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Skirts, Dresses and Blouses


It's only within the last year that I've been buying skirts, dresses and blouses, so I really don't have many places to recommend. I generally go to used clothing stores as the prices are better and I feel more comfortable. The following are places where they know I'm a crossdresser and treat me well.



The Nob Hill Thrift Store, Albuquerque, NM - This is my very favorite place to shop. The woman who runs it has always been friendly and has allowed me to try on skirts and dresses before I buy them. Whenever I've bought a skirt, she always asks if I need a blouse to go with it. She has a good selection and very good prices.

Over the Edge, Albuquerque, NM - When I first arrived in Albuquerque, I asked at the Sisters and Brothers Bookstore {a recommended lesbian and gay bookstore if you ever happen to get to Albuquerque} where was a good place for a crossdresser to shop. She recommended Over the Edge, which happened to be right next door. When I walked in and told them I was a crossdresser and would like to look at some clothes, they just said, "You're in the right place!" Their selection tends towards gowns, but they do have some everyday wear. They have good prices, and a large dressing room to try clothing on before you buy it.

The Happy Hippo, Albuquerque, NM - They have a small selection and I think they tend to appeal to younger women, therefore, most of their clothes are in smaller sizes (Unfortunately, most too small for me. There were some skirts that if they were only two sizes larger...*sigh*}. They do offer alterations and custom work. I was allowed to try dresses on before I bought them.

Loose Change, Tucson, Arizona - This is a used and vintage clothing store located on 4th Avenue. I bought my first skirt ever here {a darling short, hot pink pleated number. I had to have it.} I took it to the register to pay for for it, and the girl behind the cash register asked if I wanted to try it on. Still embarrassed about buying a skirt for myself, I mumbled no, and made some remark about holding it up to myself and it should fit. She smiled and said, "It does my heart good to see that you know what your woman wants." Unfortunately, I moved out of town shortly afterwards. When I get back to Tucson, this place is definitely on my list to shop. They have an excellent selection {be sure to check out the back room} and good prices. This store is located in a pretty neat area of town with a lot of funky little shops in a several block area. I checked out a few other used clothing stores within a couple of blocks. I didn't buy anything at those stores, but I didn't get an uncomfortable feeling while I was in them. If you are in the area, you might want to take a look around.

Ninelives, San Diego, CA - This is a cute little resale boutique in the Pacific Beach area.  It's small, but the owner is very friendly.  Absolutely no problem with trying clothing on.  In fact, she even offered to take a skirt off a manequin so that I could try it on!  I've been in a couple of times, and the last time, I bought a darling Victoria's Secret teddy for only $8.  I will be going back here again and again.



My Girlfriends recommend:

Lee's Mardi Gras, New York City Jessica sent me a fe-mail about this shop. She says -- It's on 14th st. and 10th ave the sell every thing a T.V. could want or need and they have a very discrete location, it's upstairs in a com. zoned build. So if your shy, that's a place you can go. Thanks Jessica!

Jewel's, Houston, TX -- Janet sent me a fe-mail about this shop. It's for TG folks and offers dresses, wigs, lingerie, transformations and more. Thanks, Janet! I've also added Jewel's Web site to my links page. Be sure to check it out! Great selection!

Transformations by Rori, Oak Park, IL -- Diana left a note in my guestbook about this shop. She says -- A great place to shop for all your TV needs in the Chicago area is Transformations by Rori on Oak Park Ave in Oak Park. Rori and her staff Cater to both male and female clients and offer a full range of services. She makes you feel very comfortable. I don't hesitate to spend my money in her shop. Thanks, Diana!

Sweet Mischief, Key West, FL -- Midge sent me a fe-mail about this shop. She said - Just found this shop on a trip south! Great clothes, fabulous lingerie and staff to knock your slip off! Really, staff made me feel welcome and ready to help! Check them out. Thanks, Midge! I've also added their Web site to my links.

The Short Skirt, Phoenix, AZ -- Laura left a note in my guestbook saying that this shop catered to crossdressers and had a wonderful selection of clothes, lingerie, prosthetics, the works! Thanks, Laura! I *love* the name of this shop. Short skirts are my favorite skirts. Next time I get to Phoenix, I'm checking it out! 

