starting from scratch...

[hayley_babe]

hi girls...

so kind of moving on from my introduction thread in that relevant section, dressing has always been something that i havent really taken all that seriously...often just a rush job throwing on a cute dress, some underwear etc and mucking about the house in my new attire...certainly nothing passable at this stage...

but now due to circumstances, i have kind of had a new outlook on life instilled within me (there is a lot to the story if anyone is interested), dressing has moved up a couple of pegs on the ladder of importance in my life, mostly due to the enjoyment and feeling it brings on...and we all want to be happy in life so why not pursue it a little further...it has become something i would like to take a lot more seriously (ie. to dress and look as passable as possible, maybe even venture out eventually).

now to the big question...where do i start?..for someone that is really starting from scratch again, no clothes, no idea which avenues to go down, where to look, where to get advice, and certainly no one in my life knows i dress etc...i thought i would throw it out there to all you wise girls that are at various stages of your dressing to impart some wisdom for a newbie...

so for each of you, where would you start if you could again?..i would love to hear your thoughts...

oh and for any one who would take an interest in giving some advice to a new comer and helping with my development, please feel free to ask for my msn, would be much appreciated to have some help through the whole process and make some new friends while im at it...

much love...

hayley...

[AKAMichelle]

After experimenting some you have a certain style in mind, so now the answer is go shopping. In some ways I would love to start over. Only if I had one outfit left to go shopping as Michelle. It is so much fun to try on the clothes in the store and figure out what looks good on you

[hayley_babe]

thanks michelle...yes i think i need to work out what my style will be prior to shopping, what suits my shape etc.

your thoughts were very helpful and appreciated..!

[MargaretJ]

If I was starting over again, I would have gotten into the make up at an earlier age. I have drifted in and out of crossdressing thoughout my life, but the last few years have been the most rewarding, and I don't think I will drift out of it now. This is almost entirely down to using make up as a major part in my crossdressing.

[Tina B.]

Haley, if I where starting over in this day and age, I would start on line. Pick a site about fashion and sooner or later you will find and article on what looks good on what body shapes, I found out todays women are mostly straight, breast, hips, and waist all close to the same size, me too. And what is curvy, whats shaped like an apple means, as well as how to dress my shape. All good things to know. I found a wig store on line that had and article about face shapes and what hair styles fit which type faces. Mac and many other sites online do make up how to videos, picked up some good tips from them. Clothing stores on site will help figure out sizes for you.Hope some of this helps.
Tina B.

[Jodygurl]

I can't tell you how many things I've bought that got sent to the Good Will very quickly. (You're an Aussie so I don't know if you have those, kind of a charity, hand-me-down affair here, you donate good stuff and they sell it.....it's were I get all my jeans!) Over time I've learned by experimenting w/ lots of styles and am finally at a place where I can walk the racks and know what to avoid and what to take to the dressing room. Trial 'n Error, baby. It sounds tought, but after a while you'll just love the idea of shopping. If you've been here for only a little while you'll have seen that most of us love it and don't care about what others might think.

Good luck, have fun on the journey.

[hayley_babe]

thankyou so much for the advice so far girls, it has been very helpful...yes the internet is a wealth of knowledge thankfully so there is always new information and knowledge to look up but like has been mentioned earlier, again its all about what feels right and enjoyable, but you have each helped me with starting points...

i think there will be lots of fun on this journey, at least thats what im planning anyway hehe...

[Tasha McIntyre]

Hi Hayley.

If I could have my time over again things would be a whole lot different. I only discovered the magic of make up and hair very recently, then quickly discovered the wonder of getting out and about en femme. Anyway....

1. I would start at the make up shop, and just say it straight to the SA, I need a make up kit for myself, help me out please.

2. Then I'd hit the clothing shops, whether they be big department stores like Target, or specialty shops like Portmans etc. Once again, be up front from the start, then try on heaps of styles, and work out what I like and what I think works for me.

3. Gotta have a wig. I am very happy with my ebay hair from China.

4. Get out and about with a big smile.

Wow, how I wish (I'm sure I ain't alone) I could have some time back again :daydreaming:

[Chari]

Hayley, Starting again, or for the first time, it is to your advantage to observe (not stalk) and take notes on the GGs in your age group and body size as to what they are wearing, makeup, and hairstyles! Next, find your size, color, and style of clothing. Then comes the makeup, which again depends on your age and the event. Continuing on to the comportment of being feminine - learn to stand, sit, walk, talk, and gesture as a female. All this takes practice, practice, and more practice without any guarantee you will "pass" all the time. Also, should have started sooner to enjoy the feminine side!

[Emily Ann Brown]

If I was starting over today..I would only buy normal clothes that I would were EVERYDAY...(capris, jeans, sandals, flats, sundresses, simple makeup........and grown my own hair (which I have don't now)).

Em

[hayley_babe]

thanks again for the advice girls...chari, yes i love to observe people and especially girls, just their mannerisms, their styles and interactions...i would love to just be one of the girls one day, and probably am a little more than most guys...there is a long way to go but im determined to get there hehe...

[Eva_nine]

i have been dabbling in dressing for years(haven't we all) then more recently i stepped it up a notch and started going out. fueling up my car, buying a soda and a pack of gum with no words exchanged. quickly found that wasn't enough and wanted more but realized i needed some help from an expert. SO....

i found a small clothing shop, went there on a slow afternoon and openly told them my story. i have been back 5 times now(once in femme) and love every minute at that shop. i consider it my home base. i cant emphasize enough how important it is to have a few people who know what you need and are willing to help you out. friends would be great but friends that accept CDs are a bit harder to come by that a few SA's at a small shop wanting to make a sale.

so open up realize what you want out of dressing. personally i want to be called Ma'am by as many people as possible. maybe even someday meet a friend that i have to tell i am not a actually a GG.

you MUST get a wig(or grow your natural if you can and arent receding like me), foundation that matches your complection AND covers the 5 O'clock shadow. And shoes for every occasion. a voice helps so practice when alone at home. the rest will be easy.