Lauren Goes To the Mall

[Lauren Richards]

Last night seemed like a good time for Lauren to head to the mall. Wearing a calf length black skirt and pink knit top under my size 24W coat, I considered which shoes to wear. I love to wear heels, but standing 6'-1" in my black tights, I chose a pair of flats for this evening out. Put the last touched of lip gloss over my wine color lipstick, and out the door I went. Arriving at the mall, there in the streetlight lit parking lot I decided I was going to walk thru at least two of the main stores.

Purse on shoulder, I entered one of the main department stores and went down a set of stairs to the plus size womens department. I have often bought items there en homme, and this was the second time I had been back en femme. Not crowded, but there were enough customers so that I was walking by someone often. It was like I was invisible - nobody stared, nobody gave me a second glance. Total freedom. I checked my look in the mirrors on several occasions, just to make sure it was really me walking about with my hair bouncing on my shoulders.

Feeling relaxed, yet alert (I think both cd & gg ladies need to always be alert to possible trouble), I rode the escalator up to the main level, and browsed with the other ladies thru lots of racks in the women's departments. Mostly the sale items. Shop wisely. Never right next to the gg's, but often only a rack or two away. I then headed to the main entrance, past the cosmetics counter, out the main store entrance and across the main pedestrian area of the mall linking the stores, casualy walking into the other department store: Nordstrom.

So much fun! Again, it was as if I was not there. All the shoppers in their own worlds, me just gliding about on a cloud. Walked about a bit, checked my look at the cosmetic counter while the girl was helping another lady, then out I went to the main pedestrian mall. Enjoying the evening, instead of walking directly back into the first store, I turned left and continued walking past several other stores. Eventually crossing over to the other side, I walked back to the store I had originally entered from the parking lot.

I took the long way back to the door, past the shoe department (pausing to check out a few pairs on the way - not my size, indeed), and reluctantly went out the door to my car. What a thrill!

I had been in the company of hundreds of strangers for about half an hour, and if anyone noticed, I can't really say. If they did, nobody made any gestures nor unkind remarks. What I can say is that it wouldn't have mattered. The experience was wonderful. Lauren had Fun!

Took a few pictures when I got back. Nothing fancy. Just a little something to remind me of the wonderful night I had at the Mall. Nope, no purchases this night. I have, but that is another story. For now, Lauren needs lots of work on her voice. Someday...

Thank you all for being out there. I can honestly say that this Forum has helped me feel more alive, and free to explore, in many ways.

Lauren

[Holly]

Lauren,

What a wonderful evening. Too bad you couldn't find anything to buy. How did it feel being out there with everyone? Frightened, free, empowered, relieved???

[DonnaT]

That's great Lauren!

I've wanted to do that for the longest. At least 29 years!

My wife says one day. Can't wait!

[Tristen Cox]

What a fab time. I will say those pics are definitly passable in my opinion ;) Nice going Lauren :cool:


*hugs*
Tristen

[Lauren Richards]

Girls, thank you so much. I know that if I can do this, you can, too. Taking many small steps in pushing out the comfort zone, with occasional bursts of energy and a desire to make a jump to another level of personal freedom and expression has my path. It has been a long one, too. Lots of years before that first drive to the gas station, and beyond..

For me being in public is a blend of being comfortable with myself, together with the excitement of the experience. I find that when I am out, there are rare moments when I lose awareness of being dressed; I am just Lauren. Truely, treasured moments.

[ChristineRenee]

Lauren may I just say FANDAMTABULOUS girl! You girls are living out my dreams right now. I am soooo wanting to go out dressed now but have to be patient knowing the time is coming sooner rather than later. I love your look Lauren...definitely passable as you probably realized. Alieviates a lot of fears I'll bet.;)

Thanks again for sharing your very successful excursion with all of us!:cool: :)


Love,
Christine Renee

[racquel]

Lauren,good for you.I know how you felt.This forum also motivated me to go out recently.
Looking forward to your next excursion.(sp)

[Sharon]

It's a wonderful story Lauren and I'm so glad you had such a fun time! You look and sound positively beautiful.
Sharon

[paulaN]

wow lauren you look great. so glad you had a good time, It's funny how one thinks that you can't blend in but you do.most people don't care even if you don't blend that well. fun isn't it,can't wait do do anouther shoping trip myself.

