Boyswillbegirls.com - opinions for a nervous first timer?

[Gilly68]

Hi all,

Well, I've only fully embraced my dressing again for the last couple of months, after having seriously purged about 4 years ago.

But now, I'm getting into it deeper than I (Or my credit card) ever imagined!

So, I now really, desperately want a professional makeover, top to toe, the full works! And after the terrible last year we've all had, I think I deserve a treat.

But I need some of you lovely ladies advice on whether the place I've been considering is a good one for an incredibly nervous first timer!

The place I'm considering is https://boyswillbegirls.com/

I've read the reviews, watched their youtube videos, and everything looks amazing!

I actually live in the NW of England, near to Liverpool, so I'd be travelling down, and staying in London for a couple of nights.

But, before I take the plunge, I'd like to hear any opinions anyone has, especially as I'm so nervous about doing it!

Any help or opinions gratefully received!

[Shelly Preston]

Hi Gilly

I know there are places closer to you than having to go to London.

The only one I would personally avoid is transformation in Manchester.

This due to the fact they do seem to have a bad name around in the Transgender community

[Kimberly A.]

Hi, Gilly. :) I say go for it! I'm not in England at all, of course but I did click the link and read a little on that website..... Seeing as how they're very discreet and non-judgmental, (as they should be), and also they don't know who you are, then it seems to me like you have little-to-nothing to be afraid of by allowing that service to give you a makeover. Also if you decided to do it, make sure you post pics here and I hope you have a wonderful experience with it! :)

I wish there was something like that close to where I live. I live in Mississippi, in the southern US and I'd have to travel to somewhere like New York for any sort of service like that..... *Sighs* :( Oh, well. LOL

[Gilly68]

Hi Gilly

I know there are places closer to you than having to go to London.

The only one I would personally avoid is transformation in Manchester.

This due to the fact they do seem to have a bad name around in the Transgender community

Hi Shelly. Thanks for the info. I'm thinking of going to London, and staying overnight to make it more an occasion for myself, as it's my first time! And to be honest, it's easy to keep it from my family if I just say I'm going for a couple of days sight-seeing in London.


Hi, Gilly. :) I say go for it! I'm not in England at all, of course but I did click the link and read a little on that website..... Seeing as how they're very discreet and non-judgmental, (as they should be), and also they don't know who you are, then it seems to me like you have little-to-nothing to be afraid of by allowing that service to give you a makeover. Also if you decided to do it, make sure you post pics here and I hope you have a wonderful experience with it! :)

I wish there was something like that close to where I live. I live in Mississippi, in the southern US and I'd have to travel to somewhere like New York for any sort of service like that..... *Sighs* :( Oh, well. LOL

Thanks for the encouraging words Kimberley! I am definitely going to go for it, and I will for sure post some pics! Your country is so huge! I thought going 200 miles to London is really travelling, but you're talking thousands of miles aren't you?

[Lori Ann Westlake]

Sorry, no advice to offer, except that I do like the name. Straight out of "Lola"!

[Gilly68]

So it is! thought it was familiar, but didn't connect it.

I suppose The Kinks are a London band, so it kind of is appopriate!

[michelleddg]

Hi Gilly,

Not trying to influence your decision, just wanted to make sure you were aware of The Boudoir and gave them due consideration.

https://theboudoironline.com/

Good luck, have fun! Hugs, Michelle

[Gilly68]

No, that's great Michelle, thanks very much! I'll take a look.

[TheHiddenMe]

If you just want a makeover, I strongly suggest Sephora (assuming they are doing them again). It costs $50 (US), but you will likely spend that much (actually a lot more) in makeup. They are TG friendly and the times I've gone (three times) I couldn’t have been treated better. The MUA at my second makeover taught me how to do makeup, which has given me lots of confidence.

There is likely a Sephora near you. I suggest giving them a call.

[susan jackson]

We don;t have any Sephora shops in the UK

[PatriciaC]

MAC stores may be an alternative even if the product range would be more limited.

