In for a penny, in for a pound ...

Hi girls.

As part of my recent week en femme, I was lucky enough to attend a 5 hour session with a professional makeover artist. There's been a lot of discussion in these forums as to the risk/reward of such a visit, so I thought I would document my experience in some detail. I have posted pics of 3 of my 4 outfits. The 4th was rejected, probably wisely!

With permission, and in order to answer JJ's recent question, I can say that I visited Cindy at Boys Will Be Girls in south London (check out their Flickr and Facebook galleries). Although my week of dressing was quite fab, I was more than a little disappointed with the results of my attempts at makeup. Also I'd never really looked in detail at my aging face, with the lines on the forehead, droopy eyelids, various blemishes and saggy skin on my neck. As I headed off in the car to Cindy (who has a private parking bay) I was beginning to regret the whole plan. Heck, I felt nervous, embarrassed and a bit ridiculous dressing in front of just me! How was I going to feel in the presence of a professional?

I was shaking as I walked through Cindy's door. We sat down over a drink and I tried to describe what I was looking for (how would I know?!), and what my personal likes/dislikes were. I felt ridiculous. She went out of the room and brought back a bra prefilled with forms, a suspender belt, stockings and a sort of firm large panty thing, then left again. I was still shaking and it took me forever to put these on. She came back in, slipped on a gown for me and sat me at her dressing table.

First she gave me false nails. I thought at the time they were a bit long. I was looking for simple feminine elegance, nothing tarty or draggy (although at six foot with a bit of a tummy that was a challenge in itself), but actually anything smaller wouldn't have shown up as well in the photos. I wondered how any t-girl or GG could ever actually function with these nails. Then she proceeded to do my makeup. It was a long but interesting process, but so complex that I didn't bother asking questions as I wasn't sure I could learn anything from it. Towards the end of this process she applied false eyelashes and this was my first wow moment. I'd never experienced this before and I was stunned at the difference they made. Finally she did my lips and all my doubts and nerves ebbed away as I revelled in the sight of my sexy mouth.

Then it was on to choosing outfits. I looked through her impressive collection of clothes, recognising a number that I'd seen in various galleries. First a simple floral dress and 3 inch heels, next a nice skirt and black top (4 inch heels), then a more raunchy dress with a breastplate (and 5 inch heels that I literally couldn't even stand in!), and finally some risque and sexy lingerie. Never thought I'd go down that road! For each outfit she took loads of pics, in two different studios. I'm completely unphotogenic and believed I was incapable of smiling but Cindy was so skilled in the classic fashion photographer spiel that I relaxed into so many girly poses.

I never felt in the least at risk. Cindy's partner (who will take you out for a walk or drink if you are so predisposed, which I wasn't) popped in and out at various points and we had a nice chat about a mutual interest in electronic keyboards ( I play in 4 local bands). The 5 hours seemed to rush past in a blur, and as I drove home it all seemed so surreal that I had to pinch myself to be sure it really happened. Bottom line: if you can afford it (it wasn't cheap), I don't think there are any downsides. The pics came through today (hundreds, including 12 edited photos with arm hair, facial blemishes etc. removed) and I'm absolutely thrilled with them. I thought this would be a one off but I'd definitely do it all again. I wouldn't have the nerves or doubts, and I'd have an enhanced idea of what I was looking for.