What was your best experience out shopping?

[Victoria_R]

Last week I finally got the nerve to go into a wig store and buy me a real wig. Now here is a little back story. My wife has only seen me with a cheap Halloween wig and she said to me I would love you with a real wig and look more natural. So everyday I would drive by this wig store and and think to myself I want to go in there and see what they have. Well me being chicken I would drive in and park and my heart beating fast I would talk myself out of going in. This would go on for weeks like once a week I would make up my mind and go do it but end result I would chicken out. I would tell my wife what I was doing and she just tell me it's ok you will do it one day. Ok so last week I told myself Victoria has to win today put on your big girl panties on and go for it. So I parked and sat there for a minute looking around to see if people will see me and I was trying to talk myself out of it again but I said Victoria has to win. So I got out of my car and started walking to the door. My heart feels like it's about to pop out of my chest. I opened the door and I felt ok I walked in and I guess the sales person was in another room at the time and I was the only one in there. I looked around and saw all the beautiful wigs and I felt happy and was like this is not so bad. Until I heard the sales lady so may I help you and my heart stopped. I turned to her and said to myself this is it you got this. The words I said took forever to come out as j was so nervous I am looking for a wig. The lady was about in her 60s and assuming I was looking for something male because I was in my male self. I don't have panties big enough to out dressed yet lol. So I told the lady I was looking for a female wig I am a crossdresser. She just smiled and said ok I understand. So she asked what I was looking for and I told here and she asked me to sit down. At this time I am about to pass out but they way she was talking to me made me calm down. We picked out about 50 wigs one by one she would put them on me and fix the hair style and I just looked in the mirror and seeing how beautiful I looked. At this time am starting to have fun. I opened up to the lady and started talk to her and telling her about Victoria. She was very polite and respectful. She told me her picks of wigs that she thought looked best on me and we both came to agreement that the one I bought was they best loved it and so did she. I was there for a hour and it turn out to be the best hour of my life. She told me she would like to meet Victoria one day. Also they do makeup and I told her I may have to take her up on that offer because I can't do makeup lol. But this has to be the best experience I have had besides me telling my wife my crossdressing side.

[April Rose]

Wow! That is so wonderful! My one trip for a professional wig fitting was equally positive. When You think about it, It makes sense, doesn't it? Wig shops cater to people with special challenges in the appearance of their hair. Cross dressers are a part of that group. Why wouldn't they accommodate customers who come in for their services?

I hope you will post again and let us know your wife's reaction to your new look.

[Micki_Finn]

Lol congrats. Wig shops are one place you don’t really have to worry about. Do you have any idea how many crossdressers and drag queens they see come through a good wig shop?

[Victoria_R]

The lady at the shop told me I was her first crossdresser I didn't think to ask if she was the owner but overall I had a blast. I haven't dressed yet with the new wig because of my wife's sister staying with us for a week but I can't wait till she leaves and let Victoria come out lol.

[Beverley Sims]

What a wonderful story, my most interesting outing was getting my hair cut and set many years ago.

I wore it for nearly five weeks.

[Teresa]

Victoria,
The words of the first man stepping on the moon came to mind , that was a great step to take, well done . So now you've got some confidence now you know you have a wig that works . So maybe think about getting a colour check done in a cosmetic store , that will be another big step and build more confidence . My first time was funny as as I was in drab , I sat in a booth that was open to customers , the SA was lovely she got so carried away she that she applied foundation to the whole left side of my face . She then went onto show me how to apply powder , all the time I could see customers turning to take a second look as they passed by .

The other story that always makes me smile was when I bought my first selection of shoes from a retail shop , again I was in drab . I picked out the ones I really needed to get me started and then asked the SA if I could try some boots on . Just as she was zipping them up and asking me to stand up we both became aware of a male customer standing staring at us with his lower jaw scraping the floor . The SA began to giggle and couldn't help myself , it took us several minutes to get over it , by then we were really getting on well , she even treased me into buying some shoes from the sale rack . I still have them and every time I wear them I have to smile to myself .

It's hard to say which is my best experience , they divide between wonderful and great fun , I really have had some fun with SAs but I've never had a single bad experience .

