Great day of shopping!!

Stormy(SO) · Post by **Stormy(SO)** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:54 pm

Today I took a mental health day and Missy and I headed out for a day of shopping. She wanted to go back to Old Orchard. Her first experience at OO by herself wasn't very pleasant. It's a yuppy mall with the nouveau (not so rich anymore) rich and she just felt uncomfortable. Since I grew up near this mall I can intimidate the best of them.....however what happened today was so very cool - we walked in to Bloomie's and sauntered through purses and then were going to wend our way through the make-up counters when an exhuberant woman snagged us to show us her product line (Clarins). Missy and I drooled over gold and silver mesh bags which came with a small make-up kit. I rarely let "beauty consultants" make over my face but thought what the heck and had her recommend what she would use on my face. Missy sat enthralled and then very mischieviously I asked if Missy wanted her face done. Missy is very intimidated at the make-up counters!! She took the plunge and the consultant did Missy's face AND NEVER KNEW SHE WAS NOT A WOMAN!! We were and are still very elated. It's always been Missy's goal to completely and totally blend in and today she proved to herself that she can and does! What a marvelous Christmas.

Stormy

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:06 pm

That is sooooo cool! --------------- but, I have to play "Devil's Advocate." and ask how do you know the "make-up artist" did not know? I am glad that no one seemed none the wiser and that is hopefully what we are coming to. I know Missy must have been elated. When some one gets up close and personal like that and you are treated like a lady, that is just fantastic!

Love,

Virginia

Post by **KimberlyS** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:19 pm

Stormy good for you to take a mental health day. I am glad the two of you had a good day. With as much as I do going out, I have not braved the makeup counters yet. Guess I am having too much fun shopping for clothing.

Stormy(SO) · Post by **Stormy(SO)** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 2:18 pm

LOL Virginia - none of her body language changed (she responded to both of us the same way) and either she is one of the most comfortable people in her own skin that I've ever met or she honestly didn't know Missy was not a female. I'm betting on the latter.

Kimberly - Missy and I wear the same size and as it is now people that see "my" clothes think I'm a shopaholic <G>!!! However, there is always more to buy <WEG>.

Lynne

EmilyN · Post by **EmilyN** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:30 am

i LOVED this story, thank you very much! it lifts my heart.

Melyssa Anne · Post by **Melyssa Anne** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:54 pm

Well -- now from my perspective....

Stormy is right, since I started going out 2 years ago, my fear of not passing has greatly diminished -- I worried a lot at first, but am lucky enough to not be too tall, and have a face that is not that distinctively male (and now no significant facial hair after doing the light therapy), and having a great adviser (stormy) and all you girls has been a great help. From being afraid i would not pass with anyone, to shopping, traveling, golfing, and even going to the pool with little fear of being noticed (in that negative way), I still have given the women at the makeup counters a wide berth since they look at faces all day long.

So, when Stormy decided to do this, I sat and watched, and (wanting to buy some of this makeup and knowing to not accept the "makeover" would look strange) worked up the courage to say lets do it. The cosmetician was very talkative to both Stormy and I during her makeover and we got into so very interesting discussions that women tend to have.

Then it was my turn. I climbed up onto the stool -- Two parts were worrying me--when she would take off my existing makeup and then puting on the moisturizer and foundation. What should have worried me more was the conversation and general questions -- I am used to having stormy around for more in depth "female" conversations (she was busy buying her makeup--the nerve) and I do not have ready answers for some of these things....(menopause, men, detailed skin care and 'body care"). The other thing I wasn't prepared for was how physically close we would be--when you are getting a makeover I guess personal space is not a consideration.

So dealing with all that, still smiling and trying to carry on a conversation in my enfemme voice, and observing Janet intently for a reaction, I was a bundle of nerves, but still managed to enjoye the experience immensley.

And as far as passing, it was a big boost to my confidence. She never changed her chatter--if anything it proceeded as we talked to what I (as a guy) would never expect to talk with a woman about and likewise, her body positioning never changed (and I assume she would have given some space and / or been more careful about body contact). The clincher was near the end of the session when she told me that my skin was beautiful, but that I would have to start some different skin care regimines once I started menopause.

And, by the way, when we got done, both Stormy and I looked fabulous....absolutely fabulous.

Leeza · Post by **Leeza** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 9:53 am

Missy, a makeover is something I have wanted to do for a long time. Now I am determined to do it. Thank you

Leeza

Michelle Miller · Post by **Michelle Miller** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 10:25 am

Melyssa Anne wrote:The clincher was near the end of the session when she told me that my skin was beautiful, but that I would have to start some different skin care regimines once I started menopause.

I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that we'll be with you, supportive in every way possible when you go through that trying time in your life.

Awesome story.

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:03 am

Some of you who may be considering this, I would recommend that you contact your local Merle Norman store and ask (if you have a concern, either passing or just being confronted) ask if they work on (CD'ers or T-Girls or TG - whichever term you are comfortable with using.) Some stores are amenable to this but, would rather we come in during the slower part of the day and that we sit in the back as they do not want to, as I was told, "scare off their regular customers, who may not accept or understand what is going on." Most of us do not want to be the "in your face" type and can understand it is simply a business decision. Oh, and usually the "make-over" is free, but they will suggest certain make-up and they do expect you to purchase something - only makes sense!

Another approach is if you have a relationship with your regular barber/hairstylist, you may ask them if they do or know someone who would be wiling to work with you on your make-up.

Of course there are all the Internet sites, Mabelline, CoverGirl, Sophoro, that have interactive sites and the "Ladies" magazines, Cosmo, Vogue, Elle, etc that always have articles.

Presentation is the basis for our going out, so the more we know the better chance we will have of blending in!

Don't forget Denae Doyle's CD's on female presentations (femimage.com) and there are others out there to learn from as well.

Go Forth Woman and BE!

Virginia