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By the middle of last week, I'd realised that the weekend just gone wasn't going to turn out quite the way I'd planned. I'll write more about that on my 'Living the Dream' blog but, pertinent to this thread, there was an outfit in my wardrobe all ready for me to dress up in, but now sadly with nowhere to go. I'd devoted some time and thought into putting it together, the first time I've actually bought pieces for a particular event, an adventure for Fiona that I'd been looking forward to but that wasn't going to happen 😕.
So last Thursday, an idea struck me. Well aware of her excellent reputation, I emailed Tracey at Femme Side Studios in Leicester. Within a couple of hours, she emailed me back, and surprised me with the offer of an available slot for Tuesday, following a cancellation! I wasn't expecting to get to see her anywhere near that quickly, and as soon as the day's holiday from work was confirmed on Friday morning, I was only too pleased to take her up on it 🙂.
I spent some time planning what I'd like to wear, and what I wanted to get out of the session. Obviously, to see what an extremely talented MUA could make from the rough clay of my male mug 😐. But I also wanted to try different wigs to see what colours and styles suit me best, and to try a breastplate. As well as the unused outfit from the weekend rattling its hanger on the rail in my wardrobe, I also had a really posh occasion outfit with an open front to the dress, that turned out not to work with my either of my breastform sizes. It was too big for me all over really, but especially under the arms. I wondered if a breastplate might work better, having everything in the right place, and I could show all the cleavage I liked and not even have to worry about a bra showing. There was also a pair of nude patent court stilettos which had somehow found their way to me 😳, but at that height I couldn't ever use them outside the house, and only sparingly inside without cramping my calves or putting dents in my flooring - yes, this actually happened! 🙄
I was always going to come home still fully made up, to enjoy it for as long as I could. So as well as the two outfits I also packed an outfit from my regular clothes, some more shoes, my forms, shapewear and undies, and a new unopened spare of my blonde wig. Then, hearing where I was going and that being most of the way to where she's currently at Uni, my OH's daughter contacted me to ask me if I'd like to come up to see her afterwards 🙂 This would be a great opportunity for her to meet Fiona, she's always been very accepting of my new situation but I could never bring Fiona to her at home.
By Tuesday morning I'd either been in drab or not done any makeup for three whole days. I had a good stubble for my shaver to lift and cut beneath the surface, and I was confident in the knowledge that I would stay smooth all day. As I drove up to Leicester I grew more excited the closer I got, until I arrived right on time and Tracey welcomed me in. She's such a lovely warm personality and obviously completely understanding of us girls, and I learned that her OH also CD's as Toni the DJ at Leeds First Friday! 🙂
We chatted for a bit over a coffee and I told her what I wanted to get out of the day. She had me get out of my drab clothes and into a gown, then sat me down at the make-up station and went straight to work. First the eyeshadow and mascara, so that any fall-out wouldn't land on an already made-up face. Then colour correction, foundation and contouring. I could see her going into all of the places that I'd been taught, but also some more that I wasn't. While preparing and applying false eyelashes, she made my eyebrows a completely different shape from my normal efforts just by following the bone structure, and she made my lips a lot fuller than I do. Her results compared to mine speak for themselves, but at that point with no hair on, I couldn't see what she could.
But now came the time for the first wig. Tracey put a shoulder-length medium brunette on my head and styled it freehand, then stood back and I just gasped at the gorgeous woman looking back out of the mirror at me - followed by an enormous smile that absolutely lit up my face 😊 Then the second wig in a slightly lighter, more strawberry shade was even better! And both of them completely outclassed my usual blonde wavy hair - it seems I might not be a blonde, after all! We tried longer and darker, then lighter, but the second one was by far the best, followed by a lighter one that was still not quite a full-on blonde.
Now it was time to get into the breastplate, a waist cincher and my shapewear for bum and hips, and get my first outfit on - the posh one. Tracey put the best wig back on and into an up-do with a clip, and completed the outfit with accessories and some stick-on French tips over my nails. Although the whole dress was still slightly too big, I'm pleased to say that the breastplate did very much improve the underarms, even if you couldn't see any cleavage in the end.
But OMG what a young lady strutted back into the studio ready for the camera! I looked closer to 30, than the 40 that I think of Fiona as being. How easily that wide full-on smile came to me, like it hasn't done in many years! And whereas it makes my male face look gawky, it was absolutely right and just perfected my new female face! 🤩 We even tried my new glasses on, both pairs, but for the first time ever, I looked better without any glasses. This was all down to Tracey's incredible skill, I just couldn't believe what I looked like as we reviewed the pictures she'd taken, to choose a few for some final enhancement.
