I'm going to be a girl.

[Seren]

Well, I've always biologically been a girl. Now I'm going to start dressing/acting like one. I've just had this urge recently to start wearing makeup, carry a purse, wear skirts, hang out with girls, etc. I even found a perfume that I really like. This whole situation is really strange for me.

I had female friends when I was younger (though my first real best friend was a boy) but since about 6 or 7 years ago, halfway through high school, I've just hung out with guys all the time. The problem is..I have no idea how to make female friends now. I know I had them when I was little, but I don't remember how I met or became friends with any of them.

Anyway, just felt like sharing.

[MrFantsyPants]

Well, congratulations. I hope it works out for you.

I tried being a girl once, but I didn't have what it takes.

[Anne Neville]

Good luck.

I tried to be a girl while I was planning my wedding, and I didn't manage to do it. I used to do astrophysics, and that was easier...

[matt_mcl]

I read the OP three or four times before I realized you weren't coming out as transgendered. Must work on those comprehension skills.

In any case, I kind of know what you mean -- I'm in a bit of a phase like that myself; a "debutante" phase as I told my therapist. I'm starting to dress better, taking more care of my hair and skin, and trying to improve the way my apartment is decorated (a losing battle, so we're probably going to move next year). Yes, I'm becoming even more stereotypically gay than I already was.

[Sunspace]

I... don't think I'm built for being a "girl".

I'm a bit old for it, for one thing. :)

[teela brown]

Yes, I hung out with boys when I was a young girl, and even when I was an old girl. It came back to bite me, however; now that I'm a middle-aged woman, guy friends are hard to come by and I never learned how to make girly friends. Besides, I'm childless, and 95% of women my age are all about their kids and even their grandkids - we haven't much in common.

Oh, well, at least I have the SDMB.

[Snowboarder Bo]

grats, Seren. I like girls women. :D

[cher3]

I can't afford to be a girl right now. Girly stuff is expensive.

My definition of a beauty routine is brushing my teeth before I get to the office.

Jewelry is good, though. I'll always gladly accept that.

[QuickSilver]

Break some hearts. ;)

But not too many....

[FisherQueen]

Yeah, I did the girl thing for a while. A short while. But I got bored with it and now I'm back to regular ol' me.

[Seren]

I used to do astrophysics, and that was easier...

Yeah, I can completely identify with that. Learning to choose and apply makeup is one of the hardest things I've tried. I'm always afraid I look like a clown.


I read the OP three or four times before I realized you weren't coming out as transgendered.

Exactly my intention. I was hoping to lure in more people that way. :D

It came back to bite me, however; now that I'm a middle-aged woman, guy friends are hard to come by and I never learned how to make girly friends.

That's one of the things I'm worried about actually. Not trying to imply anything about your situation. I have no tact. :(

I'm just tired of being the best friend. Time to be the girlfriend.

That's not my only reason for doing this, of course. Just one of the many.

I can't afford to be a girl right now. Girly stuff is expensive.

My definition of a beauty routine is brushing my teeth before I get to the office.

Yeah, I'm not really enjoying the expense or extra time in the morning that being a girl entails. (I like sleeping in.) And the diet..ugh. I think I'll always be a steak and potatoes kinda girl.

Break some hearts.

But not too many....

I'll do my best. :cool:

[Misnomer]

Just be careful: One day you're in your late 20s, minding your own business, and you meet a very cool guy who becomes your best friend -- 5 years later, you're hanging out with his wife, getting your very first manicure! :eek: ;)

(It really wasn't that traumatic; in fact, since then I've gotten another one. And my first pedicure! She likes to joke that she's going to turn me into a girl whether I like it or not. At least, I think she's joking... )

[Spatial Rift 47]

Well, congratulations. I hope it works out for you.

I tried being a girl once, but I didn't have what it takes.


So ... you didn't have the balls for it? :D

[Hello Again]

I hear ya. I started being a girl about the age of 29. It coincided with me losing some weight and deciding to show off what the good lord gave me. Probably the hardest part was going from loose baggy jeans to stretch lowrise bootcut jeans. I am soooo glad I did though. Truly, the old ones made me look fat and short.

Updating your wardrobe is expensive though, so I'm a big fan of Target. They have good inexpensive accessories (purses, belts, watches) and clothes. I even bought *gasp* a skirt there! I also shop at Old Navy, though it can be hit or miss.

