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Crossdresser Tips and Tricks, Los Angeles Crossdresser, Traveling T Girl

CROSSDRESSER WIG WASH

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Crossdresser wig choices vary but, it is important that you get it right preferably the first time. I didn’t and it took years for me to get to a point where I am finally satisfied with my wig style.

Thinner

I recently changed to a shorter look for several reasons the first of which was the short sides and high top make my head look thinner. Maybe its just my face but the look is thinner which is more feminine.

Styling

The second reason is that short wigs are easier to style making traveling much easier with them. Crossdresser wig washing is also simple to do with my wigs.

The third is better ability to travel under the radar if I want to blend in a little better. I am not talking about passing but, a crossdresser wig can make you stand out from a distance. Big hair and long styles attract  more attention than shorter styles especially blonde and red.

I discovered Godiva’s Secret Wigs last year and ordered a shorter style called Freedom in Nutmeg-F color. I subsequently ordered another in Creamy Toffee-R witch stands for dark roots for a softer look.

Click on the video below for a demonstration on wig care and styling.

 

Just think about being on a crossdressing adventure in Las Vegas when the wind kicks up blowing dust everywhere. When you finally head up to your room your wig is flat and looks dirty. You only have one more day in town and not time to get is cleaned and styled.

If you are traveling with the wig hangers like the ones I use and covered in my post HAVE WIG WILL TRAVEL you could do a quickie wash then hang it in the shower to dry.

crossdresser wig washing
Plastic Wig Hanger

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The great thing about Godiva’s Wigs is that after drying you can just shake them out and easily style them with your fingers,

 

 

CHIC, chicladies.org, Crossdresser, Crossdresser High Heels, Los Angeles Crossdresser, Traveling T Girl

CROSSDRESSER CLUBS

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CROSSDRESSER CLUBS

 

Over the past 15 years or so I have noticed the decline in the number of crossdresser clubs and or support groups around the country. They don’t go out with a lot of fanfare they just seem to fade away, here one day and gone the next. This at a time when the transgender community seems to be growing with numerous websites and magazines coming online. There are many online groups that are easy to join and have few rules in most cases. The main purpose seems to be chatting or exchanging ideas and sharing photos.

ACCEPTANCE

The media has now taken a greater interest in us and transgender characters are being seen in movies and TV. The public in many places is either more tolerant of us or just ambivalent so we are able to go more public places at least in the bigger cities anyway.

If this perception is true and the Tran’s community is growing with many people leaving the safety of their closet and not just dragging the computer in there with them. Then why are the groups dying? One would think that the number of groups would be growing not shrinking.

The question has dogged me for some time now so I thought I would explore some observations with you.

THE PROBLEM

To say that a crossdresser clubs died because people stopped supporting it by attending the meetings and moved on is to state the obvious. The real question is what happened? Why did they stop and where did they go? In some cases the dynamic leadership left first and without it the group withered then faded away. None of the member’s felt the calling to take the helm and steer the way so everything just stopped.

With other groups it seems like the leadership changed the direction of the club which displeased some of the membership who then moved on weakening the club and leading to its eventual demise. Age seems to play a major role also with younger crossdressers preferring other social outlets.

LONGEVITY

So what are the crossdresser clubs who are still alive doing right and are they too shrinking, growing or just maintaining their numbers. From what I can determine most are not growing and are lucky to maintain their numbers replacing those who leave for various reasons. Most are losing members and not replacing them some say because of the new freedoms we have going out. During the 1990’s the general Los Angeles area had 6 crossdressser clubs two were private and four open to anyone. Today there is 1 which is CHIC a private security conscious group. What are the crossdresser clubs who are growing or maintaining doing right?

crossdresser clubs

 

The remaining private group of which I am a member is CHIC (Crossdressers Heterosexual Intersocial Club) which started in 1975. It was spun off from Dr. Virginia Prince’s original “Heels & Hose Club” that started some years earlier.

