Crossdressing safety should be a top priority when going out in public especially if you venture out alone. Things are far better today than decades ago. However the world will never run out of A-Holes so always be careful. Friday night I was going out to dinner in Long beach by myself so I picked a restaurant that I know the owner and most of the staff. I always use UBER for my transportation for both my crossdresser safety and avoiding a DUI. I do love my Cosmo’s and Friday was no exception both during and after dinner. The place I went has a piano player so I sat at the bar listening to the music after dinner. The couple seated down the bar started talking with me and we chatted for a while. They invited me to go to another bar down the street with one of the servers I knew. In the interest of crossdressing safety I declined but they were persuasive so I agreed to go for just one drink. You guessed it that turned into two and I was feeling no pain. I did not finish the second drink thanked them for their generosity and headed for my hotel. Even though I deviated from my normal crossdressing safety rules I knew the area I was in. It was only two blocks to the hotel through a very busy entertainment area called Pine Ave. The police heavily patrol the area to keep a lid on things so I felt safe. I walked quickly past everyone and reached the hotel in a couple of minutes safe and called it a night. If I had it to do over again I think I would politely decline the offer and call UBER.
I paired my new black jacket from CHICO’s with a favorite red skirt. Really like the jacket which is made from a heavy material that conforms to your body when you wear it.
Saturday night was our monthly CHIC dinner and crossdressing safety was no problem at all because the restaurant was across the street from my hotel. MY BFF Ashley gave me a ride to the restaurant so I only had to walk back across the street to my hotel after the dinner. I was a good girl Saturday and limited my drinks to three for the whole night and was back at the hotel by 11PM. Some of the other members invited me to join them at the Irish Pub two blocks away but I steadfastly refused. I did offer to have one more at my hotel bar but they were set on the pub so we said good night.
It turned out to be a very wise move because I would have walked back from the pub barefoot. My wife is always telling me to wear something other than black all the time. I went through my closet and dug out my cream colored jacket. I’ve had it for a couple of years but it was an impulse buy and I never had a plan for it. I paired it with a copper mix skirt and bone pumps that perfectly matched the jacket along with a bone purse. I received a lot of compliments and my wife is pleased I ventured out with no black on. The barefoot part comes in with the pumps because I have not worn them in quite a few years. I checked the heel tips which were worn but still looked to have a bit of life left on them. Not so! The first one broke off in the restaurant and the second when I crossed the street to the hotel. I never heard of anybody breaking two heels on the same night but I did it. Fortunately I have extra tips and am an expert at replacing them.
Crossdresser style varies greatly in our community and reflects differing tastes depending on motivations along with the occasion. Motivation we all are familiar with based on each one of our internal driving forces. Style in my opinion over the years is connected to puberty to some degree. In my case while I became fascinated with women’s clothing around 6 or 7 years old I did not understand why so just looked and liked. I never heard of a crossdresser and did not know I was one so I had no crossdresser style. That all changed when I matured and took a greater interest in women. I say women because I was more attracted to a well dressed lady than a girl who dressed her age. In those days virtually all women who worked wore nylons and high heels so there was much to look at. My crossdresser style is based on that period which fortunately blends with today’s fashions.
CONSERVATIVE CROSSDRESSER STYLE
The above picture was taken last Friday night wearing a blouse from White House Black Market with a gray skirt. The pumps are 3 1/2 inch and the whole outfit could have been worn to work in the 1960’s. When shopping I look for classic looks that will always be in style. Its very cost effective to be able to wear your clothes for years so I tend to spend more on quality items for my crossdresser style. Friday night we were going to a new restaurant in a conservative neighborhood with a jazz club in the bar. I have been there dressed as Duke before but never Micki so I chose my outfit not wanting to stand out. We had a great time and were very well accepted.
Saturday night we were going to a familiar restaurant and our group was small enough that we could fit into a private room. I am very comfortable there so I wore a red jacket, navy skirt, and navy pumps. Both the skirt and pumps are classic but the jacket with zipper accents is newer however, the jackets classic cut I think will be in fashion years from now.
NOT SO CONSERVATIVE CROSSDRESSER STYLE
DIVA LAS VEGAS is just 10 weeks away and all kinds of crossdresser styles will be on display there. Everything from trashy, to flashy, to conservative all will be there. Crossdresser style based on fetish will most likely be there also but I don’t know if puberty influences fetish desires. I have noticed that fetish dressers don’t seem to be restricted by there age. They tend to wear what the want where they want. That pretty much fits with modern day Las Vegas so I don’t expect to run into and conservative fetish dressers.