[Gilly68]

Thanks very much for the suggestion Patricia, it's something I'll definitely consider for the future!

For my first time, I really want the whole experience with clothes, hair and photos, which is why I'm looking towards one of the makeover services, so it'll be the whole package (and also somewhere private, to try and bring down my level of nervousness!)

[kayegirl]

Hi Gilly, Like Shelley says, there are dressing services nearer to the NW Leeds and Hull both spring to mind, but I appreciate your reasoning for a trip to London. You might also check out the Brighton area if you don't mind travelling a bit further. Just Google dressing services in the area of choice
I would also echo Shelleys comments regarding Transformations in Manchester. I used them for my very first makeover and came away very disappointed.

[Liz Jones]

Hi Gilly,
Dont know if you are aware of Northern Concord ( U.K. ) they have a long list of things of interest to us. Perusal is open to non members,--
http://www.northernconcord.org.uk/
XXX Liz

[paulinescotlandcd]

I live here in sunny old Scotland but if i was ever to have a makeover I would make the effort of calling in at Gordon Fawcett at Liverpool of The Makeover Rooms. He will give you a really natural look. Find him on Facebook.

[Gilly68]

Thanks for all the great information everyone!


Hi Gilly, Like Shelley says, there are dressing services nearer to the NW Leeds and Hull both spring to mind, but I appreciate your reasoning for a trip to London. You might also check out the Brighton area if you don't mind travelling a bit further. Just Google dressing services in the area of choice
I would also echo Shelleys comments regarding Transformations in Manchester. I used them for my very first makeover and came away very disappointed.

It sounds like Transformations in Manchester is definitely one place I should cross off my list!

And I'll google the Brighton area to see what there is around there, thank you.



Hi Gilly,
Dont know if you are aware of Northern Concord ( U.K. ) they have a long list of things of interest to us. Perusal is open to non members,--
http://www.northernconcord.org.uk/
XXX Liz

I hadn't heard of that organisation Liz, thanks, I'll take a look.


I live here in sunny old Scotland but if i was ever to have a makeover I would make the effort of calling in at Gordon Fawcett at Liverpool of The Makeover Rooms. He will give you a really natural look. Find him on Facebook.

I've never heard of The Makeover Rooms, and I don't live too far away from it - thanks Pauline! I think for the first time, I'd like to go a bit further afield, just to try and control my nervousness! But once that initial fear is conquered, The Makeover Rooms would be a lot more convenient when / if I feel the urge for another makeover.

[Helen_Highwater]

If you go on YouTube and search "boyswillbegirls" no spaces you'll find 3 videos of their transformations.

The is also vids of a dressing service in Brighton, name escapes me, but it did look rather good.

[Liz Jones]

Hi,
"Crossdressing lifestyle " is based in Brighton -- they welcome contact from others
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwbifC_69TqhN4FBkc1ZLug
XXX Liz

- - - Updated - - -

Hi,
Further to thread 18 i have just posted, heres their "about " page gives all their contact details,--
https://www.youtube.com/c/CrossdressingLifestyle/about
XXX Liz

[josie_S]

I'm in the states and super jealous that I can't just go to BWBG because if I could I absolutely would! I love her work!

[Gilly68]

If you go on YouTube and search "boyswillbegirls" no spaces you'll find 3 videos of their transformations.

The is also vids of a dressing service in Brighton, name escapes me, but it did look rather good.


Thanks Helen, I'll have a look at those videos :)


Hi,
"Crossdressing lifestyle " is based in Brighton -- they welcome contact from others
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwbifC_69TqhN4FBkc1ZLug
XXX Liz

- - - Updated - - -

Hi,
Further to thread 18 i have just posted, heres their "about " page gives all their contact details,--
https://www.youtube.com/c/CrossdressingLifestyle/about
XXX Liz


Ooh, thanks for that as well Liz, I shall have a look at them as well


I'm in the states and super jealous that I can't just go to BWBG because if I could I absolutely would! I love her work!


Thanks Josie, good to hear your thoughts on her work.