In those days dressing in women’s clothes in public could get you beaten up, murdered or arrested leading to job loss, divorce and in many cases financial ruin. Being labeled as a homosexual was a certainty regardless of if you were doing anything sexual at the time of your arrest. The early founders of CHIC decided that security would play a crucial role in the way the club functioned and how members were brought into the group. The taking of photographs at meetings was forbidden and member’s real names were never used. Guests had to be cleared by board members and the club president in advance of attending a meeting which was typically held in member’s homes.

CHANGE

Fast forward to the present day 43 years later and CHIC is still functioning although the membership has evolved with members coming and going. Security is still paramount even though laws and public opinions have changed so being discovered does not have the same ramifications that it once did. Members just prefer to keep their crossdressing private between them and their wife and in some cases select family members. Just because being a TG is all over television shows and movies does not mean that everyone is accepting and that it could not do damage to your career if your dressing became public knowledge. You may not care but your wife and family usually appreciate your keeping it a closely guarded secret.

SOCIAL

One big difference between CHIC and other crossdresser clubs is that although the club has helped many crossdressers over the years it has not really been a support group, but rather a social club. The emphasis is on fun and comradely operating sort of like a sorority of men dressed as women. CHIC is also like a business selling a product which is a quality crossdressing experience. Meetings are social events and don’t really have a structure and no business is discussed. The quality comes from the people that you will be with, where you will be, security, and what you can expect that evening. Applicants are evaluated based on how they will interact with other members and enhance the CHIC experience for everyone.

MAINSTREAM

Over the years as members moved on so did opportunities for party’s held in member’s homes. This led to reserving banquet rooms in restaurants until meeting attendance dropped below the 25 person room guarantee making it too costly. Most meetings now are held in mainstream public restaurants where CHIC is welcomed and encouraged to come back often. They have been researched in advance and meetings held with the management/owners. The details such as security, bathrooms, valet parking etc. have been agreed upon in advance. Members and wives look forward to an evening out with friends at a nice restaurant with great food all while crossdressed. They experience the same ambiance and atmosphere that they would if not crossdressed

WIVES

Wives are a treasured part of the CHIC experience and their happiness is a important consideration. Without their support the CHIC experience would not be what it is for the members. Members are expected to dress appropriately for meetings and not bring undue attention to themselves and others. Although wives do not have a direct role in the management of the club they have influence and their concerns are always a top priority. If they are supportive of the club and attend often that increases the husband’s opportunity to dress and go out. Although most members are married some wives opt to not attend and single members are welcome.

MEMBERS

CHIC members typically are married, over 45 with children and sometimes grandchildren who have left the house. They have more time and money now to devote to crossdressing and are typically secure in their career. They have interests of all kinds and are typically involved in sports like golf, sailing, surfing, travel, theater, archery, hunting, fishing, flying, just to name a few. Some have many of these sports in common but most of all dressing and looking their best. It is not uncommon for members to see each other away from crossdressing to enjoy some of these interests.

 

For more information on CHIC please go to the website at www.chicladies.org.

A year ago, I joined the Vanity Club which has been around almost as long as CHIC but has a bit different membership criterion. It is not strictly heterosexual and sexual preferences are not considered for membership along with religion and politics. It is just not discussed period. I am still 100% hetero married for over 4 decades but, travel often and wanted to find other like minded classy CD’s without trolling bars. The Vanity Club is bucking the trend and growing attracting many younger members. The club has over 200 members worldwide. Membership is by invitation only and the process is extensive to be invited to join.

crossdresser clubs

 

For more information on Vanity Club please go to the website at www.vanityclub.com.

 

The Rose City T-Girls which is primarily an online group from Portland Oregon of about 180 registered members. They gather at various places in Portland and Salem for dinners.

crossdresser clubs

For more information on rose City T-Girls please go to the website at https://www.rosecitytgirls.com

1ST TIME DILEMMA

So over the years positive changes have made it easier for those of us comfortable going out dressed but done nothing for the first timer. Even though it is easy to find a group online they still don’t know who they will be meeting or if they will even show up. Nobody to hold their hand and introduce them to going out dressed unless they attempt to join one of the crossdresser clubs  first.

Looking at the age information available online in addition to my own observations crossdresser clubs seem to be largely made up of Baby Boomers ages 50 to 80 with a few exceptions previously noted. The clubs that evolve with the changes are doing better than others but, still must have something to offer younger members.