I still rarely wear makeup. Those super-long-wear lipsticks are awesome, though. I [heart] Lipfinity!

[UrbanChic]

I can pass as a girl...until I open my mouth, that is. I curse like a sailor and use the word 'dude' way too much.

To complete the illusion, however, my toes are usually painted a nice shade of pink, I wear skirts and blouses and have lots of pretty shoes with high heels.

[ZipperJJ]

I'm kind of working on being a girl. But I'm with UrbanChic with the vernacular :)

I can't hang with makeup on a regular basis. I know it makes me look fab but I think it's just too much of a pain when you're sweating :)

Can't do the purse thing yet...

Best I've been able to do is be really concious at how good some shirts can make my boobs look. Boys like boos, right? :)

I also paint my toenails but I got in the habit because one nail had fungus. lol

Good luck Seren. It's a long (and expensive!) road.

[Giant_Spongess]

I waxed my legs last week. I bought a pair of high heels. I own fancy underwear.

I, too, am becoming a girl.

Still not gonna do makeup, though. That stuff is scary.

[gfloyd]

I never was a terribly good girl. Boys were less catty and made better friends, levi's and a tee shirt was easier than a dress and chemistry was way cooler than talking about movie stars. Then I met girls that were smart, poised, well dressed and only catty when others deserved it. This at least made me respect my gender. Then I got a boyfriend. And while he fell for me when I was in jeans with chemical burns and unflattering tee shirts, I like dressing up and looking pretty for him. I'm suck a bad feminist ... Although one day I was with him and came to the realization that I had worn pink for the last three days, including a dress the night before and I would have to go home and rebuild a transmission or something to regain my normal balance.

Good luck in girldom. It can be a fun ride.

[Sunspace]

I never was a terribly good girl. Boys were less catty and made better friends, levi's and a tee shirt was easier than a dress and chemistry was way cooler than talking about movie stars. Then I met girls that were smart, poised, well dressed and only catty when others deserved it. This at least made me respect my gender. Then I got a boyfriend. And while he fell for me when I was in jeans with chemical burns and unflattering tee shirts, I like dressing up and looking pretty for him. I'm suck a bad feminist ... Although one day I was with him and came to the realization that I had worn pink for the last three days, including a dress the night before and I would have to go home and rebuild a transmission or something to regain my normal balance.You sound like an excellent girl. There's no reason to get stuck in a rut; flexibility and competence are both good. :)

[Giant_Spongess]

I still have to say that pink is a horrible color. I'll only wear what pink genetics provides me.

[pand]

The problem is..I have no idea how to make female friends now. I know I had them when I was little, but I don't remember how I met or became friends with any of them.


Did the same thing myself a few years back, like my girl genes suddenly kicked in and I no longer felt like vomiting rather than wear a skirts and heels.

But, a thought from personal experience, if I may. Female friends can be very complicated. Amazing women friends abound, but there are a few cats in the mix, and now that you're walking the walk and talking talk, some women will find you threatening, especially if you're more attractive, intelligent, sexy, honest, cultured, whatever, than they are. Some will find you threatening just because you're new to the scene.

I have, and have had, great friends of both genders, but in comparing the damage each can do, it's a fellow woman who has the most potential to chop you off at the knees and drag you by bloody stumps through her own version of hell.

So, paint your toenails, find that gloss colour that makes potential partners want to suck the lips from your face, and listen to your gut instinct when the other girls are getting chatty.

[Dark Side of the Floyd]

I'll never be a girl. You'll pry the carpenter's pants out of my cold, dead fingers, dammit! You'll never take me alive!

[Marley23]

I read the OP three or four times before I realized you weren't coming out as transgendered. Must work on those comprehension skills.
We've had any number of those threads here, so I wouldn't blame you. That was my assumption when I clicked over.

[Stranger On A Train]

I tried to be a girl while I was planning my wedding, and I didn't manage to do it. I used to do astrophysics, and that was easier...Damnit! I'm always too late on the draw.

You know, if that marriage thing doesn't work out for you....oh, never mind.

Stranger

[DMark]

Gay guy here, and never done drag or felt any need to, but one thing I am amazed about women is how much time it takes to "get ready". Sure, I know some guys who spend hours getting ready just to go out and get the newspaper, but for the most part, a guy can jump out of bed, shower and get dressed and be out the door in 15 minutes tops.

