As I've mentioned before, I'm in the closet & get very little time to dress due to living with my retired father.
I managed to get out dressed briefly last February & posted about my experience here.
The other Wednesday I again managed to get out of the house under the cover of darkness & go for a drive. I parked up & ventured out of the car to go for a walk along the beach. As I returned to the car another car came along the carpark & I was caught in the headlights, but I'm assuming that I 'passed' as they drove by.
Whilst I was enjoying being out & about, at the back of my mind was the worry of getting home before my father did.
My next step came last Saturday when I decided to visit (in male attire) Dee Selecta, a CD shop in Bolton.
I was a little apprehensive, but needn't have worried as Dee, the staff & regulars are so friendly.
I've never disscussed my dressing with anyone face to face before & it was good to talk to Dee.
I decided to book myself a make-up lesson with Dee for today as my make-up skills needed improving.
All this week I have been both excited & apprehensive about my visit as this would be the first time anyone had ever seen me dressed.
I arrived at midday & got changed.
Dee then took me through my make-up tuition. It turns out that I've not been doing too bad a job all along & I seemed to be doing things reasonably well without too many mistakes.
As we were finishing up, a few regular girls turned up to change.(Saturdays are a regular gathering at Dee's)
I donned my wig & ventured out into the shop.
This certainly feld 'odd' as this was the first time I had dressed infront of anyone.
Funny thing is, I felt so relaxed though. I suppose it's being in a safe & friendly environment.
I spent the next 4 hours chatting to Dee & some of the regulars & they all made me feel so relaxed & welcome.
I had some good compliments on my 'look' & it was helpful to get others opinions as all I ever see looking back at me in the mirror is 'me in female clothes'.
A couple of the regulars even thought that I'd 'pass' with no problems.
Before changing back into male clothes I asked for a few photos of me & as I've now been seen by others, I've decided to post some photos on this forum.
As soon as I get a chance that is.
One thing I've never been 100% happy with is my femm name (Fearne). It was a quick decision when I joined this forum, so on Dee's suggestion last week, I brought a shortlist of names along today. Everyone had a look at the list & a vote was held.
And the result was........Carla.
Assuming the mods will allow me to change my name, I'll have a new forum name.
I'm certainly glad that I've taken these steps outside my closet/comfort zone & it's helping me understand myself more & accept my other side.
Hopefully there will be no looking back.