trying on clothes at the mall while en drab!

[Adrienne Heels]

On Saturday morning, my girly feelings were becoming overwhelming. So I decided it was time to shop. I phoned Nine West and asked if they had a pair of ivory patent pumps I had seen. The SA recognized my voice and told me they just got some in and she agreed to hold them for me. I picked them up on Monday after work en drab and, as long as I was at the mall, decided to browse.

I walked into The Limited and checked out the jeans. As I was leaving, I spoke to an SA I had dealt with before, an attractive woman around my age (early 50’s), having purchased a few tops previously. I told her they had some awesome jeans, to which she replied “Yes, we do have awesome jeans. But I don’t see you buying any.” That was my cue….I told her there was a pair I was interested in and she went off to help me. She found my size on the rack and then I asked her if I could try them on as I had a pair of heels with me. She looked surprised for a moment but then said “sure”. I asked her if many guys came in to try things for themselves to which she responded “rarely”. However, she wasn’t appalled by my request and I thought that was very positive. So we went to the fitting room, I tried on a couple of pairs (wearing my boxers) , and decided on a sexy pair in 8 long. This made me feel so good that I stopped at the consignment shop on my way home and purchased a pair of black capris and a light pink blazer!

On Tuesday, I stopped back in after work to tell her the jeans were great when I tried them on at home with my panties on. I then asked her about a pair of black dress pants. She was very helpful and showed me some I liked. So I asked if I could just run out to my car to get my heels and panties and then come back to try them on. She said sure, so off I went. And when I came back, the SA also suggested I try some black jeans as well. Okay, took them both and then off to the fitting room. She had to step away and cover the front, and sent a younger SA back to help me and check out how the pants fit. The jeans looked soooo hot and fit me perfectly. The dress pants had too large of a flare bottom for me but fit great too. I told her I wasn’t sure and we looked at some other pants as well. I said I wanted to think about them and would come back tomorrow. She offered to hold them but I said no, that’s okay.

Well, soon as I left the mall, I thought, “I really want that pair of jeans!”. I called the store and fortunately got the SA from the fitting room who said the pants had not been put away and she would hold them. I gave her my name and phone number and we were all set.

Back again on Wednesday at lunch with my heels and panties. There were different SA’s on duty, but I got my items that were being held and asked to try on another style pant with a slimmer leg. We found them and the SA went with me to the fitting room. Tried them on and they were great. So I bought the jeans and the pants. Keep in mind I did all this shopping en drab.

So all you girls who are afraid to go shopping should see that you should just go out and do it!! The nicer stores such as The Limited and Express have SA’s who are very nice and accommodating. You may pay a bit more, but will be treated a lot nicer than in a Wal-mart. You’ll also get some helpful fashion advice from women who wear the clothes they are selling. Just remember, your money is as green as that of the GG’s.

Kisses,

Karyn

[LynnDrew]

Wow now that is a very inspirational story!! I am nervouse just buing panites and lingire at Victoria Secret where they think I am buying for my lover but to try it on while drab!!! Wow girl you have got it together!

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

LoVe Lynn

[Adrienne Heels]

Thanks, Lynn. VS is very accomodating as well....I have asked an SA there to measure me for a bra while en drab and she didn't bat an eyelash, either.

You just have to be confident and act like you belong there.

[Karren H]

Your right on, Karyn! Its all about the money.....A sale is a sale is a sale!!

Love Karren

[Michelle Ellis]

Very inspirational. I decided to take time off from trying for a bit, and now I think I've lost the nerve. What is easy for some can be near to impossible for others. I wish I knew why LOL

So I really have to admire you, WTG Karyn! :p

M

[Adrienne Heels]

Michelle, you can always just wander around the mall, window shopping. And when you feel like your nerve is returning, just pop in a nice store and browse. More than likely, no one will even notice you and you will begin to develop a comfort zone. If an SA asks you if you need help, just smile nicely and say you are just browsing. She'll probably just smile back and say she is here if you need her.

Go for it!!

[tekla west]

Most stores opperate on a razor thin margin, the economy is not exactly in a frenzy, and more than likely the person standing there before you has to make sales to make money or keep thier job. That's the deal. Its America. Money talks. Twas ever thus.

[Denise01]

Hi Karyn:

Your experience en-drab is fantastic and it is so nice to have sales assistants that are very open minded and will help us wether en drab or femme.

I had a similar experience a couple of weeks ago.

