Buying female clothing

[Absaroka]

To put it all in perspective I have been doing lots of Christmass shopping early this year. I have felt totally comfortable buying lots of girls clothing that is clearly not for me for my daughters. No thrill or anything. And then I'll pick up some stuff for myself as well.

Now obviously I'm not buying my kids lingerie. But still it is interesting to compare how I feel in the two situations. As for skirts and tops, how does anyone know that I'm not buying the bigger sizes for my wife?

I have often found that if women are shopping near me I will ask them questions. Clearly revealing my ignorance which just makes me look like a typical man.

Haven't tried to shop en femme or anything although I did try something on discretely at Good Will. Their stuff is so cheap that they don't worry as much about shoplifters so there is not the supervision there is at other stores.

Andrea

[Star]

I shop in drab. It does get easier.I get offers for help. I sometimes get comments,always have been nice comments. Cashiers sometimes have big smiles.

[Marlena Dahlstrom]

I suspect that any story about buying for ones spouse is not believed, I prefer to openly say that the clothes are for me. I have a policy of not buying if this seems to be problem.

And non-CDs never buy gifts? While I agree that buying openly is preferable -- if nothing else it explains why you want to try it on -- a lot of it has to do with how you present yourself. Nervously saying "she's about my size" probably won't fool anyone, although it does allow for plausible deniability.

[Amy Santos]

I bought a pair of girls jeans today and it was the first time the cashier ever said anything to me. He just said "Dude, that would so totally look good on you". I instinctively denied it was for me, but I think he knew it was for me. We both laughed, I paid for it and walked away.

[Gaven McLaren]

I have been gone for a while due to a loss of a job and no internet connection. I love the topic. It has been on my mind quite a bit as I have been shopping more lately. Not buying as I have no money but shopping none the less. I recently had a brakethrough as I went to my favorite leotard shop and was asking a few questions regarding some mens "workout shirts" I put that in quotes because when I got there and looked at them they were just leotards. After asking a few questions and talking to the lady for a while I told her that I had been buying from them for about 6 years and told her that I was buying for myself. As for other times I used to be more afraid when shopping. That has changed as my roommate and one of my best friends has gone shopping with me. She (and yes she is a GG) even bought a skirt that matches the one I bought. It was the first time I have ever bought a skirt for me and I was glad she was there. I still have not tried on in a store.

[Virginia]

Gaven,
YOu are in our thoughts, I know what it is to struggle in life as do a lot of your sisters here. Just let your anima out and I think you will find she will serve you well. As for shopping, I don't have as much time as I use to. I love the Goodwill stores and have had tremendous success, but it is (pardon the expression) a crap shoot, as you either have to get lucky or go almost every day, to find the good stuff. Some of my successes are a couple of nice winter coats ( hell your in California what would you know about cold weather ) anyway, you hopefully read my story about finding the glove(s) in the "ladies bin." I have gotten some beautiful stuff with the tags still on them. GG's will find something they like either off season or on sale take it home put it in the closet then comes time to wear it and "Who the heck bought that? I would not wear that to a dog fight!" or they put on some extra weight and knowing what they spent it goes to Goodwill and a nice tax deduction follows and yours truly comes along and adds a beautiful silk blouse or skirt to her wardrobe.
Good luck, good shoping and remember, "When the going gets tough - the tough go shopping!"
Virginia

[Leilani]

I love shopping and do not let others bother me when doing so.
Sure, when I first started to shop I was nervous.
What Changed all that:
(1) Shopping for Breast enhancers one day, a guy was staring and my wife said in front of him what size do you want to be honey a B or C cup.
He stopped staring & started to be friendly and talk with us.
(2) Wife stopped the stares and comments from the Clerks at shops we
frequent, by saying "Here are you're things honey" and handing me the bags. She also use to say in front of them "That's going to look soo cute
on you, I can't wait to see you in them".
Now days we go in and shop like two girls on the town, even in drab.
What's so hard about picking up Pantyliners, Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories? Nothing now.
Yes, it takes time to get past the nervousness; but with a loving Wife at your side who supports you & accepts you for who you are it can be conquered.....................

[Kendra Lynn]

No question shopping for "girl" stuff is fun-- even when one is in "drab." (now I know why they call it shopping therapy) I started out at thrift stores because the stuff was cheap and there were two located in my old neighborhood-- I did find some nice things, but since then have gotten rid of most of that stuff since it wasn't in good shape or didn't fit well. I graduated to "vintage/retro" shops because there are several that are a short distance from subway stations. I also figured that they would have hippie and preppie type stuff. The owners and customers were ok with my coming to the stores "dressed"-- those shops are independently owned and attract a more broad minded clientele. The shops I visited are in Takoma Park, Maryland and still have a fair amount of "hippie" type stuff. But I also started to get things that just looked nice. I have now graduated to shopping in conventional stores and am doing best at GAP, GAP Outlet, and Burlington Coat Factory. GAP has really cute box pleat skirts in sizes up to 16!! The GAP Outlet store in old town Alexandria, VA is close to Hollywood Fashion Wigs so I've been there in drag. Generally had no problems shopping there except on one occasion when a young employee called me "sir." I've also visited the ROSS store in that neighborhood-- no problems there either. I'm nervous about going to malls where lots of teenagers and young men hang out-- so far I've visited the enclosed mall in Wheaton, Maryland in "drab" only. It's amusing to see hippie style stuff being marketed to teen age girls and young women at mainstream stores like HECHTS and GAP. I have NOT visited "women only" places like ANN TAYLOR (either in "drab" or "drag") -- likely too expensive and I'm just too nervous. Although a few years ago TGEA organized a shopping nite for members only at DRESS BARN. I did get a few nice things there, including pairs of clogs!! Sometimes I feel I should be doing something more constructive (?) with my time and resources, but to put a good outfit together and go out in public and not encounter any trouble is quite a thrill!! I've had interesting experiences while dressed, but we'll save that for another time. The day "dressing" stops being fun is the day I'll stop doing it. Peace to all-- Kendra Lynn.

[Alana]

All of my shopping for femme clothing has been in drab. When I started buying my own things, I was so scared that the salespeople would realize that I was buying for myself that I actually shook. Sometimes I would get the question of who I was buying for. I usually just told them it was for a friend.

Now days, I do most of my shopping at Walmart, KMart or one of the many thrift or consignment stores. Very seldom am I ever asked who the items are for. This even when I am buying lacey panties and other lingerie.

The last time I was asked anything, was about a year ago when I bought some lipstick. The cashier asked if it was my color. I told her, yes!

Yes, it gets easier the more you do it. I no longer shake when I buy stuff. I also try to estimate the size by holding it up to me. Haven't even noticed strange looks.

As for shopping en femme, I would like to try it some day. Just haven't gotten up the nerve, yet. I think I would just like to try going out en femme first, then maybe try the shopping. Sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

LOL

Alana Michele