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Hi girls
Following advice from the girls here, i decided to give charity shops a go.
First off, i tried a Christian Aid shop. My first thought was, this is perfect for me, as they packed as much into the shop as they could, meaning smaller aisles so you can browse a lot more privately. I even managed to try on shoes, but nothing for my size. The downside being, that all the items are just thrown on the rails in no order whatsoever. So you have to through all the hangers in each ailse, pulling them out to see them and also to make sure you dont miss anything you like. There were 2 young girls behind the counter and as i had been warned to be wary of Christian Charity shops due to prejudice etc. I asked if a 40 yesr old woman would wear a skirt i was holding and they look mortified. Eventually one asked why didnt she get it herself and the other spluttered, it really depends on her style. Mental note, unless its accessories then avoid.
I then went to a couple of other shops and they were all the same, however the staff were very friendly
and more than happy to answer any of my queries.
I still hadnt found a skirt i liked, not many in the main stores, maybe due to winter, so i called into a Cancer Research shop only 5 minutes from my home, with possibility of being recognised being very high. But Michelle needs a skirt, so i went in. There was an elderly man behind the counter, very fastidious and taking ages for him to do things, but very warm and friendly, you know the type girls.
Well, he had the shop laid out perfectly, with sizes in order, skirts on one rail, dresses on the other etc. With shoes and handbags mixed in every where.
I found a lovely knee high black skirt, mixed blue cloud blouse and a pair of high heel shoes. Yes i have finally found shoes, yaaaaay. There are not perfect, but as i only closet dress at the minute, they should be great for a starter pair.
I would advise any girl who has the confidence to shop at a supermarket etc, to definitely use charity shops. You could spend a day going around them and there is absolutely everything you need in them. However, i have to poiqqqqnt out, clothes wise, younger girls are not very well catered for. The young dont share their clothes it seems, but worth a look anyway and there always plenty of accessories to see.
I would not recommend them for less confident girls. Despite the more private browsing, you have to be aware that you are dealing directly with someone, when purchasing your items. You also need to remember they are probably not trained staff and there is probaly no equality traing or shop policy either, so you never know what their reaction is going to be.
I was fortnate in the last shop. QqIt took the elderly guy took a long time serving me, making sure everthing was folded etc. Then he handed the me the receipt and said keep this safe, it is very important. I thanked him, turned around and started walking out, when i heard him say, remember the receipt, in case they dont fit you and you have to return them. I nearly cried, i have never felt so accepted in my life.
Love
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
How wonderful, I am so pleased for you.
Love,
Tara x
I don't know if thrift stores are different, but I would include them too. Older ladies are more secure. I don't worry about privacy when browsing, but realize it is important to some.
Fredrika XXX
I unfortunately I know this well, living in a rural environment I have to go to local towns to shop. Every charity I walk into ( in drab) and start browsing the “ladies” sections, I am instantly asked …..can I help you……At that point I walk out, it’s almost as if you are breaking cardinal sins in even looking at “ladies” item. Their loss. Sorry rant over.
Hi Michelle.
Yep its hit and miss with thrift stores and I'm glad to hear you had a good experience at the last one. I think by now the personnel all know CD's shop in thrift stores and depending on the cashier it can go smooth or be embarrassing. It pays to have some quick ready answer in mind if needed and a bit of a thick skin too. I've had some disasters dealing with the religious run shops around here so be careful and stand you ground because we are doing nothing illegal.
The old chap was a wise man and proves they do have diversity training. It also proves you aren't the only girl in the village!
You have now crossed the threshold and have a safe shop to go to. As your confidence grows you will find yourself in the mainstream shops.
Nice to read of your progress.
I suspect they get plenty of practise! Charity shops are a mecca for the less wealthy CD, especially for accessories. I have a load of belts I've bought over the years, and nothing cost more than £2. I've never had the nerve to buy clothes, not because of the staff, who probably get that all the time, but because the other customers.
Connie
xxx
Hi Michelle,
I myself have quite a bit of luck with getting clothing (apart from shoes) at secondhand stores. The staff on the otherhand is hit and miss, the mission shops staff seem to have their beliefs and prejudices whereas the profit shops are quite accepting.
Hi Olivia
You are so right. That is why i said to avoid them. Most are sullen faced volunteers, who dont really even want to there on a Saturday morning.
Love Michelle
Hi I went to asecond hand store lots of clothes I saw 2 young girls about twenty years old so I walked over and said I am a cross dresser and my name is Jenny they did not faint . They said I am Jill and Susan nice to meet you I looked around but did not have a lot of time so you know I will be back
Love.
Jenny
Hi Connie
Grab s few things and have a jokey story ready, like the wife told me to get her an outfit, but what am i suppose to know about clothes.
Or say nothing like i did and if you pop in every now and then i just get a few things,the staff and other customers will soon get used to your face, allowing you to shop at will.
Love
Michelle
I do not care one way or the other as far as the staff is concerned in charity/thrift shops. I go in look around and if I find items I like and fit I buy them. Our money is as good as everyone else's. These type of stores come and go so we can not be fearful of the people working there.
This is beautiful, well the last part. I love charity shops here in the UK but as you said, often the clothes are dated but sometimes its possible to strike lucky. On the whole the staff are ok, maybe the odd frown etc but I can live with that, each to their own. Loved reading this and hope you enjoy further jaunts to the charity shops.
Hi Angela
I do go to the big names today, m&s, dunnes and primark. They have huge fem sections and being a non fem on your own makes you stick out like a sore thumb. But if i want to achieve my dream, i have to push myself.
The difference between in person and online shopping is huge.
Buying clothes online, can be hit and miss.
You cant feel the material, colours dont always match with online, you cant match with other garments, returns etc and worst of all, once you have picked that slinky number you have spent months looking for, you have to wait to get it.
Love
Michelle
Hi Michelle
I agree totally.
Love
Michelle