I suppose there are some advantages of living in a relatively small country like the UK, one being everything is only a few hours away!

[Judy-Somthing]

I always wanted a professional makeover.
I was looking for one on the web when I found this site and joined.

It looks like it would be a day to remember, especially if women are part of the experience.

I ended up deciding to put the $300 or so into buying wigs and makeup that I still have and trying to learn the art of makeup.

If I had money to burn, I would love to go for a professional makeover.

The makeovers they show are pretty super.

Have Fun,

Miss Judy

[Mackem Sue]

Transformations had always come across as a bit "meh" from the bits and pieces I've garnered.

It used to have 6 branches around the UK in major cities, including London and a short lived place in Newcastle too hidden up a back street in the 1990s (Low Friars Street where it met Fenkel Square for anyone else from the North East who remembers it - there was an even shorter lived competitor set up by a Transformations employee that even got coverage on Tyne Tees local television in the 90s) close to Newcastle's China Town. It has certainly shrunk since then and the goods on its website are way too expensive compared to other sources.

The other places mentioned are certainly doing a good job and some of the makeovers are good enough to make the subject quite passable. I'll peruse when I have more time. 🙂

Sue.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Gilly :hugs:, Crossdressing is like being in the MAFIA, You just can't Quit, >Orchid**o:daydreaming:o**

[Crissy 107]

I have a friend from another site that went to Boyswillbegirls and had an absolutely wonderful time. I saw the pictures and they were beautiful. Go enjoy yourself!

[JenniferMBlack]

I'm not in London and have no experience with the company. That being said I'd encourage you to do it. If they have experience and good reviews then I think you would be good. I think you would really be happy you did.

[Gilly68]

I always wanted a professional makeover.
I was looking for one on the web when I found this site and joined.

It looks like it would be a day to remember, especially if women are part of the experience.

I ended up deciding to put the $300 or so into buying wigs and makeup that I still have and trying to learn the art of makeup.

If I had money to burn, I would love to go for a professional makeover.

The makeovers they show are pretty super.

Have Fun,

Miss Judy

I've been saying I'll have to go for a makeover for the last who knows how many years.

And after the last year I, along with everyone else has had, and together with the fact my job is probably finishing by the end of the year, I decided, life's too short, and why not do it, or just regret not doing it! And I've not been away on holiday, so this little trip would be my holiday for the year!


Transformations had always come across as a bit "meh" from the bits and pieces I've garnered.

It used to have 6 branches around the UK in major cities, including London and a short lived place in Newcastle too hidden up a back street in the 1990s (Low Friars Street where it met Fenkel Square for anyone else from the North East who remembers it - there was an even shorter lived competitor set up by a Transformations employee that even got coverage on Tyne Tees local television in the 90s) close to Newcastle's China Town. It has certainly shrunk since then and the goods on its website are way too expensive compared to other sources.

The other places mentioned are certainly doing a good job and some of the makeovers are good enough to make the subject quite passable. I'll peruse when I have more time. 🙂

Sue.

Thanks Sue, another vote to avoid Transformations! Most of the other places seem to have fine reviews, so they all seem to be doing a good job, as you say.


Hi Gilly :hugs:, Crossdressing is like being in the MAFIA, You just can't Quit, >Orchid**o:daydreaming:o**

I like to think of it more like an addiction :) - but a healthy one (except for my credit card!)


I have a friend from another site that went to Boyswillbegirls and had an absolutely wonderful time. I saw the pictures and they were beautiful. Go enjoy yourself!

Thanks Crissy, glad your friend had a great experience there!


I'm not in London and have no experience with the company. That being said I'd encourage you to do it. If they have experience and good reviews then I think you would be good. I think you would really be happy you did.

I am definitely going to do it, it's a bit scary, but really exciting! My mind is finally made up after years of putting it off. I spent yesterday evening looking through all the reviews of the different services, so today, I'm going to book a few days off work - I'll just have to make up some excuse about where I'm going in case they ask!!

