on-line makeover

"A Few Essentials"

   feminizing specialties

Aside from all those "dream" outfits you are dying to purchase, there's a few additional items you might want to consider including in your shopping list. 

These are what I call "accessories" - to accessories. Sound strange? Well, consider the "source". *Laugh*

I'll give you this example - "panties". Ahem. Most all budding t-girls love their panties. However, ever noticed how many different "styles" of panties you see out there? Make no mistake - each cut has a purpose.

Here - we're 'gonna discuss various options on everything from shoes to armbands - and hopefully spur some creative thought in that pretty little head of yours. Make sense? 

Good - let's talk about it. ((hugs))

section overview

Here I'm going to show you how to:

arm adjustments

Many t-girls are sensitive about the size of their arms relative to the balance of the rest of their torso. Don't feel lonely - I am as well. ((hugs)) Here's a few ideas you might consider in addressing this "large" issue...

Armbands

If you have slightly larger biceps than you'd like, consider purchasing metal "arm bands" to support the illusion of a more trim upper arm. I've bought them finer versions on-line from Dreamdresser, acquired some at the "Body Shop" - a national chain for young girls, and at "Icing" - and similar Mall "accessory' sops.

I'm always on the look out for different styles and coloring, because finding ones large enough for our biceps - can be a bit challenging. I'd suggest you keep your eyes peeled as well - and acquire them when you can.

One additional note on armbands - the "thicker" the band - the less feminine it will appear. However...the "thicker" bands make your arms appear "smaller". Sadly, every advantage seems to include an equal "trade off". *Sigh* - welcome to "womanhood, GF. 

Also, don't wear it too "tightly" on your bicep - it it will cause your arm to look more masculine. Rather, bend and "mold" the bands to the contour of your arm. If your arms are larger - you can wear more than one band per bicep - to add a further slimming effect. Experiment - it really helps.

If your arms are "quite" large - I'd suggest you pass on this option. You'll only draw attention to "the problem". 

Shrugs

Another way to feminize those biceps is a "shrug". They're an "accessory" item with certain garments and were very popular in the late 90's. 

They are quite useful in concealing hairy arms or muscular biceps. Their current popularity also means prices are now quite "cheap" for shrugs. Let them go out of style and watch prices double - as selection dwindles (the voice of experience you're hearing). 

 I'd suggest you stock up on a variety of these useful items soon. They cover your shoulders and arms, while leaving the rest of you "on display" - a delicious combo! They are an essential feminine device for gals who can shave their chest - but can't trim the hair under their arms.

Bolero Jackets

Without a doubt - the most stylish and "easiest" means of covering those "male" arms is bolero jackets. 

I love them.

You'll discover "boleros" in all shapes, styles and colors. You can use them to "cover" a dress, wear with a bra, under a blouse - name it. 

I find "Cache" carries some of the most stunning jackets on the market. While their often "exorbitant" retail prices are enough to make me sick - you can "land" some nice ones with a simple "search" of "Cache" jacket or suit on Ebay.

Often times, a lovely styled bolero jacket will be too small for your arms - as was the case with the gold & black version you see in the photo. Since I bought this jacket from a "thrift' - I didn't feel bad about "slitting" the arms - to create a workable fit - and unique look.

Another feature I often seek is high necked designs. Unfortunately, women don't have an "Adam's Apple" - a tell tale feature of us t-girls. I enjoy the look offered by tops that cover this male trait. They also have the effect of making the girth of your neck seem smaller - which in turn makes your jaw appear less wide. They should be a standard purchase of any t-girl who gets "out & about" more than once. 

panties, lingerie & other fun stuff

One item I am very particular about - is my panties. As you might already know, undergarments are one item you can't "buy and return" due to health codes. Thus, you better like those panties before you walk out of the store with them.

Make your very first panty purchases amongst the cheapest stuff at Wal-Mart. 

Disregard "desires", you first must learn your size - and the cuts and styles that fit you best. 

This is trickier than it sounds as they are cut "opposite" to our needs. Women's panties are designed to hold that extra "behind" - we usually don't have - and they rarely include the extra fabric we need "up front". 

This is another area were women's shopping habits can save you some money. If you'll notice the "sale area" of many department stores lingerie, you will find lovely panties which have been broken from sets. 

Women with size problems are basically our inverted cousins. They are small on top - and wide at the bottom. We are typically narrow in the behind - but our wider rib cages make us wider up top. Thus, you will often find discounted prices on close outs amongst panty/bra plus bathing suit sets that are "just our size". *Smile* 

Because I like to show off my tan lines, I prefer string bikini panties. Problem is, most of them barely keep a woman "covered" down below - let alone hide our extra equipment. I have found Victoria's Secret carries the most "filling" string bikini panty on the market. Others that cover as well, are too bulky in my behind - which takes away from the look I'm after. 

I buy my panties a size smaller than my other stuff - because I don't have a large ass (in fact, I basically don't have any ass - *Laugh*) and want them to fit snugly. 

One thing you have to get used to with panties, is "pulling" them up much higher  than you do your jockey shorts - particularly in the "rear". This will seem "awkward" initially but trust me - it's the look you want. Women's  hips "start" above ours structurally - and you will look much more feminine if you wear your panties n their "proper position". I'd suggest you buy one pair, find your right size and fit - and wait 'till the "panty and bra sale" to stock up. Victoria's Secret has these sales quite often - usually once every three months.

  bras

There are a ton of options - and potential "needs" with a bra.

