I hope this gives others some encouragement. Yesterday afternoon, my wife and I (me in boy mode) were shopping at a large mall and decided to wander through Macys. We browsed the cosmetics counters and I spotted a nice Dermablend display. While my wife waited to the side, I tracked down two sales associates and asked for help with the product. Very calmly, I said that I wear makeup regularly and even after a fresh shave, I can still see traces of my mustache under L'Oreal foundation. One associate was familiar with Dermablend and tried different tones on my face to get the desired result. She completed the job with a finishing powder that really did complete the look. I purchased cover and powder and my wife and I went on our way, me happily swinging my small bag of goodies.
That's the story but here's my message: Just get out there, keep your head high, and act as though browsing for feminine apparel/cosmetics is the most natural thing in the world. The experience I described above is not my first such encounter with sales associates. If you act relaxed they will, too. Honestly, every SA I've informed that I crossdress and may I have some help choosing a product has gladly helped.
Perhaps I magically hit the right SAs who are understanding, but I give myself some measure of credit for my attitude when making initial contact. Confidence and a smile go a very long way. Retail associates don't care about our private lives! They do care about making sales! If anything, I think that helping a crossdresser would give them a new and rewarding experience.
I know some of you have had very negative and embarrassing experiences while shopping, and those were definitely not your fault. I'm just suggesting that before shopping for dresses or any other fem item whether in guy or girl mode, look at the situation from the SA's point of view and ask yourself what demeanor you'd like to be presented with; a confident, self-assured customer, or a shrinking, trembling mouse who doesn't look like s/he belongs? Make it easier for the SA and you'll be rewarded far more often than not.