I was in a ladies store, en-drab that i normally go to femme, as i had another appointment in the city, and could not dress femme, other than my panties.
I was browsing in the sale rack. Saw a dress and matching skirt and top that i took a liking to. I was looking at the items, and i guess the sales associate saw me holding it in front of me to see how the length would be, and to kind of see what size would fit me.
When i was looking at tthem, the sales girl, came over to see if she could help me, i commented i was looking at the dress and skirt set, then without hesitation she asked me if I would like to try them on.
I immediately took her up on the offer. While i was in the changing room, she also found another dress in my size, for me to try.
Both dresses fit real good. It is a good thing i tried on the skirt and top, as i had to go down one size on the skirt, and up one on the top. Ended up buying 2 dresses and the skirt set. The dresses and skirt set were on sale with at least 40% off on all items

When checking out, i asked the sales girl if she had other TG people come in en drab to try clothes on, and she replied a few. It did not bother her a bit that I was TG and was wearing skirts and dresses. She commented after all, they are only clothes.
It felt so nice to be treated like a lady, even when in drab, and i will surely return to that store in the future, even though it is about 2 hours from home

Denise

[Adrienne Heels]

Denise, that sounds awesome. I can tell you that I will be making more purchases at The Limited because of the way they treated me. And wait until I go there dressed one day! The girls at Nine West are waiting for that. I just haven't had a chance with the kids out of school for the summer.

I am very lucky to have several very accepting stores nearby.

[GraceUSA]

Like you Karyn I've found the limited to be a very accepting store. I've tried many things on there, and bough many things as well, and found the SA's to be very helpful. Also express is another nice store to shop at thats very friendly.

[Billijo49504]

I do the same thing at Lane Bryant or Fashion Bug. I always shop en drab. Even if it drab fem. I don't care if it's a bra or a skirt or top. If I'm wondering if it will fit, I try it on. I don't care, and neither do they. But for the gurls that are a little bit scared, try first thing Sunday or at opening on the first part of the week. The stores aren't as busy then. Now it doesn't bother me to try on clothes on a Saturday afternoon...BJ

[Phyliss]

I've had a few positive experiences also at Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Payless Shoe, and Torrid. Thanks to all the encouragement I've received here. The first time I admitted that the clothes were for me I thought the floor would open up and swallow me. Well, it didn't and I haven't had a problem yet.
One thing I have heard on more than one occasion from the S.A. is that male shoppers, who are buying for themself are usually more polite and respectful of the S.A.'s than many of the women shoppers.
Say please and thank you as you get out your credit card.

[Adrienne Heels]

BJ makes a good point...the mall is least crowded at opening time or, I've found, just before 5 PM. That's a good time to go as there will be less customers in the stores. But you would be surprised....no one usually pays attention to anyone else while shopping. They are all focused on what they are doing themselves. When I was in the fitting room, there were other GGs trying on things and they didn't appear to care at all...both when I walked in and they were talking to an SA and when I was outside by the 3-way mirror!

[jjjjohanne]

In some situations, few customers is good. In some situations a crowd is good. It depends on whether people will be people watching... On the subway, people are standing/sitting around. You are going to be looked at. At a 4th of July town celebration, you may find that the dense crowd makes you invisible to most (some people watchers will be there.) In a busy store, if you aren't standing in line, you are somewhat invisible, but you may bump into people. In a crowded mall, just walking the main pathways, you can really blend in. ...but, I always feel safer in an uncrowded place, because I have more control over who sees me.

I went shopping last week at the grocery store as a man in shorts, pantyhose, and keds. I don't think anyone noticed after me being there an hour!!

[Emma England]

I live In Exmouth, England.

It is easy if you are confident.

Have you seen my other post about exchanging a skirt?

I will be going back to the same store some time. Any sales assistant who is polite, friendly, lets me try on clothes, is very likely to get repeat sales from me.

Actually I need some tops. Was thinking about some camisoles in this hot weather.

[Jodi]

From my experience working as an SA at The Limited, a sale is a sale. You are given a sales goal at the start of the shift and expected to make that sales goal. Karen was interested, and the first trick is to get the customer into the fitting room. Then you do what is called--"feeding the room". I noted this done in several of the posts. You get the customer into the room then you bring them in similar items in the same size or bring in tops to match the pants being tried on. This feeding the fitting room is standard practice in most clothing stores. And yes, our money is green. If you are confident, polite, courteous, friendly, and you are prepared to buy, the SA's will bend over backwards for you. I have tried on (when in drab) in stores such as The Limited, New York & Co, Talbots, Kaufmanns, BCBG/Max Azaria, Addriene Vittadini, Ann Klein, Ann Talor Loft, Christopher & Banks and shoe stores Ninewest, Via Spiga, Aldo's, Stewart Weismann, and Bakers. I could go on and on. I have never had a problem. I have done this for years. I always try on before buying. The only thing you have to fear is your own fear.

Jodi

[Rebecca Jeanne]

I have to agree with Jodi. Most stores are most accomidating. Talbots, Coldwater Creek, Macys, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom.

I shop drab, drab but femme labels, and enfemme. Have often tried something on in the store and worn it home.

