Crossdressing balance came into mind this week for several reasons so I thought I would write something on it. Everybody has to balance family time with work time along with other pursuits and crossdressing is no exception. Summer typically results in a crossdressing imbalance for some because warm weather and shorts preclude shaving legs for many. In addition there are lots of activities that crowd out gurly time. Personally I re balance my crossdressing mid September when I try to makeup for lost time dressing during summer. The hair comes off in two weeks and travel plans are being made so next is packing my outfits.
CROSSDRESSING BALANCE
There is more to crossdressing balance than hairy summers in shorts and the beach though. While crossdressing is important its not my only interest hence the need to balance it with the other activities. I just returned from another Duke & Rocco adventure that involved and out of state golfing trip with my BFF Ashley AKA Rocco. I use the name Duke. We traveled through four states playing 5 great golf courses in the process. We have known each other for 30 years after meeting at a Texas “T” Party at lunch with our wives. Since that time we have become great friends and belong to the same crossdressing club.
BALANCING THE CROSSDRESSING
Ashley gets out dressed more than I do because my crossdressing always involves traveling so cost and time are a factor. I achieve crossdressing balance by setting aside a long weekend each month that coincides with the monthly CHIC get together. I can dress 24/7 during that weekend but typically don’t preferring evening over daytime dressing. The exception is when we do a Las Vegas or San Francisco trip where gurly shopping moves up in priority. Its not that we don’t play golf we just alternate golf in the morning followed by dressing that night. The next day we shop en fem followed by dressing, dinner and many times a show. You can see the balance golf, gurly shopping, dinner & show.
COMPARMENTALIZING YOUR CROSSDRESSING
Crossdressing balance and compartmentalization also apply to myself and others I have known. In my case I compartmentalize my crossdressing with an all or nothing mind set. If I am going to crossdress it is all of nothing dressed completely head to toe. Its once a month and fully dressed or not at all. I know others who wear panties or other women’s garments under their male attire to work or other daily activities. They say its the feeling or sensation of the garment against their skin they enjoy. Me too but, its just going to make me want to dress so I avoid wearing them.
Wives and girlfriends also appreciate balance and compartmentalization because it gives them a better insight into what is going on and what to expect. It also lets them plan around or with your activity.
It’s been a little while since I posted anything because I have been having too good a time traveling and dressing. Sometimes both at the same time which is always fun and sometimes exciting like my last CHIC dinner in Long Beach. I got ready early because I wanted to take some pictures before going out which deviated from my normal routine. So after getting absorbed with photo fun I realized I had to get going or I would be late for dinner which I was in charge of coordinating. I shut everything down and after summoning UBER I walked out of my room. As my door closed behind me I instantly knew the room key was on the night stand, not in my purse. It’s been years since I have had this happen which I attribute to my routine but I deviated. I opted to continue on to the dinner and deal with the key issue later when there would not be so many people around the Marriott front lobby desk.
The dinner was fun and we stayed a little longer than usual with some of us going to the bar for more drinks. I bid my friends farewell not long after because I had a golf game the next day and needed to be sharp. UBER showed up on time so I was off to me (mam/sir) moment with the night manager. When I walked up to the desk a young fellow greeted me with a hello mam can I help you. I replied in Dukes voice that I left my key in the room and needed another to which he replied with a request for my name and ID. After providing both he looked at my ID handed me a duplicate key and said “good evening sir” I knew it was coming and replied thanks you too.
WEBSITE UPDATES
After having some conversations with the new President of CHIC it was decided that their site needed some updating. I agreed to do it and ended up changing the whole direction of the site with a new format without the blog. I think it is better now with a cleaner look and the addition of the club logo along with the member testimonials. You can check it out at the CHIC website . I had so much fun that I did my website as you can see with a different look and for the first time an official logo.
Halloween crossdressing is a favorite for the men dressed like women community regardless of your preferred label. Halloween is considered the national holiday of crossdressers everywhere. This year I chose the pirate costume and took the name Captain Morgana.
The Halloween crossdressing party was again this year at Wanda & Susan’s house again. The members of CHIC gathered in their costumes from spooky or fun to sexy cat women for a fun evening. My wife picked this outfit for me this year and it fit great. The hat leather leggings and the bottle of Captain Morgan spiced rum was my touch.