Tall Fashions and Footwear, Hamilton Square, NJ Marybeth left a note in my guestbook saying -- This shop is just GREAT!. I even go shopping there in drab, and using the dressing room is never a problem. It's a regular GG store, but they are very cd-friendly. Hmm, I'm Tall, and into Fashions and Footwear. Sounds great to me too! I want to go there now! Thanks, Marybeth

Vanguard, Nashville, TD An anonymous girlfriend sent a fe-mail about this shop. She says it's a little vintage shop on Elliston near Vanderbilt. The clerk there is very understanding, and the place is usually empty when they first open at 11am. She has allowed me to try things on (took all my nerve to ask the first time). She makes suggestions, gives me tips, etc. I love the place, and because it's used clothing -- not very expensive. My very understanding wife occasionally accompanies me to Vanguard, and waits outside the dressing room while I try things on. They have a large selection of seventies miniskirts, minidresses. Thanks! Have I mentioned I *love* miniskirts? If ever I get down that way, I'll be sure to check it out.

Conti's High Fashion, Albuquerque, NM -- Vicki Anne sent me a fe-mail with an incredible list of shops in the Albuquerque area. About this shop, she says -- Terry usually rents Formal Dresses & Evening Gowns. After the dresses are rented several times they are put up for sale at reduced prices. Can be tried on at the store during slow times or after hours, by appointment. Vicki Anne says other good shops in Albuquerque are: Consignment and Resale -- Buffalo Exchange; Regeneration; Re-Runs; Robinhood's Designer Resale New -- Ample Boutique (sizes 14 and up); Camille's (sports wear); Catherine's (sizes 16 and up); Ross Dress for Less; Sizes Unlimited (larger sizes); Thrift Stores-- Barrett House Attic; Family Thrift Center; Goodwill; Savers; Thrift Town. Wow! What a list of places to go. I can't wait to get back to Albuquerque again. Thanks, Vicki Anne! {and, she's not finished yet. Check the Lingerie and Makeup pages for more places to shop.}

Mr. Fashion on the San Soucci highway in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania --Victoria left a note in my guestbook about this shop in Northeastern Pennslyvania. She says -- They have a great selection of wigs, shoes in larger sizes, B&D gear (if you're into that) and dresses and lingerie in larger sizes, too. The sales staff are VERY courteous and discrete. Thanks, Victoria ! It sounds like a one-stop shopping center. If I get to Pennsylvania, I'll stop in and all my girlfriends should too.

Leticias D-Vyn Creations, Phoenix, AZ -- Cindy left a note in my guestbook saying that this is a great new shop which just opened. It is on Camelback, just west of 7th Ave. She has just about everything you need or want. The shop has pantsuits, career wear, lingerie, shoes & boots, wigs, and evening gowns. The shop caters to crossdressers. They are fairly new as of the first of May, so not much in X-Large sizes or shoe larger than an 11, but she has assured me that it is on the way. The prices are very reasonable, the staff very friendly, and you are encouraged to try things on. Best of all, no appointment needed as the shop is meant to be for crossdressers. Thanks, Cindy! I love shops that are meant just for us. Every town ought to have a dozen or so!

Carla's, San Jose, CA -- Barbie, a dear friend,  wrote me about this shop. She says --- It's a transformation place, but more.  They have parties, a game room,a small kitchen,  a clothes shop and meeting room. They have a real good atmosphere. Definitely cd,tg friendly.  Thanks, Barbie!  By the way, Barbie travels  constantly and would like to  make friends with some nice ladies.  If you'd like  to meet her, check out her personal ad at alternative connections.  Search for ad #112527.

The Golden Stitch, Yonkers, NY --  Annmarie sent me a fe'mail about this shop.  She says -- it's located on Midland Ave in the 600 block.  Ask for Toni  who is the owner. She has a dressing room and has made many things custom for very reasonable prices...  Thanks Annmarie!  A dressmaker who will do custom work is a jewel to be treasured.