For my second outfit, Tracey produced a dress that would really show off my figure, with some added cleavage thanks to the breastplate. We kept the same hair but let the up-do down again, for it to caress my shoulders. If anything, the results were even better this time! 😍
We took the breastplate off, I got into my bra and forms, and we put the unused evening outfit on with my glittery wedge sandals to show off my matching coloured toes. Tracey put the second-favourite not-quite-blonde wig on me and styled it. If anything I was slightly older again but still very elegant. I was finding it noticeably harder to smile now though, my cheeks were aching from the first two outfits. 🙂
Eventually it was time to dress down into my normal clothes and blonde wavy wig. Even though we'd already over-run on the time I'd paid for, Tracey very kindly trimmed the fringe to the right length for me. I don't think it was ever that long on the first one, either that or I've been wearing it way too far back all this time. The posh outfit and the stilettos had given me the most joy they ever could, so I left them with Tracey for other girls after me to enjoy, if they're a size 18 in dresses or take size 11 shoes. We parted with a hug and a promise to see her again, hopefully to do my makeup when I eventually get to Leeds First Friday.
My second appointment of the day, meeting the OH's daughter as very made-up Fiona was equally wonderful in a different way. I was totally relaxed as myself and she was totally relaxed with me, and chatted with me as her Dad for an hour, just like she normally would. The journey home was uneventful but I kept stealing glances at as much of my new face as I could see in the rear-view mirror! After a long and exciting day I eventually got in not long after 9pm, then stayed awake and buzzing until I finally had to get out of the makeup and go to bed, way too far into the small hours.
Today I have ordered the brunette wig, and the waist cincher that Tracey used on me, in the hope that I can recreate something of the magic she wove on me. I can only add my voice to those of the dozens of girls that have had the makeover experience with Tracey: her reputation deservedly goes before her. Go, do it, book that appointment. You will definitely not regret it 👍
I know in a previous post I said I'd cut down on the volume of words I write in. Looking way back up to the top of this thread, all I can say is ummmm, sorry! 😉 But for those of you who've got this far, here are links to photos of the three outfits from the day. I hope you like them as much as I do 😀
@marleneroberts Thank you Marlene. In that case I looked how I felt! What a fantastic job Tracey did on me 🙂
@jwhite The pleasure was all mine I can assure you honey 🙂 Glad you enjoyed reading about it.
Fiona, I try not to repeat what others say but WOW! Stunning, Beautiful, Gorgeous etc. etc. But the overriding impression I get is of pure happiness and, believe me, it's infectious! You are positively Beaming!
Your post is not verbose, it gives added detail but, the photos speak volumes by themselves.
I'm so glad you were able to visit your step-daughter like this and she is fully accepting of both versions of dad. I do hope her attitude helps to influence your OH.
On the matter of....
putting dents in my flooring
Snap! My kitchen cushionfloor suffered the same damage from stilettos 🙄. I got a pack of "heel protectors" from amazon. There's a few to choose from, they don't detract too much from the look, and I find the small base not only protects the floor but helps me feel more stable in heels.
Thanks so much for this post and the pics, I just read it this morning and what a lovely way to start my day 😊.
Big hugs!
Allie x
@alexina Thank you my dear 🙂 Glad to have been able to spread a little of the happiness that was all concentrated in a corner of Leicester on Tuesday!
Like I said, Tracey really didn't have to force my widest smile onto my lips. I've never been so inclined to smile that I can remember, and it's all thanks to her amazing skill 🙂
I didn't know heel protectors were a thing - thanks for that. Although I'm down to just kitten and block heels again now, much safer in the long run I think!
Fiona xxx
On the matter of....
putting dents in my flooring
I find the small base not only protects the floor but helps me feel more stable in heels.
Over the past few months, I spent as much time as possible in shoes with 2-2.5" heels with a block heel. The area of the base may be 2-2.5 sq inches. Just a guess. Even at that size I have to be very careful around uneven surfaces, such as sidewalks. Step on a crack the wrong way and my ankle flops over. Stilettos outdoors will be much more risky and a snug fit will be imperative. I haven't tried that myself yet, though.
In comparison, the heels of my drab shoes are many times the area of these block heels. It's as if the cracks don't exist.
Yes, I prefer block heels too, Harriette, most of my shoes have them now but I have a gorgeous pair of ankle boots and a pair of T-bar "dance" shoes that I love. Both have 3" stilleto heels and it was on the first wearing of the dance shoes that my wife noticed a coupe of dents in the flooring! It was her suggestion to get the protectors.
I don't go out en femme (yet) so cracks in the pavement aren't an issue for me. I have thought, though, that wearing them outside would be a lot more difficult than inside.