PRE HALLOWEEN CROSSDRESSING FUN
Wanda lives some distance from our normal Long Beach haunts so some of us get hotels close to her house for the weekend. That leaves us an opportunity for Friday night fun or what we refer to as the FB4. Micki & Wanda at Agostinos Friday night you can see more pictures of Wanda’s adventures HERE.
This time I chose Augostino’s Ristorante Italiano for the dinner of nine ladies. It is located across Pacific Coast Highway in Capistrano Beach and they treated us great. To say we were overdressed is an understatement with it being a casual beach restaurant no Halloween crossdressing.
Augostino’s closes at ten but we are just getting started so we went two doors down to the Sunset Grill for some cocktails and dancing for a few of the brave gurls.
We sat outside and enjoyed the cool breeze and sipped Cosmo’s listening to the DJ while watching the ladies dance. Once again we were severely overdressed but they did not mind or maybe they just thought we were Halloween crossdressing!
One thing that has definitively changed over the last twenty years is the public acceptance of who we are. People are treating us very well in most cases. It is just a matter of educating them and showing we are worthy of their respect and actually pretty fun if given a chance. This was evident when our gurls invaded the dance floor and the women already dancing turned around and started dancing with them.
Crossdresser face tape is not new and I have written previously about my technique. I recently discovered a tape system online and gave it a try and I love it. Rather than using strips of tape sticking to my head band this system uses rubber strips with sticky tapes on the ends. It is not designed as a crossdresser face tape particularly. It is designed for women but because we wear wigs it actually works better for us.
CROSSDRESSER FACE TAPING
This crossdresser face taping system works very well and starts by wiping your temples with alcohol to remove the oil and dirt from your skin. The don’t call for it but I dab New Skin liquid bandage over the cleaned surface once the alcohol evaporates. The I peel off the paper cover on one of the tabs and stick it to my temple pressing firmly. Then I stretch the band over my head to the opposite temple and press it on. The rubber center section of the band maintains a constant upward pressure lifting your eyes, face and neck. It is in the eyes of the beholder but I think it takes 10 to 20 years off.
NECK TAPING
Hopefully you don’t have the dreaded Turkey Neck but it pretty much comes with age male or female. For those of us with a little left after the crossdresser face tape we have crossdresser neck tape. I use the alcohol and New Skin process I described for the face tape. This time you place the crossdresser neck tape on the back of your neck in line with your jaw line.
Go slow at first with either process because it you pull too much the tape will actually tear your skin. Blistering may be a better description as the top layer of skin separates from the lower layers.
Crossdressing in D.C. was not on my radar until earlier this year when the Vanity Club planned an event there last month. I am not sure what the head count ended up but I heard somewhere north of 80 people. I was a little intimidated about crossdressing in D.C. having never been there before so not knowing what to expect. One of the local V.C. sisters assured me that D.C. would not be a problem.
CROSSDRESSING IN D.C. DINNING
Thursday night we were on our own for dinner and after reaching out to me local sisters Bobby Vans Steakhouse was recommended so I made reservations. My crossdressing in D.C. apprehension ended as soon as I walked in the door when the maitre d smiled and asked if he could help. I told him the reservation was under Micki Finn party of four. He replied wonderful and took us to our table. My wife joined Ashley & Erica I for a fabulous steak dinner there. It might just have been the best Fillet Mignon steak I have ever eaten.
BOBBY VANS
Bobby Vans was a good recommendation and it was confirmed when Erica noticed Maria Bartiromo of Fox Business News seated two tables away. She did not look up when I passed her but Erica reportedly got a smile from her. Bobby Vans is just two blocks from the White House so no worries about crossdressing in D.C.
In D.C. with the V.C.
Friday night dinner was with 60 Vanity Club sisters at Federico’s Ristorante Italiano in nearby Arlington Virginia.
The night ended with kareoke singing and partying just up the street at Freddies Beach Bar.
Crossdressing in D.C.
Saturday night was the final night of the weekend where I would be pinning my sister Erica. As a new member of the Vanity Club whom I sponsored she received her vanity Club pin.
We had an amazing time during our visit to our nations capital.
Crossdressing season has arrived and its time to end my summer crossdressing. Whats the difference? I ditch the pants, shave my legs and arms, put on a skirt and enjoy the feeling!