The time, the money, the process of learning how to do everything, plus the competition of other women standing next to you sizing you up, and then keeping up with the fashions, and then deciding if the fashions work for you, and then having to keep that up the entire day...well, I am worn out thinking about it. I have occasionally seen the show "what to wear" and if I were a woman, half way through the episode I would shave my head and put on a moo-moo and hightail it out the door.

[Ashes, Ashes]

I read the OP three or four times before I realized you weren't coming out as transgendered. Must work on those comprehension skills..
You did much better than I. I even read your post and was half way through the thread before I figured it out. It's the SDMB-- that waffle cone could be holding any flavor of ice cream possible, and a few that aren't.

I still have to say that pink is a horrible color. I'll only wear what pink genetics provides me.
Sacrilege! Pink is a faaaabulous color. On me. When I wear it, it's the equivalent of a week's vacation for my appearance. Barbie pink is evil though.

I've always been a girl, but that encompasses many things. I don't know if I've ever contemplated something and thought it was for guys only. I certainly don't think that doing typically guy stuff makes me less feminine. It's all good!

Make-up, hair styling, and maintenance stuff like shaving, manicure, pedicure, and skin care are neat experiments finding the right product for you and your lifestyle. Practise will make you better and faster; I can do full make-up in less than ten minutes (and I don't look like a clown, I'm asked for advice which I think is a good sign, right?).

Girly clothes are fun if you treat them as fun. You get to buy pretty things and wear them to show everybody your new pretty. Always buy the right size for you and don't let yourself get talked into something you don't really like. I have a couple of outrageous outfits that I wouldn't have had the guts to wear ten years ago, but I took baby steps and learned along the way.

[Flutterby]

I like girly stuff some of the time. I've actually been wearing skirts this summer. I never wear skirts.

I will say this though, I don't wear heels. I'm 6'1, I don't need more height and my feet hurt after an hour in them.

I can roll out of bed, shower and put on makeup in 15 minutes though.

[jabiru]

I used to be a girl. A long time ago, until I turned into a middle aged woman. I still go in phases with the skirts/makeup thing. I'll probably get the hang of it by the time I'm 90 or so.

[gfloyd]

I have a hard time understanding the diffiuclty with high heels. I never owned a pair until I lost weight and my feet got a size smaller and two widths narrower, but I just put on a pair and walked fine. And I am not, shall we say, graceful.

[Maastricht]

Welcome to the SDMB, Seren! Actually, talking about make-up and clothes is a kind of woman-bonding thing. You could use that to solve two problems at once.
Say you were my co-worker and you said to me (or posted on the company messageboard): "Hi Maastricht ! You know, I think you dress nice, and there's this party I want to go to and I want to dress fancy and frankly being a jeans-girl I have no idea where to start with clothes and make-up, would you perhaps want to come to the mall with me during lunch break and advice me some? ".
I would feel flattered and jump at the chance to show off my shopperskills and make-up artist skills. In fact, I have girliefied one of my co-workers a bit, and I loved every minute of it. She did, too, we had a great time.

The make-up clueless might like to know there are a few good how-to books on make-up on the market. There is a lot of crap about, books compiled from left-over photo's from modelshoots with unhelpful captions like "Choosing the right shade of lipstick is very important". My two favourite authors slash make-upartists, to get you started, are Bobbi Brown (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/104-7866596-6371914) and Kevyn Aucoin (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-author-exact=Kevyn%20Aucoin/104-7866596-6371914). Bobbi Brown is about nice neat everyday make-up; Kevyn is more outrageous.

[Shirley Ujest]

I can pass as a girl...until I open my mouth, that is. I curse like a sailor


Fuck. You too? :D



:cool:


I am sometimes mostly sure that I am the only woman in my demographic that swears. I seem to shock a few people. And what is wrong with the word Fuck? It is so perfect for so many occasions?

[Triskadecamus]

To complete the illusion, however, my toes are usually painted a nice shade of pink.
Okay, I think I see a part of the problem. Try it once with just the toenails painted!

Tris

[Zebra]

So are you dancing around your room singing "I feel pretty", 'cause I'm kind of picturing you doing that.


Now was that directed at Seren or matt_mcl?

[UrbanChic]

Okay, I think I see a part of the problem. Try it once with just the toenails painted!Just the nail, huh? Well, it sounds weird, but I'm willing to give anything a whirl once. I'll let you know how it all turns out.

[Spiff]

Fuck? It is so perfect for so many occasions?Fuck. It's what's for dinner.