Allie x
@finallyfiona Fiona, your photos are absolutely sensational. The makeup Tracey did for you is absolutely wonderful. Next time I am in Leicester I’ll definitely give her a call. Thank you soo much for sharing your great photos. Hugs Christine
@christineth Thank you honey and I couldn't agree more about Tracey's wonderful handiwork 🙂 I know I'm doing all her advertising for her at the moment but honestly, it's not exactly a hardship!
@finallyfiona Hiya, Fiona: that's a great article - and you obviously had a very similar experience to mine with the lovely Tracey! If I had to choose between those three pictures, I'd say second, then first, then third - but it's such a close run thing that it's not really right to make a distinction; they are all GORGEOUS. I've also written an article on my experience with Tracey - it should hopefully (?) be out in a couple of days; I just envy your writing style and literary ability - almost as much as I envy your stunning good looks! It was lovely to hear that your OH's daughter is completely accepting of Fiona; that meeting - especially as you were in full makeup - must have been a true delight for you! Love you: Holly XXX
@hottestwitch Thank you Holly and that's so sweet of you to say 🙂 The chat with my OH's daughter was indeed a lovely way to connect and to wind down a bit after all the excitement, although I was still buzzing to quite an extent all evening.
I think on balance I'd go with your choices too, for me #2 probably just shades #1. All the looks are purely down to Tracey though, thank goodness you didn't see what I brought to her to work with 😉 I loved all your pictures too, really well done on getting a Featured Photo three days in a row! I look forward to reading the juicy details shortly, I'm sure it will remind me a lot of my day with Tracey.
Hugs,
Fiona xxx
Looking gorgeous Fiona!
I get to visit Tracey in late July, and this has made me even MORE excited 🙂
Just so everyone's aware, we've added Tracey and Femme Side to our 'Local Places' section.
Here's the link if you want to have a peek:
Femme Side Studio – Crossdresser Heaven
Ellie x
@ellyd22 Thank you Ellie my lovely! I was thinking of you when posting everything yesterday, and hoping exactly that you'd be further encouraged that you'd made the right choice for your booking 🙂
I mentioned to Tracey that I knew she was expecting you in July, but I couldn't remember which end of the month you'd said it would be. When you see her, do give her a hug from me!
Great idea to have her listed on here, too.
Liz and will be using Tracey's services later in the year as well - probably once in September and once in October! Once I've got dates finalised, I'll send you the itinerary and fill you in on the plans.
We are, of course, hoping that you can join us at a couple of points 🙂
Hugs
Ellie x
@ellyd22 I'd be honoured to, thank you so much Ellie 🙂 It's going to be busy for Tracey then isn't it!
@ellyd22 Can I come along at least once? Even if it's just to meet you for a beer and a natter? And if Fiona can come along as well - so much the better! Holly XXX
It's complicated ... but I'll PM you when plans are starting to come together 🙂
@ellyd22 Looking gorgeous? Doesn't she just! Great to see that Femme side has been added - Tracey deserves it! Holly XXX
Wow Fiona! You are stunning and Tracey is amazing! So happy for you!
I knew of Tracey's reputation as a well-regarded MUA. Now that I've seen her work, I think that's an understatement. This is top-notch. I know two other makeup pros this good. They're both film industry veterans.
I'm really looking forward to my visit with @ellyd22 later this year! Hope the three of us can do some glamorous celebrating!
/LK
@emilyalt
Thank you Liz my dear 🙂 Tracey certainly is amazing, I can't believe what she achieved. You can see for yourself the difference from the face that I produce. I think I remember her saying she'd done a course about 10 years ago and just taken it from there, but she obviously has natural talent if so.
I'm very much hoping to meet up with you and Ellie and us all go live it up on some special nights out. Looking forward to it also, even though there's nothing arranged as yet (but Ellie's on top of that 🙂 )
Fiona xxx
@jacquelinelarkspur Thank you Jacqui 🙂 I feel really blessed to have had that experience, with results that went so far beyond my expectations.
@finallyfiona what a terrific day you had! The photos speak for themselves, you look beautiful in each of them. I've really enjoyed reading about this and think you'll have drawn a lot of inspiration from it. Can I ask what waist clincher you used?
Hugs,
Anna
@annaredhead I certainly did, and thank you so much for saying 🙂 I did ask Tracey which it was, and she mentioned that it was an 'S-belt' in Medium size, available from Amazon. I eventually found that the correct spelling is 'Esbelt'. It was tight enough on me but not over-tight, with significantly heavier-duty hooks than the Chinese-y ones that I've been using, so I've ordered one. On her advice that the rest of my shapewear was also too loose on me, I also ordered hip pad shorts and bum pad shorts again. Still Chinesium on those, but this time two sizes smaller so that the elastic will always be stretched smooth.