[Katrina]

I've tried on a pair of shorts at the Limited and they were very accomodating. The sales lady was very nice and didn't raise an eyebrow at all.

[nishababe]

I now find that most shops dont give a damn about men buying any sort of womens clothes ,in fact in england round valentines day and christmas time some shops have a mens only night for buying wives and girlfriends presents .

For myself I dont worry about buying or taking back anything ,but dont choose to try on in the shop as well !!

Love Nishababe xx:love:

[ChristineRenee]

Good post Karyn...and very true. A lot of it really is just being confident, upfront, and honest in your approach. Be very friendly, personable, and polite too. As is said...your money is as good as the next person's...and believe me...they want it...and want you to come back and spend MORE! I have never had a problem or had an SA try to embarrass me in any way...and if I ever did...I would make sure that they, their department manager, and the store regretted it before I took my business elsewhere.;)

[HaleyPink2000]

Thanks for a nice thred.

I, like many of my Sisters on here,:happy: have bought clothing en drab. It's as was said, all about the money. I've found that even Wal Mart is a nice venue for me now as the girls there are starting to know me. A few weeks ago I was in there with the wife which is not usual. The sales Lady there said hello as she always does. My Wife gave me one of those looks and one at the sales Lady. LOLOL:) it was so funny that we both had to just look at each other and smile. But, I guess She figured I was in there for my Wife that time. Haha...

Wow it was so funny!:heehee:

[Adrienne Heels]

Ther only problem with being comfortable asking to try things on while in drab is that it may lead to even MORE shopping!!

[SherriePall]

For the most part I have done my en drab shopping before Halloween. Only once was I turned down a chance to try something on and that was a chain store at which I have never had any problems at one of their other stores. My out of season shopping has been good too. Mostly it's the younger SA's who are more open to it.

[Adrienne Heels]

I stopped at the other mall in my area (the one I go to dressed sometimes) to browse for a few minutes on the way home. Passed by The Limited and saw a sign "All Jeans $20 off". Well, I just bought the black ones for full price, so thought I'd stop in and see if they were on sale too. Sure enough, they were. When I was leaving, I told the younger SA up front that I had just bought a pair of jeans for full price. And the way I was talking about them, I am sure she knew they were for me. She told me bring in my receipt and I could get an adjustment.....so I ran out to the car and got it.

While she was processing the credit, I told her that I loved a top that was on display and she told me that it was on sale too!! So I went over and she helped me pick one in my size....I asked her what colors to wear it with, telling her about a couple of jackets I have.

So now both local Limited stores know I am out for sure, but I was very happy to save some cash. However, I saw a GG selecting a pretty outfit....and I liked it so may have to go back with my panties, heels, and bra as it was a pair of pants and a button-front shirt.

If I hadn't spoken to the SA, I would have been out $20. So be confident when shopping, girls.

[jjjjohanne]

At some Wal-Marts, I have found that the dressing rooms are not manned. So if you are nervous, you can take some men's wear and women's wear together. It isn't obvious that you are carrying a dress under the pants in your hands.

[Paulette]

I have tired on jeans and a blouse in Old Navy with out so much as a raised eyebrow. Walmart for a jacket and the lady just wanted to know how many peices of clothing I had. Green is Green

[JenniferMint]

For the most part I have done my en drab shopping before Halloween. Only once was I turned down a chance to try something on and that was a chain store at which I have never had any problems at one of their other stores. My out of season shopping has been good too. Mostly it's the younger SA's who are more open to it.

What did they say when they turned you down?

[Courtneygurl]

Here in Japan things are a bit different, or at least it certainly seems like it. As an American, I feel very conspicuous looking through the women's section. I do it anyway, and sometimes I feel that people notice me and other times not. I haven't tried anything on, but the few things I have bought have (fortunately) fit. I'm not sure what the guy or girl at the checkout counter is thinking, but then again it certainly seems like they'll accept yen from anyone for anything.

[kristiana]

NOT all store are so helpful I went the Sear at sun valley mall

to tire on alarger (8 to 10 ) skirt and exchange it,one SA call secsurty wial I in changing
room the guy knoted on the door and ask me to come out

ask what Iwas doing. tire on cloath I reply

he said we do not alouw guy to tire on skirt maybe if I went to the women

changing room this wount have hapen:straightface:

[kristiana]

NOT all store are so helpful I went the Sear at sun valley mall

to tire on alarger (8 to 10 ) skirt and exchange it,one SA call secsurty wial I in changing
room the guy knoted on the door and ask me to come out

ask what Iwas doing. tire on cloath I reply

he said we do not alouw guy to tire on skirt maybe if I went to the women

changing room this wount have hapen:straightface:

[SherriePall]

Jennifer: the SA simply stated that they couldn't allow me to try on the dresses that I had picked. I should have said thank you and good bye, but I took a chance on one and bought it. I figured it would be more work for them if I had to return it!

