Archives: September 2009

You Don’t Need Permission…

Crossdresser Dont Need Permission

Crossdresser Don't Need Permission

A few weeks ago I attended church with Vicki and her wonderful family as Vanessa. It was the first time I’d gone to church as Vanessa, which was quite an experience itself. As much as I’d been yearning to worship God as Vanessa it took a few reassurances that I wouldn’t cause problems at the church, or make life difficult for Vicki and her family before I went. Despite what you may be thinking so far, this week’s post isn’t about going out dressed, or religion. It’ll make sense in a moment…

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the different denominations of Christianity (or religion itself) the traditions can vary quite widely. From casual music and a sermon all the way to a formal service with many scripted sections. The service I attended was more formal than I’d been to since college – which is neither a bad thing or a good thing. It did, however, get me thinking about authority.

Crossdressers Are Under Authority

Pretty much since we’re born we’re under authority. We have people telling us what we can and can’t do. Our parents, our teachers, our pastors. We’re trained to ask for permission before doing something as simple as using the bathroom. And woe to you if someone else has been granted permission just before you – there’s only so many hall passes to go around you know.

This system creates compliant drones ready to join the workforce and wait for a boss to tell them what to do and to set boundaries on what they can’t. This may be a fine way to manage society (though I have contrary views that are beyond the scope of a transgender column), but it is a terrible way to manage your emotions.

You Don’t Need Permission To Love Yourself!

As crossdressers we’re especially susceptible to the judgments of society. We look around waiting for someone to give us permission to be who we are. Perhaps it’s an understanding wife who lets you wear feminine undergarments at home, or a social organization, or a book you read. Yet for most of us, even with permission to crossdress we still feel ashamed of crossdressing.

Why is that? Why, even without the damnation of those closest to us, and the nearest liberal church do we still find it difficult to love ourselves? I think we’re waiting for permission. We’re waiting for someone to tell us that it’s okay to love ourselves. Just as we are. With all our failings and flaws that concealer can’t hide.

Stop Waiting!

You Don’t Need Permission To Love Yourself!

Decide today that you’re going to love yourself for who you are. Maybe you’re a crossdresser struggling to accept your feminine desires. Maybe you’re the wife of a crossdresser wondering where you failed? Maybe you’re too fat, or too poor, or have too few friends. None of that matters. Love yourself.

If you won’t do it without permission, then I give you permission to love yourself. Say it aloud now, ‘Vanessa gives me permission to love myself. I love myself for who I am.’.

Really. Say it. Your computer will contract a horrible virus and explode if you don’t say it loud enough so that I can hear you.

‘I love myself for who I am’

Did you check that your microphone was on? I could bare hear a mumbling from the other end. All I have are these words (and the ability to make your computer explode), so just say it. Do it because you’re afraid of the mess your computer will make if you don’t, or because you just want to move on to the next article, or because you have enough faith in yourself to know that only good can come from this.

‘I love myself for who I am’

You might just find that when you love yourself the world seems a bit brighter, and you have more love to share with others. You are beautiful just as you are. Thank you for joining me this week.


P.S. I don’t really have the ability to make your computer explode. However, if it  does explode I recommend you contact the manufacturer immediately and get your fabulous clothes far from harms way. Melted skirt is not a good look for you….

Where Does Crossdresssing Start?

Comments: 6 Comments
Published on: September 17, 2009

This week is a first for Crossdresser Heaven – an anonymous crossdressing success story, by someone who is just starting out on the journey. It’s wonderful to see her success coming so soon!

Join us, as we find out where her crossdressing started.

An Anonymous Crossdressing Success Story

I am not sure how to pinpoint the beginning of this interest. I have snapshot memories here and there from early years—one time I tried walking in a babysitter’s shoes, another time I visited family friends and played dress up with their girls in a green ballet outfit. But these incidents were when I was really little.

In more recent times, I have been confused for a girl on occasion because of my short stature and blonde hair that, while only down to my shoulders, is styled rather femininely. So while I never tried to pass in any sense, it would always make me happy to be mistaken for a girl. I also kind of have a TG fetish, which means that I like stories or films where a guy gets turned into a girl.

Anyway, two months ago my school put on a dance called Crossover which was about, you guessed it, cross-dressing. I was really looking forward to it and trying to plan what I was going to wear while at the same time not trying to sound too interested to my friends. I ended up wearing this little red number with shoulder straps and a black bow that tied in the back and then tights and black heeled boots. The whole getup was ill-fitting and not very fashionable I suppose but again, this was all meant for fun.