[Georgette]

Lauren what mall I am a transplanted PNW girl and I will be in that area in the summer I don't think I will be able to dress much as I will be seeing a lot of frieds and they don't know Georgette and I am not going to introduce her to them yet.LOL I hope maybe we may get together when I am up there. you can PM me.

[Sweet Susan]

Sounds great. What an adventure.

[Kate_Uhler]

I want to go shoppppppppppping with YOU!!!!

great pictures.. :) I'm inspiried..

kissy kiss kate

[StephanieCD]

Congrats!It must have been exciting! Good for you :)

[Linda-x]

Lauren, how exciting. I've never done a mall, yet. Being a Pacific NW girl myself, I was also curious as to the mall you went to. Alderwood is my favorite. How about getting make up tips, ect at a cosmetics counter? Would'nt that be to die for !!! :)

[Ava Mouse]

Wow! You look great in the pics! Good to blend in and you look sharp! What courage!

Someday I'll get up the courage to hit the mall...

[Lauren Richards]

Thanks for all your kind words ladies. It was quite an adventure. This time it was the Northgate Mall in North Seattle. I have also been to Alderwood, another major Mall about 10 miles north of there, but only to walk thru Nordstroms (one of the premier dept stores here in the States) one evening. Again, that was another time; another wonderful time.

Not quite up to getting makeup tips at the cosmetics counter yet. Yes, it sounds delightful. Some day...For now, my S.O. is great in helping me with makeup tips and color. I still remember the early years. Years. Years. Ouch. It takes time to become a lady. Still learning every time. Yesterday my S.O. decided I needed some work on my brows, and went to work shaping and cutting and using mascara to define my eyebrows. More Fun!

Again, thank you all for your generous notes of support. Someone once said, "If you think you can, or you think you can't, you are right." Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures, too!

Lauren

[Bonnie-OR]

I'll bet you'll be walking on air for quite a while. Your pictures are great, totally passable. I know other than looks of admiration, I'd never pick you out. Great story, and keep goin. Huggs, Bonnie

[barbiecd]

Lauren, I just love a story with a happy ending! To be so free and liberate is fantastic. Pics were great. If I only had the guts!
Hugs
Barbie

[windycissy]

I find that when I am out, there are rare moments when I lose awareness of being dressed

What a great way of putting it. Those are the moments I live for, too. And I share your wariness about getting a makeover - I usually steer clear of those girls with the smocks in the cosmetics department, although sometimes I can't resist treating myself to a spritz of some expensive cologne at the fragrance counter.

Way to go!

[LindaTS]

Way to go Lauren. That's a feeling that you can only know when you finally do go out. Total freedom. I remember the first time I ever made a purchase. It was a panty and bra set that I found in Sears. After I bought them I felt like it was incredibly easy and there was no stopping me from that day on. Get out there girls and spend some money on yourselfs. Good luck.

[sherri]

By now I have gone out many times to clubs, and as I continue to improve my appearance — thanks in no small measure to this forum — I feel more confident about being around others. Fear of discovery, however, prevents me from venturing out en femme to mainstream venues here at home.

I'm pretty sure that the next time I visit a distant city I will make my first forays in the retail world, and in daylight. I also expect such an experience to be petrifying, especially if I have to do it alone, as will likely be the case. Pounding heart, sweaty palms, cotton mouth, nerves on edge. Nevertheless, the urge to do it will be very powerful.

A couple of things about that, though:

I have some reservations about exposing young children to a crossdresser.
Lauren, your pics prompt me to ask, was it your experience that nipples peeking through clothing are eye magnets?

[MichelleGray502]

lauren i am proud of you for going out dressed to the mall, i know sometimes it takes a lot of courage to gout dressed. i have been dressing for 25 years now and sometimes it takes me a long time to get enough courage to go out. but sooner or later i get the urge and get dressed and just go and i always on alert on who around at all times for safety reasons but i haven't any serious problems with my safety at all there been a few times when i have given some dirty looks but i just ignored it and nothing else came of it. but what i also do more times then anyhting else is that i get dressed and go for along drive in the car with the wife and sometimes on my own and that usually helps me a lot and makes me feel good that i have gone out dressed.