[Seren]

Thanks for the support and helpful tips everyone (especially pand and Maastricht-I'll definitely look into books by those two you recommended). :)


My guy friends think this change is hilarious, though one of them has offered to help me pick out clothes. He's straight, but man, he's got some fashion sense. Mom told me a few days ago that I should always let him choose my outfits for me.

So are you dancing around your room singing "I feel pretty", 'cause I'm kind of picturing you doing that.


Actually, I'm just staring at myself in the mirror a lot and sniffing my wrists. I love this perfume! :) It smells just like pipe tobacco.

[DMark]

I love this perfume! It smells just like pipe tobacco.

Oh yes. I can see now that this transformation is going to turn out just swell.

[Knowed Out]

Wow. These types of discussions totally befuddle me.

My coworker once posted a dissertation (practically) on her LJ about makeup. Foundations, texture, how to build from dark to light, etc. Memorizing baseball stats is easier. Rocket science is easier.

One of the most amazing discussions I ever heard was between two other coworkers: a country girl butch lesbian and a flambouyant gay guy. She said she wanted to go as one of the Village People for Halloween. He told her in exact minute detail the types of clothes each member wore, the brand names, where to shop for them, the whole nine yards. I just stood there, astounded. I know I bought my britches from Target, but I don't remember the brand name or any of that shit.

[alice_in_wonderland]

I vaguely resemble a girl, and here's a tip:

Go and purchase about 50 pairs of shoes. Strappy, absurd, non-practical shoes. You'll instantly feel more feminine, and then you can participate in the many "Look at my new shoes!" threads (many of which are started by me) and roll your eyes when the straight men come in and post links to hiking boots.

It's great! :)

[Seren]

Oh yes. I can see now that this transformation is going to turn out just swell.

:D I've got a lot of work to do, I know.


Just for the record, it's not really pipe tobacco scented. It's cherry vanilla and I doubt people would smell me and think "Oh, she smells like a pipe." I've just made the association because it smells like tobacco my dad used to have when I was little. Which I suppose didn't smell like tobacco as much as it smelled like cherry vanilla perfume. :)

[Anne Neville]

Damnit! I'm always too late on the draw.

You know, if that marriage thing doesn't work out for you....oh, never mind.

Stranger

Sorry, happily married. :)

But I'm flattered...

[kniz]

I'm amazed at the responses. Very interesting and informative for an old straight male like me. As we used to say "Whatever floats your boat!" :p Good luck, Senen!

[BiblioCat]

...I bought a pair of high heels.
.....
Still not gonna do makeup, though. That stuff is scary.
I can be a girl, 'cause I can do simple makeup (it just takes about 5 minutes) and my hair doesn't look like a rat's nest, but I draw the line at high heels and pantyhose. I hate both. When I have to dress up, I try to find a longish dress or skirt and then wear knee-high pantyhose. In the summer, I wear sandals with skirts and dresses. No pantyhose! No high heels!


I'm with FairyChatMom and UrbanChic on the cussing, though.
I can curse with the best of them. I do know when to turn it off, though - I work with little kids.
Maybe it's the 'Bawlmer' in us, huh? We're just fucking potty mouths here.

[BiblioCat]

Oops, not FCM. It was Shirley Ujest who's the other potty mouth.

[kniz]

:o Seren my bad

[MsRobyn]

Fuck. You too? :D



:cool:


I am sometimes mostly sure that I am the only woman in my demographic that swears. I seem to shock a few people. And what is wrong with the word Fuck? It is so perfect for so many occasions?

Nah. I swear so fucking often that I make people's hair curl. (Like Bibliocat, I turn it off in polite company and in the presence of children. If they're going to learn to swear, they're going to learn it from their own mothers, as I did.)

Okay. I am the antithesis of girl. I can't dress unless I have the grown-up version of Garanimals. I'm not even sure I own makeup, and I quit wearing earrings a few years ago. I do clean up nicely, though, so when I make the effort, I look like a girl.

Robin

[matt_mcl]

So are you dancing around your room singing "I feel pretty", 'cause I'm kind of picturing you doing that.


Now was that directed at Seren or matt_mcl?

Well, I do that anyway.

[Kalhoun]

I vaguely resemble a girl, and here's a tip:

Go and purchase about 50 pairs of shoes. Strappy, absurd, non-practical shoes. You'll instantly feel more feminine, and then you can participate in the many "Look at my new shoes!" threads (many of which are started by me) and roll your eyes when the straight men come in and post links to hiking boots.