CROSSDRESSER CONVENTIONS

Although far fewer in number than they used to be it seems like events like Diva Las Vegas are where CD’s can connect. Diva is loosely  organized and billed as a vacation not a convention but they have a Big Sister program for 1st timers. Big Sisters are accomplished crossdressers willing to take less confident dressers under their wing for guidance.

crossdresser clubs

For more information go to Diva Las Vegas https://divalas.vegas/

crossdresser clubs

The Keystone Conference in Harrisburg Pennsylvania is on the east coast and  a favorite of many Vanity club girls. It is a conference with speakers, vendors and break out sessions for learning. http://www.keystone-conference.org/

Time will tell but friendship, comradely and the willingness to help others along the journey seems like the right path.

What are you waiting for?

Micki Finn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crossdresser High Heels, Crossdresser Tips and Tricks, Los Angeles Crossdresser, Traveling T Girl

CROSSDRESSER BATHROOMS

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2 PEE OR NOT TO PEE

crossdresser bathroom
Ladies Room Break

Using the Ladies room?

Crossdresser bathroom? Not really, it was the  ladies room at the hotel I was staying at and yes I did go in.  The problem never escapes us and is always a delicate situation to handle. Diva Las Vegas is just three weeks away and everyone who attends the event is going to have to make some decisions on where to take care of business. San Francisco, Portland, Seattle and long Beach California are places that I feel comfortable using the ladies room while crossdressed. Crossdresser bathroom doesn’t exist as an option so you have choices to make depending on where you are when the need arises.

Crossdresser Bathroom 

The picture above was taken on the second floor of the hotel in a very low traffic area. My own room is my first preference but if I am away from my hotel I  look for the most isolated ladies room I can find. Most hotels don’t have a crossdresser  bathroom but, if they have banquet or large meeting rooms bathrooms will be close by. If no events are going on the bathrooms are usually open and empty. Gender neutral is a great option but they are few and far between and I have only seen one or two in my travels.

Crossdresser Bathroom

Even if the ladies room is empty when you go in don’t dally, read a magazine, or re do your makeup. In and out is the best approach to avoid problems with women who might take issue with you being there. I am not sure about the laws in Las Vegas so I will try to use my room most of the time just so I don’t have to worry. I don’t pass as a woman and most CD’s don’t no matter how good they think they look so I don’t take chances. Las Vegas has no shortage of meeting facilities so that would be preference number two. I also keep my eyes open when walking around to find suitable places before the need arises

Have fun and be safe,

Micki Finn

CHIC, Crossdresser, Crossdresser High Heels, Los Angeles Crossdresser, Traveling T Girl

FLOATING ABOVE GROUND!

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Micki Crossdressed
Micki Finn On The Townhttps://mickifinn.com/2017/11/02/short-hair/

WALKING ON AIR!

Friday night cross-dressed before the February CHIC meeting my usual dinner mates were not able to come out and play. I was going it alone so I picked a restaurant that was comfortable for me sitting by myself. Going cross-dressed solo is not an issue for me because I have done it many times but, security is always an issue no matter where I go. Some places are better than others and I never go anyplace that I consider dangerous but, need to feel safe. I always go to mainstream establishments that I know to be accepting and this night it was a place I gone to for years. I know the owner and most of the staff so there are plenty of people to chat with and Sammy the bartender makes my favorite Cosmo for me.

DINNER CROSS DRESSED

UBER picked me up at the hotel and I was off to the restaurant about 5 miles away. Entering the restaurant the hostess was all smiles and gave me a warm greeting. The bar was full so I took a high table for two by the window and ordered my Cosmo. Not long afterward my favorite spot at the bar opened up so I moved. Mario the owner spotted me and came over to chat and eventually sat down next to me so we could talk a little business. I ordered the sliced steak on an bed of mushroom risotto which is a favorite of mine.