[KymG]

I think you should go for it.
Ive thought about a makeover and dressing service from time to time.
Boys will be girls is the only one i would actually go with (when i pluck up the courage)
Cindys work looks amazing, the reviews are great, the pictures are great, and i understand she is very welcoming for nervous girls.

Hopefully one day.

[Gilly68]

I am definitely going to go for it

I can't quite believe I'm going to do it! If you'd said to me a couple of months ago that I'd be going for a full makeover and photoshoot, I would have laughed. But I guess, I've finally come to accept who I am a little more, even if I'm not quite ready to share Gill with the wider world yet!

I hope you do pluck up the courage to go for a makeover - if me, the most nervous shy person you could ever meet can do it, I'm sure you will one day!

[KymG]

Good, You'll have to let us all know how it goes of course!

Also, i believe cindy only adds you to her gallery on the website with your permission, if that helps.

[Gilly68]

Oh I will report back, for sure, and share a picture or two hopefully!

Cindy does seem nice, and very discreet. I don't think I'm quite brave enough to share any of my pictures with the big wide world quite yet though! :lol:

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

My visit with Cindy at BWBG was absolutely life changing. Struggles to get an appointment time with her led to me joining this and other sites openly for the first time. I was thinking maybe the experience of seeing ‘myself’ finally might help me deal with the growing need to do so and maybe be able to calm my crossdressing down so I could continue on the path I was on.

I read all the reviews at her site and it lived up to those without a doubt. For Cindy it was another rainy Monday morning, she was dealing with neck pain and almost cancelled, but still she cared so much to give me a good experience and so for me it was 5 hours of magic. I wish I had been clever enough to video the makeup part so I’d have had my very own ‘how to’ guide. I went in a very closeted cross dresser and hours into it I was ready to go out and do the posing outside, but the rain was so heavy that didn’t happen.

I had had a makeover/dressing session two days before my first, at the boudoir, which was just OK, got the idea she’d rather have been hanging with her kids than doing up my face, did not live up to my expectations, my experience did not match up with the reviews I read there. My complaints about that one was that I had to fight for what I wanted, and got less done than promised, and she uses photo editing to make your look what you see on the website. The chat was good and most of the makeup was fine, just everything was less than what I hoped for.

Cindy’s experience was totally the opposite. She’s a quieter person but so sweet, listened to what I wanted and delivered it, and when she’d have me in a state that I thought looked absolutely fantastic (for me) she would still have more touches or adjustments or changes to make the looks just that much better.

Have always meant to leave another gushing review on her site but here it is instead. If you do go, just make sure to be clear about what you want (for me, I didn’t want to waste time having my nails painted, for example) and Cindy should deliver what you want and maybe even what you didn’t know you wanted. Tell her I said hi, and she won’t remember me because she’s got so many satisfied customers, but for me it was unforgettable.

[josie_S]

wow...after what Rhonda said, I want to go to BWBG even more!

[*ROXY*]

Another site you may not have heard of, Born in Manchester. https://born.uk.com/
Paul is amazing and a crossdresser himself. He does good deals and has a fantastic studio.

[Gilly68]

My visit with Cindy at BWBG was absolutely life changing. Struggles to get an appointment time with her led to me joining this and other sites openly for the first time. I was thinking maybe the experience of seeing ?myself? finally might help me deal with the growing need to do so and maybe be able to calm my crossdressing down so I could continue on the path I was on.

I read all the reviews at her site and it lived up to those without a doubt. For Cindy it was another rainy Monday morning, she was dealing with neck pain and almost cancelled, but still she cared so much to give me a good experience and so for me it was 5 hours of magic. I wish I had been clever enough to video the makeup part so I?d have had my very own ?how to? guide. I went in a very closeted cross dresser and hours into it I was ready to go out and do the posing outside, but the rain was so heavy that didn?t happen.

I had had a makeover/dressing session two days before my first, at the boudoir, which was just OK, got the idea she?d rather have been hanging with her kids than doing up my face, did not live up to my expectations, my experience did not match up with the reviews I read there. My complaints about that one was that I had to fight for what I wanted, and got less done than promised, and she uses photo editing to make your look what you see on the website. The chat was good and most of the makeup was fine, just everything was less than what I hoped for.

