WARNING - Long Post
Hi all,
I know two posts in one day . . . but a girl sometimes just has to post and since it has been awhile I thought nobody would begrudge me two posts.
Anyway, as most know I am in the military and when I go out I tend to plan my excursions like I was planning a tactical operation. I have an "Insertion Point" (jumping off point), an "Infiltration Plan" (getting from insertion point to where I want to go), "Actions On Plan" (what happens when things go bad), "Exfiltration Plan" (quickest and safest rout to extraction), and finally "Extraction Point" (getting away safe and sound). Now since I always try to blend on these outings camouflage is a subject near and dear to my heart. As such, I always try to employ the principles I have learned in my day job to allow Isha to blend or according to the number one rule of camouflage . . . hide in plain sight.
From a camouflage perspective blending is achieved by skillfully matching personal camouflage with the surrounding area, to a point where you are part of the background. For a CDer this in effect means becoming just another woman out and about doing her thing. Obviously the number one rule would be the environment dictating the camouflage. It is no good looking like a tree in the middle of open field. For CDing the principle is sound . . . I like to plan my outfit to match the environment I am going to and this includes everything from footwear to jewelry. All is done to blend to the particular environment so I don't stand out as different. Yes I get it . . . "Duh guy in women's clothing" . However, I am trying to minimize impact.
Here are some camouflage principles with a CD twist.
Colour: The greater the contrasting color the more visible the object becomes. For CDers if you prefer to blend in to those around you, neutral colours will allow you to blend into the background. I am not saying blacks and greys as some colour is fine. But bright bold colours will definitely make you stand out and draw attention to you. This would also apply to make-up choice in that bold "clubbing" make-up probably not the best way to blend in a mall.
Shape: Most objects can be recognized instantly by their shape, especially when it contrasts with the background. For a CDer this is more related to body size and male proportions. For some who are slender and small in appearance this is not too much of an issue. For others who are larger proportioned (e.g., wider shoulders), then clothing options can help blend your shape. For example, my shoulders are wider than the average GG so I would use light sweaters to blend out that shape. I have narrow hips so I tend to stick to tops which flare over the hip line to create the illusion of hips. My thighs are quite muscular so I stay away from short skirts and go with skirts just slightly above the knee.
Movement: In the world of camouflage, nothing will get a well hidden person in trouble more than movement. For us CDers it is related more to actual movement when out and about. This includes walk, gestures and confidence. I spend a lot of time watching how women move, carry things, manipulate objects, gesture and incorporate that into my outings to help blend. However, nervous movements no matter how feminine they appear will still get you noticed. As many have said before you have to own the moment.
Sound: When camouflaged on operations, talking is a big "no, no". For CDers out and about, talking and interacting is most likely going to happen. This will be a big problem for most (myself included). Obviously if you are comfortable with your male voice . . . have at it. I tend to soften my voice and make it more melodic. Definitely shy away from a high falsetto approach as you end up sounding like a Monty Python extra or Mickey Mouse.
Smell: In the world of tactics, nice freshly washed soapy smell will get you noticed quickly. It is best to smell a bit "ripe". For CDers this would be the opposite. I find a small amount of scent (not overdone) creates an illusion of femininity when others get a hint of perfume and it goes a long way to blending.
So those are the principles of camouflage I use when out on my tactical femme operations. Hope you enjoyed.
Hugs
Isha