Tall, Etc, Phoenix, AZ -- Sassi Anne left a note in my guestbook about this shop.  She says -- it's a wonderful store located on Thomas Road. It is run by a couple of great GGs. They are totally supportive of crossdressers and have taught me much of what I know from fashion sense to makeup to mannerisms and deportment. This is a totally safe and supportive environment!  Thanks, Sassi Anne.  It sounds great, and is definitely on my list to visit the next time I get to Phoenix.

Fantasy Fashions, Liverpool NY -- Stacie left a note in my guestbook about this shop.  She says they have a very nice selection, reasonable prices and completely helpful staff. If you let them know you are looking for yourself, and the dressing rooms are empty, they will let you try on anything (but panties, of course).  She also recommends Mystical Moments, Syracuse NY. She says they are a small shop, limited selection, but the owner will let you try on anything you want. Both shops have shown me catalogs of lingerie and other things and have offered to order whatever I wanted.  Thanks, Stacie!  They both sound like wonderful places to shop!  Have I ever happened to mention that I love shops that let me try on the clothes? {*giggle*}.

Ross, Dress for Less, a chain store located almost everywhere -- Maryan left a note in my guestbook saying In my area of Los Angeles there are 4 stores in 20 minutes drive in the San Fernando Valley. The store carries great middle and high fashion brand names at about 70% off suggested retail. I regularly get panties for $2 to $3.50, bras: $5 to $10, teddys: $10 to $20, hose (Haines,DK,Givenchy,CK) $1 to $3/pair, and shoes $10 to $25. You do the math to see the savings. Pretty, sexy dresses, ... again top brands run $15 to $25 in sizes 4 to 3X. The shoes, thong, bra, and tank top I'm wearing now are all from there Total cost: $25 including sales tax.  Thanks, Maryan.  I've wandered through Ross from time to time, but only window shopping and wishful thinking.  I'll stop in again for some serious shopping.

Wear n Again, Madison, WI -- Heather send me a fe'mail about this shop.  She says -- If you need a dress or outer wear, this is the place to go.  It's located right next to Intimate Hours (listed on the Lingerie Page) on the East Side.  Gina is the Manager and wants to make sure that you are happy with your purchase, She will pick out clothes for you that you will look good in and bring them to your dressing room.  Gina is tops!! Thanks, Heather!  Having a friendly dress shop right next next to a friendly lingerie shop is fabulous.  I am so jealous. {*giggle*}

Everything Under the Rainbow, Allentown, PA -- I've been exchanging fe'mails with Kath, who will be opening this shop somewhere around May, 2000.  She will carry gowns, dresses, miniskirts, cosmetics, breast forms, wigs, accessories, and the silkiest, sexiest lingerie you can imagine.  It will be totally cd/tv/tg friendly and promises to be the nicest place to shop on the East Coast.  Not only that, but Kath is just a great person.  I desperately want to go to this shop.  Until I can get there, please stop in for me and tell her I said hello. I've been exchanging fe'mails with Kath.  She will definitely open on June 4, 2000 with a fashion show, and more!  If there is anyway you can get to the Grand Opening, please do, and make sure you say hello for me.  (Or, you can even buy a pair of panties in my honor *giggle*)

Scarlet Lady, Huntersville,NC -- Jennifer Knight left a note in my guestbook saying that this is her favorite shop.  Thanks, Jenny!  

Piedmont Boutique, San Francisco -- Natalie sent me a fe'mail about this shop.  She says the sales girls are exquisite and even bring you stuff to the fitting room. They're super enthusiastic.  They have fabulous stripper-type outfits. They're a little pricy but awesome, and they custom make clothes.  Thanks, Natalie!  It sounds like a great shop.  I looked through their website and could easily blow my whole clothing budget for the next three years there.  I also added a link to their site on my links page.



If you have favorite places where you feel comfortable shopping for dresses, skirts and blouses, and would like to share with the rest of the community, please send me a fe-mail or leave a message in Beth's Guestbook and I will post the store name and ciity on this page. If you own a store which is crossdresser friendly and have a website, please send me the address and I will post it in my links.

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