Cindy?s experience was totally the opposite. She?s a quieter person but so sweet, listened to what I wanted and delivered it, and when she?d have me in a state that I thought looked absolutely fantastic (for me) she would still have more touches or adjustments or changes to make the looks just that much better.

Have always meant to leave another gushing review on her site but here it is instead. If you do go, just make sure to be clear about what you want (for me, I didn?t want to waste time having my nails painted, for example) and Cindy should deliver what you want and maybe even what you didn?t know you wanted. Tell her I said hi, and she won?t remember me because she?s got so many satisfied customers, but for me it was unforgettable.


wow...after what Rhonda said, I want to go to BWBG even more!

I agree with you Josie! WOW! Rhonda, it sounds like you really did have the experience of a lifetime! I have spoken to Cindy a couple of times over email, and she seems really nice, and she's obviously just as lovely in the flesh! And I've been looking through all her gallery, and she really makes those girls look stunningly womanly!


Another site you may not have heard of, Born in Manchester. https://born.uk.com/
Paul is amazing and a crossdresser himself. He does good deals and has a fantastic studio.

Hi Roxy, thank you so much for that site. You're right, I've never heard of it, but I'll certainly take a look.

I want to get nice and far away from home for my first makeover, but after I've done first one, I'd hopefully want to go for others that are closer, so this one would be great!

[Leelou]

What a fun thread, thanks! I'm so excited for you that you've decided to go for it. It was fun hearing from those that have been to BWBG and loved the experience. I loved looking through the gallery on the site. There are truly some beautiful ladies that have gone through the transformation with her. Definitely on my bucket list to do something like this.

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

I was really into posting pics on Flickr for a while, makeovers and photo apps as my journey to the egg crack was happening, you can see some of them if you visit my profile here. It’s a bunch of treated pics from everywhere else but I think the only un-FaceApp’d or youcam’d pics are from the day at BWBG.

I will add a couple caveats: You still will probably be jealous of clients she has who you think look better than you did, especially if you’re in the same garment...just like in any other situation unless you are really lucky some people are just more blessed genetically. But you will probably look better than you’ve ever looked in your life.

And I finally related to models who said ‘it’s hard work’. Sitting in the chair getting made up is fun, but once you’re up doing the poses she really makes you work it, and somehow captures pics of you looking relaxed on an armrest or some such pose that look like you’re relaxed and not totally on edge about how every bit of you is posing for the shot.

And a tip: not only do I regret not videoing the makeover I wish I had taken more video of each look, I took a few bursts but having video helped me deal with being in the closet especially when covid came along and dressing time mostly went away for months.

[JennyMay]

I’d love to hear how this works out as I came across BWBG and was thinking of going to her. I am planning on joining a local group when the lockdown allows meetings but I’ve never been out dressed before. I wondered if BWBG might help me find my ‘look’. I know I’ll never pass but I think I could be a bit more ‘together’ in my look.

[Gilly68]

Well.... I've done it.... I've booked with Cindy at Boyswillbegirls for the beginning of July! 😳😀

The train and hotel are also booked.

There's no going back now!

I'm equally crazily happy and terrified!



I will add a couple caveats: You still will probably be jealous of clients she has who you think look better than you did, especially if you?re in the same garment...just like in any other situation unless you are really lucky some people are just more blessed genetically. But you will probably look better than you?ve ever looked in your life.

And I finally related to models who said ?it?s hard work?. Sitting in the chair getting made up is fun, but once you?re up doing the poses she really makes you work it, and somehow captures pics of you looking relaxed on an armrest or some such pose that look like you?re relaxed and not totally on edge about how every bit of you is posing for the shot.

And a tip: not only do I regret not videoing the makeover I wish I had taken more video of each look, I took a few bursts but having video helped me deal with being in the closet especially when covid came along and dressing time mostly went away for months.