I don’t recall my thoughts at the time but I realized that it was something I really enjoyed, more than just as a source of comedy for a random event, and I expressed interest in doing it again but less ridiculously so. My friends were supportive and I was glad. As much as it is about me and a personal choice, I really do not think I could do it if I didn’t have support. So since that party, I have cross dressed about 4 times. Then last week I participated in my school’s drag pageant. For me it was more about a chance to express myself than to entertain. I went as Millie Thompson, a 1920’s flapper, and I performed the Charleston. I went shopping with my ex girlfriend (thank god for her help or none of it would have been possible) and bought heels (size 11), makeup, and a dress, so finally I own my own stuff and don’t have to borrow everything from my female friends. It was embarrassing when I went to the dressing room with her and the saleswoman told us “Men have to wait outside, sorry” until my ex told her it was for me and I gave a wide grin and thumbs up. Apparently my friend overheard the store clerks were talking to themselves about how odd it was I was there,  so she  told me not bothering to clean up the other outfits.

I didn’t win the contest but didn’t expect to because my act was not outrageous enough. I was more concerned with being authentic—so much that I had my hair cut into a bob which probably wasn’t necessary. Not sure if drag is right for me, but it was still an interesting experience to have at least once. I am more interested in dressing up in a classy sense than being ridiculous and over the top like drag queens are.

So like I said, I am still very new to this. I am glad I live on a college campus so I rarely leave the grounds, which is nice because it allows me to have a safe environment to cross-dress. I don’t think I could ever work up the courage to go out in public—if I continue to do this, I have no idea when I’ll get an opportunity once college is over but best not to think about that now. I have been thinking about expanding my interest to do it more often, at least during the time I am going to classes—if not every day, at least more than rare weekends. But that seems far off. We shall see.


P.S. Have you shared your crossdresser success story yet? It just takes a few moments. Follow this link to submit your crossdressing success story.

Be Encouraged By What You Learn

Be Encouraged by What You Learn Crossdressing

Be Encouraged by What You Learn Crossdressing

At the start of every yoga class we’re urged to set an intention for the practice. The intention is set as something to grasp onto when the practice gets tough. When your muscles are aching and sweat is dripping down your forehead you can come back to your intention for strength and motivation.

Recently I made my second trip to an advanced yoga practice. The first one had been a miserable experience. Overwhelmed and unable to follow along with the instructor I spent most of the class lying on my mat. It had taken a few months before I braved the advanced class again, yet the memory of my failure was still in my mind.

I knew that the class was going to be just as hard, and I would feel overwhelmed, tired and frustrated. So I chose my intention carefully. This practice I was going to focus on one thought:

Be Encouraged By What You Learn

Be encouraged by learning, not by perfection. Even if I try a pose and fail, my muscles become stronger, I learn more about the technique. Even if I’m too tired to stand up, I watch others and learn from them.

Throughout the practice I felt encouraged by my frustrations. I felt encouraged when I couldn’t do a pose. I felt encouraged when my muscles ached and my body quivered. I felt encouraged by what I was learning in every moment.

Crossdress and Be Encouraged

Sometimes crossdressing is like the most difficult yoga practice. You’re frustrated because you can’t seem to get your makeup right. Your clothes don’t fit properly, you struggle to walk in heels and you ladder your stockings. Every step you take as a crossdresser seems manly, clumsy and awkward. You may even have people laugh at you, or stare with intense interest. Your feet might be hurting, sweat ruining your makeup and the teller calls you, ‘sir’.

Despite being excited at the prospect of a wonderful day spent en femme you end your day in despair. Cursing your transgendered misfortune.

But Be Encouraged By What You Learn

It’s easy to get caught in the perfection trap. Always striving for perfect, yet never achieving it. Each failure chipping away at your pride until you barely feel like wearing anything at all. Don’t let your own judgments stop you from crossdressing.

Wear those clothes, do your makeup, put on that wig. Do your feminine best, and be encouraged by what you learn. Even if all you learn is how ill suited that red sweater is for your figure, have fun being awfully gorgeous.

We’re all just practicing our femininity, some of us have been at it a while longer, that’s all.

Macy’s Loves Crossdressers

Comments: 1 Comment
Published on: September 14, 2009

Macy's Loves CrossdressersA few weeks ago you shared your favorite crossdresser friendly stores with me. Thanks for all your submissions so far! Many of you ladies raved about a store I dearly love (a bit too much according to my wife :) ). Macy’s is the transgender friendly store to shop at!

If you look in my closet you’ll find tops and skirts I’ve purchased there. Their clothes fit well, look great and I always have a positive experience out shopping. Best of all, Macy’s makes it easy to avoid a common crossdressing pitfall – choosing inappropriate clothes. Macy’s has a selection of clothes to fit all ages and styles. You don’t have to look frumpy just because your figure is slightly larger than most woman.

Okay, enough of my glowing review, I thought I’d share two more perspectives on Macy’s.

Deena wrote me a glowing review recommending Macy’s:

I have shopped at Macy’s department stores and found them to be very helpful in finding the right size and look in clothing. They are very understanding with the transgendered and crossdressing community. Also they are very supportive in the Pride Day festival as they realize that the GLBT community has a economical benefit in the communities they serve.