It's great! :)
Not to mention all the great shoes you will be turned on to! And so goes the circle of fashion...

[Anaamika]

I vaguely resemble a girl, and here's a tip:

Go and purchase about 50 pairs of shoes. Strappy, absurd, non-practical shoes. You'll instantly feel more feminine, and then you can participate in the many "Look at my new shoes!" threads (many of which are started by me) and roll your eyes when the straight men come in and post links to hiking boots.

It's great! :)
Oh yes.

I am probably about medium-girly. I can be very feminine, but tough, and I can curse like a sailor but only when you get on my bad side.

But I do have lots of nice shoes.

I must protest, though - I also own a good pair of hiking boots.

[Seren]

Yeah, I really do need new and girly shoes. Right now I'm wearing a pair of tennis shoes and grounding straps (http://www.contacteast.com/product/images/jpg/126237cia.jpg). Straps are girly, right? = )

I do have major problems walking in heels, so I'll have to work on that. Heck, I even trip when I'm wearing flat shoes. I do fine in rollerskates though.. Maybe I'll just wear those all the time. :D

[Queen Tonya]

Ok, I thought I was as girly as I needed to be, but what the hell are those strap things about? Grounding straps? Do you need insulating from stray bolts of lightning? :confused:

[Seren]

Ok, I thought I was as girly as I needed to be, but what the hell are those strap things about? Grounding straps? Do you need insulating from stray bolts of lightning? :confused:

I'm an electrical engineer and recently I've been working in the lab on computer parts. Since static is really really bad and can easily short out the smaller components, we have to wear grounding straps to prevent static discharges. I wanna wear these things all the time now. I never get shocked opening a car door, touching doorknobs, etc. It's great! :)

[Anne Neville]

Yeah, I really do need new and girly shoes.

Get some flip-flops! They're cheap (well, at least some are), easy to put on and take off (though I can't run in them, and I've heard that you can't ride a bike while wearing them), and you can find girly ones with flowers or sparkly decorations. They are also good for showing off painted toenails, if you decide to go that route.

Find out if your lab allows open-toe shoes first, though. When I used to be a sys admin, part of my job involved moving computers and monitors, and open-toe shoes were discouraged.

[stretch]

Huh. I decided to quit trying to be a girl a long while ago; I was failing miserably at it. Everyone knew I was a tomboy and it is apparent that I am missing the gene that carries the ability to apply make-up, do hair, wear dressy clothes and shoes...all that stuff.

I quit carrying a purse about 15 years ago; wallet in the back pocket, keys in the front pocket and I'm ready to go. I quit wearing makeup 12 years ago and at the same time decided to just let my hair be long so I don't have to mess with it. I quit shaving my legs when mr.stretch said he didn't care. (I still shave my pits because I find armpit hair nasty on anyone; I wish I could convince everybody--including men--to shave their pits).

I last wore a skirt 10 years ago to my aunt's wedding because she insisted; I didn't wear a dress when I got married 3 weeks later (not that we had a wedding or anything; we both wore shorts and got married at The Hitchin' Post in Coure d'Alene, Idaho--directly across from the Kootenai County Courthouse, which is/was open on Saturday mornings just to issue marriage licenses).

Thankfully, my current job allows me to dress the way I like--T-shirts and jeans every day. Not that my co-workers don't still occasionally engage in some light-hearted ribbing at my expense--several people have commented that they've never seen me in a dress and wonder how many T-shirts I must own (about 30 work t-shirts, about 25 non-work T-shirts; I currently only have two pairs of work jeans).

I only own seven pairs of shoes: three pairs of Birkenstocks (one pair for work, one for hanging at the river with the dogs, one for working outside in my lawn), one pair of sneakers (for mowing the lawn), one pair of all-weather slip-on mocs for the winter (and I still usually wear my Birks), a pair of boots for snow shoveling, and my interview Keds (hey, they're black and I got my current job, didn't I?). I don't think that's enough shoes to qualify me for girlhood.

And the swearing thing, too--I swear like the loggers I grew up with. I have corrupted more than one co-worker with a formerly somewhat clean mouth. You would not believe the people who have potty mouths once they realize they won't offend you with the occasional "What a shithead." Next thing you know, they are dropping F bombs like there's no tomorrow.

Good luck on your quest to be a girl, Seren. Hope it works out for you. :)

[Caprese]

Yeah, sometimes the girly thing can take a bit of work.