CROSSDRESSING SEASON VS. SUMMER CROSSDRESSING
During the summer I am very active in outdoor activities with family and friends with shorts being the daily wardrobe for me. Long pants are a rarity even for dinners out. It is more comfortable for both my wife an I not to have to answer questions about my lack of hair. Labor Day is the turning point and not long after I groom for girly mode and put the shorts away until spring.
Crossdressing season is something I naturally look forward to all summer but I get by with slacks and of course heels during that time. It does not compare to feeling the breeze blow against my shaved legs over my stockings. I don’t think there is a better feeling of femininity for me aside from hearing my heels clicking on the tile or concrete. Makeup is great but once I finish doing my hair it is only noticeable to me when periodically checking it throughout the evening.
Crossdressing season typically runs from September to June however shopping season runs year round. I never stop looking for things to fill out my crossdressing wardrobe.
TRAVELING “T” GURL
Crossdressing season is when I do most of my traveling for my crossdressing adventures. This year I am very excited about a trip to Washington D.C. for a Vanity Club event in September. This year two of my CHIC sisters have become Vanity Club sisters and will be pinned at the D.C. event.
I started shopping weeks ago for my trip wardrobe and will start packing my outfits shortly. The jewelry boxes are out and I am picking just the right accessories for each evening.
Crossdressing in Las Vegas has not been one of my favorite experiences as a rule. Its starting to grow on me though as I am experimenting with different hotels hoping to find a better match.
I don’t gamble more than $100.00 per trip on video porker machines so much of what goes on there does not interest me.
DIVA LAS VEGAS 2019
I attended this year again and stayed at the Flamingo which I did not care for at all. Too many people and my room was the absolute farthest from the lobby way too far in 4 inch high heels. Thank God I stuffed my foldable ballet slippers in my purse, they saved my tootsies.
THE CROMWELL HOTEL
Three weeks after DIVA I found myself back in Las Vegas again for a crossdressing in Las Vegas / golfing / shopping adventure. This time we stayed at the Cromwell Hotel. Its right next to the Flamingo and liked it much better. It is a much smaller property with only 188 well appointed rooms. The staff was great and the elevator was only 50 feet from my room. Once down on the casino floor it was a short walk to either the strip or valet parking in the back. Right next to the valet is the UBER & LIFT pick up point.
GIADA’S
The only disappointment on the trip was the first night we had a dinner reservation at Giada De Laurentiis restaurant. Two years ago we had dinner there and it was over the top. We a window table overlooking the strip and a great server.
CROSSDRESED FOR DINNER
We were crossdressed both times but this night they seemed intent on giving us an undesirable table. I don’t know if it was how we were dressed or if the hostess was a moron or both. The first table had me sitting next to a wall looking at another wall. Like when I stood in the corner at school. I rejected it asking for the empty window table a few feet away. She said she had to check and see and took us back to the bar while she checked.
We arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes ahead of our reservation but sat at the bar for another 15. We sat while she filled all of the available window tables. Fifteen minutes after our reservation time she came back and took us to a table almost as bad as the one I rejected. She said the table I requested was in an area that the server was not taking anymore customers. The second table was not the window I requested and I only had to look at one wall.
Because it was almost 8:30 PM by this time we accepted the table and had dinner. Our servers were great and took very good care of us but I was so annoyed by the table incident I don’t even remember what I ate.
I can’t say for sure if the hostess was screwing with us because we were dressed or not but there are too many great restaurants in Las Vegas to give her another chance.
Crossdresser colors you say! What is that? Years ago I found out quite by chance at California Dreaming a San Francisco crossdressing event. I was wandering around the vendor area looking at all the wares available when I came upon the Donna Fujii Cosmetics booth. There wasn’t much going on during the day in that most everyone was in the city shopping. As I was talking to the lady in the booth she asked if I wanted my colors done. I replied crossdresser colors? She explained that everyone should know their colors especially crossdressers.
COLOR CONSULTATION
I sat down in the chair and she explained the difference between cool colors and warm colors. My skin is medium and I was wearing a dark brown wig so while my skin says warm my hair said cool. She started with cool and placed a piece of silver metallic cloth on my shoulder and asked me to look at my face especially my makeup. She then placed a gold metallic cloth on the other shoulder again asking me to look at my makeup. When she then removed the silver cloth it seemed like my makeup changed looking much more complimentary or warmer. She advised switching to warm tones like blond wigs and warm palette colors for makeup.