Anyway lauren way to go girl and go out again when you are ready to do so.
Michelle_Peanut_Skirter

[Lauren Richards]

It it so nice of you all to share your encouragement and your experiences, at whatever level they are for you. I hope each of us is right where we need to be right now. I totally relate to those who have not gone out the door, and would not push you any faster than you feel comfortable. I trust that you will know when, you will know where. Enjoy who you are, inside. If you feel up to a stroll, go for it! If not, don't worry. You are normal, too.

Sherri, you asked a couple of good questions. Let's chat about the nipples, first. Nipples. Nipples. Sorry, I just like the sound of that. Nipples. In the second photo, they were a bit out there. I generally dress in a "classic" style, and work at keeping my actions in the same tone. However, within this lady is also a part which is very proud of my feminine curves, and likes the sensuality of the nipples, under my coat. While walking the Mall, my coat is generally gathered in such a way to conceal most of the breasts, leaving only the hint of cleavage to suggest what may lie behind the coat, or under the blouse; like most women you see.

There is another reason I like to put on the "Naughty Nipples" (yes, you too can have a set from the Breastform store, on line) when I go out is that they provide another tool in my kit of wonders. All good magicians will draw your eyes and attention to something they want you focus upon, all the while performing their magic right in front of the audience, unseen. Look here, don't see what I am doing over there. Same thing with the way I dress. If the occasion calls for it, I will reveal more breast and possibly a hint of those wonderful nipples to draw attention away from other features, like my big hands, or how tall I am, or how I may not have mastered my makeup. It is illusion we perform, and having a bit of smoke & mirrors helps. If someone is looking at my nipples, he is likley not going to put as much energy into wondering if I'm a guy. I am a guy, and I know how my eyes move when the vista improves. My basic self, part "woof!", part "meow". The nipples are just one of many ways to use your womanly wiles to move comfortably thru a crowd. Like most tools, like lipstick and eye shaddow, to be used wisely.

Regarding reservations about exposing young children to a cross dresser, that is a topic which could have a long and interesting thread. I purposfully go to the mall at times when there is less likely to be small children about, and watch carefully at all times. Just to be careful. I do not think it inherently damaging for a child to see a cross dresser, any more than it is harmful for them to see a naked body, a veteran with one leg, or any number of other things which some would consider harmful. Context is important.

A CD dancing on top of a table in a bar may be fine in the company of adults, but would not be encouraged if kids were present. A well behaved CD walking alone in a mall may cause a child to ask questions, and that may be the opening for a parent to open the door a little wider to the childs needs to know a little more about the world. Kids are curious. I don't think it would harm a child to see me in the mall. I have three grown kids and 4 g/kids. Believe me, harming a child is the very last thing I would allow. Children are to be protected, yet I believe they are protected best by growing their own armour of knowledge, and a flexability which comes from understanding, at the proper time, with the proper guidance.

Somehow this turned into a thesis. Thanks again to all of you. Keep true to you inner spirit and be well. Right now I have some fun stuff to rip out of the packages. Had a few too many eBay moments recently. Nahh! That would never happen!!

Lauren

[Ava Mouse]

Great post, Lauren.

I like the 'diversionary tactic bra' concept. Look HERE, not at my face, shoulders, etc. he he...

Whoa, now I can just see that in Victoria's Secret's! "NEW! Victoria's Secrets Diversionary Tactic Bra!" Not for illegal uses, like bank robbing, car jacking, etc.

ahem. Sorry.

I agree with the children point, too.

Maybe I'll run into you in the mall some day!

[ChristineRenee]

Lauren,

Congrats. You definitely got it all together. I love your magician's theory too. It is all about illusion isn't it...making people think they are seeing something that isn't really what it seems to be.