I am female, not super girly, but then neither are my woman friends.

I came of age in the 70's and we tended to avoid makeup, heels and high maitenance hairstyles. I didn't wear lipstick until I was 40 years old.
My job is one that does not involve pantyhose, and boy am I glad about that.

I have come to terms with pink, though. I kind of like it.

And I have a zillion pairs of black shoes, each slightly different.

[BiblioCat]

I quit carrying a purse about 15 years ago; wallet in the back pocket, keys in the front pocket and I'm ready to go.
Along with high heels and pantyhose, I also dislike carrying a purse. I have a small flat wallet with just enough slots for what I really need to carry (a little cash, driver's license, EMT card, debit card, credit card, and health insurance card), and I have only a few keys to carry. Also long as I have my Chapstick in that little front pocket on my jeans, I'm ready to go.

I have several purses that I do use on occassion, but carrying one around all the time bugs me.
My MIL had one of those HUGE purses with slots and pockets and holders for every imaginable item, including the kitchen sink. I could have packed for a weekend in her purse.

[Ashes, Ashes]

[QUOTE=BiblioCat]I can be a girl, 'cause I can do simple makeup (it just takes about 5 minutes) and my hair doesn't look like a rat's nest, but I draw the line at high heels and pantyhose. I hate both. When I have to dress up, I try to find a longish dress or skirt and then wear knee-high pantyhose. In the summer, I wear sandals with skirts and dresses. No pantyhose! No high heels!QUOTE]
What I know about pantyhose: the size charts on the package were written by someone on crack. Some brands I buy a full size larger than recommended, other brands, a size smaller.

With some outfits I can get away with thigh highs, but I cheat. I always buy them in a size large enough that they go all the way up to the panties. They stay up better and you don't get that thigh bulge where the band digs in. Plus you don't get the band of knee highs accidently showing.

Mom Purses are the cornerstone of civilization. Personally, I think they're like the magician's hat where you reach in and can pull out a snack or some tissues, not a rabbit.

[matt_mcl]

I have a purse! But I notice that people get very shirty about it when I call it that. I actually had someone scream at me "NO! It's a BAG! Not a purse!" Yikes.

I mean please, it's a bag I wear on my shoulder that I keep my wallet and small necessaries in. It might not be tiny and jeweltoned with little brass doodads on it, but "purse" precisely describes its function.

Anyway, it's very useful. I much prefer keeping all my stuff in there than in my pockets.

[FilmGeek]

I can't stand purses, make up, pantyhose (just the WORD pantyhose makes me shudder), skirts, dresses, long hair... I only wear my engagement ring and my semi-permanent jewelry.

I'm the ultimate tomboy. :D

(I own four pairs of shoes: work Vans, play sneakers, dress doc martens and softball cleats)

[Ragiel]

I can be a girl, 'cause I can do simple makeup (it just takes about 5 minutes) and my hair doesn't look like a rat's nest, but I draw the line at high heels and pantyhose. I hate both. When I have to dress up, I try to find a longish dress or skirt and then wear knee-high pantyhose. In the summer, I wear sandals with skirts and dresses. No pantyhose! No high heels!


I'm with FairyChatMom and UrbanChic on the cussing, though.
I can curse with the best of them. I do know when to turn it off, though - I work with little kids.
Maybe it's the 'Bawlmer' in us, huh? We're just fucking potty mouths here.

You... you wear knee-high pantyhose?! :eek:
Knee-highs work for me, but not the panty part. ;)

[Bimble]

I'm an engineer (and female) and oh-mi-gods I dunno how women DO "The Girly Thing"!!

I mean, if I turned up at a client's place in a nice skirt, cute shoes and an ickle bitty pink handbag, they frog-march me out the door demanding who I was and what had I done with Bimble??

Hee hee hee!!

:D

Nope! I was a tomboy as a kiddie and a tomboy as an (alleged!!) adult! I'd rather go motor racing than go on a Spa Holiday with the Girlies or solder cables onto a flippin' patchbay than trying to figure out what to do for a dinner party (...unless you all like veggie nachos, that is...)

Gilrie conversation baffles me! I have LOTS of girlie friends and they KNOW that if they ask me an opinion on the latest Famous Designer's £5000 handbag, they'll get the biggest blank look they've ever seen, but if they need help with their iPods, they know where to come!!

My flatmate will no doubt be going shopping this weekend for a new outfit. Me? I'm getting a set of alloy wheels for my car...