[Joyce Swindell]

Congrats on your new wig!

Probably my most memorable shopping experience would be a couple years ago with our local CD group. We have a monthly meeting and organizers will sometimes plan other things outside of the motel. Every so often they'll plan a trip to The Dress Barn. It is all set up ahead of time with the particular store to let us in to shop after they close. I probably tried on dozen or so dresses and bought 4 or 5! Which is a record for me! I'm usually pretty cheap as I think how silly to spend so much on things to hang in the closet. But this night was different. I still have them and have worn some of them out to events.

[Macey]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, we're so proud (seriously, I'm proud of you!)

But c'mon now … spill it, girl!

Tell us about the wig! Style, color, cost, natural or synthetic, yadda yadda. Inquiring minds want to hear all of the details!

So excited for you!

[Helen_Highwater]

Victoria,

There's two that spring to mind. The first echos Teresa's time having her makeup done; I was dressed and when into Boots to have a foundation match. I little nervous but like Teresa's experience the SA was not just professional but totally engaging as well. Treated me just like any other customer and as she went about her task we chatted about all sorts. It also helped reinforce the notion that folks are too busy to take notice. I saw no-one glancing my way, folks just walked straight by.

The second was like yours, a trip to a wig store last year. I'd spent countless hours out and about and wasn't worried about going in. I was served by a male SA who asked me if I had something in mind which I did and as her produced 4 or 5 again we just chatted away, person to person. I must admit that seeing myself in a shorter wig for the first time in the mirror was just lovely and the icing was... there was a sale on!!

I must admit to getting a real sense of pleasure when I get the opportunity to chat to someone like an SA. When someone just interacts with you as a person and not a CD'er it helps make my day. I hope it's something you can experience in the future.

[Victoria_R]

Thank you everyone I feel it was a big step for me. It's weird I had fear to go to a wig store and buy a wig but I have no problem going to buy bras and panties.

Teresa the wig store was also a cosmetic store too and I did ask questions and the lady would have been glad to help me. I would love to have my make up done but baby steps for me maybe I can stop by one day and ask if they can do a private sit for me when they close. Lol

- - - Updated - - -

Macey it is a natural full cap. It's a little pass shoulder length on me about the same length of my wife's hair but hers is a bit longer. It's a blonde with dark roots showing for that more natural look. Love the fact that I can style it in any way. Part in the center put into a ponytail part to one side I just fell in love with with some many way to style it. I was originally looking for black hair to match my wife's hair and straight. When my wife straight her hair I am like damn I want to look like you lol. Also the other wig I liked was like a light red color that the lady said looked really good on me. The price of it was 196.00 that she gave me a 10% discount.

[Micki_Finn]

Did they give you any care instructions? Human hair generally requires a bit more care and maintenance. I don’t generally recommend as a first purchase but as long as you’re happy with it that’s great.

[Macey]

Victoria, so exciting! I hope there may be photos down the road :)

[t-girlxsophie]

Has to be my first time ever trying on clothes en femme,hard to believe was only 2 years ago in Primark,was absolutely no problem and staff couldn't have been nicer,noñe of the ladies in queue were bothered either.It left me kicking myself wondering why I hadn't tried it long before

Sophie

[quebec_blonde]

I don't think a salesperson would say no to a sale. Sounds like a great person which likely there are more than we think. In a sales position like that they see and hear a lot.

[JaclynL61]

Congrats Victoria. Another step forward. It sounds like you had a wonderful time.

I can't pick one shopping experience and say it is the best. One sad note for me is that my favorite store just closed. Working on a new favorite now.

[CrossKimmy]

Omg what a delightful story Victoria. So lovely. It brought a smile to my heart.

I’ve had a couple memorable stories out shopping. One time I went out looking for my first heels and walked timidly in the store and took my time making into the women’s section. The SA walked over to me and asked if I needed anything. She was so wonderful and sweet to this shy boy looking for the right shoes to turn him into a princess. Hehe. Anywhoo. I told her I was looking for shoes for a costume party and that I was going as a girl. She asked what my dress looked like and then proceeded to show me all kinds of cute shoes, trying them on and walking around in the store. She complimented me telling me how well I could handle the 5 inch heels.