Great post. Thanks for sharing your experience with the rest of us, many like myself, who are still waiting in the wings to "perform" on the stage of real life!;)


Love,
Christine Renee

[Tristen Cox]

Hmm insightful Lauren. Something to make one think about. I like it. Soo you're not going to tell us what you got huh?? Come on SPILL IT! :p ;)

[racheal]

Very intuitive and interesting Laruen. Definatly something to place into the back of one's mind. :) ;)

[sherri]

Don't get me wrong, Laura, I love nipples too, seeing them, having them. I went braless (the breastform store silicones) to the clubs Saturday night in a tight top — major headlights! I was just wondering about them making one more noticeable at the mall, but I see your point about distraction.

The kid thing I'm more leery of. I don't know that I want to be the one to impose life lessons of this sort without preamble or forewarning. I can see how a parent might take offense, in the same way I don't want the gay agenda crammed down my kids' throats in school. Still, your comments make me think. Thanks.

[Lauren Richards]

Is it acceptable to wear womens clothing? Can it be damaging to children to see a grown man behaving as a woman in a public place? Aren't these the essential questions?

My answer to the first is "yes". Much of what is acceptable in society is determined by what is harmful, perceived or real, to others. The philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote in the Metaphysics of Morals that the test of morality is whether an action, if taken by everyone, would be acceptable? I may not have that exactly verbatum as it has been many years since my studies, yet the answer for me regarding the basic question of the acceptability of our behaviour is answered affirmatively when tested against that standard. There is a wide spectrum of behaviour which is "normal". Not average, but certainly normal. Like those with genes coded to extreem height, or physical ability, or genius, we may not be average, but we are normal. Wear a bra, solve the mysteries of science, write a song, run long and fast; we are each different, unique products of genes and experience. Why deny the inner self? Slip on those tights and dance. Or not.

I think it important to allow ourselves the freedom to be a part of our society, even on a stealth basis. Some choose to be a bit more out there, some are more private, even in a public setting. If someone sees thru the illusion, then hopefully we can at least provide a positive alternative to the knife weilding stereotype from the Bates Motel, or the T-porn queens of the Internet. The theory of vaccination is that you expose the body to a small, non-leathal dose, and the body produces antibodies. Same thing with reality. The world is larger and more interesting than any of us can totally fathom. A glimse at a CD in a Mall isn't going to cause any child to tip over the edge. It may actually save them at some point, in ways we can only imagine. Developing awareness, compassion, and understanding in one area can lead to the same in other areas.

Well, ok, I got in thesis mode again. Food for thought. Like the old question of "How do you eat a whale?".

One bite at a time.

Small bites over time accomplish great things.

I'm staying in tonight. Maybe...The new bra I got in the mail yesterday feels fantastic! And don't forget to pre-warm your breast forms. So much nicer when they are already skin temp.

Lauren

[Linda-x]

And don't forget to pre-warm your breast forms. So much nicer when they are already skin temp.

Lauren


Tell me about it..LOL See you at the mall.................. :)

[sherri]

The philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote in the Metaphysics of Morals that the test of morality is whether an action, if taken by everyone, would be acceptable?
Kant's postulation came up for me while helping my son with a college philosophy paper. I thought the answer hinged upon the definition of "acceptable" and its long-term ramifications. But I agree with your point and am dismayed not only by society's rigid gender stereotypes, but also, on a more superficial note, by the restrictions of male fashions.

Have y'all seen the movie "Troy"? Whether you liked the film or not, you can't tell me Brad Pitt didn't look good in a skirt!


If someone sees thru the illusion, then hopefully we can at least provide a positive alternative to the knife weilding stereotype from the Bates Motel, or the T-porn queens of the Internet.
A huge point well taken.


A glimse at a CD in a Mall isn't going to cause any child to tip over the edge. It may actually save them at some point, in ways we can only imagine. Developing awareness, compassion, and understanding in one area can lead to the same in other areas.
I sure hope you're right. To cite another celluloid example, Mrs. Doubtfire could easily be imagined as a genuine CD, and her impact was believably positive, I think, although she had the advantage of longterm interaction.