:cool:

(As a concession to my Feminine Side, I DO wear pretty make up and DO style my (blonde-and-long) hair. I also try to dress as decently as possible in my nicely-cut jeans (black) and variously coloured t-shirts, etc)

Now all I gotta is find me a Nice Guy to go with all that... *sighs* Any guys in here who like cars, veggie nachos and need a patchbay wired up??

;)

[Lissla Lissar]

What side do it put you on if you wear jeans and fitted, low-cut t-shirts? I don't wear makeup very often, but I believe I own some. I almost always wear Docs, although I have a couple pairs of mary janes and I think I own sandals.

[Anne Neville]

I can't stand purses

This I don't get. I don't get why men don't carry purses, either. Where do you keep all your stuff that's nice to have with you during the day? Where do you keep your book (to read when you get bored)?

[Infovore]

I'm a lousy girl, and always have been. I hate makeup, when I wear "girl clothes" (as rarely as humanly possible) I feel like I'm in drag, I don't like babies and small children, and I'm alternately mystified and bored by stereotypical "girl talk" (guys, movie stars, makeup, cooking, babies/children, and clothes). Sometimes I wonder if I'm one of those rare female transvestites, because I love guy clothes. Leather jackets, big stompy boots (I just bought a great pair of New Rocks to wear to Gen Con!), the whole works--in fact, when I see events like the Academy Awards I look at the women in their gowns and think 'eww...why do they want to look so...vulnerable?' while at the same time lusting after the tuxedos and wishing there were socially acceptable events where women can get away with wearing them. I'd think I was a drag king, except that I'm straight and happily married.

I have been on the lookout for the perfect bag (not purse) though, and I think I might have found it at Diesel. Only problem is, I can't seem to get in the habit of carrying one, and my wallet and keys remain firmly in my front pants pockets where they belong--I'm always afraid if I put them in a bag I'll either lose it, leave it somewhere, or just panic because I can't find them.

[Fish]

I'm suck a bad feminist ...
I just had to say that this was a very unfortunate typo. :D

[pand]

This I don't get. I don't get why men don't carry purses, either. Where do you keep all your stuff that's nice to have with you during the day? Where do you keep your book (to read when you get bored)?

Please, please, please tell me you keep your purse under control at all times.

I can't tell you how many times I've been thoughtlessly assaulted by someone with a big handbag or backpack. It extends their physical area by sometimes more than a foot out, and in crowded areas, a quick turn can knock someone over.

Big Bag People - Be Warned! Once is forgivable, but I KNOW, from personal experience, that they can feel they've hit something, so the second time they hit me, I'm going to pull the full liner from the nearest trash bin and smack them arount with it.

Handbags, with little handles carried yanked right up under their armpits are second only to shouldered luggage for *ouch* factor; they nail you right in the tit.

[DocCathode]

Learning to choose and apply makeup is one of the hardest things I've tried. I'm always afraid I look like a clown.

I'm learning about makeup and worried that I won't. If I cover my face with the stuff, I don't want it to run or smear, I don't want it to be too hot, and I had damn well better look like a clown. I don't want to find I have finally perfected balloon animals, only to hear "Why doesn't he have clown makeup on?"


So are you dancing around your room singing "I feel pretty", 'cause I'm kind of picturing you doing that.

I do have an almost irresistable urge to do that when there's a large mirror. I'm even teaching the song to my niece, "Hey, there's a mirror! Want to sing the pretty song?"

I think next visit, I'll have to explain to her that I don't want to sing the 'pretty song' while buy fabric at the craft store because it "makes it hard to meet girls".

I have a purse! But I notice that people get very shirty about it when I call it that. I actually had someone scream at me "NO! It's a BAG! Not a purse!" Yikes.

I mean please, it's a bag I wear on my shoulder that I keep my wallet and small necessaries in. It might not be tiny and jeweltoned with little brass doodads on it, but "purse" precisely describes its function.

Anyway, it's very useful. I much prefer keeping all my stuff in there than in my pockets

I carry a backpack. It is manly. I can keep books, an umbrella, windbreaker, my big book of Philly maps, etc in it. Manly I say!

I also tend to carry bandaids, mints, gum, an assortment of needles, a spool of thread, and collapsible scissors.

When I found a tissue for a kid who had sneezed, and then gave him and his siblings pieces of Bazooka, I knew I had become my mother.

