A New Tradition is Born! (Continued)

By Norah Blucher

Day 2

When we last parted I had just ended Day 1 of my Black Friday outing. Now, without further adieu, we’ll pick up where I left off.

A New Day Begins!

Ending a day and beginning the next en femme is always a special experience and this was no different. I went through my routine and the hardest thing is getting a good facial shave the second day, but it all ended in a decent job, so I guess I had no excuse but to head out again. This time around I went with the same suede boots, a black turtleneck sweater with ¾-sleeves and a green, tan, and black plaid wool A-line skirt, which came a respectable length above my knees. I specifically chose this as I had a new green tote bag I was using that day. I have a lot of green in my wardrobe, so I splurged a bit on a bag that was not black or brown. It all looked right cute and I can’t believe in my excitement I did not get a picture! Oh well, I packed up and headed out the door, mixing things up a bit for fun. This time I actually made a point of stopping at the front desk to check out! 

The day was quite brisk, but clear and bright and I decided to stop at a Marshalls I saw the previous night. I made a quick stop for petrol on the way and just for the record, I always pay cash for this, so it involves parking at a pump, going inside to pay and then heading back out to pump. I previously did this en homme, upon arrival into town, but am incorporating more daily tasks while en femme. I almost skipped Marshalls, but it ended up being big win as I finally found some comfortable ballet flats which were much needed. I know they do not have the appeal of a nice heel, but I can tell you that driving in heels long distances gets to you, especially after a long day, so having something flat, but still stylish enough to hop out of the car with is needed. Being out and about is definitely changing a few things about me as I adapt.

Heading back to the outlet center found it much busier than the previous evening, but still thankfully not crazy. I actually found most of the staff in the stores to be much friendlier this time around, probably because they had not endured being to work at 6 AM for the attack of Attila the Hun like the day before. 

I must say that being a well-dressed lady in a sea of jeans and yoga wear certainly commands some attention when you enter a store, but this is a two-way street as well. On several occasions I chit-chatted with the ladies working in the stores and commented how tired they must get this weekend. This was always followed by an instant look of relief that they were talking to a real person who acknowledged this, followed by an outpouring of willingness to help me in any way as I browsed around. In many ways, acknowledging them as a person and not just a drone to wait on me led to a much more open acceptance of who I am as well. Some stores had staff running around like mad hatters, but others actually took an interest in if I had been here before, how my holiday went and so on.

I had recently watched some videos on YouTube about walking like a woman and though I had no way of seeing myself, I actually felt it working. I do not think I was that off before, but it gave me a few tweaks that really helped up my game. No dramatic runway walks or anything like that, but just how to move your legs, turn around, swing your arms and move in a fluid and feminine fashion. It did a fabulous job of explaining how men are more linear in their movements, while women are more circular and fluid in their movements and gestures. I felt I was firing on all cylinders strolling about this day.

The tote bag was working splendidly as well. Not for everyday and I still love my purse, but a medium size tote bag was exactly what was needed for days like this. See why we need so many bags! Just big enough for a few extras like a water bottle, some snacks, my gloves and sunglasses.

Food and Other Business

Halfway through the mall I reached the food court and got something to eat. The indoor seating area was packed, but the outdoor area was less busy. Perhaps being cold and breezy had something to do with this. I found a table outside and as I ate, two young ladies sat at a table across from me. They gave no notice to me, but I noticed one was wearing a sweater and a very short denim skirt so I was not the only skirted bird out that day. It actually reminded me of something 20 me wore a lot and would have worn out if I was braver back then. She was bolder than I that day though with bare legs and low cut shoes and I had resolved to comment to her on her bravery when I went to throw my rubbish in the bin, but she did not last long before heading inside with her friend. I did not think any less of her though as the chairs were metal and she had no possibility of sitting without bare skin touching the chair. I had the luxury of a silicon bum pad, and a layer of wool and I still felt a chill up my skirt, so I did not last long myself, LOL. I hurriedly ate and moved on.

As to bathrooms, we always have the perception that the ladies’ room is cleaner than the men’s room. Not so on this weekend. I’ve no idea how the men’s rooms fared, but most of the ladies rooms were quite trashed. What’s so bloody hard about getting your paper into the bowl! I digress. I will say I had no issues with anyone, but picked my battles. I did not utilize bathrooms with lines or if I had just seen large groups of women heading in. Perhaps this will change over time, perhaps not. I do not hesitate to use the facilities en femme, but I do not make a point of drawing attention to it either.

