Tina’s Early Adventures Part 2

By Tina Davis

May 4-9, 2017

While I had been out dressed prior to 2017, it had always been limited to going to the Tiffany Club and at night. I shopped in drab all the time, and was androgynous the previous year. I just decided that there was no reason to be timid while my wife was away. She was taking two extra days to visit a friend in Texas after the conference, so I planned for a couple of outings.

Wednesday and Thursday I had dressed only at night after work and did not go out. Friday was a test run of my confidence, I put on my women’s jeans, a black tank top, scoop-neck black sweater, and black wedge booties. I put very light makeup on (no lipstick, just clear gloss), fixed my wig, and out the door I went. Drove out to Western Massachusetts for the morning, I had to wait for a plumber at my in-laws’ house (they are deceased, but my wife and I were managing the house at that time). I took off my wig, sweater, forms and booties and put on a male shirt and sneakers. The plumber came, did his work, then I took my brother-in-law’s three dogs out for a walk (one at a time, large Labs) before packing up to come home. After I stopped for lunch, I put the outfit back on, re-did my makeup and wig, then drove home for the night.

Saturday was one of the best days ever. I called a nail salon for a manicure, got dressed in black leggings, pink ribbed camisole, forest green top with attached silver necklace, and a black open cardigan. I did full makeup (I tried to keep it light for daytime), put on my wig, and drove off. I stopped at a Target and bought some new panties with a gift card I had, no one batted an eye. I then went to the salon, where I was warmly greeted, even though, not thinking, I had given my male first name when I called. The American woman doing my nails was so pleasant and we chatted easily about many things, including dresses. But I got the biggest surprise when the Asian owner came over to let the nail tech know about her next client, saying “you will take her after this lady” – meaning me!!  She said it again, “once you are finished with her”, and I was soaring for the rest of the appointment! I got a lovely pale pink polish that was hardly noticeable, but I was feeling even more feminine when I left the salon.

I drove to a Payless store in a big mall, parked the car, and just walked into Sears to get to Payless. I know at least a couple of people read me as I went by, but I didn’t care anymore. I greeted the SA’s at Payless, walked to the women’s 9 1/2 racks, and started pulling down shoes to try. I was looking for another black high heel and found both the Karmen and Christian Siriano Habit black heels. They both fit perfectly, but the Habit were on sale, plus I had a 25% coupon, so those were the ones I wanted to get. I paid at the register, softening my voice a little, but I knew they knew I was not female. I walked back through Sears to the exit, back in the car, and drove to the nearest Kohl’s. I had a return from my online order, faux-leather leggings that were too big, plus $10 I earned for the order. I found clearance racks and browsed all of them. I pulled out tops, skirts, jeans, dresses – then it was time to try them on. Into the women’s fitting rooms I went, the first side was full so I went to the other side and claimed a room. Tried everything on, some fit, some didn’t (a great black lace dress was one size too small), but I was in heaven. I decided on three tops and a skirt, went to the register line, then was called “ma’am” by the young man opening a register. After my credit, a 20% discount, and my Kohl’s cash was applied, I paid a whopping 25 cents for everything.

Finally, it was time to decide on what to wear to the Tiffany Club’s Saturday night open house. I was originally going to wear a new forest green suede dress from my Kohl’s order, but I decided to wear the new magenta top and gray skirt with the new heels. I re-did my makeup for the evening, but then I sat anxiously on my couch for almost an hour as it was still light out at the end of the day. I finally said to myself, “Get out the door, Tina!”, drove to the meeting, and had a good time with the small group there. When I came home, I realized I needed pictures of this outfit. Not wanting more selfies, I set up the digital camera and tripod, then posed many times. I even took a close up, as I was pleased with my look. The pearl jewelry was borrowed from my wife’s collection. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t get out again as I had hoped, but I did have some good time to relax at home. Sunday, I wore my new purple sleeveless top with a lavender miniskirt and my new black JLo pumps with a silver stiletto. Monday night I tried to dramatize the eye makeup (not entirely sure I succeeded). I was wearing my new green suede dress and my nude platform peep-toe pumps. I decided to try some different poses with the dress and figured out how to orient the camera for the picture on the couch.

I had hoped to go to the Tiffany Club on Tuesday night, but I had to clean up the house and put everything away before going to the airport to pick up my wife. Once I had dressed on Friday night, I didn’t wear male clothes again until Tuesday night. My ability to get out dressed has been limited due to hiding it from my unaccepting wife, but I believe that year I got over the majority of my fears.

Next: 2018, with a few more firsts!