Petra even wrote an article describing her positive experience with Macy’s

I want to give a particularly warm (and hopefully not overly familiar) hug to our friends at Macy’s – the Grand Old Lady of department stores. Sales Assistants have been helpful and just nicely curious about my shopping,en femme and in drab. When I have been in a Macy’s wearing a Macy’s dress, it gets noticed by staff. On 2 separate occasions an SA has excitedly told me that I look terrific and that they appreciate that I am a Macys customer. Online, my reviews have been published quickly, and weirdly, other customers have found them helpful.

Thank you Macy’s! Take a moment to browse their selection of women’s clothes. I’m sure you’ll find something you love!


What’s your favorites transgender store? Please send me a quick email to vanessalaw@crossdresserheaven.com with the name of your favorite store, and a short story on your positive transgender experience and I’ll share it with others.

Cool or Warm Skin Tone

Comments: 7 Comments
Published on: September 12, 2009

You ladies are in for a treat today! After a few months of cajoling my beautiful wife agreed to write an article for Crossdresser Heaven. Not only does she bring all the insights of gained growing up as a girl, she has an uncanny knack for choosing great colors! Perfect for today’s topic.

She’s chosen to write under a pseudonym, as you’ll see. I know she’d love to hear from you about her article. Perhaps if we get enough comments I can convince her to write another article :) So please take a moment to comment after reading the article – and be beautiful!

Crossdresser Skin Tone

Have you ever seen someone wearing an amazing color blouse that made them look fantastic? This then led you to promptly go and buy something similar and the result was less than desirable. The problem could be your skin tone.

Skin tone is broadly classified into cool and warm tones. To determine what skin tone you are try these following tests:

The Vein Test

This is the most widely used test. Look at the underside of your arm in natural light. If your veins appear bluish you are cool toned, if they appear greenish you are warm toned. If you have a mixture of blue and green veins you are probably neutral. Consider yourself lucky.

The Gold/Silver Test

Stand in front of a mirror in natural light. Hold up a piece of silver and gold jewelry or fabric to your face one at a time and examine. If the silver makes your face light up, you are most likely cool toned. If the gold makes you look fresh and alive, you are probably warm toned.

While the above tests can act as guidelines, genetics are also important. Your skin, hair and eye color can assist you in determining whether you are warm or cool toned. It should be noted that there may be exceptions to this rule.

Warms tend to have a golden or apricot undertone. Their hair tends to have hints of orange, yellow, red or gold. Eye color tends to be amber, dark brown, hazel, or green.

Cool skin often has a pink or rosy undertone. Their hair often contains blue, blue-violet, silver, drab, and ash undertones. Eye color tends to be light blue, gray-green, blue green, turquoise, gray-blue, black or cool brown.

I am an exception to the genetic rule. My natural hair color is drab brown and I have green eyes with flecks of hazel. Yet my skin tone is definitely cool.

Why is this Important?

A Crossdressers Color Pallette

A Crossdresser's Color Pallette

Choosing the correct color based on your skin tone is an important part of looking your best. This applies to cosmetics, clothes and even hair color [if shopping for wigs or having highlights or tinting done]. Wearing the wrong hue can take your skin from looking radiant and glowing to appearing tired, drained and even unhealthy.

Warm tones

These will look their best in earthy hues either muted or crisp: Think yellows, oranges, bronzes, gold, peaches, brick reds, earthy greens, mocha browns and ivory. Yellow based colors makes your complexion sparkle. You also look better in ivory than pure white and black worn close to the face can make you appear washed out.

Makeup and hair color: Foundation is yellow based. Hair colors that have a warm overtone will look more natural on you. To complement your skin go for golden to dark browns, rich warm auburns as well as red and golden highlights. Avoid the following hair colors; ash, blues, purples and whites.

Cool tones

Both sexes will look stunning in rich jewel tones such as vibrant emerald green, royal or icy blues, rosy pinks, silvers, plums, magentas, blue-based reds and pure white. Blue based colors look best. You look better in pure white than ivory and you can easily wear black.

Makeup and hair color: Foundation is pink based. These people can wear shades of ash browns, cool blondes such as platinum, blue-blacks and unnatural colors like mahogany, burgundy and fire engine red can also be worn by this shade as well. Avoid tinting your hair in any of the following colors: orange, some reds, bronze, yellow or gold.

Neutral tones look amazing in any color though often they tend to pull towards cool or warm due to personal preferences.

Color Seasons – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn - are used to break down cool and warm colors further.  Summer and Winter are “cool” seasons; Spring and Autumn are “warm” seasons.

Now it’s time to play and compare different colors and tones against your skin. Some will look terrible, others okay and some will make you look as if you have just stepped out a fashion magazine. It is okay to wear some colors that don’t look 100% on you [since who of us can afford to totally revamp our closet?] Just keep these for bottoms and wear a top that complements your skin color.

Go and have some fun now that there is a change of seasons and fashions.

Xena

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