@finallyfiona Thanks! I'll have to order one. I think I've been using the same type of clincher as you were.
If only all Tuesdays could be like this!
... and Mondays, and Wednesdays and (in fact) any day with a "d" in its name 😀 .
Well Fiona, I have read that through twice ... it is such a well written piece and I thoroughly enjoyed the unfolding story. Then I looked at the pictures and was blown away; totally feminine and utterly natural. Others here have exhausted the available supply of superlatives, and I totally agree with every one of them. No wonder you never wanted the day to end.
I have looked closely at the makeover pictures both you and @chrisfp99 have published. It is very clear that the real skill of a MUA is to free and enhance the inner female to shine through - a bit like a butterfly emerging from a crysalis! And that is just what has been achieved in both your cases 😀 . So, @ellyd22, the bar has been set high; but as Isobel has already given you a glimpse of your inner self we are all looking forward to seeing Tracey work her magic!
Hugs to you all, Rebecca
@fembecky If I could look like that every day of the week I'd never go back into drab, that's for sure! Rebecca, thank you for your lovely words my dear 🙂 I have to agree with everything that's been said about Tracey's incredible skill. Like you, I'm eager to see what she will do for Ellie. Her photos are going to be something even more special I feel.
@finallyfiona Beautiful pictures. I'm glad you had such a good time. Meeting with your OH's daughter just proves you are still the same person with or without makeup on.
Don't worry about your story being long. I tended to get excited and wanted to share every detail too.
Your story is a little bittersweet to me, because it reminds me of what I lost. There was a woman 25-30 minutes away who not only did makeovers, photo shoots, and/or taught feminine deportment, she also ran parties and other events from her home (and sometimes away as well). I became friends with her. Unfortunately she had to close up shop a few years ago and move away.
While I have one other group that I go to, and there are a few others in the area, they either meet (or meet after) at bars (I'm not a drinker and am not really into the bar scene), or are further away. They tend not to get started until late, and having a longer drive home, not being a night owl, having to get up early the next day for one group, and another which is even further away and costly to get to because of two expensive toll bridges, and meets on a weeknight means these are not nearly as viable options for me. Enjoy these times while you can.
@alison-anderson I drove 70 miles to get to Tracey, but she was absolutely worth it. I wish there were groups etc. that were closer over here too, but so far I'm struggling to find anything. I guess there must be something in London but that's similarly either costly, or a faff to get to (or both, of course!)
Oh Fiona, I'm so thrilled for you. It's just magical isn't it? You look so beautiful and feminine in these pictures. Sometimes we just need a bit of a helping hand. And we deserve it. You go girl! xx.
@chrisfp99 That's so nice of you to say honey! Thank you 🙂 Magical is about the right word for it. How Tracey saw that look in me I'll probably never know, but it's certainly given me something to aim for in my own make-up routine!
Wow Fiona, every outfit looked amazing as did the make up and hair. We can excuse the long post as it expresses a whole womderful day for you and thank you for sharing.
@ab123 You're welcome my dear 🙂 Tracey's skills are something else, aren't they - all credit has to go to her!
That does sound (& look like) a pretty good Tuesday as Tuesdays go. The look in the photo's say it all. If this is what your future looks like then I look forward to reading more about it.
@sashabennett I don't think I'll get a Tuesday that good again for a while, that's my allocation well and truly used up now! Sadly I suspect that I'll never be able to replicate that look for myself, so my future will look more like my previous photos, but I'll try to put some things I learned into practice.
Gosh Fiona, don't you scrub-up well!!! 😜
Seriously, that sounds awesome and the results speak for themselves - you do look fabulous. I doubt anyone could take you to task for verbosity, as you are obviously still gushing about the whole day - as I'm sure I would be too.
@caroline2k Thank you Caroline 🙂 Two days on and I'm still getting the butterflies when I look at the photos. I'll try to stop gushing soon, honest 😉
Wish my Tuesday was as good as yours , you look fantastic .
@sugden Thank you Sarah! Like the thread title, I wish all Tuesdays could be like that one ... for all of us 🙂
Just had a look at your photographs and they are stunning. My wife has had a look and said she would never have known you were cross-dresser if she had seen you out and about; shame Femme Side Studios are so far away ffrom me, I'd love to have that done.
Becca
@rebeccabaxter Becca, thank you that's very kind of you to say 🙂 Actually I agree with your good lady wife, other than the breastplate if you look hard enough, it's only the third photo where you get any idea that I'm not what I seem. I hope you can find a studio somewhere in the South West, but I know even Bristol is a long way from you especially once the summer traffic gets going.