But stepping out of film back into reality, my cynical side pictures this scenario:

Of his own volition, a young child isn't going to think about it more than, say, 60 seconds. But he will be confused by what he sees and he will ask a question. Odds are he's going to hear an explanation that none of us here would like. Welcome to the wonderful world of prejudice, little one.


My comments should in no way be construed as an indictment of your choices, Lauren. This is just discussion — healthy discussion, I believe. I don't know what the right answer is. I want to think like you do because it accomodates my predilection. But being a parent myself, if I'm going to err, I think I'll err on the side of caution.

[Lauren Richards]

All that being said, I feel comfortable going back to the Mall. As a matter of fact, I'll tell you where and when. A little planning never hurts.

I'll be entering from east side of the Bon, lower level, turning slightly left as I come thru the door at 8:30pm on Saturday, Feb 5. Easing along the south side, passing the lingerie department on my left, may even check out a couple of items. Put the linger back in lingerie. The plus size section begins just beyond the lingerie, and I'll check out some sale items there before walking thru the rest of the department, rounding the corner where it ends, turning right to head toward the UP escalator. Up the esaclator to the womens departments where they have some wonderful clothes; too bad none of them fit me! I have bought a few things there for my SO while en homme, so I am comfortable browsing. May take a little longer this time. Ladies like to shop.

Moving thru the store to the west, thru jewelry, I'll pass by the cosmetics counter on my way out into the traffic of the indoor pedestrian mall. Crossing over into Nordstroms, I'll probably just make a loop around the escalator, checking my look at the cosmetics counter just south of the escalator, then back out. Out - hmmm, seems to be a theme here.

Out into the mall again, I'll turn left and head toward the VS store. It will take a few minutes to get there as I won't be in a hurry. Won't go in this time. Just a walk-by. Crossing over again, returning to the Bon, by the ladies with the magic counter, by the shoes, a hard right to go thru the ladies dept again, then to the DN escalator. Casually find the exit.

Probably just a bit before 9:00pm. Don't want to be out too late. Driving a pumpkin never was my forte.

Not sure what I'll wear, whether a long skirt or pants. Conservative, whatever it may turn out to be that night. That blending thing. Got home early today and found a silky satiny pushup bridal corset bustier and an old fashioned boned cupless waist cincher on the front porch. Yes, eBay is SO much fun, but I am going to have to stop logging on for a while. I understand they actually expect you to pay for this stuff! May be wearing the bustier and waist cincher, and probably some discrete headlights, just for effect. Not to worry, I'll be a lady and keep my jacket over the girls. They sometimes get shy.

Well, that's the plan... just a casual stroll thru the Mall on a Saturday night. Ho Hum.

Lauren

[sherri]

Well, that's the plan... just a casual stroll thru the Mall on a Saturday night. Ho Hum.

Lauren

Sounds divine. My heart would be beating like conga drums as I approached the entrance. I think browsing a bookstore or gourmet shop would be fun too.

[Lauren Richards]

Last time I walked the mall en femme I was not paying much attention to the stores. The people in the mall were much more on my mind, and being out and about with hundreds of strangers tends to cause a certain amount of focus. As a result I was a bit off when planning my next venture out. I was thinking the VS store was north of Nordstroms. Not true. Doing a quick walk thru tonight en homme (getting very ready for next weekend), I discovered to my surprise the VS store was south, not north. I won't be going that way, however, as the Disney Store is directly across from Victorias Secret. What good planning: toys for boys and girls of all ages, how handy they are facing each other across the main pedestrian walkway. I'll be avoiding that area, thank you.

Next week I'll head the direction I had indicated in an earlier post, still turning left out of Nordstroms, and heading north up to the Lane Bryant store, not VS, then crossing over in front of Gottschalks before returning to the Bon. Planning, planning, planning.

And going thru some old photos, I came across one I had taken in the Bon late last year, on the occasion of my first stroll en femme in the mall. I had met someone from a local support group en femme for the first time that afternoon, and decided to end the day with a visit to the mall. It was a delightful day. Sorry about the flash. Not quite ready to ask the clerks to take my photo. Lauren is a bit shy that way.

Counting the days till my next mall walk.

