstick and Mascara unless you want to look like a drag queen. Nail Polish is basically buffing your nails and filing them then a base coat and a top coat. Good Luck. Anne

[Kelly]

I have used such a service and the experience was absolutely wonderful!

I did a lot of due diligence before booking. Mostly to corroborate their claims to confidentiality and trying to find a review not in their own testimonial page. I also tried to determine how long they were in business.

I took the fact that I could not find an actual location on the internet as positive. They took discretion to a pretty high level. They had been providing the service since the early '90s and no independent complaint could be found.

They were also very responsive to email queries. I made it clear that I didn't own some much as a pair of panties. The best question I asked was 'what is the biggest oversight you constantly see in clients'. (Answer: poor shaving of face, and chest hair. They are makeup artists not licensed for barbering).

I showed up, the newest of the newbies, and was completely pampered and transformed. Everything was provided. We went shopping in a local mall, had dinner. It was a great first night out en femme. A cherished memory - with pictures to boot.

My hostess ( I think of her a my coach ) was at my side the whole time feeding me hints and tips and bolstering my confidence. During the prep time she explained everything from where the band on a bra should sit why I should be careful about choice of heels. I learned more about makeup that day than I have since or before.

Lots of interesting things to consider it your goal is to pass:
* Big girl, big boobs; small girl small boobs.
* Tall women stand out, be careful how much heel make you taller.
* Make eye contact and just smile. (wow that was powerful!).
* Unless you are really experienced, stay away from touristy places or sporting events.
* Bartenders, cashiers, and wait staff are your best friends.
* If in a group, if one is read all are read.

It did cost. $399 plus $50 tip for 6 plus hours. But, I could have spent a lot more over time buying, experimenting, and rejecting a lot of stuff. Not to mention the reassurance that I am not alone.

I am planning on going back in 2014. If I travel I may try the same in another city.

Now this is an accendotal account. I happened to find a quality service; don't know how the others stack up, so defiantly veet the service that interests you. But, you never find out until you give it a try.

Kelly.

[Anthony Simon]

Reason I ask is because I havent got many clothes for miss Jo and would love to try something different on. Also im having trouble getting my wig how I want it and am hopeless at doing my make up and I have never met anyone like myself and im interested in meeting others x

That's actually 4 reasons. Trying different things and your makeup would be things a dressing service would be good for. Some would let you use your own wig (so you could learn about it like that). Meeting other people...It's not really what dressing services are set up for. You might be better finding a support group for that.

I've never used a dressing service, but I've ought stuff from people that do them.

Transformation, the (small) nationwide chain, can be quite unrealiable and also expensive. I bought a makeup video from one of their shops which was basic and useful.

The Boudoir [London], I also bought a makeup video from and that was similar quality- I've not had any problems the two times I bought stuff. They look expensive but good.

Dee Selecta [Bolton], I bought a wig from. This was both good and cheap and with no problems when they sent it. They look sympathetic from their site.

I've never used a service (as previously stated). But...

I was in The Transformation shop in London one Saturday and they had a couple of people dressed up in their seating area chattering with a couple of their staff. I guess I wanted to know what happened with that. It didn't seem that enticing.

[Noeleena]

Hi,

I see your in the UK and London i have many friends over your way, some ?'s ill ask first, and then see what you may like to do.

Are you on any other forums near you. how easy would it be for you to attend a meeting of other dresser's , i gather you not got many clothes would you be able to afford second hand can you saw,

Okay see what you think and ill take it from there.

...noeleena...

[Holly H.]

Kelly,

I was thinking of booking a day with the service in Seattle this July, the price you mentioned seems to be one of the options they have -- was that the service you used?

Respectfully,

Holly

[Kelly]

Not sure if naming specific businesses is within forum guidelines. I'll send you a PM with details.

Kelly.

[Carol Esme]

March last year I used a service in Sydney. I thought the money (quite a lot) was well worth it. I got a make-over and clothes suitable for a shopping expedition, which was what I asked for. Then surprise, surprise we went shopping followed by dinner in an Italian restaurant. What did I really get? Confidence to go out myself and just do it.
PS My Avatar is me on the roof top car park of the mall during that adventure.