Something new for me.

[Carla L]

I have always been apprehensive buying anything femime for myself. I've purchased items such as thigh highs, panties and bras and occasionally get a comment such as 'Are these for you?, or I love finding the perfect bra' or some other comment. I don't lie, I look at their reaction, but I don't like it.

THe day before Valentines day I thought, hmmm what better day to buy my wife something and myself! That went well, bought my wife some lengerie and me a dress at the DressBarn.

Well the dress didn't fit. Size 16 misses is not the same as 16W. I went back the following day to return it, all pink bag and all. I was talking to the girl and told her it was for my wife, then a momemt later, i blurted out, "I'm not going to lie. I am crossdresser and the dress if for me.' I said, "if you are going to laugh, go ahead, then maybe you can assist me?"

She didn't laugh at all and said they get many crossdressers. We walked around a bit, I found another dress and then started looking at a skirt and blouse. I didn't find one, but she was so helpful.

I bought the dress and thanked her for her assistance. This was not nearly as bad as I thought. In fact, I really enjoyed it. It is a day later and (I work from home as a programmer) I am at home in my new dress and new wig (yes I just bought a wig from Paula Young).

Next up, getting my wig cut. Now 'that' is going to be another story.

[JoAnnDallas]

If you remember the SA's name, you might want to goto their web site and fill out a thank you card.

[Absaroka]

I've only ever had one person comment and even that was a pleasant one. Sales people are usually fairly rigorously taught that the customer is always right.

I had the thought reading this thread that if someone really wanted to figure out how prevalent crossdressing is then they should interview sales people in womens clothing stores. That and ER personel.

Absaroka

[Carla L]

If you remember the SA's name, you might want to goto their web site and fill out a thank you card.

Very good idea. I don't know her name, however I know I will be back. Should I post a thank you, I assume I should not say anything about CD?

I don't know...

[DeniseL]

I have shopped in Dress Barn on several occasions. While I have been totally femme when there, i have always found the sales people very friendly and helpful. If they have realized that I was Transgendered, they sure did not show it.

I have been in the Dress Barn stores in both Virginia, and the last one i was in was in Concord New Hampshire.

I find the quality there to be very good, and the fit is very good as well.

Just wish we had them in Ontario, but every trip i have to the States, they are one of my favourite stores i go to

Denise

[DonnaT]

i blurted out, "I'm not going to lie. I am crossdresser and the dress if for me.' I said, "if you are going to laugh, go ahead, then maybe you can assist me?"

LOL (well, someone had to laugh )

Bet it felt good to have her assist you.

I think the SA in Dress Barn and Fashion Bug have seen enough of us CDs in that they can tell.

[S. Lisa Smith]

I am glad you had a good experence. I find that if I fess up I get great service. I hope this gives you confidence to expand your horizons!

[Virginia]

HI Robyn,
The DressBarn is a place that will also support meetings that we have on a national basis. The Southern Comfort in Atlanta, the year that I went had a couple of reps on site to talk to. I know that they are well-trainied in dealing with "us" and it comes from their national office so if you like their line of clothing you can shop in comfort there.
Love,
Virginia

[Marlena Dahlstrom]

Should I post a thank you, I assume I should not say anything about CD?

Up to you. I try to make it a point of letting companies know when I've gotten good service from sales associates while en femme. So I use my femme name and email. (If they want an address, I just use the store's address.)

I figure the more they realize that CDs contribute to their bottom line, the more incentive they've got to continue treating us well.

[Stephanie H]

I have shopped at several Dress Barn locations and have always had a very positive shopping experience. The staff is very supportive and helpful. Each time I have been there, they have provided assistance in style and color coordination and fit. The most important is the style and fit to ensure that all looks the best possible. The women at the one store that I frequent the most is now comfortable is pull on the blouse / sweater or skirt to ensure the proper fit. At first, she commented the there are a lot of women who do not like to be touched when they are trying things on. I suggested that if she felt uncomfortable than just point to the area the is a problem. She now feels comfortable in touching and pulling.
It is nice to have a great support group like that staff

[Carla L]

I really wondered if it was possible to try something on. I thought about asking if there was a back room or another area where it would be acceptable. The other part of me thought "I don't want anyone to feel threatened by me" so I refrained from asking.

I also thought about asking if I were to come when they first opened up, if that would be acceptable. Again, I decided not to ask, fearing I would be looked at as a wierdo or someone who would do harm. I didn't want that either.

I wonder, if all CD feel the same way. I want so bad to try things on. I guess the best way would be to go en femme???? But what if they could tell? What would happen if I just walked into the womens dressing room and they could tell I was a CD?

For now, I guess I will purchase, bring home and try on. Return if it doesn't fit.

[Kyra]

Hey Robyn,

You can always call them ahead of time. Explain who/what you are and ask if they have a problem. If all looks good, ask for a name. Then when you go to the store ask for that person.

I've been shopping en femme and have had no problems. I've gotten many odd looks, but was never asked to leave nor was I denied service. Most stores want your business.


Hugs,
Kyra

[Marlena Dahlstrom]

Usually I just show up and shop - no calls ahead of time. After all, my money is as good as any other customer's.

As far as using dressing rooms, I usually will tell one of the sales associates I'd like to try something on. If they're single rooms off the main floor, usually they need to be unlocked anyway and if it's a dressing area in back, then it gives them a chance to say yah or nah. (I haven't run into it myself, but I'm told there are a few stores that use a single communal dressing room, and I wouldn't have a problem if I were asked not to use it.) So far I've never had a problem.

If I'm shopping en homme, then either I'll try it on at home, or if there's a men's department, I'll take a few items throw a men's shirt or two on top of them and then use the men's dressing room. People realy aren't paying a lot of attention, so they rarely notice -- and if they do, they probably assume I'm holding on some stuff for a wife or girlfriend.

Of course, YMMV...

[Kendra Lynn]

I have shopped "en femme" and in "drab."
Depends on the store, store's location and (stand alone or mall).
Dressing rooms are a knotty situation-- there are some places on one level where both genders use the same dressing rooms. (GAP). In other places, women's dressing rooms are in the women's departments.
I have taken skirts into a men's dressing room in a small pile topped with men's shorts or pants.
Shopping malls frequented by groups of teenagers and young men will be touchy places anyway and I generally go to such places in "drab" only.
I have also shopped by calling 1-800 numbers; unfortunately some of those merchants do not have brick& mortar stores where items can be returned, and you have to pack the "fashion mistakes" up, pay postage and insurance, and tote it all off to the post office.
Yes, being a CD is a real challenge some times!
But when the outfit looks right, the wig is good, and the sun is shining-- well, all's right with the world.
Peace'n'Luv-- Kendra Lynn.

[Karren Hutton]

Soo cool, Robyn!!! Takes guts to blurt that out!!

I love to shop and rarely seak a SA's assiistance... And always try my clothes on in the store so I know they fit before I purchase them... Enfemme or in drab.. And overall no one seems to care let alone notice... Yeah there have been a few raised eye brows, and questions simular to yours... I've told them everything from it a gift to its form me, depending on the clerk...

But I figure that they all suspect or all know I crossdress and I really could care less what they think!!! Just go out there and have fun!! That's what its all about!!

Love Karren