Lauren

[Donna Louise]

Lauren

Fantastic. I know you enjoyed it. I am begining to understand exactly what you mean by invisible. I went out for a drive, in daylight, the other day. My first time out in daylight. After a couple minutes, I began to feel invisible too. You are ahead of me in stepping out but I will be there soon enough. I have had a taste of it now. I can hardly wait for the next time.

Now my biggest fear is that I will have to talk to someone.

Hugs
Donna

[Lauren Richards]

It was a wonderful night to visit the local mall. Just as I had planned, I arrived at 8:30pm and walked right thru the lower level doors onto the Bon, and spent about half an hour walking thru the stores and along the main mall concourse. Even sat down at one of the vacant tables for a minute at the end of my walk, just outside the Lane Bryant store. Checked out some skirts and slacks, a few blouses, and just had a wonderful time! Took a photo, and will post it tomorrow when I have the time to get all techie. Loved the feeling tonight. Will be out again, no doubt about that!

And what did you do tonight?

Lauren

[Lauren Richards]

Yes, there was a sale going on at the Bon when I was there last night. Still a little shy about taking any of my ladies wear purchases to the counter en femme. Just fine en homme, but that voice thing does keep me away while in a blouse, for now anyway. I had a great time last night, and here is a photo of me in the women's department. You can tell from the 1X size on the rack that I am in the right place. Alas, what is a big girl to do? Enjoy! That's what.

Hoping you are all out there enjoying your femme side. Or is it more like an Oreo: the good stuff inside?

Lauren

[Inredsatin]

Lauren,
Im new to this forum having been in here less than a week. Because of your thread I had the courage to go out enfemme this afternoon. What a thrill!!.
Thanks
Brenda

[Lauren Richards]

Brenda,
Thank you for your kind words, and welcome to the Forum. I think you will find lots of interesting posts, and if this thread has had a positive influence on you, then everyone here gets the credit. There are lots of wonderful folks here. I am very grateful to those who have ginven me a hand, and an occasional push. It feels realy good to be able to share. Hope you continue to enjoy, and we hope to hear more from you, like...some details on your first adventure. Were did you go? What did you wear? As with everything we do..what you do should be at your pace. There is a line we walk which borders both on comfort and excitement. Finding the balance is an art. Best wishes, and again, welcome.

Lauren

[Ava Mouse]

Lauren,

Wow, what courage! I think you look great! Nice blouse, necklace and jacket.

Funny that it takes more courage to dress up and go to the mall then it does to say... climb Mt. Rainier! Taking on social taboos takes more courage... Which means, it's all in our minds, isn't it?!

Next Saturday, I'm going to Tri Ess, and was thinking of venturing out before hand... Maybe hitting Capitol Hill just after lunch for a coffee and shopping at Red Light (a used clothing store)...

[DonnaT]

That's great Lauren.

You know, a lot of times when I'm out shopping (drab) there is no converstion between the clerk and me. If they ask if I found everything alright, which is usually the only question, I would anwser with a nod or quiet ummhmm.

[Priscilla1018]

Lauren,
I envy you, to be able to be out there as a woman is still a fantasy for me
until my hair grows out and I lose the beard. I know what you mean about the voice; mine is a very deep bass rumble and carries like a DI's. So much to change for me, but way to go girl.

Love and Hugs,
Priscilla :D

[spaskinstyle]

Good for you! I'm so glad you had a good experience.

Theresa

[Lauren Richards]

First, let me thank youall for your comments and encouragement. It makes getting out there easier when I know I am not alone in this womanly wonderment.

Ava, I think you will have a great time on Capitol Hill. For you ladies not familiar with Seattle, Capitol Hill is a very "lifestyle" friendly area. Lots of restaurants and shops. I walked it end to end one evening last fall, then took in a movie at the Harvard Exit (a local movie house). Ava, You should have no problems, and I think it will be a wonderful way to tune up for Esprit. Have fun at TriEss, too.

Donna, I've made a few purchases, and it didn't matter that the sales clerk knew I was a cross dresser. The night I took that long walk last fall (see above), I bought some martini olives and a toothbrush at the local market, and I actually asked the ticket taker at the movie house if "I presented well?" He was totally cool, and complimented me on my look. Just not ready for the Department store. Yet...