[Stephanie47]

The only time I came close to having personal service was buying a wig. It was the early 1980's. Total lack of confidence, so I went to K-Mart to buy a wig for Halloween. Not a Halloween wig, but, a woman's wig. I was attended to by a young woman, probably in her early to mid twenties. I was in my early 30's. She thought it was great. Although it was under the guise of Halloween it was both nerve racking and fun.

The second wig I bought was at a shop own or at least attended to by an older Korean woman. I think she probably did not understand why the heck a guy would want to wear a woman's wig even though it was also around a Halloween. Over the years I've gone from brunette to blond to grey.

[Cheshire girl]

A big step Victoria. Well done! Buying a wig is easier if you go dressed and made up as you can see how the wig blends with your style. Wig shops are very friendly places I find. I hope you experience acceptance when you are dressed in the future. I have no problems whether buying clothes make up wigs or whatever. Looking good and blending in is such a big help. Your wig shop sounds a great place for you to have a nice make up and develop your femme style. Enjoy! Xx

[Sometimes Steffi]

Sometimes it's the sales experience that is wonderful, and sometimes it's the comments by other customers.

A couple of year ago, I decided that I wanted a Wonder Woman costume for Halloween. I had delayed so long that I couldn't be sure of getting the costume in time if I ordered online. So, I went to one of the local "pop-up" Spirit Halloween stores. I found a WW costume that I liked, but the largest size was an "L". I thought I would need an "XL" I decided to take the costume to the dressing room to try on. The costume seemed to be too small, but it did have a lot of stretch. I thought if I could zip it up, I could make it work, but the zipper was too hard to reach.

There was a 30 something mom in the changing area who was helping her 10-year old daughter pick out a costume. Would I, should I, could I ask the mom for a zip assist with her daughter standing right there? I decided that I could, and I waited until the daughter went into the dressing room and asked the mom to zip me up. She zipped me up without and snickering or giving me the evil eye or anything. I went back to my dressing room and checked out the fit in the mirror. I didn't want to take too long, because I didn't want to get stuck zipped in and have to go out into the public part of the store to get someone to unzip me. I went back to the mom and had her unzip me. She said, "That looks great on you. You really should get it."

After I changed out of the costume and got re-dressed, I met the mom and her daughter right outside the dressing room area. The mom told me again that I should really get the costume, and that her daughter agreed. I don't even know when the daughter saw me in the costume.

Anyhow, I got the costume and it was a big hit. I know, if there's no picture it didn't happen, so I'll look for a pic with me as WW.

Three girls wore different WW costumes (https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/3/a/8/highres_465525992.jpeg). I'm the WW on the right. And here (https://www.meetup.com/DC-TransLadies-Community/photos/28258180/465518595/#465536907), I'm the one on the left.

[Judy-Somthing]

The best experience shopping I had was 35 years ago .
I went into a girdle store and said I wanted an "all in one for my wife".
Well when I told them the size they figured it was for me.
The two older women said "if it's for you, don't feel uncomfortable, let us measure for the best fit".
It was so cool, they measured me and I got a perfect fitting All-in-one which I still have, So cool!

[Princess Chantal]

The top two shopping experiences oddly both happened during group shopping outings prior to a monthly crossdressing social club meeting involving first timers.
One shopping trip had a group of 5 of us cds in which we all got into one vehicle. We all had plenty of public experiences except for Krystal. Krystal was sporting her new glue on breast forms in which we all teased her about being quite nippily as her nipples were showing cause of not wearing a bra. The teasing were like cold weather related jokes, her looking aroused, and her being an Austin Powers femmebot with the boob guns! Well turns out the first item she ever tried on and purchased was a padded bra due to our teasing!
The other trip involved 3 car loads of group members going to a large busy mall (if I recall right it was 8 of us cds/tg and 1 gg) with one again being her first outing. As we were arranging our meet back location and time prior to breaking off into smaller groups, the first time outing cd wandered off. Well instead of breaking into shopping groups we became searching groups. After spending over an hour unsuccessfully searching, we did not know what to do. Do we go to the service desk and ask for them to page on the loud speaker something like “Christie L please meet the Masquerade group at centre court”? As a last thought one friend decided to go check to see if Christie was outside in the parking lot where we parked. Thankfully she was there with a couple small Claire’s shopping bags. Turned out that she wandered on into Claire’s to seek out some of the magnetic clip-on earrings (that I mentioned during a previous month meeting) while we were making the arrangements. After making the purchase she got spooked by a mall security person gazing at her and raced out to the cars!

