By Tina Davis
The final day of my weekend had some really exciting times – this might be a bit long, but I enjoyed myself so much!
November 2 – I woke up excited for this day, as I was meeting my friend and her wife back at the shopping plaza. I was a little nervous to meet a GG who knew that I was male, but since she married my friend, I was able to reassure myself that it would be okay. My plan was to get a manicure and pedicure before driving south to meet them, but when I called the salon, the earliest time they could take me was at 1:00 PM. I worried about not having enough time, but then my friend emailed saying that they would not meet me until mid-afternoon. So I had time to put on my outfit, a fuschia pink long-sleeve top and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans, covering the top with a male sweatshirt. I packed my makeup, wig, and small crossbody purse, and left my daughter getting ready to go to her weekend job. She knew I was getting my nails done and then meeting my friend, but I didn’t tell her we would both be dressed as women.
I drove to the salon, picked out the matching fuschia color for my nails, and let the nail tech work her magic. The owner actually remembered me, even though it’s been almost 18 months since I was last there. With my toes and fingers glistening, I put my sandals back on, ready to have some shopping fun. My friend and her wife were already there when I arrived, they had been getting some walking done up and down the storefronts. I told them I wanted to go to Ulta first, as I needed a few new items there. We went in, and they were both amazed at the selection and breadth of products. I made my way to the lash display and picked out a new set of voluminous lashes, then started looking at foundation. I’ve felt that the one I’ve been using is too light, especially for the fall and winter, so I was testing a few samples when an SA approached, asking if I needed help. I explained the need for a darker foundation, preferring the L’Oreal Infallible, and she immediately talked about her shade and how similar I was to it. She pulled out a shade that I would have thought was too dark, but she told me she felt it would work well with my skin tone. I asked her about blush and admitted I needed help with contouring, and she whisked me off to another SA who would give me a quick tutorial!
The second SA was so nice and helpful when she used the bronzer, describing the technique and where it should start and end on my cheek and along the jawline. The effects were instantaneous and flattering, then a third SA gave her opinion on which blush would go best with my lipstick. She then dabbed some blush on my cheeks, blending it with the brush – it was gorgeous and I felt so beautiful! So I bought the Lancome bronzer and blush along with the foundation and lashes – a bigger hit on the budget, but one I was happy to pay. The SAs loved my shoes and complimented my nails – I know they were pushing the sale, but I felt accepted and that made my smile bigger.
My friend and her wife were full of compliments on the improved makeup as we walked the length of the plaza to Marshall’s. The three of us went our own way inside the store, I headed for the racks of dresses and tops. I didn’t find anything of great interest in the dresses, but started pulling tops to try on with my jeans. On the clearance rack, I found a fabulous black-and-white jacket and added it to my pile. Off I went to the fitting room, where I tried on everything. Some tops had too much flutter in the shoulders, making me look wider (not a good look for a CD). One top I liked, but the button at the nape of the neck was very difficult to manage. The long-sleeve snake print almost came home, but the shirt would gap across my bosom if I moved the wrong way. I ended up taking a black-and-white print top and the jacket, wearing the jacket out to show my friend.
After waiting in line to purchase my items, I went to the back of the line where my friend and her wife had their items and were waiting. They wanted to go eat and then head home, but I had more shopping to do, so we said our goodbyes with hugs. My friend promised to send me some additional pictures. I then walked all the way back to Dress Barn, where I hoped to find the sweater dress I tried on a couple of days before. Unfortunately, the medium I had wanted was gone, and they only had extra small or extra large left. I looked around at a few other pieces until I came across the 50% off clearance rack. I found the black striped sweater dress and the gorgeous Calvin Klein black floral dress, along with a knit skirt. The SA had started a fitting room for me, writing my name on the door. I tried on the CK dress first, knowing it would fit. When I took off my sandals, I realized I had a blister on my little toe from all the walking – ouch! That’s why I am barefoot for these photos. The SA loved the dress, she even helped me with the zipper so I could take it off. The sweater dress and the skirt were nice, but I was already taking the first one and that was going to use up my budget for the day.
I texted my daughter that I was finished and heading home, I stopped at an isolated parking garage to change out of my outfit and wipe off my makeup. I was leaving my nails done until Sunday, when my wife was due home from her trip. My daughter did finally notice the color and I simply said that I wanted to have color. She was fine with that, and I did clean off my fingers on Sunday. My toes are still done and I am keeping them as long as possible. I had to put everything away on Sunday and threw out some old makeup along with all of the tags and bags I had from my shopping. The jacket, the LBD I tried on on Friday, and my black trench coat are currently hanging in my own closet, as there is no room for them in the duffel bags I use for my female wardrobe. They are on the far end of the closet, and the black color will keep them from being noticed.
I pushed myself that week to interact more with people and be proud of who I am. I was confident, safe, and appropriate in my adventures, things that Kandi always urges in her posts, and I can say that they all work. While I may not get another chance to dress this calendar year, I know that when I do, I will be accepted and treated like any other woman, and that’s all I can hope for.
Thanks T for sharing what had to be a wonderful few days! I can easily see the growing confidence in this group of photos.
from Kandi's Land https://kandis328772669.wordpress.com/2019/11/26/shopping-with-a-friend-the-dramatic-conclusion/
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