Thanks Rhonda! I'm under no illusions that I'll be some amazing gorgeous lady, but I just want to be the most feminine version of Gill that I could be, just to see what's possible!

And thanks for the warning about the workout I'll be getting, I could do with losing a few pounds, and I'm sure it'll be fun, even if it's hard work!


I?d love to hear how this works out as I came across BWBG and was thinking of going to her. I am planning on joining a local group when the lockdown allows meetings but I?ve never been out dressed before. I wondered if BWBG might help me find my ?look?. I know I?ll never pass but I think I could be a bit more ?together? in my look.


I will definitely report back JennyMay!

I'm no amazing beauty, trust me, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what an expert like Cindy can make out of a pudgy, average middle-aged guy like me!

Rhonda...

I've just looked at your albums that you mentioned in your post.

And you look amazing!... maybe Cindy has worked some magic, but oh lord! You are beautiful and 100% passable!

I'll have to hope Cindy can make me look half as womanly as you!

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

Rhonda...

I've just looked at your albums that you mentioned in your post.

And you look amazing!... maybe Cindy has worked some magic, but oh lord! You are beautiful and 100% passable!

I'll have to hope Cindy can make me look half as womanly as you!

Like I said, most of the pics are using app adjustments except for most of the BWBG ones, but I also played with some of those. I do try to note that on the pics. But thanks and have a blast!

[Gilly68]

The faceapp ones were cute, and I've no problems with anyone using that, I've been using it plenty!

But you're being too modest about the BWBG ones, you really look pretty in those ones!

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

That’s why I rave about BWBG, she’s an artist. And also, if an experience is anything like mine you’ll also get a bunch of pics that you don’t want to share, so it’s a combo of her work, random chance, the angle, your pose, etc...

[Gilly68]

I'm so excited already! Still 4 weeks to wait though!

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

The wait for me felt like the slowest that time ever moved that I could remember.

[Gilly68]

Oh God yes! It can't come quick enough, even though I've got butterfly's even when I think about it! And I'm finding myself giggling at work, and having to stop myself.

[faltenrock]

Hi Gilly,

I've seen Cindy with her clients at the Way Out club in London a few times. She is a TS women herself and looks stunning, just like a beautiful woman.
I think you'll be in good hands with her, even though, I didn't use her service. I'm from Germany but visited London a few times in the last years prior to covid-19.

Her service, especially including a girls night out, might not be very cheap....

Good lick

Doreen

[Gilly68]

Hey Doreen, thanks very much for sharing your thoughts.

She certainly doesn't provide the cheapest service, but as it's my first makeover, I want it to be right.

And you're right, she looks beautiful, and I think she's got a beautiful personality as well.

[Sometimes Steffi]

I've done the makeover, dress and photos with Amanda Rich.

I cost 4 costume and jewelry changes, including a traditional wedding dress. I got well over a hundred pictures so I could replay the day. My profile pic (not Bugs Bunny) is one of those pics.

It was the best money I ever spent.

[Gilly68]

Sounds like you had an amazing, memorable experience Steffi!

Hopefully my one with Cindy will be comparable.

The excitement is definitely outweighing the nervousness at the moment!

[Sometimes Steffi]

Gilly

Amanda had a full extra large closet filled with clothing and shoes. She also had a lot of wigs and jewelry to pick from. I used stick-on nails and I painted them a bright red. I loved them so much, I get them on all day, even driving home. I needed to make a couple coffee and food stops on the way home, and I did it with long, red nails, even though I tried to hide them a bit. I brought some of my own clothes and did wear at least one of them.

It was so great. Do as much as you can/want that day. It's a good "bucket list" day.

[Gilly68]

Oh yes, I want to do as much as possible. From what Rhonda has said, Cindy will make me work to make the day one to remember!

And I absolutely agree about nails, I want to try some false nails whilst I'm with Cindy - it's something I can't do at home in my "real life".

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

I am pretty sure that if you went to Cindy and said I just want to be in one outfit and just sit there for 4 hours she’d do that too. She worked me cause I wanted to have a number of looks and a number of pics so that’s what happened.