The important thing is to have fun in Las Vegas and I am sure all will regardless how they are dressed.
Mainstream crossdressing is something I only dreamed of when I was a young crossdresser. Actually fantasy is probably a more accurate term because it occupied my mind mostly while awake. Leaving the house dressed did not really start until my mid 30’s. It was still something you could be arrested for so was an irregular occurrence. My mainstream crossdressing only existed on business trips and consisted of driving around late at night then back to the motel. I think it was in the late 80’s when I made my first mainstream crossdressing trip In Dallas Texas.
MAINSTREAM CROSSDRESSING THE 1ST TIME
While at one of the beloved Texas “T” Parties friends insisted that a friend and I join them for dinner. We assumed it would be a Gay restaurant which was the typical (SAFE) destination in those days especially in Texas. I knew I was in trouble as the city lights faded behind us but hoped maybe dinner was in Houston. Nope! They reserved a very nice steakhouse in a suburb of Dallas filled with regular folks. Not my idea of a perfect place for a paranoid CD to do mainstream crossdressing. Everything went well when they seated us at a nice table until we took our seats. There were crossdresser wives with us so I let them decide who sat where and I guess one of them hated me because I ended up directly under the spotlight. Its the perfect place for a CD who rushed to get ready and not ecstatic about her presentation that night preferring a dark corner of the restaurant.
My first time mainstream crossdressing was an education as the guys I was worried about in the restaurant really did not want to look at us. It was the women they were with that kept looking at us all night. They kept pointing us out to the poor guys who obliged them with a brief glance then back to their meal. The staff was very nice to us and when we left their was no gallows or rope tied into a hangman’s noose so it was all good. Then again maybe the fact that we pulled up our friends new Rolls Royce Silver Shadow that night made a difference. The first and only time I have ridden in one but it was cool. So it was two firsts that for me that night mainstream crossdressing and the Rolls.
MAINSTREAM CROSSDRESSING TODAY
Fast forward to today and mainstream crossdressing is very common especially in big cities. Last weekend I met with 5 other CHIC members for dinner Friday night at a favorite place in Long Beach. We had two wives and 4 crossdressers for dinner and had a fun night eating inside for a change. I reserved a private room in the back of the restaurant which gave us a relaxing unhurried atmosphere to socialize in.
MAINSTREAM CROSSDRESSING WITH THE PUBLIC
I got a pleasant surprise when GG acquaintance came back to say hello after noticing me walk through the bar. I had just come in from going outside to take a picture for this article. She had not been around for a couple of years so it was good to know she was doing fine.
I intentionally blurred her face because I did not have her permission to put her picture online. I liked the picture of me so I included it.
This post was getting a little long so the rest of the weekend will follow shortly.
Public crossdressing is being done more and more as CD’s become increasingly comfortable being seen in the open. Years ago most preferred the relative safety of Gay bars or DRAG clubs. Pretty much all of my dressing is done at mainstream venues whether they be stores, restaurants or bars. The world is pretty tolerant if not accepting of crossdressers now especially the younger folks.
PUBLIC CROSSDRESSING FOR DINNER
This month our Friday night group went from 7 to 4 because of last minute scheduling conflicts. I arrived first and opted to sit in the bar so I could people watch. It was a bit cool to sit outside and you see eveyone that comes in. The owner Mario is an old friend and came to sit with me until the others arrived. We talked about how long he has known our club CHIC along with his successful restaurant. It has been 25 years since we started doing public crossdressing at his first restaurant and he expressed his gratitude for our support over those years. I thanked him for being there for us too. Many a beginner went to his restaurant for their first outing en fem and was made to feel comfortable. We have gone to his restaurants through good times and bad and are especially enjoying his current success.
PUBLIC CROSSDRESSING WITH THE PUBLIC
Many times I have walked into a restaurant alone public crossdressing to rendezvous with friends and had patrons take notice of me. Most don’t have too much reaction some smiling while others sort of take it in then look away. Some though give kind of a WHAT IS THAT DOING HERE look then check to see if others noticed me also. My favorite outcome to this situation is when the bartenders and servers notice I have arrived and great me warmly by name. Often if the owner is around they come over and shake hands or hug me again calling me by name. The reason its my favorite public crossdressing is the negative folks figure out the only person with a problem with this crossdresser is them so maybe they are the one out of step.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Saturday night we had a much bigger group for dinner with 18 club members total. Our group was seated upstairs due to our size but it worked out well because we had the whole upper level. The only drawback was upstairs is all booths so we were in many small groups. Around 10 PM most went on their way but a few of us descended the stairs to the bar for more cocktails and public crossdressing. Once in the bar seating was scarce so I went to the ladies room to freshen up and get ready for a picture.