I was in one store that had single occupancy bathrooms and as I was finishing my business I heard a knock. I acknowledged I’d be done in a minute and upon my exit was met with a very eager lady. She made no fuss over me whatsoever, not even a cold glance. As I passed her I turned and warned her that there was not a bit of tissue paper in there. Her face dropped before giving me a very approving look as she genuinely thanked me for the warning. So there you have it, outreach in its most primitive form! Oh, and before you think me a heathen or were wondering, I always carry tissues in my purse. Now, on to a new subject.

Dressing Rooms

I shop as much as any girl, but actually do not buy a whole lot. I’ve a ton of clothes alread, and am very picky about what I need or what I’ll use now, so I browse a lot and wait for something to “hit me” if you will. I’ve passed up bargains that looked alright, but did not scream “Norah.” I also spent way too much on a holiday dress recently because I thought it looked amazing and I’ll probably actually wear it out this year, so that’s just me. Again, I know how sales people are trained, but I had more than one sales associate swooning over it at the checkout desk, so take it for what it’s worth.

Anyway, I was browsing Bloomingdale’s and I came across a paisley dress by Sandra Darren that just said “you know you want me!” I certainly did and it was a light breezy thing I am lacking and will need in warmer times. I’m not familiar with this brand and it was sized in medium and large and I was not sure what would work, so off to the dressing room! There was only one dressing room area and I only saw women entering and exiting, but I think it was meant for anyone. I went in and found an empty stall and tried them both on.

Changing was a bit of a hassle as I had to remove my wig to get my sweater off, but I discovered that the dressing room is a marvelous place to regroup during a long day en femme. No one is anxiously pounding the door like the bathroom and you can take a minute to adjust everything and comb the tangles out of your wig. I think I’ve dropped a size as well as my skirt kept slipping from my waist to my hips. I had no fear of losing it, but it just needed some periodic adjusting during the day. I felt revived upon exiting.

Oh, the dress you ask? I’m glad I tried them on as I would have bet on the large, but not so. Finding a dress for $35 – Fabulous. Fitting into anything that says Medium on the tag – Priceless! I had a less-restrictive corset on as I did not need it with my sweater, so I did not have the full curvature I’d need to wear it out, but it looked good nonetheless. See below and tell me what you think.

When all was said and done I cleared town with a dress, two black tee shirts and some flats. It was well worth the trip though and I would certainly go back again. Maybe not to the same exact place on Black Friday, but I may give some consideration to making Black Friday an annual outing in the future. I need some new traditions in my life and this seems as good as any.

The Check-Out Girl

Heading toward home I stopped at another Applebee’s for dinner. Everything was fine, though I was not the object of attention like the previous night, but was not disappointed. Tired as I was. I headed into the nearby Market Basket, a chain of grocery stores, for a few things before heading home. It was not crowded at all, but as I headed down the tea aisle there were a few patrons walking my way and a bloke sitting on the floor stocking a bottom shelf. The patrons seemed to pay me no attention as I passed by (an older couple), but I had to maneuver around the bloke on the floor and a display. As I passed him, I turned my head slightly and dropped my gaze down toward him so as to avoid smashing the basket on my arm into his head and saw his head swiveling as he checked me out going by! I told you that walk video worked, didn’t I?

This actually did not bother me in the slightest and I silently laughed to myself as my heels clicked down the aisle (probably what caught his attention to begin with) and I turned the corner. He did not wolf whistle or do anything inappropriate and I would honestly have done the same thing. Come on, tell me most of you wouldn’t either? 

This has happened before, more than I expected it to honestly, and I just take it as par for the course with life as a female. It is certainly not something I’m seeking. I do not bat my eyelashes at anyone or act flirtatious in any way and I would certainly put the brakes on everything, and let them know what I was if anyone started pursuing me further. I do acknowledge though that a well-dressed woman in any sort of heel is a bit of a rarity, so we do stand out a bit and I take this as a sign of approval or acceptance.

Final Thoughts

Arriving home late and utterly knackered, I was able to scurry inside without being seen before washing up and changing to unload the car. Such an inglourious end to another smashing adventure en femme. 

What comes next is a bit of a mystery for myself. Certainly more outings and I assure you all that I do so much more than just shop and eat, LOL. I’ve a holiday party approaching at the end of the month and aside from that, a holiday symphony and a Christmas light show are possible if I can line things up. I’ve a few museums I want to visit as well and perhaps dinner with one of my ever-expanding list of friends. I must say, being out is more fabulous than I expected, but being able to share some of my more memorable experiences with everyone here has truly been a joy I did not expect and I’m so thankful Stana lets me share it and you seem to enjoy it so much. We will see where life leads next and until then, please leave questions or comments below, or e-mail me at nblucher at-sign proton dot me.

 

Wearing Venus

Rory Kinnear and Joseph Quinn crossdress in television’s Catherine the Great.
Catherine regularly hosted parties in which the males and females had to attend crossdressed.