If you can't "shave" your chest - or are wanting to wear breast forms - you'll want to purchase C & D cup bras - with under wire "support". The flimsy area covering the breast - will create a more "life-like" jiggle - as you "sway" along your way. *Smile*

If you want to create some natural cleavage with "tape" - you'll likely want to purchase bras a bit "smaller" than your natural chest width - and use the "push" methods commonly utilized by DRAG performers.

To add "body" to my AAA battery sized "cups", I insert additional "lift supporters" into each cup holder. You can get these fairly cheaply from any Fredericks of Hollywood and in varying colors to match your bra. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than artificial breasts.  

If you're wearing "that" bra for an extended period - you'll want a "perfect fit". Since few women of smaller breasts have a size 40 chest - you'll find it a bit challenging to locate bras you "like" - that comfortably "fit". A comfortable bra should be 2 inches wider than the width of your chest "at nipple level". Thus, if your chest measures a "38" - you'll want a "40" bra - for a comfortable "long term" fit.

Can't find an affordable size 40B bra in a style you find appealing?

"Don't worry."

You can purchase "bra extenders" at your local fabric store for under a dollar. These extensions can turn a size 34b - into a 40b - with the mere clip of the rest. *Smile* 

One "note" - the color selection on "extenders" is limited to black & white. More specialized colors are difficult to find. Keep "that" in mind for a bra you might need to "extend". If the bra you're extending will be  worn "bare" - it might look plenty silly if you "clash". 

If you have a broad chest, you can acquire bra "extenders", which have hooks on either size to expand the total circumference of a bra where it hooks together in the rear. These accessories will keep you from having to select only from bra styles your "granny" would wear. Red Rose, Frederick s, and others carry these extenders.

Finally, I purchase the lions share of my bras at "Big Lots". They sell "close outs" - and first rate bras & panties - at great prices. "Odd sizes" tend to be what they get stuck with dumping on the market. 

"Guess what?" 

We're usually in the "odd-size" category. *Smile*

shoes  

If you are one of those lucky girls who has "little feet" - and can find women's shoes almost anywhere - well, I hate you!! *Smile* I've got typical "male feet" - and few traditional ladies shoe stores carry my size in anything sexy enough to wear outside of a retirement community. 

If you wear anything larger than a size "10" in women's shoes - get ready for a pretty tough time in finding "hoofs" you desire in most retail stores. Some of the large shoe discount "mall-type" outlets will carry a few hot styles up to size "11" - but beyond that - their selection usually look like "house slippers". Yuk!! 

I've discovered most PayLess stores carry large sizes and are a good source for flats that don't look too cheezy. I'd suggest you start there and confirm your size, before ordering on-line. Returning items through the mail is such a pain.

What's your size in female shoes? Basically, you just add two sizes to your male size - and that's your size in women's shoes. However, watch out for one important difference you may face. Women's feet tend to be more narrow than our own - thus you will often have to "go up" one additional size to get the right fit. This is not always the case - but it happens more often than you'll like. 

In general - even the "widest" versions of women's shoes can still feel tight on our feet - damnit!  

The good news? 

Lots of shoes can be "stretched" a bit with consistent pressure from a wooden shoe form. You'll need to leave them "in" the shoe for almost a week - and subsequently "tighten" the form as it gets loose - but a half-size "expansion" is not unrealistic.

Also, take the time to study the styles and names for each type - to enhance your future shopping skills. You can end up feeling like a total "ass" - if you don't know what a "mule" looks like. *Grin*

I always go up an extra size for pumps ("closed in toe" shoes) - because I have wide feet. I'd suggest you start with "open toe" or sandal-styled shoes, to give you some margin for error till you get more comfortable with sizing. If you are just planning on wearing your shoes for pictures and around the house - no shoe looks "hotter" than these sweeties.

Additionally, I have large calves and am a bit conscious of them as a woman. They look good with  some items - but detract from others. One thing you can do to alter the appearance of muscular calves, is buy heels that include "straps" you tie up your leg to the knee. Regardless of color, they will make any set of calves look more slim.

 If you end up going out at some point, I'd suggest always wearing open toed high heels for the comfort factor. As I mentioned before, our feet are generally wider than the typical female. Wearing pumps, that were designed for women's smaller toes for any period of time - will have you wincing with pain in a hurry.  One night on a dance floor in 6" pumps - and you'll lose all "feeling" in any area south of your ankle.

I wear them for certain looks in photo's - but beyond that - they collect dust on my shelves. I know a lot of girls who endure this pain with pride. I think open toe shoes look just as hot. Also, they show off your painted toes - which always looks fem.

"Thigh high" boots can be a lot of fun! However, you have to be really careful in terms of style and sizes, if you actually plan to wear them out at some point. First, stay away from the pointed toe versions. It is simply too much weight in the toe area for extended use.

Second, buy them a little "large" - and wear socks at your foot area. Even with a rounded toe, these rascals will quickly wear a blister on your foot, without some extra padding for protection. If at all possible, buy these in person where you can try them on first. They are much more difficult to find the "right" fit than regular shoes.

Once you're comfortable with knowing your size, you'll find some great heels on the Net. Included are a pair of links to places I buy a lot of my heels on line. In the "Atlanta, GA" section of my home page, you'll find the local shops where I purchase the balance of my strutting gear.

 

 

 

 

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