THE CROWD

Several women in their late 40′ / early 50′ were sitting at the far end of the bar and looked me over cross-dressed  but we never spoke. A couple in their 40’s came and sat on the other side of on the other side of Mario whom they new. The woman was wearing a tight dress and 4 inch stilettos so naturally I approved of her style choices. We mad brief casual eye contact a couple of times but I made no attempt to speak with her. They were drinking quit a bit and guy she was with was pretty loud. He could misunderstand my being  cross-dressed if I initiated any conversation so as usual I minded my own business.

COMPLIMENTS 1

Around eleven o’clock the loud guy and his girlfriend were leaving and said goodby to Mario with her in the lead. As she passed me she put her hand on my should and said “you look gorgeous” I thanked her and she walked out the door. Next the boyfriend comes over and says hi and introduces himself and shakes my hand. After I give him my name he says “you look beautiful tonight” and walks out the door. I don’t remember his name because I was still glowing form her compliments and thankful he was not jealous punching me in the nose.

COMPLIMENTS 2

About 11:30 I decide its time for miss Micki to head back to the hotel for my Cosmo nightcap. I say goodbye to Mario and the staff and head for the ladies room to take care of business along with checking my makeup. All systems are go so I head out the door past the ladies who were at the other end of the bar all night. They were taking a cigarette break and we said hello as I walked past to the corner.

I was checking my phone for UBER’s arrival when all four walked down to the corner where I was standing. Each one tells me how pretty I look one elaborating on my whole outfit. She tells me that she loves my entire out fit complimenting me on my accessories and sense of style. She asked who did my nails, makeup, and hair to which I answered I did. All four were surprised at my answer and more compliments followed.

I was wearing my black moto jacket and matching skirt with gold zipper accents on both. The accessories that they liked so much were earring and a gold watch but the chain bracelets were what really caught their attention. The reason she did not recognize them was because I cut down necklaces to make them. You can read more on my BRACELET ENVY POST.

POOF!

Just as I was about to tell them to keep talking I could listen to them all night UBER showed up. I said good night and floated into the car as the driver opened the door. As we drove to the hotel I could not help but to reflect on not only how far I have come but how far society has evolved also.

 

CHIC, chicladies.org, Crossdresser, Crossdresser High Heels, Los Angeles Crossdresser, Traveling T Girl

YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY BABY!

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CHIC CLUB PARTY

I went to a lovely party last Saturday night hosted by two of my fellow CHIC members in their new home. Their home overlooks the ocean but it was about 40 miles from where I was staying for the weekend. I decided to rent a hotel room close by rather than drive back to where I was staying. Several things contributed to my decision besides drinking at the party. I was wearing a red blazer and high heels which would not help my field sobriety test although I would look great.

CHOICES

The big decision was do I get ready then drive to the party dressed or pack everything I need and get ready at the hotel? Knowing it was a virtual certainty that I would leave at least one crucial item behind I opted to get ready then drive to the party. Where the “You’ve come a long way baby” comes in is that I did it in broad daylight. Twenty years or so back I would never have considered it but, my confidence has steadily grown over the years.

CHIC MEMBERS

I wore a black knit skirt with a black vee neck tank under a red one button blazer. Black patent 3 1/2 inch pumps and nude stockings with an over sized black patent purse. I also wore by Godiva’s Secret short blonde wig with roots. Most CHIC members attending wore red dresses  along with the hosts. After checking the bag of guy stuff I was taking for the morning after the party 30 times to make sure I  had everything  I was off. I strutted through lobby of hotel #1 around 4:00pm waving at the desk clerks as my heels clicked on the floor.

The drive down went great toll booths and all and now it was time for another decision. Do I check in to hotel #2 first then go to the party of wait until after the party. Even though my confidence is at an all time high checking in around eleven thinned out the guests in the lobby and made more sense.

CHECKING IN

After the party I headed for the hotel found a parking place and walked to the front door. I had to stand there waiting for a minute or so because you need either a room key or wait to be buzzed in. They opened the door and welcomed me in saying hello mam can I help you. I replied yes and gave them the name the reservation was under along with a credit card in a fem name. He then asked for me ID and I complied giving him my real driver license. He glanced at them both then returned them saying “sign here sir”. I thought about correcting him but I thought it was so funny that he switched pronouns without missing a beat.