When I left the restroom I had to walk behind the owner who was seated at the end. I did not want him to back into me when I said hello so once directly behind him I put my hands on each of his upper arms then said hi in my deepest Trace Atkins voice. He spun around laughing and shook my hand vigorously asking how I was doing. I said great chatted for just a minute and moved on to my group. A few minutes later my folks were commenting on some guys who rolled their eyes and said some negative things about our group. The bartender heard it and was upset then spoke with the owner. The next thing I knew two of the three left and the one left behind felt bad and wanted to buy us a round of drinks. The owner told them we did not need his drinks and just to be nice.
PUBLIC CROSSDRESSING SUCCESS
It is important in closing to note that each of the restaurants mentioned above are places I have gone public crossdressing to for decades. The relationships with owners and staff are based respect for them and their business. We always dress appropriately, act lady like, spend lots of money and tip well. We are never loud, obnoxious, crude or do anything that could negatively impact the business.
Crossdressing fun with friends is the best especially when they are your fellow CHIC club members. Our latest crossdressing adventure was in Long Beach again at one of our favorite restaurants. Tonya, one of our members is always conjuring up fun stuff for us to do like her Santa Baby event last month. Saturday night this month it was Elvis for a night if singing, dancing and lots of laughing.
CROSSDRESSING FUN WITH FRIENDS & ELVIS
Tonya had confided in me that she was wanting to have some crossdressing fun with friends again. Tonya wanted it to be a surprise so I said nothing. After dinner around nine Elvis walks through the door and the wheels came off. Most of us were somewhat reserved at first being ladies and all. But in a short while we were all singing with Elvis.
To some crossdressing fun with friends includes dancing which about half our group did. Not me, I have not danced since seeing Elaine dance on Seinfeld years ago and recognized my moves. After about an hour Elvis left and one of the members inspired by the singing moved over to the piano. It was a Baby Grand in the corner and she treated us to some fabulous classical music. Crossdressing fun with friends comes in many forms singing, dancing and just hanging out.
The show went on when our bartender took a turn at the piano treating us to some of his favorite songs. How neat to be entertained by such talented people which makes me wonder what happened with me?
For myself and a few others CHIC meetings are actually CHIC weekends as some travel from out of town. Others just want more crossdressing fun with friends so they also make a weekend of it. We stay at hotels and go out both Friday and Saturday nights. Sometimes the Friday night group is as large as the Saturday night group.
FRIDAY CROSSDRESSING DINNERS
We have some favorite places for our Friday night crossdressing fun with friends and we go often enough that we are becoming part of the
ambiance. One of our favorites has a back room we call the clubhouse or lounge and we go there several times each year.
The picture above was taken Friday night at the lounge and I think I look pretty relaxed in it.
Years ago we only went to mostly Gay restaurants or private back rooms when home parties became scarce so back rooms are not foreign to us. Now days we have the option to dine with the other customers but sometimes choose the private room for a more intimate dinner. The atmosphere is more relaxed and the conversation better without the loud voices from the bar.
We always have a small group of us that is not ready to go home so we go mingle at the bar with the other folks. That way they get to have some crossdresser fun with friends too its just that we are better dressed. I think we are also having more fun then they are.
The above picture is very relaxed also like after multiple Cosmos ingested but I like it because it reflects my mood at midnight.
Mature crossdressers face taping is a great way to get rid of the dreaded TURKEY NECK. I did a post last October called CROSSDRESSER FACE TAPE where I talked about a face tape technique.
I used the Secret Lift Pro system for over a year and it worked most of the time but the rubber band broke occasionally on the top one placed on my temples over my head. I had less success with the one placed on the back of the neck. It came loose a lot when I turned my head. Every time they failed my Turkey Neck cam back instantly so I needed something more reliable for nights out.
I started searching on the internet and found a much better mature crossdressing face taping solution on Amazon. I tried this last weekend in Long Beach and it worked great. The straps below are designed for COVID 19 face masks but work perfect for lifting the face skin. They cost $10.99 for the 45 piece assortment and will probably be a 50 year supply in that they appear very sturdy.