Said I didn’t want painted nails and we did false ones and they did pop off a lot, but it was funny to us at the time.

[Gilly68]

Oh, I want as many outfits as possible!

I don't know when I'll be able to visit again, so I want lots of pictures to remember the day by!

I'd like nice long false nails, but I'll leave it up to Cindy to decide what will look best on me, painted or stick on after both fine with me.

[Laura R]

I would also echo Shelleys comments regarding Transformations in Manchester. I used them for my very first makeover and came away very disappointed.

I didn't realize Transformation was still going?

I went to the Birmingham branch (which has closed) twice, first time probably approaching twenty years ago now, to use their makeover/dressing service. The first time it was excellent, staff were lovely and helpful, really friendly, and I thought the lady who did my makeover did a really good job.

My second time though was like every horror story I have subsequently read about the place. This time there was some chap running/managing the branch (I was always under the impression they didn't have male members of staff do to it making customers uncomfortable?) and he was very pushy, constantly trying to up sell products on to me for the makeover (eye lashes, false nails etc). In regards to the actual makeover, I thought I looked terrible; a cheap, badly fitted wig, shoes which were uncomfortable and far too high for me to walk in, stockings that had ladders in them, so clearly worn previously, and when I opted for tights instead, they were too small and the gusset was hanging low, and the wardrobe looked like it hadn't been updated in years. I didn't even bother to keep the photos from this makeover, destroying them. I genuinely got the impression that they saw me as some fetishist as opposed to someone who wanted to be as passable as humanly possible.

That was it for me with Transformation. I'll always be thankful for that first makeover (my first ever one) but it's just a shame Birmingham and the Midlands has been so poorly served when it comes to dressing services.

[Gilly68]

Oh lord Laura!

You really had a bad time on that second visit didn't you?

It's such a shame companies like that are so pushy and make you feel so uncomfortable, as it means you will never go back, and word of mouth is a powerful thing! So they've lost so many potential clients.

At least your first experience was a good one. If I had gone for my first makeover, and it was as bad as your second one, I would have been really upset and disheartened.

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

(Since questions about BWBG are what brought me here in the first place, for future visitors to this thread who may find it dusty and cobwebby months from now but have questions feel free to send questions via message and if I'm still around to help and can I'll do my best)

[Laura R]

Oh lord Laura!

You really had a bad time on that second visit didn't you?

It's such a shame companies like that are so pushy and make you feel so uncomfortable, as it means you will never go back, and word of mouth is a powerful thing! So they've lost so many potential clients.

At least your first experience was a good one. If I had gone for my first makeover, and it was as bad as your second one, I would have been really upset and disheartened.

Yup, with no other options in the Midlands I would have continued to use their dressing service, but like you say, one awful experience and that was it, they weren't getting another penny out of me. I wonder if that is why it eventually closed down? Word spread and people stopped going/buying from them.

This was also the early-ish days of the internet, so I wasn't aware of other people's experiences with them then, and it was when Transformation used to advertise in the back of the Sunday papers (which is where I first saw them). Whether that first visit was a fluke I don't know, or whether their customer service just declined, but in the years since I have read so many negative reviews about them and their almost exploitive nature of nervous CDs, TSs etc.

[Emma500]

Transformation really were the pits, weren't they?! Out of desperation, I used to go a branch near Euston in London - the clothes were overpriced and cheap tat basically. Thank heavens for the Internet and click & collect!!

[Gilly68]

I think I remember seeing those adverts for Transformation in Sunday newspapers back in the day in the 80s. I thought it was really exciting seeing them, but as I was only in my teens back in the 80s, there was no way I would have ever been able to use their services!

As you say Emma, thank goodness for the internet these days - it's so easy to search for dressing services, and find reviews.

Even though I'm going to go to BWBG for my first makeover, living in the NW of England, I'm pretty lucky that there are a few decent services that other ladies in this thread have recommended, which I'll hopefully have the opportunity to try at some point in the future.