MORNING AFTER

The next morning I showered and left as Duke meeting up with two other CHIC members for a round of golf as guys. I think the hotel staff is still looking for the attractive blonde to come down stairs.

Another fun uneventful crossdressing weekend.

Micki Finn

Crossdresser Tips and Tricks, Los Angeles Crossdresser, Traveling T Girl

WOMENS CLOTHES FOR CROSSDRESSERS

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Shopping for Women’s Clothing

Women’s clothing  for crossdressers is not as simple as it may seem there is much to consider depending what your goals are. Are you trying to pass as a woman in public or just blend in without attracting attention? Either way what you should wear depends where you intend to wear it. Summer in Las Vegas or winter in Seattle will be very different in addition to day or evening, casual or formal. Once you have all that sorted out now comes the difficult part which is what looks good on you.

Who Cares

Another school of thought is I don’t care how it looks I just want to wear it. Those in this category buy what they want, wearing it where ever they want, when ever they want. Maybe they are fetish or exhibitionist crossdressers so it is the article of women’s clothing that is important not passing. From my experience it takes them about a half hour to get ready to go out. If I see them coming I cross to the other side of the street and look the other way.

Daytime

My goal is to look good passable or not and want to achieve it every time I present in public. Most women wear toned down makeup for daytime along with lower heels or flats. Jewelry is minimal and not flashy. Pants are preferred with tank tops weather permitting over dresses and  skirts. A long sleeve blouse or light jacket over the top of the tank. Everything in the casual range like most everyone else. The fabrics and colors should be subtle and fit properly. For daywear looking good depends on your choices.

Crossdresser Micki Finn in womens clothes
Crossdressing in women’s clothing

I gave up passing a long time ago and concentrate on blending in to some degree . Maybe trying not standing out so much would be a better choice of words. I am under six feet but over 200 lbs. so I try to look thinner dressing in layers and dark colors. Light blue jeans  and white blouse with a dark open jacket is very slimming. The viewers eye will focus on the what blouse and the vertical lines created by the jacket.  I have switched to shorter hair teased high on the top making me a little taller but thinner too.

Micki Finn Crossdresser at the Warwick Regis Hotel bar in San Francisco California.
Micki Finn at the Warwick Hotel San Francisco

A long coat or sweater with jeans and heels gives a similar illusion. Daytime is pretty easy compared to night time.

Evenings

When crossdressed I am always in skirts and sometimes dresses with hose and heels. The skirt is usually a lighter color than the top or jacket. The top is usually solid black with a vertical zipper unzipped to the breast.  If I wear a blazer normally it is a one button so the deep Vee accentuates the vertical slenderizing lines.

Micki Finn at the warwick Hotel in San Francisco prior to their remodel.
Micki Finn at Warwick San Francisco

Dark colors on the upper body make it appear slimmer while lighter colors on the lower body are only for contrast. Crossdressers typically are slender below even after adding hip pads. I always wear heels at night. Normally 3 1/2 inch heels and rarely 4 inch depending on the occasion.

Necklines

Some crossdressers have broad shoulders (ME) so dark colors on top will make them seem narrower. Horizontal stripes will make my shoulders seem wider so I keep the stripes below the waist. Square neck lines or off the shoulder looks create the same horizontal line problem  again. Scoop or Vee neck tops work great along with scarves, anything that creates a vertical line.

Fitted  or Tight 

I am guilty as charged your honor! Most everything I buy goes to the seamstress for alterations unless the designers size 16 W fits perfect. Most of the time it doesn’t so my seamstress pays her kids college tuition with my money. I buy my women’s clothes based on my shoulder width which is my widest point of my body. Everything else is altered based on that and my padding which, I explain on my FEMININE SHAPE FOR CROSSDRESSERS page.

Tight is different than fitted which contours the body leaving room where needed. Tight is absolutely form fitting which some call body con because it hugs every curve on the body. I can’t remember ever being able to get away with this look and am too old for it now anyway. If the crossdresser is built slender with little or no muscle definition many can get away even if they are older. Most men are muscular to some degree and if they are well defined this tight look will give you away. People will see muscles first and look closer to see if it is one of those body builder women. Most will see a muscular guy in women’s clothing. Fitted makes more sense unless attention is your goal.