CROSSDRESSER FACE TAPING PROCESS
The first night I selected the strap on the far left. I opened the adjuster to the maximum length then cleaned the temple area right under my sideburns with alcohol. Then I coated the area with New Skin liquid bandage letting it dry.
Next I cut a strip of 3M medical tape long enough to cover the temple area I prepared plus 1 inch extra. I placed the tape on my temple area letting the extra curl back away from my head. Taking the strap by the end I attached it to the tape on my temple. Then I ran the strap over the top of my head and attached the other temple the same way. Just like wearing headphones.
It worked great all night with the strap staying in place but stretching when I spoke or chewed dinner. One problem with just taping your face is that it typically does not stretch. If it pulls your skin too tight it can blister. Its fun trying to explain the blister in such a strange place to friends and family.
UPDATE APRIL 2021
I later found that the tape on the ends was hard to remove when the sticky glue built up on it. I went back to the drawing board for a
mature crossdressing face taping solution and found it at Home Depot. I bought a small sheet of acrylic plastic so I could cut it into small squares and glue them to the existing ends of the straps.
I cut the sheet into roughly 1 inch squares then sanded all the edges to remove sharpness. I glued them with clear Liquid Nails onto the flat side of the straps. The upper strap on the right shows the adjustment buckle facing upward which is the side that you glue to. That way the strap lays flat against your head and the strap pulls smoothly. The taping process is the same I just added the plastic tabs for better holding power.
8 in. x 10 in. x 0.050 in. Clear Non-Glare Acrylic Sheet by OPTIX
The strap stays in place all night and you clean it with alcohol before you use it again. The plastic tabs offer a larger holding area for the tape so they stay put all day or night.
Crossdresser shopping is not new to me but although I have done it for many years I have never done it in Long Beach. San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Texas yes but, Long Beach no. I guess it goes back to my early years when crossdresser shopping was extremely rare. Crossdresser’s were not accepted and being asked to leave a store was a real possibility maybe by a policeman. Things are different now so I got to thinking about getting a pedicure. I used to do it all the time in San Francisco years ago and then go shopping.
Of course I wore my new mask a Christmas present from my wife and my lipstick was perfect.
I use the 4Ocean frame inside that keeps it from smearing my lipstick and it does look fabulous.
I made an appointment with a local nail shop for 1:30 pm Friday and got ready earlier than usual. There wasn’t time for a sit down lunch so it was Chicken McNuggets in the car then off to the nail shop. Turns out I was a bit early and the place was empty so they took me right away. I got in the chair and she went to work taking off my old polish then the pedicure.
CROSSDRESSING PEDICURE
I picked Marylin Monroe red and loved the way they looked. I wore black thong sandals so the polish would not smear inside closed toed shoes. They had a comfortable 2 1/2 inch heel. I was also going to the seamstress afterward for some alterations then some crossdresser shopping at Macy’s.
WELL DRESSED CROSSDRESSER
Next I was off to the seamstress to get some jackets taken in after losing a few pounds. Then I was off to Macy’s and the MAC counter inside for some crossdresser shopping to replace the eyebrow pencil that broke earlier. The MAC counter was empty so I was served right away got my pencil and left. I regretted it later because it was the perfect time to have the artist explain MACS new creamy powder foundation to me.
My crossdresser shopping adventure was very relaxed as Macy’s was not crowded so I was not rushed. That said I bought nothing again so my spending drought continues until the current trend passes. Tailored jackets are not trending now, active wear is so unless I want sweatshirt type styling I am out of luck. It might be related but fashion jewelry inventories seems to be shrinking possibly because nothing goes with sweatshirts and tennis shoes.
How I yearn for the days that Macy’s added 3 to 4 new tailored skirt suits to their website every Friday. Also leading up to Easter was a high heel extravaganza every year with feminine high heel sandals worthy of my pedicure.
Maybe this summer will bring some change to the fashion world hopefully more toward elegant VS sloppy.
Vegas crossdressing has been occurring for me more frequently than I ever expected. Crossdressing Christmas parties like mine with CHIC will probably be cancelled if they nave not already been. It is a huge disappointment for all the members. I think its the first time it has happened in the clubs 46 year history. The gowns will spend another year in the closet unless somehow an excuse materializes to wear them before next Christmas. I mitigated my disappointment by taking advantage of great rates at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas for 4 nights and 3 full days.
I arrived early enough on Wednesday to get ready and go to CHICA in the Venetian side of restaurant row. Chef Lorena Garcia created a unique Latin American menu for the restaurant. They treated me wonderfully with a great table and service with the manager buying me a Cosmo.