Clothes such as red really pop when worn with a blond wig.
Micki Finn crossdressed in red jacket.
Finding anybody wearing much color is difficult today women, crossdresser’s or anyone else. Yes black is slimming but gets old seeing everyone dressed that way.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
The most important colors to get right are makeup and hair so if possible get the makeup right for your skin then do the wig color and style. The ideal would be to try on wigs dressed with your correct makeup on. Shorter styles are easier to work with because you don’t get distracted with the style and concentrate on the wig color complimenting your makeup. I think you will be surprised pleasantly and please purchase a wig if you take advantage of the Solon’s expertise.
Another possibility is to attend a crossdresser convention / conference where there is a wig stylist exhibiting but again if at all possible purchase something from them. Diva Las Vegas this spring should have a wig company working with them.
Crossdressing for Halloween is probably the ultimate fantasy for every crossdresser at least when they first begin anyway. I think like me everyone thinks it would be the safest way to venture out for the first time crossdressed in public. Although I thought of it I went out dressed for many years before finally going to a Halloween party. It was safe given by a crossdresser and her wife in their home. I got ready in my home and my wife sneaked me out the door keeping watch for neighbors.
HALOWEEN 2018
After many years one of the CHIC members threw a Halloween party last weekend, Of course everyone was crossdressing for Halloween. My wife talked me into wearing a “Queen of Harts” costume. She was not attending with me so I was to go alone. That is not a big deal other than I was not staying at a motel. Motels often let you park right outside your door so you only have a few steps to get in the car. I was staying in a high rise Marriott hotel on the 7th floor.
THE ELEVATOR
I have stayed in this Marriott many times and am comfortable with it. The staff knows me and I think they are always interested in what I will be wearing each night I am there. I am always overdressed and I think the ladies approve of my taste.
Saturday night was different because my wife goaded me into getting dressed in my costume at the hotel. That meant I was going to be driving to the party dressed in it. I wanted to rent rent a second room just for that night to get ready but had trouble selling her on the cost.
CROSSDRESSING MARRIOTT
All dressed and ready to go I ventured out of my room and down the hall to the elevator as the Queen of Harts. I was probably only 20 feet down the hall when I heard a door slam behind me. I would have company in the elevator going down and he showed up 2 seconds behind me. Fortunately he asked if I was going to a party and I said yes, to which he said well you look great. I thanked him and we got into the elevator.
Lucky me!
The usually quiet lobby was full of people checking in for a big wedding that night so I gave them something to talk about and left.
The party was about a hour away and was great fun but I left a little after ten. after changing into a more contemporary jacket, skirt and heels.
We have all done it, everyone pretty much starts out that way unless someone dresses you as a joke or experiment. Most of us indulged in our fascination with women’s clothes all by ourselves. Many men will always be crossdressing alone away from prying eyes and the possible negative repercussions of others.
21ST CENTURY CROSSDRESSING
Thankfully there is much more acceptance of crossdressing today and there isn’t the stigma that existed in years past. I go out today to all kinds of mainstream businesses and entertainment venues without getting much more than a glance. It wasn’t always that way though.
GROWING UP
I grew up crossdressing alone and just had an article published in SisterHouse based on my early crossdressing experiences. Actually lack of experiences would be more accurate combined with lack of knowledge of crossdressing. You can follow this link the the article GROWING UP ALONE. Tasi says it is somewhat sad in the beginning which is true but don’t feel sorry for me I have moved far beyond that time.
GROWN UP
I am firmly invested in 21st century crossdressing and only look back only to share with others especially the younger ones what it could have been like for them.
Forget about using the ladies room you were more worried about being the scourge of the community and shunned by virtually everyone. Mothers would not want their children playing with you and you would never get invited to a birthday party. If discovered you would be immediately mistrusted and you’re motives questioned. It was against the law to impersonate a female in public and you could be arrested. I guess they assumed you were trying to trick some unsuspecting lad into being attracted to you.
Follow the link to SisterHouse for more growing up in mid 20th century California and crossdressing alone.
