Chicago - Woodfield Mall

[Tricia Lee]

I'll be in Chicago this week in the Woodfield Mall area. Any suggestions on things to do? I'd especially like to visit any wig shops that might be in the area.

Thanks!

Trisha

[bobbi]

I don't know anything about the area but right now I an in Oakbrook Terrace, IL hotel, I am here for work and have evenings free. I also am looking for things to do and maybe people to meet. Two more night here.
Bobbi

[Jodi]

This past May, I attended the Chicago Be-All. Woodfield Mall is right across from the hotel that hosted Be-All. I shopped there dressed three times and had no difficulties. All the store personel were gracious. I believe that they have seen it all.

Go to the mall. Shop till you drop, and have fun.

Jodi

[joann07]

This past May, I attended the Chicago Be-All. Woodfield Mall is right across from the hotel that hosted Be-All. I shopped there dressed three times and had no difficulties. All the store personel were gracious. I believe that they have seen it all.

Go to the mall. Shop till you drop, and have fun.

Jodi

I second Jodi.
I was at Be-All too and that's a great place to shop.
The people are friendly and they have lots of different stores to choose from.

Hugs!

[KarynDavis]

Several Years ago - I spent a 4 day weekend totally dressed em femme in and around this mall. It was one of the most enjoyable times I have ever had. Simply - there were no problems.
Enjoy!!

[vikki2020]

Hi Tricia,this is a great place to visit, and they have a nice selection of wigs--http://www.transformationsbyrori.com/
They are in Arlington Heights, which is not to far from where you'll be, if you are driving. Hope you have a great time!

[jacky83]

I just want to second Vikki's comment about Rori's.
http://www.transformationsbyrori.com
Also believe there is a MAC cosmetics store at Woodfield. MAC certainly has a TG friendly reputation.

[Tricia Lee]

Thanks for the help! :)

I did stop by Transformations, really just to look around and check their prices. I may do a makeover next time I'm in the area. Seemed like a fun place.

It was fairly late before I finished dressing up. I first stopped by the Meijers, looked at some clothes, and tried on a pair of heels. No problems. That was my first time ever going in that type of store. Still never been in a WalMart while dressed.

Then I went to the DSW shoe store by the mall. Those stores are awesome! I went to the size 10 clearance rack and must have tried on a dozen different heels. They have great shoes. I spent about 20 minutes strutting up and down the aisle in front of the mirror. That was just a dream come true!

Then I went to the mall about a half hour before closing time. Not very crowded. I looked around in Sears for a few minutes, then walked through the mall to Macy's. I asked one of the make up assistants how I was doing, and she wasn't that impressed. I don't think I was passing well at all, and she kind of confirmed that. I have a lot of work a practice to do!

I'm back in my room now, and just took delivery of a pizza while enfemme. It was pretty cool. The guy didn't act funny about it or anything.

All in all it was a great trip! Despite not being 100% happy with my look, I didn't have any trouble or bad experiences.

Hope I get to travel again soon. :)

Trisha Lee

[SANDRA MICHELLE]

I second and third the suggestion to visit Transformations by Rori. She is a wonderful woman and has a Tg son/daughter that is just beautiful. Rori attends the Tri ess meetings regularly but als you will not be in town for this months meeting which is the 4th saturday this month, it's ussually the 3rd saturday. Call Rori and get a makeover and try on wigs, you won't be sorry.
You may also check out Rachels Wigs & Beauty Salon, it's a little bit farther of a drive but Rachel is a special person. She recently lost her Cd partner whom she lived with for many years and also she attends all Tri ess meetings. heck her out at www.geocities.com/rachelswigs/
Also Jannas Place at www.jannasplace.com
Good luck in the windy city.

[deja true]

Oops, sorry a little late with this, but just wanted to second (or third or fourth...) the Woodfield Mall area. The young ladies inthe MAC store in that mall were extremely helpful and friendly. Bath & Body Works in malls is the only place to get Patricia Wexler's anti-wrinkle products which work really well...and B&BW SA's are all also very friendly. And finally, yes that DSW outlier store at Woodfield is among the best I've ever been in.

We're doing well at the better malls on the whole, ladies. Any place the SAs and management are a little more mature and better educated and staffing better quality stores, we should do well. Not had a bad experience at any store in a better quality mall in Chicago, Atlanta or Miami. Go dressed or not, it seems not to make any difference. Just be friendly and honest and open and you will be treated well. Many here make the point that SAs anywhere will treat you well 'cos it's all about the money, but I think, that in truth, there's more to it than that.

I've initiated and been in longish conversations with many SAs and managers in stores and the time they take with well behaved customers like us is far longer than they would with their regular customers. If it was about the money, they'd serve us, smile and then scoot off to the next one. But, to me, it seems their curiosity and interest often outweigh the profit motive, especially if we make the attempt to connect and really communicate with them.

We're good customers, we're genuinely pleased with good service and, unlike many regular shoppers, we often let our salespeople know that we appreciate them. That makes it easier for all that come after us.

:)

[Jilmac]

If you get the chance, check out Transformations in Arlington Heights. It is a one stop shop for any serious crossdresser. Rori is the lady who owns and runs it and she will help you with anything you need or want. Enjoy your shopping wherever it may be.

[BeckiB]

Another vote for Rori and the crew at Transformations in Arlington Heights. I promise you will enjoy your visit. They are a great bunch of girls and they even have wigs! LOL