[Maid_Marion]

Yes, the WW costume with the skirt looks great! Better balance between top and bottom.

[suzanne]

As I read your account, I was convinced your sales lady had dealt with CDs before, so I was surprised when you said you were her first. Your story is a beautiful one and it further reinforces my theory that female sales staff enjoy helpjng people like us find ourselves in the feminine. I think she sees many women with self image issues that are helped immensely by the changes a wig can bring, and it appears she saw you as having a similar need.

It's wonderful that you conquered your fears, went in, and ended up having fun. 50 wigs is an epic dress-up session! That sounds like so much fun it will be hard to duplicate it going forward, but I do know it will get easier to make that trip through the front door. I hope your wonderful wife enjoys what your wig does for you, both outside and inside.

[Ressie]

I think my first break through shopping experience was at the Shoe Dept about 5 years ago. I was looking at heels and an SA asked me who I was looking for and I told her for myself. She told me to try on some shoes and she would get back to me. So I tried on several and walked in them a bit. And then more people were suddenly in the store and I was walking in heels as the walked passed me!

Unfortunately, the next time I went to the Shoe Dept that SA was no longer there. I was looking at women's shoes and tried on a pair. Then I noticed two SAs were whispering to each other and snickering behind my back. Never went back there again!

[NancySue]

I was shopping for shoes and found a couple pair. At checkout, as much as I tried to disguise my voice, she immediately knew. Her smile was a relief. She complimented my eye makeup and outfit. I thanked her. She noticed I was wearing hose and frowned. I smiled and told her I always wore hose and so should she. She just smiled. She gave me a 10% discount too. Yes, a good day. I will go back.

[Cheryl T]

I was out with my wife a few years ago and we were in a Marshall's.
As we were waiting in the checkout line a lady was behind us with her son in the seat of the shopping cart. The boy had a ball and tossed it out of the cart towards me. I picked it up and returned it to him and got back in line. He tossed it again. Again I returned it. We did this about 5 times, all the time smiling at each other. Finally the mother said to him, "that's enough, the nice lady doesn't want to play anymore". We smiled at each other and off I went to pay for my items.
It was very heartening to interact with them like that and kept me smiling all day long.

[Majella St Gerard]

As long as I buy something it's a good shopping experience.

[JulesLynne]

Without a doubt mine was Sephora in Harrisburg PA during last month’s Keystone. My wife and I both had a great time!

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Victoria :hugs:, Having been in this program for 72yrs. now I have had so many great shopping experiences.


when I go to a wig store I always allow at least an Hour & a half,
Because I don't want to have to rush wile having so much fun.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Orchid ...:daydreaming:+..

[Tracii G]

Lots of great shopping experiences over the years.

[StevieTV]

I bought a necklace at a thrift store. The girl at the cash said "you'll look fabulous with it". I gleefully said thank you.

[TracyT]

I had a great experience just the other day, at JJill, naturally -- I was there to return a pair of capri pants that I'd ordered online. They were an L, and amazingly they were too loose on me and I got an M. The SAs at JJill all know me and are super-welcoming and helpful. I was wearing a gingham check skirt that I had gotten in the same order, and I felt like it was also a bit big. I asked the SA who handled the return for me what she thought and she took a step back and said "Turn around." Feeling a bit sheepish, I did so. There were a couple of women at the register next to mine and they started watching and commenting also. By this time there were 4 women, 2 SAs and 2 customers, examining me, obviously a guy, in my skirt and hose. They were all very complimentary and friendly. The consensus was that the skirt was flattering on me but I might want to try the medium to see if I liked that size better. (I did, and I did.) The whole thing lasted less than 10 minutes and I was very flattered and appreciative.

[BTWimRobin]

Hi Victoria,

I am so happy you had such a good experience buying a wig.