[trannie T]

As I was buying a bra and some panties a sales associate told me she enjoys male shoppers. Women go to shop, that is they spend a lot of time looking before buying anything. Men go to buy things and use less of the SA's time.

[Alina]

I shop all the time while in DRAB and it's always been a good experience. I remember once there was a pair of pink patent open-toed pumps I fell in love with at Payless, but wasn't sure if they would fit. Luckily I was wearing a pair of pantyhose under my socks and pants. I asked the sales woman if it would be ok to try them on. I told her I didn't want to freak anyone out. She said "no problem". Soon, I was walking up & down the asle feeling like a princess. After taking them off and taking them to the counter to pay. The sales woman asked if they fit. I told her yes though they were a little snug but being open-toed helped. She said they would probably losen up a little. She then asked if I need anything else. I ended up walking out of the store with 2 pairs of shoes, several pairs of hose and a handbag.
Since then I never hesitate to ask to try things on in the store. And have never been turned down. I was even fitted for a bra once in Lane Bryant. Remember it's your money they are after.

[JenniferMint]

Jennifer: the SA simply stated that they couldn't allow me to try on the dresses that I had picked. I should have said thank you and good bye, but I took a chance on one and bought it. I figured it would be more work for them if I had to return it!

I wonder what would have happened if you noted the SA's name, asked to speak to the manager, then complained that [name of SA] is discriminating against you, ask to see written proof of any corporate policy that says guys can't try on girls' clothes...

That would take a lot of guts to do though!!

[SherriePall]

Well, Jennifer, I do have the guts to wear a dress in public, but I couldn't see picking a fight when I was spending money. If I were trying to recoup some money it would have been a different story. It was just a case of it not being worth my time or aggravation to pursue the matter when I knew there were other places that I could try on femme clothes (some places almost welcome you to do it). And besides, I have never returned to that particular store.

[Jodi]

I was away for the weekend visiting in central PA. I decided that yesterday would be a good day for shopping. I visited the outlet mall in Hershey, PA. This was the first time shopping there. I was in drab. Jodi will be going on vacation with one of her friends very soon, and I was looking for some last minute summer items for the trip. I first shopped in Liz Claiborne. Asked for their denim shorts. I also looked at tops. Nothing there. Next went to Jones New York. They had some nice denim shorts and skirts on sale. I told the SA that they were for me. She smiled and asked me if I wanted to try them on. She set me up a fitting room. Now, I had never been in this store before, and the SA was great. Next, to the Naturalizer store for casual sandals. Found a great pair of wedge sandals, but couldn't find my size. Asked the SA for help. She found my size. Told her they were for me. She said to try them on. After trying them on and walking around the store, the SA said "great toes" and asked what color my polish was. I bought the sandals and a pair of nice flats. Next was the Aerosole store. There I got a nice pair of black sandals and a pair of brown wedge strappy mules. Again, told the SA they were for me and she expected me to try them on. Again, nice comments on my pedicure. It was a great experience. In each store, I chatted a bit with the SA's. Each one said that they liked my open style and honesty. It made their job easier.

Shopping is not only easy, but it is down right fun.

Jodi

[tekla west]

If they don't want me to try it on, they OBVIOUSLY don't want my money either. I don't see any way around that. I wrote here once about how a few of the CDs I know, myself included, went out of our way to make a point to the Macy's Assistants who were out on strike that we would support them and not cross their picket line. They have loved us ever since. One knows me well, I comped her for a show once, and now when I walk in she has things "picked out" for me. I don't mean she is holding them for me, but she knows my taste, her stock, and makes good judgments. Got to love it.

[Adrienne Heels]

Jodi and Tekla are right....attitude and confidence are everything if you want to be accepted by the SAs. I went back to The Limited yesterday and aked about a white button front shirt. The SA suggested I try it on. Fortunately I just happened to have a bra with me and so I did try it. Looked awesome! And I feel so comfortable shopping there now, too.

But the key is that they know you are there to buy.....to them, a sale is a sale.

[Rachel M]

One thing I noticed is that Karyn travels with a bra when shopping en drab. I like that idea. There have been many times i have tried on item that just didnt look right so I opted out of buying them. There were a couple of times though there was that occasional top that was "to die for" no matter how it looked en drab. Once I got home and made over and put that bra and the top, oooh la la, there goes that chill... you know the one.
Smiles,
Rachel

[Adrienne Heels]

If I think I will be going shopping, I slip a shopping bag into my car with heels, panties and bra....I can always run back to the car and get it but if you don't have your stuff it is hard to tell pant lengths, etc. I hate buying pants that are too short! And it also helps the SA when she is looking at your outfit....jeans don't fit right over boxers , tops don't look right without a bra as Rachel said.

Maybe I should have been a Girl Scout! My motto is always be prepared!