VEGAS CROSSDRESSING DAY 2
Thursday morning I was off to the Fashion Show Mall across the street for some Vegas crossdresser shopping. I had a quick lunch at Maggio’s Italian restaurant before I started. I only came away with one jacket which was disappointing as I had high hopes for a big haul. The fact that I found so little could mean that I already have so much. That is a pretty accurate statement in truth. Everything was either the wrong cut for me or I had something almost like it. Vegas crossdressing and shopping is great fun and they treat you very well helping with trying on outfits and sizing questions.
The day ended up being very special because a CHIC member friend Tonya with her wife were going to be in the Las Vegas area. They joined me for dinner Thursday night at the new Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse located in the Flamingo Hotel. A great dinner with good friends and laughs all around. After dinner we retreated to the bar for after dinner drinks.
VEGAS CROSSDRESSING DAY 3
I was moving a little slow Friday morning so I met them for a late lunch before they left for home again at Chica’s. After saying our goodbyes I was on my own again for dinner so I went back to my room to get ready. Friday’s dinner was back to Smith and Wollensky’s steakhouse in the Grand Canal Shops within the Venetian Resort. While I was eating alone that night it wasn’t lonely because I had the same server as BFF Ashley and I had in June when we were there for the Vegas reopen. She has a great personality and is as chatty as I am so we had a great time. She even had me judge the Cosmo contest between the two bartenders working that night. That was fun!
VEGAS CROSSDRESSING DAY 4
Saturday I opted not to crossdress during the day in that I covered every inch of the mall Thursday afternoon. The plan was to go get a messy burger as Duke then cruise the canal shops for something interesting. Didn’t find anything in the shops and opted for a messy chicken sandwich instead of the burger.
Saturday night was a change for dinner also after so many steak houses Italian food sounded pretty good so it was Caneletto located on the Grand Canal overlooking St. Marks Square. The food was awesome with the beef mushroom risotto followed by Cannoli Siciliani for desert and of Cosmo’s a plenty.
Now that I have crossdressed in Vegas over 20 times I have come to the opinion that nobody there cares, provided you act like a lady. Wearing a mask has made it interesting because people can only look at your body and mostly your eyes. If your eye makeup looks good they will probably take notice and keep going. Everywhere I went the proper pronouns were used and the people I met were very nice. It kinda makes me wonder if I am fooling them for a while but, I always let the cat out of the bag with my voice. Whether they were fooled or not they treat me great so who cares? My favorite encounter was walking down the long hall from my room (See picture above) to the elevator when a 30ish woman was walking straight toward me. I reached the elevators first and pushed the button wondering if she was going to follow me into the elevator. She did but said nothing to me then the elevator stopped at every floor going down with nobody getting on. I commented to her that somebody is getting their kicks out of pushing all the buttons on every floor. She nodded and then I noticed her looking me over from head to toe. When she looked back at my face she said”Damn you look good” and I thanked her.
Crossdressing clubs are still around and mine met last weekend in Long Beach California for our monthly meeting. We were just under 20 people with crossdresser wives making up about a third of the attendees. Those who commute a great distance typically stay at a local hotel for the weekend so we go out both Friday and Saturday nights. Under the current COVID restrictions it has been a challenge finding places to go but we manage. Our crossdressing club CHIC enjoys a very active membership with attendance at meetings being about 85 percent each month. With outside dining only in California (unless your the governor) jackets are becoming part of the wardrobe. Friday night I wore a hounds tooth skirt with a black V neck sweater. with the cool damp ocean air I needed the black leather jacket all night.
CROSSDRESSING CLUB FRIDAY NIGHT
CROSSDRESSING SATURDAY NIGHT
Saturday night wasn’t any warmer so I wore another leather jacket over my black and white dress. The dress was made of a light weight material so the jacket was a must.
CROSSDRESSING CLUB
There were 7 of us on Friday night two couples and three single where we ate at one of our favorite restaurants. We had a first when headed for the valet after dinner when we came upon another crossdresser on her way to dinner alone. We spoke with her and I naturally promoted our crossdresser club thinking she was eating alone. I am not sure if it was a coincidence or not but Saturday night she came to the same restaurant we were at. She got a table by herself when some of our girls spotted her and invited her to join our group. I did not want her to think she was being interrogated so I let others chat with her.
If she submits an application and is accepted she won’t have to go out alone anymore.