I have to admit that I was hesitant about posting on this thread because I have not had any experience whatsoever shopping out in the wild for myself. After reading all of your experiences I have to say that all you ladies are totally inspiring. Thank you all so much for sharing.

Robin

[Victoria_R]

Robin I hope one day you can have a good experience shopping too. Like you reading everyone's experience is somewhat giving me self-esteem to want to go take the next step and get my make up done or dress and take that first step out of my front door. I am so happy that I found this site and can read and talk to others. Thank you everyone.

[OCCarly]

My best shopping experience was the time I scored three beautiful designer dresses—two Calvin Klein’s and a Ralph Lauren, at Ross Dress For Less on senior discount day.

[Patience]

Finding cute brand new shoes in my size. Even better if on clearance.

[Lacey New]

I’ve written about this before so I won’t go into a lot of detail, but several years ago and after pm’ing SometimesSteffi, I finally paid a visit to Dress Barn. Bottom line, I was treated very well and the SA was wonderful setting me up with a changing room and helping me find the right dress. The experience could not have been better. I have also had good experiences at several Vanity Fair Outlets remembering some pleasant conversations about pretty nylon slips and camisoles. I’m sure the SAs knew they were for me but they never let on.

[Ozark]

Here's a shopping trip I'll remember! LOL... I still buy those Dillard's pants. they are so comfortable. I'm 70 now and feeling good!

Shopping at Sear's on Valentine's Day night 02-18-2012 ----

Valentine's Day afternoon I went down to the lake cabin make the boat cover was still on the boat, move a tv that I had been hauling around in the back of my car for a week down there and generally check on the place since I hadn't been down there since before Thanksgiving. It was all secure.

I headed over to Branson to the VF store but I got there about 6:30 and it was closed.

So I went over to the Tangier outlet mall (can you tell I'm in Branson) to the Jockey Store. I bought eight pair of Jockey for Her pants on sale for 2.99 plus a 14% Valentine's day discount. I got french cuts and extended briefs in every color the store had. The woman asked me if I knew about their 100% satisfaction guarantee....if SHE wasn't satisfied, bring them back for a total refund. I told her that I know what I liked and I am sure these panties will be satisfactory.

But I wasn't done. I headed back to Springfield and stopped by Dillard's in the mall and bought 5 pair of Cabernet full cut brief panties in black, red, white, blue and yellow. I asked the sales clerk if these pants (I used that word) ever went on sale. She told me they are such a good seller at that price and they were comfortable and they sell a lot of them. I told her yes, these pants are so comfortable that I keep coming back for more.

I was wearing a pair of elastic waist Chic blue jeans, an Eddie Bauer plaid shirt and a zip up hoodie. I was underdressed also. I like dressing andryogneous--

I had a 20% coupon off at Penney's and a 25% coupon off at Sears. I went to Sears and picked up a sears brand nylon night gown and a three pack of sears panties, not the VIP panties, the old blue package panties.

At the checkout counter, the girl asked is I got her the right size. I told her I am sure the size is correct. She then asked if I wanted to keep the hanger.

I said, yes.

She asked if I wanted to use my sears card and she looked up to see if I was a member of the Sears Club. I gave her my phone number and She must have seen my purchase history because she said I bet you have 5 of these hanging in your closet in every color (if only she knew!)

I told her we had enough colors and I was actually looking for white and coulted find any white nightgowns in the size I wanted. She commented that the gown I picked out--- just a basic sear's nylon VF knockoff-- would certainly look cute on me... I told her A lot of things look cute on me. In my mind, I said, I have a perfect body. We both laughed.

I could sense another person in line behind me. The clerk kept up with her banter. I was enjoying it, I don't think I was blushing, but it was fun.

She picked up the package of panties and told me she thought I'd look cute in the pink panties, and the blue and beige ones too, they were so cute. I again told her I was looking for white but didn't find any. I had picked up a size 9 package--these run big because I had bought a size 11 before Xmas and they swam on me.

She told me did I have the right size as these run big. I told her I knew that and that there is even a note in the package stating that fact, these panties run big but shrink down in the wash.... I know because I am using that card as a bookmark in the book I am reading... she said she didn't know that.

