Shopping around Absecon (Atlantic City, NJ).

[ChelseaErtel]

I'm new to this forum and am just beginning to think about going out. First of all I'm very nervous about it but excited. I'm not "out" and my wife does not know. I just love being a girl sometimes. So, I'll be in near ACY, NJ and want to go out shopping. I think I look passable, but not too sure. I have two wigs I like best and those are in the photos.

Which wig would work better (I'm 53) and look passable? I've been practicing with makeup for over two years and have gotten pretty good - I think. Been working on my female voice too.

I'll welcome your comments.

Chelsea

[bridget thronton]

Very nice presentation - welcome to the forum

[Julie Denier]

Nice outfit! I like the longer brown wig.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Chelsea, That's a fantastic look very feminine looking.

[ChelseaErtel]

I liked the chestnut brown wig better too. I guess I'm not old enough, quite yet, to take the other out.

I added a another photo with the chestnut wig and one of my new shoes. I purchased them at JC Penny's and the attendant was very helpful even thought I was not en femme.

I just love the high heels. Makes me over 6 foot but I don't care, they make me more much more like woman.

[Lori B]

Hi Chelsea! :wave:,,,,,,,,,,you look great!:)

[ChelseaErtel]

Do you ever go out? I'm afraid of being "made",but no one know me in NJ so I keep telling myself there is nothing to fear. It would be better to go out with another CD, (I'm straight BTW), but it would be nice to talk to and shop with another girl like me.

[Nicole Brown]

Hi Chelsea,
First, you look lovely and I agree with all of the other comments concerning your long brown wig, it truly complements you. New Jersey can be a very accepting place to venture out for the first time. This state is one of the ones which has some rather nice laws which protect girls like us. That being said, Atlantic City is a wonderful place to visit, as long as you stay in one of the hotels, walk the boardwalk or stay one block from the boardwalk.
I personally wouldn't venture much further from the ocean even if I were not en femme, it just isn't safe. I have been in Atlantic City at least 10 times in recent years and have always had a wonderful time. Just remember to dress appropriately and have fun. Dressing as other woman do helps you to fit in and pass more easily. Walking the boardwalk in the middle of the afternoon in the lovely outfit you are wearing in your pictures will tend to bring unwanted focus upon you.
Dress as other woman dress and blend in is the best advice I can give to you. I know that the desire to wear a beautiful dress and heels can be overwhelming, but remember dressing in such a fashion will being unwanted attention to you. When I go out, and I do 4 - 5 times a week, I dress to blend in.
So, go, get out and just plain enjoy yourself. And finally, remember to use the ladies room and to sit down.... LOL...

[ChelseaErtel]

Thank you for the advice. I'm actually staying close to the airport and not near the ocean. And i agree that dressing appropriately will work. I bought some flats a nice blouse and a longer skirt for going out in the day. I was thinking I could go to the mall in the evening after work hours dressed nicer, as if I was going out to dinner. Anyway, helpful tips. Thank you.

[ChelseaErtel]

Can you give me ideas of day type wear that won't bring unwanted attention?

[AllieSF]

Welcome to the Forum Chelsea. I like the darker and longer wig the best. You look very good in that dress. Since it is pretty formal for our casual style America, I would wear that out for special occasions. Finding a good CD friend would be a great boost to your confidence to go out. I would look for some local CD groups to meet and then network with the members for someone to go out with. It may take some time to find a good match, but it can be done actually quite easily.

For casual wear I use skirts or slacks and tops. I use mostly lower heels and flats, during the colder months boots with heels. The best way to get an idea of what is appropriate for the venue that you select is to watch what other women are wearing (the majority of women) and pick an outfit for yourself somewhat close to that. Good luck and enjoy. Thanks for sharing your picks.

[Cheryl T]

I like the longer brown wig also.
If you are planning on going out for the first time and don't want too many stares then you should dress in styles similar to the other women at that venue. The dress, while stunning, would be a bit over the top for any of the malls in that area. Were you shopping in NYC at Bloomie's or the like it would be fine. Just something to consider.

[ChelseaErtel]

I have some casual blouses and some skirts I can wear. I don't have any flats, just heels. I was going to go shopping and buy some more business type dresses and some longer skirts (knee length) with a cardigan top. I'm don't think I can pull off slacks.

Thanks for your tips ladies. :)

[Noel Chimes]

Hi Chelsea and welcome to the party. Definitely you are ready for an evening out. Dinner, dancing, movies, or just a stroll with the girls, you have got it down perfect. You go girl!!!!!!

[Julie Denier]

Love the black slingbacks! They're a much better match for your outfit.

[Cheryl T]

Do you ever go out? I'm afraid of being "made",but no one know me in NJ so I keep telling myself there is nothing to fear. It would be better to go out with another CD, (I'm straight BTW), but it would be nice to talk to and shop with another girl like me.

I go out all the time and have been to the casinos in A.C. without any problems. Just don't overdress and don't wander from the boardwalk at night. It's not the best of areas around them once you're a block or two away. It's always more fun with another gal...

[AllieSF]

You can definitely pull off slacks, and the good news is that there are so many varieties, shapes and styles for you to pick from. With your long legs they will look terrific. I have jeans, Capri's, beige and a pinkish gray khaki type slacks, business slacks mostly bought at thrift stores where there is a fantastic selection in all types of lengths and fits and materials. Because a lot of women's slacks are on the longish side you can easily and appropriately wear heels with them. A lot of slacks look and hang better with heels. But, flats also work well with slacks too. Try it you will like it, and please get yourself some flats and low heels and even almost flat sandals in different colors. It opens up so many options for dressing to go out for the day and evening. Good luck.

[ArleneRaquel]

Hon,
You look amazing & gorgeous in all pic, You are very alluring darlin.

[ChelseaErtel]

I just bought the three shoes attached. On flat, one low heel, and the open toed 4" heel because I couldn't help my self. With the cardigan sweaters, basic tops, and the longer skirts I think I'm set to an outing.

Thanks bunches,

Chelsea

[ChelseaErtel]

You are too sweet, thank you. My confidence is bursting at the seems!

[DeniseNJ]

so when are you going to AC area? did some shopping yesterdaybut was in drab with some feminine touches you look like a size 8- 10 your one lucky girl

[ChelseaErtel]

Sent you a PM with the details. I have never heard of the term "Drab" before this forum. Makes sense.

[NathalieX66]

Looks great!
I do the northern end of NJ. I dress to blend in....and yes, I love wearing dresses.

[Lauren B]

Thank you for the advice. I'm actually staying close to the airport and not near the ocean. And i agree that dressing appropriately will work. I bought some flats a nice blouse and a longer skirt for going out in the day. I was thinking I could go to the mall in the evening after work hours dressed nicer, as if I was going out to dinner. Anyway, helpful tips. Thank you.

Follow Nicole's advice, from how to dress to where not to go in AC. Since you mentioned Absecon, you can get into AC from there via the White Horse Pike and go to the marina area, and bypass the seediest sections of town that way. If you want to shop, Hamilton Mall is pretty close to the airport and from what I can remember has a decent amount of stores.

[ChelseaErtel]

Thanks for the advise. Do you think AC are will be better to be out an about?