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At some point, I'll share more, but I wanted to put this out there.
I had a small opportunity to go out at least partially dressed. My wife and daughter went to work this morning, and my son usually sleeps late, and I had to go to the grocery store and get gas. Perfect!
I got on some panties, butter-soft leggings (with no pockets; still getting used to that) and a pair of flats to run these errands. I kept drab for the top (t-shirt, flannel & quilted flannel as a jacket) along with a winter beanie hat.
I was a little nervous at the grocery store, but I made it a point to not eye contact with other patrons, and simply focus on getting my items. I did my usual interactions and pleasantries with the cashier, because that felt safter with the conveyor belt covering my flats.
Gas station was easier as there were fewer people, but still a little self-conscious. No one to make eye contact with, so no problem.
Made it back with gobs of time to spare to change back into total drab for the day. 
@kellymoore I love doing things like this. Good for you to have the courage to do so.
@kellymoore Good for you Kelly! Every time you go out dressed is a confidence builder and it makes the next outing somewhat easier. What you said about focusing on getting your items is true of a lot of people. Most people are so wrapped up in what they are doing that they don't even notice others. The more I go out, I find that I just blend in with others and don't standout. The thoughts that we have about being the center of attraction are just false and overcoming them was a big thing for me as I am out in the world as my authentic self more and more.
It has been really safe here when going abroad. Sadly, almost nobody even notices or make comments. Certainly no confrontations. I would prefer to have at least some sort of feedback vs total ambivalence or silence.
Yesterday, I had an errand to run, too. I needed some bolts from a hardware store. I was dressed androgynously, as usual, but this time I decided to just wear a formed bra without any forms. This created only small bumps on my chest when wearing a snug jacket. I knew that the cashiers were always mature women, so it was anybody's guess what would be said. Red nails in sight, digging into a sort of female looking bag, a woman's wallet, unusual bumps on my chest, a snug, feminine looking jacket. It was obvious something was up. Nothing was said and I extended the chit-chat even more by telling an unrated story based on something she mentioned. Everything seemed normal.
On the way, I saw a drug store and went in to look at the nail polish because, well, I am still leaning and experimenting. I was wearing a bright red colour, but it chips easily.
When inside, I took off my gloves because I am trying to be bold and not hide. This is a small store with few employees, so I served myself, found something and waited for the line to diminish before going to the cashier. While there, I mentioned that I was looking for a longer lasting polish and her face lit up with a big open smile and she came out from behind the counter to help me further.
She said that if I ever needed more help to seek her out. She didn't say anything directly about me wearing noticeable nail polish or anything else I was wearing, but she didn't have to. Her smile and service said it all.
We don't know unless we try.
Kelly -
Good for you to have had that experience. Hope you have more in the future.
XOXO
Suzanne
A couple of times over the last year I needed to get some CAT scans, often on days I need to work. Because the metal from the zipper can scatter the X-rays, and not wanting to waste time changing into a gown for the imaging, I have worn women's leggings. To solve the lack of pockets, I had phones (work and personal) in a jacket pocket, and some minimal essentials (cash, credit/debit card, licence, car key) in a fanny pack. This way I can easily take that off, get my scan, and put it back on.
@alison-anderson Fanny pack! I would like to at least get one of those. I have a couple, but they're either tailored for running (e.g., tiny or made to be very visible), or have gaudy advertising as part of a giveaway.
Any suggestions on a unisex fanny pack, or over the shoulder satchel?
Also, I have been wearing pants with pockets for so long, I have difficulties in knowing what to do with my hands; I cannot put them in pockets if they're not there! 
.
@kellymoore I believe they were bought from target. I usually wear a tee shirt, and let the hem hang down over it, so it remains much less visible.
While I understand the feeling of the lack of pockets, I can't tell you what to do with your hands when you have none.
@kellymoore I've started to carry a bag all the time with all the things I usuallly put in pockets as well as a couple other items that have become necessary as I get older - mine is a sling bag in black that I got at Goodwill for $4 - it is okay but I would like something different - I've been looking on Amazon and they have a lot of sling and cross body bags as well as fanny packs for men that would work - I've never gotten any funny looks when carrying it =as for your hands just let them hang naturally or hold onto the strap for your bag with one.
XOXO
Suzanne
Any suggestions on a unisex fanny pack, or over the shoulder satchel?
While I don't have a fanny pack yet, I started off using a few crossbody bags. They kept getting bigger over time, because I found myself putting more and more stuff in them (reference to George Carlin).
However, I was aware of the strap accentuating my breasts, so, recently, I started using a small leather knapsack with two shoulder straps. This bag is barely big enough that I can stuff a pair of shoes to change into, if I can, when I go abroad. Sometimes I get to change, sometimes I don't, but without another bigger type of bag, I wouldn't have that choice. The bright gold hardware on the bag suggests that the bag is feminine, but I don't know if anyone notices it.
The two shoulder straps of a normal knapsack accentuate the outline of my breasts in a different way, so I will mention one-strap shoulder bags. They have potential. I wouldn't be able to put a pair of shoes into one, though.
Well done you! The first steps are always the hardest. I’ve found over the years that most people are so busy with their own lives that they rarely take time to notice others. Every adventure out gets easier as you gain confidence.
Congratulations on the first step. As you notic3d, the world did not end, so you can step up your outerwear as you feel comfortable. Just know that the more you go out en femme, the more you want to go out en femme. Judging by your photo you look great en femme, so enjoy.
@jjandme Thank you for the kind words, JJ. It has NOT been my first step in being partially en femme, but it was my first time walking around in flats. I'll likely put more out regarding some of my experiences, but I am slowly venturing out more and more.
Coincidentally, I've been on similar "missions" myself. I'd been going out for drives while fully dressed, mostly at night. But last Friday I did it in the daytime and I had forgotten to gas up beforehand. So I decided to try it without changing back. I did stop at a self service and sort of chickened out by using a pump partly concealed from the road by another row of pumps, but I could have been easily spotted if anyone was looking my way. I was the only car at the pumps and nobody driving by seemed to notice at all. The station was across the street from a McDonald's to so It was a busy spot, too.
I guess it just comes down to attitude and and the fact that most people are too busy going about their business to take notice. Or if they do, they won't mention it.
Good for you for taking that leap into the unknown. I don't know if I would have done it of I had family waiting for me at home, though.
Rayna
A little bit at a time, nothing wrong with that. You will never get used to being in public until you get out in public. I started the same way, little trips and honestly I was terrified. But that will go away with time as you get more confident being out dressed.
Now I get out with confidence and actually enjoy girl self.
Have fun all.... Staci
Yep, it is all about attitude and confidence. One comes from the other and practice improves both. Honestly, 99% of the population does not really care if we dress or not. At most a few will comment one to another, but almost nobody takes any issue with whether we were a dress or pants.