Priscilla, not to worry about that hair thing. I use a wig. Those facial folicles may be a bit more iffy, and it must make putting lipstick on a bit difficult. Hey, enjoy what you can do now. I spent lots of years indoors, the mirror my only companion. When you are ready to take another step, you will know.

Theresa, thanks for the good wishes. Yes, it was a great time.

Which brings us to this evening. As it is quite late here and I will be heading back to work in a few hours, I'll keep this one short.

First, returned to work at about 10:00pm. Parked down the block from our office building and walked the deserted street to the main lobby. The building guard was outside and I walked right by him, pressed my purse against the card reader, and walked into the lobby. Up the elevator to the deserted office. Three hours of work (yes, I actually had something I needed to finish this evening), and also spent some time taking photos.

Next, drove to Capitol Hill, hoping to find someone to take my picture. Kinkos was closed, so I asked a trio of folks who had just come out of a restaurant if they would mind taking my picture. Near the Harvard Exit, north end of Broadway for you Northwest ladies. "I got all dolled up and would like to be able to have a picture." They were happy to do it, and complimented me on how I looked. The girl even made sure that she got my shoes in the photo. They were SO nice! Ava, like I said, you should have NO problem on Capitol Hill.

Next, drove to a gas station for some Girly Gas. That's what I call it when I pump gas en femme. Totally lit station, but by now it was about 2:00am, and the attendant didn't give me a second look.

Drove around a little more, then home. Too late to mess with the photos tonight. I'll post some tomorrow. I had THE BEST time! I think I'll wait until morning to take off the pink nail polish. Zzzzzzzzzzz...

Lauren

[Lauren Richards]

Amazing to sit in my cube for a few hours late last night, working totally en femme. I even changed the name tag on my cube, just in case the security guard for the building came by on an evening rove. Had the whole floor all to myself, and went about my job as Lauren. Noticed my posture was better, and my writing was clear. I was actually able to get some work done that I had been blocking on for about a week. Total freedom of the mind. It was amazingly comfortable. It was very unlikely for anyone to be there. Even the janitorial staff was done for the night (although I did hear a vacuum clearner in the other side of the main lobby as I left the building). The guard I first saw when entering was the only other person I saw the whole time I was there - nearly three hours. It was wonderful. Not the first time...and it won't be the last. And yes, the empty floor did provide a chance to use the ladies room - for a photo. They have better mirrors.

[Lauren Richards]

After leaving the office, I felt like asking someone to take my picture so I headed to Capitol Hill, a friendly and familiar part of town. Parked and walked over to the local Kinkos, but found they were closed. What? It was only 1:00am. Noticed a trio exiting a nearby restaurant, and walked over to them as they stood chatting on the sidewalk. Said "Hi" and ask outright if they would mind taking my picture. They were friendly, and one of the girls took my camera. Took a minute to get in the right light, and get the right pose. She then took the picture you see attached. I thanked them and enjoyed the sound of my heels on the pavement as I made my way back to my car. Yep, you can ask for what you want..

[Lauren Richards]

Not ready to head in just yet, enjoying the freedom of the night and the feeling of my favorite black skirt riding above my knees, I drove around a while and ended up at a gas station. I needed gas anyway, so why not? Totally ordinary. Just Lauren getting gas.

[Lauren Richards]

Ok, so this has nothing to do with the Mall, except that they were closed by the time I was ready to head out the door last night (It is now like nearly 3:00am, so pardon the brevity). Not to be detered, I headed for the office again, this time to just check the sound of my heels on the carpeted floors. Late enough so that no-one was around, but still that first moment in the building lobby then riding an elevator up to the unknown gives a girl a bit of a rush. No-one there, so I made the rounds, checking out the copy room, and seeing how it would be to run a meeting en femme. Just me there, so no big decisions were made...just a couple of photos.

Walked some outside, then went to get gas, and visited my local ATM machine. Sorry, those photos were hideous. Perhaps another time.

Lauren