She asked if I wanted a receipt or an e-receipt.. I opted for teh e-receipt. So, I don't know her name but she did make me smile.

I think she knew who I was buying these for. When my wife got home from work this evening I told her what happened. She wondered how many old men buy panties from Sears.

I reminded her of the time she and I wear at the VF store in Branson and the sales clerk told me, as I was purchasing VF briefs (for me--- when shopping with the wife, while she will pick out styles she thinks I will like, she makes me carry the panties and pay for them, she tells me what to do. She wonders if I want to buy something pretty. I always do.)

Anyhow, several years ago at VF store, at the check out, the checker...a middle aged woman about my age, maybe a little younger, says 'these are very comfortable, lots of men buy them.' I said something like yes, they are comfortable, not agreeing that I wear them or not. Then my wife says oh you now you like to wear them.

Well, they are comfortable I said. The clerk said I thought so. I asked how. She said the sizes. Oh. I was buying big sizes and my wife is about a size 7. Have a nice day and enjoy your purchase she said, I will said I.

[caitlyn louisa]

I once went to a fancy dress store to get a costume for Halloween. I was looking at male costumes and was getting some help from the female sales assistant. I hinted that I would be willing to consider a female costume. She immediately jumped on that and said that she suspected that was my plan all along and she thought I had never any intentions of getting a male outfit! We settled on a princess outfit and she told me to get over to Victoria's secret for undies!

[melissalynn]

Three satisfying shopping moments come to mind.come to mind. A cashier at Marshall's gushing about how good I'll look in the red dress I was about to buy. Two women in a lingerie outlet complimenting one on my makeup. (I wish I had done it myself). A discussion with the manager of an Avenue store when , much to my surprise, a pair of shoes in a size smaller than what I normally wear, fit perfectly.

[amandagurl2014]

I've had a lot of great experiences shopping, too many to put in one post. Was in shoe show a few years back here in KY and a woman and her teenage daughter approached me and asked me to help them find shoes to wear to a wedding. It made me feel good that I passed well enough for complete strangers to be comfortable with me helping them pick out shoes. There are more people out there that appreciate us than what you think. You just have to present yourself in a natural way like any other GG would as they go about there day. Basically you don't want people thinking freak or wierdo at first glance.

[TheHiddenMe]

Um, my next one?

I have a number of them.

Probably my favorite (wrote about it in the pictures forum) was my first time out locally. I planned a Sephora makeover (which was absolutely fabulous and is the basis for my makeup routine now) and a shopping trip to Nordstrom. I was scared to ask (beforehand) whether I could come in dressed, but they said yes. I show up after my makeover and find a dressing room with 15 dresses hanging in the room. I ended up with two dresses (including my favorite dress) and two GG friends. When I was in the same store last Thursday (many of the SAs there know me now) I met the store manager and she knew of me, and I told her the story. She was very proud to hear compliments about her team.

A second time was Halloween 2017. I was at Nordstrom trying things on, and was putting on the dress I was going to wear out to dinner with my GG friend who was working (the dress is my avatar). Another customer walks by and says "so cute".

Another was last December at the other Nordstrom in town. I was trying on the off shoulder turquoise dress I wore to dinner in my last post (and I wrote about in Kandi's Land) and a guy nearby says, "you have phenomenal legs, you might as well show them off ".

[lingerieLiz]

The first wig I bought was from my land lady who was a beautician. She picked it out and it worked well. I wore it for a few years when I went out. The second wig I bought was interesting because the owner and her husband were there and they told me I would make a great looking girl and no one would guess other wise. One of the comments she made was that, I had very natural feminine movements. As we talked I admitted that I had grown up wearing girl's clothes.

I think the most fun was when I went to buy a bra at Nordstrom and was taken into the fitting room to try it on only to find that they had not emptied the dressing room of the lingerie from the person before me. The SA asked if I wanted everything removed. I said no I might find something. As luck would have it, it appeared to be perhaps a bride to be. It was full of bustiers and other bridal lingerie. Who ever she was wore the same sizes that I did. The clerk came by and I told her that I was still trying on the bustiers. She asked if I needed help. To the this day I wish I had said yes instead of no.