In a fit of desperation (well, maybe a little), Donna wrote me:

When I finally got desperate and brave at the same time I did go out shopping. Still, the biggest problem is still size. The male body just doesn't seem to be the same as the female. And cosmetics and shoes still don't seem user friendly without help and I have not tried out the sales people in those departments. I always did pretty good in Lane Bryant and Penny's and am sure they knew darn well who I was shopping for. Being single helps maybe. No ring. In fact, I think I will go back to those stores again soon.

Mail order does not seem much better on sizes for most clothing items. Even so-called CD/TV stores didn't do a very good job. The only thing I can get lots of is lingerie. Somehow that always fits.

Donna

Here are some thoughts of mine, and my friend Sue from San Diego (again) about some cosmetics issues.

My response was:

Donna, I'd suggest you're missing some fun and friendly help.

For example, the folks at the cosmetics counters in department stores are paid by commission, at least in part, and most do not care to whom they sell. You might stop by one of the counters (dressed as a boy [drab]) and say "Hi!", then see what happens. What you'd like is to learn about cosmetics and application, because you sometimes cross-dress. Would there be a good time to stop by for a consultation?

Chances are, if you're there early on a weekday, they won't be busy and will want to sell you some stuff. Beware... these name brand cosmetics can be pretty expensive.

If you've got a MAC store in your local mall, they're supposed to be great, but I've never done more than quickly browse through their prices! No wonder women wear high heels, so they won't be looking so far up at the prices ;-))

Personally, I've found my local Merle Norman shop to be very helpful. I did the first part on the phone, introducing myself and setting up an appointment. Their way is to help you select a product (color, skin type, etc. are all factors) and then they apply it to one side of your face... you do the second side, with their observation and suggestions... then on to the next product.

My Merle lady sent me to Target (across the street) for some of the items she suggested (e.g. mascara, lipstick) cause they were a lot less expensive.

Well, anyway... enjoy it (shopping, I mean)

Dee

After this interchange, Sue chipped in with the following additions based on her experience:

Hi Dee (Sue again)

Regarding cosmetics - lipstick: LANCOME =, nice taste/smell, goes on and comes off easily, diameter of lipstick 5 or 10% larger compared to Kmart lipstick (Rouge Sensation Boheme - dark red) and $22 per tube.

K Mart, Rimmel of London = red label on top of tube, not much taste nor smell, goes on easily and comes off less easily (#321 Diva red - bright red), and $3 per tube.

The main differences are that the K Mart lipstick stays on a little better compared to lancome, but the lancome smells better and is about $14 more.

I like the Kmart brand with just about any color wig; the darker hue of lancome looks nice with darker clothes.

Sweet dreams of snow that will blow off the drive and walks on it's own,

Sue xxx

I hope this helps someone out there -- the real morals to this whole story are:

• There are lots of brands and products in the cosmetic area -- in some ways you get what you pay for, but the Target, Wal-Mart, CVS and Eckerds type places will likely be somewhat less expensive than the department store and cosmetic specialty places.
• No small part of that price difference is made up with the service you get from the friendly people who know their product and want to sell it to you.
• After you've learned how to use these products from the professionals, go save money at Wal-Mart! If you choose your time wisely, you can always ask another customer for a little help in deciding which shade best matches your complexion, or their opinions on brands or types -- some will run and giggle -- but you knew not to ask those teen-agers didn't you?