… the first time I ever (successfully) asked a girl out, she was so cute and I was such a total, gibbering wreck. I never thought I could be so much of a hopeless, pathetic wimp ever again. And then I decided I had to go and have my first ever professional makeover and photoshoot…
I’d known for years that such a service was available and I’d found out a couple of years earlier that there was a lady in my own fair city of Leicester offering a full makeover/photoshoot service: the lovely Tracey at Femme Side Studio, only 40 minutes on the bus from me. Covid delayed me, but in the end I decided to give it a go, even though the voice in the back of my mind kept telling me that I’d back out at the last minute. OK then; sign up, pay up – and just know that it isn’t really going to happen. But there was a “problem”: the closer the day got, the more I told myself I had to go through with it… but also the more terrified I became. No-one knows I’m a CD (bar my CDH sisters) and I’d be fully dressed up – with a GG doing my makeup and taking photos of me! Only a week before I was due to go, I had told myself I’d back out, but then I started to tell myself that I needed to stop being a wimp…
I managed to get on the bus – which promptly broke down! They got it going again, just soon enough for me to get there smack on time. Here I am at the door; do I ring the bell? Errmmm – there isn’t one; so knock… but before I can, the door opens and there stands Tracey, inviting me in and asking if I wanted a cup of tea. I can’t tell her how terrified I am, but she’s so lovely that I find myself calming down, my heart rate slowing and that dead, prickly feeling at the back of my brain is disappearing.
Tracey wants to know what sort of look I want to portray; good question, but not one that I really have an answer to. In the end, it’s more a matter of looking through the vast selection of dresses, skirts, tops and shoes that she provides and seeing what matches. Once she has a basic idea, it’s make up time! I’ve never had a proper makeover before and it feels a little strange; the false eyelashes and the eyeliner are a touch scary, while the work on my lips feels really nice! In the end, I look in the mirror and I’m really unsure – don’t I look a bit pale and pasty? Tracey seems to be very happy though – and she’s the expert… Things now move at a pace; I really don’t notice when she helps me into a bra and breast forms, then I find myself in a beautiful, short, red dress and lovely soft, black, thigh high boots. My wig looks very beautiful in the mirror and somehow I’m sat in front of the lights and posing for the camera; I surely must look like a complete mess though, right? The next couple of hours pass with a couple of outfit changes and me wondering just how I can manage to change my tights without losing all of my false fingernails…
Eventually, I get to see all the pictures that Tracey has taken; a few are rejected – because the model just got it so wrong. Everything Tracey has done is, however, FANTASTIC! I almost look good (hey – miracles don’t happen, but she has come closer than I ever thought possible!) I don’t think I look anything like I do as a male – good thing, really! I started out being completely terrified; I ended up loving every second and wondering why I didn’t do this years ago! If any of my sisters out there are thinking they can’t do this – believe me, you CAN… and you’ll be SO glad you did! This is NOT a paid advert for The Femme Side Studio in Syston, Leicester, but I can’t help thinking that Tracey is a lady that all of us should consider visiting; a talented make up artist, a far better photographer than she thinks she is – and a truly lovely, gorgeous lady who will make you feel so great about yourself. I’m sure there are many, many other places out there that can do such a great job; I just want all my sisters out there to know that they CAN look great and that getting up a little courage is a fantastic idea! You’ll be on Cloud Nine for ages afterwards; after all, I still am……
Love you all:Â Holly XXX
There used to be a dressing place in my town Darlington years ago, Christina who ran it was great at makeovers, I barely recognised myself at my first one, I can highly recommend any girls on here to have one, you won’t regret it!
reading various sites I would say that they are all the same i.e. FEAR.once again the writer almost chickened out but in the end went forward and was totally happy! Every one should push through the FEAR, get out there! There will be no regrets
RIGHT ON SISTER!!! Holly XXX
I would love to be able to do that myself someday. Just a matter of where, whom etc.. Thanks for sharing♥
You look great, must feel wonderful. I’m still trying to decide what is the next step for me.
Hiya, Joanne: I can only say… take the plunge and just DO IT! I can honestly say that it was one of my top ten experiences – and I’m sure you will find it the same. By the way; I noticed that you’re a biker chick – glad to be in the same club! And there’s nothing wrong with smaller motorcycles – most of the best racing comes in the lower capacity classes… plus we’re always getting told that size doesn’t matter! Take a deep breath – then book a photosession… Holly XXX
Beautiful hun’…you dun’ yourself proud!
Not been able to reply that quickly – wasn’t trying to ignore you; just not been in the country for a while… And yes; I do feel proud of myself; you go for it as well, girl – you’;ll be (justifiably) proud of yourself too!!! Love you: Holly XXX
I would love to find a service like this near me but I don’t know of one. Oh well I just have to do it myself I guess even though I haven’t the slightest idea of where to start. Great story, and it sounds like you had a good experience.
A fantastic experience! And I can appreciate that finding places in Canada (the second largest country in the world, remember!) may be difficult; I feel for you. Just want to say that I looked at your profile background pictures; that is so classy! Truly love it! Holly XXX
Wow, that seemed like it was quite the experience. I would really love to do that now! You look absolutely gorgeous Holly.
Katie; YOU look gorgeous – but I’m sure a professional artiste could make you look even better! Keep looking; Tracey told me that “you’re never more than 100 yards from a crossdresser". I’m sure she’s right, but I’d also say “You’re never more than 100 miles from a makeover artiste." Somewhere, not that far from you, there is lady or gentleman who can make you look and feel SO good! Holly XXX
Your story is very familiar. I had the same butterflies when I used a dressing service in London but once through the door I was the nerves disappeared. The experience was wonderful and I couldn’t believe the transformation. I could never achieve the same results at home. I would love to go back but time & expense prevents me.
Way to push through the fear, Holly! It gets easier every time! And what a lovely gift you’ve given yourself: the gift of the possible! Congratulations!
High Holly,
I had my second makeover this week and I totally agree with you that it is a life changing experience. I am still feeling the high after several days.
Hugs,
Michelle