Age Appropriate 

Designers of women’s clothing have a target market they expect to sell to so the colors, cut, patterns and over all style are geared to a certain group. The younger the woman the tighter the look and the more skin shows with the size range being  limited to smaller sizes. When the age increases less skin shows, the hemlines drop and the sizes increase along with the prices. I have heard it said that your age plus or minus a decade is a good rule of thumb and I think I follow it at least to some degree. I am over 60 so I might change my mind in a few years.

Impressions

When you are out in public dressed in women’s clothes people will form an impression of you based on what they observe. If you wish to influence that impression as I do then you will plan what you wear accordingly. In my case the goal is to have women be impressed by my sense of style in the clothing that I choose. To be appreciate my hair and makeup presentation knowing what it takes to get there. Finally to have an overall impression of class and elegance of me. Not saying I get there but that is what I work for none the less. Men notice too but are not interested in me or my presentation which is perfect because I have no interest in them either.

In contrast if I wore blue eyeshadow, bright red lipstick, a red and white tube top with horizontal stripes and a Kardashian style skin tight mini skirt. A pair of platform heels and fingernails that extend an inch beyond my normal nails. Topped off with a long platinum blonde wig cascading down over and beyond my shoulders. My target audience would most likely be repulsed and very likely angry thinking I was mocking them. Men might not be able to resist ridiculing me and feeling they had a license to do so based on my presentation.

I hope this is useful especially to those just venturing out for the first time and they find some women’s clothing they can feel good in.

Hold your head up, point your toes, be safe, and go enjoy yourself in the New Year.

Enjoy,

Micki Finn 

 

 

chicladies.org, Crossdresser High Heels, Los Angeles Crossdresser, Traveling T Girl

PORTLAND CROSSDRESSER ROAD TRIP

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I have heard about the City of Portland Oregon being very crossdresser friendly from folks on YELP last year. I knew there were crossdressers there but  did not have a solid feel for it.

Ms. Micki became a member of the Vanity Club this year which opened access to crossdresser VC members in the area.  Carolyn a local member graciously agreed to meet me for diner on Friday night and gave me some pointers on the area.

Hotel Deluxe Portland Oregon front entrance where Micki crossdressed

Micki Finn takes to the road

I stayed at a hotel I had been scoping out for sometime and was not disappointed at all because it lived up to my expectations.

The Hotel Deluxe was built in the early 1900’s but is meticulously maintained. The Deluxe  promotes a theme of the glory days of Hollywood throughout the facility.

From the Deluxe lobby to the halls on every floor old Hollywood is the prevailing  thought every where you look. Pictures adorn every available wall and speak elegance everywhere.

The food was excellent and the service was quick in addition to friendly.

Once the doorman opens the front entrance you are greeted by impressive stairs leading to the lobby where the Hollywood theme takes over.

Entrance to lobby of Hotel Deluxe in Portland Oregon.

Micki was the only crossdresser there and as usual over dressed for the occasion.  I think given the theme of the hotel I should be looked at as an example of properly attire for a lady in the hotel. The weather was in the 50’s but most ladies were casual in booties and quilted coats. That doesn’t work for this  it’s always dress up time for Mz Micki.

Micki crossdressed and ready for the Driftwood room at the Hotel Deluxe

The Driftwood Room bar was of course my favorite place in the hotel with a very friendly staff.  The bartenders made sure that I never had an empty glass. ( God I love that) The bartenders also make a great Cosmo. The staff takes the time to chat and make sure that you are having an enjoyable experience. That is one of the big reasons I stay in Boutique hotels almost exclusively. The room reminds me of the fancy restaurants I went to as a kid in Hollywood.

The Driftwood Room

The Driftwood Room bar at the Hotel Deluxe Portland Oregon where I crossdressed
The Driftwood Room

 I just thought this elevator was so cool with Mother of Pearl inlays made from Abalone shells and deep black lacquer walls. I felt like such a star!

Classy and elegant elevator in the Hotel Deluxe

Stay tuned more adventures to follow!

Micki Finn