Inspired by the many great stories posted on CDH, I recently spent my first weekend out en femme.
This included a visit to the local Goodwill store. Previous visits, dressed as a man and browsing women’s clothing, always felt a little weird and I was very conscious of anybody near me that may be judgmental, or worse. Now dressed in a long, black pleated skirt, white blouse, full make up, wig and accessories, it felt so natural and liberating to be doing the same thing! I enjoyed looking at all the racks of clothing and even tried on a pair of pink leggings, but did not see anything I wanted, until I found a black faux leather biker jacket.
It was perhaps a little small and had a rough zipper action, but I was determined to try it on. So I put on the jacket, zipping it up in front of the full length mirror in the middle of the store, watching my long skirt twirl as I spun around, not caring who was nearby, or who was watching me. This felt so good! So imagine my horror when I realized couldn’t undo the zipper after deciding to buy it!
Initially, I tried to be discreet and not draw attention to myself, but this sucker was not moving.
I think that normally from a distance, I could probably pass as female, but closer inspection would probably reveal the truth, and definitely so if I spoke. So prior to entering the store, I was focused on minimal verbal communication, however given my current situation, I knew that this would not work.
Eventually I summoned up the courage, went over to the young lady cashier and, in my best female voice impression, described my problem and asked for help. She did not show any surprising reactions and was super nice, but immediately called over two male employees who were working close by. They initially tried to coach me on “How to unzip a jacket”, since the zipper was stuck right at my breast level, and they obviously felt uncomfortable touching the jacket. But eventually they realized their well intentioned advice was not working, and I had to assure them it was OK to touch the jacket.
After what felt like an eternity and lots of jiggling and jerking around, I was finally free – and so thankful that my breast forms did not move out of place or my wig fall off. I thanked the staff profusely and made some feeble excuse of not wanting the jacket, then scurried out of the store as fast as my heels would carry me. Once back to my car, I burst out laughing for several minutes trying to process what just happened, and imagining what the other people in the store must have seen and thought!
I’m not sure if there is a moral to this story, but that trip and experience will stay with me for a very long time. It’s something to tell any future grandkids, but that is a topic for another discussion!
Hugs,
Rachael
Tags: crossdressing in public do you shop at Goodwill or consignment shops embarrassed crossdresser
See? You were brave enough to go out, and, when the “zips" WEREN’T down, you were brave enough to do whatever the situation called for! You rock! And imagine how you’ll feel next time after clearing this hurdle! 😍
@Kendra Mayo thank you. It does now give me more confidence for my next adventure!
hugs,
Rachael
Oh the memory, I had a very similar event when the zip on a dress I took into the changing room of a busy store became totally unmovable. I was at first also against calling for assistance but in the end I did.
i departed the store with much relief.
@Stella Thetlow thank you for sharing your story and being able to relate. I’m glad your situation turned out fine also.
Hugs,
Rachael
Can you tell me how you went out in public looking like a girl, I can’t even show my friends
While reading your article about your zipper dilemma, I began perspiring as though it was me there. I have never gone out in public dressed and I am not sure if I would do so. Regardless, you write very well…enough to make me sweat the experience…hahaha
@Elizabeth O'Brien Thanks for the comments and apologies for making you perspire. I was once told that ladies perspire and men sweat, so you wrote in a ladylike manner!
Hugs,
Rachael