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27 Apr 24 - some more feminine shopping

It has felt lately that every time I have had an opportunity to go shopping and present female, something has got in the way. Well I say something but always the same thing: overrunning work meetings. I have only gone out presenting female for shopping when I’ve been to the Mall in Bristol which I sometimes pass when traveling for meetings. I feel quite safe there and don’t know many people in Bristol so am unlikely to be spotted and outed by anyone. 

Lately I have been up that way a bit more, but annoyingly, haven’t had the time available to stop, change and spend a meaningful time browsing the shops. 

I had hoped for Monday but that didn’t work out. Next Tuesday would have been a good opportunity but now a late meeting has gone in the diary and prevented that. 

I’m partly frustrated because having come out to my wife I feel the need to test myself in public again. But also, having come out, maybe shopping is now for my future rather than for my secret life, and that feels a bit more meaningful. 

To that end, I would like something feminine to sleep in, and also some more tops to wear with my jeans and skirts.  

Having missed out on Monday, I did have a little time in the city centre on Thursday.  I couldn’t change and present female, and I had only five minutes left on the car parking so it was limited to a quick dash to the closest shop. 

My burgundy bodysuit was from New Look and it’s nice but it’s high neck and long sleeve, and it’s a ribbed fabric and quite warm. I wanted one in white, with a smooth cotton and a lower round neckline. I know my existing size 12 fits nicely so it was a simple case of go in, find the rack, find the size and pay.  There were a few options but I found what I wanted, white, smooth, scoop neck and short sleeves. 

Unlike say M&S or Next, there are never any men in New Look so I do feel conspicuous shopping in there as a male. It is a strange thing that I am more comfortable browsing women’s clothing shops if I’m wearing a dress than I am if I am wearing my normal male clothes. It’s not like I pass as female, but maybe it’s passing just enough to not be noticeable at a glance and having the appearance of being in the right place, rather than looking incongruous.  

I had been hoping to find time to look at nightwear later, but again rushing between meetings thwarted that plan. 

I have quickly tried on my new bodysuit and the neckline is flattering and feminine. Short sleeves are maybe not so great as I have hairy forearms which I don’t like.  Although the same size as my other one, this feels more snug and the fabric has quite a firm stretch to it.  It’s also a bit less stretchy in length but I think it will be ok. I shall have to try it on again with jeans to see the overall look.  

So, a rushed purchase and maybe not quite what I ideally should have got, but it is another little thing that might form part of my future. 

Pity I still don’t seem to have any opportunity to go out properly dressed in the near future.

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