[Captain Lance Murdoch]

Tomboys can be sexy too.

[SusanStoHelit]

Yeah, I can completely identify with that. Learning to choose and apply makeup is one of the hardest things I've tried. I'm always afraid I look like a clown.

For makeup, go to a salon and find the beautician with the best makeup there. They will often give makeup lessons for about $15. They will also give you a free hair style consultation if you get your hair cut there. A good stylist is worth the $30-$40/haircut. Then, once you get a style you like, take a pic! Very important, so that you don't have to wave your hands vaguely and say "Um" a lot when you go in for your next haircut.


Paula Begoun (http://cosmeticscop.com/) has great books and advice on what brands are best and what techniques to use.

[tremorviolet]

I'm an engineer (and female) and oh-mi-gods I dunno how women DO "The Girly Thing"!!

I mean, if I turned up at a client's place in a nice skirt, cute shoes and an ickle bitty pink handbag, they frog-march me out the door demanding who I was and what had I done with Bimble??

Heh, I'm an engineer too and that's exactly what I wear: pencil skirt, four inch pink stilettos, pink handbag (tho' it's not tiny, it's gotta hold the wallet, cellphone, calculator, mechanical pencils, business cards, notebook, etc.), and long fake hot pink ghetto nails. (here's me (http://pic.funtigo.com/img/i97427644_9814.jpg) faking a traffic count for a publicity photo.) I love doing the girly stuff.

I agree with Susan Sto Helit a good cut is totally worth the extra money. I found it's a better deal to get a good haircut I'm happy with every six months rather than a crappy one from Supercuts every couple of months.

For make-up, I'm not great at it either but I've suddenly gotten interested in applying it. I do like the book Real Beauty (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1400047722/qid=1123707864/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/102-9039918-8902532?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) by Sonia Kushak. The neatest thing is that it comes with a DVD so you can see how she applies make-up. To do make-up well, you need to practice and I like to play around with it right before I wash my face for bed. I also went and got foundation at Prescriptives where the sale clerk will actually tell you exactly what you need. I was really worried about that horrible caked on orangy look some girls get and it was worth the extra money to get a good match for my skin.

BTW, for those who hate pantyhose, you're in luck, hose is totally out right now. Wear either a bare leg or, in the winter, opaque tights.

[UrbanChic]

Nice pic, tremorviolet. It makes me want to say, 'Yes, ma'am' and mean it!

[DocCathode]

Re Makeup

I actually am training to be a clown, so I have actual make up questions.

Does cost actually reflect quality? How do I find stuff that won't smear (I'm sure they all claim not to smear. I want one that lives up to that promise)? Just how much hotter will a face covered in make up make me? Do you really need different kinds (mascara, eyeshadow, blush) for different parts of the face?

[tremorviolet]

Nice pic, tremorviolet. It makes me want to say, 'Yes, ma'am' and mean it!

Thanks. :) Did you notice my hot pink Turkish-inspired rhinestone mules? I had no idea we were gonna take that photo and the first thing my boss said when he saw the photo was "couldn't you have worn normal shoes?" :dubious:

[alice_in_wonderland]

Does cost actually reflect quality?

Yes, sort of.

Now, I have to say, clown makeup is totally different than regular makeup - you know that right? clown make up is much heavier, for one thing.

Were you planning on using regular make-up in a "clowny" sort of way, or are you actually using clown makeup?

[SusanStoHelit]

Re Makeup

I actually am training to be a clown, so I have actual make up questions.

Does cost actually reflect quality? How do I find stuff that won't smear (I'm sure they all claim not to smear. I want one that lives up to that promise)? Just how much hotter will a face covered in make up make me? Do you really need different kinds (mascara, eyeshadow, blush) for different parts of the face?

One of Paula Beguon's books actually has a product review section. She goes through lipsticks, moisturizers, bases, etc, and rates them based on ingredients, cost, quality, etc. The book (Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me) is a few years old at this point, but it still gives you a good idea of which brands make quality products.

Mostly, the upper-level stuff is no better than the department store brands. However, you can't test the department store makeup out. I usually go to a Clinique or MAX counter, test and buy a new lipstick (or whatever), and then take it with me to Bi-Mart to find a similar color.

So to answer your questions: No, do your research, not at all (as far as I can tell), and no.

[MsRobyn]

BTW, for those who hate pantyhose, you're in luck, hose is totally out right now. Wear either a bare leg or, in the winter, opaque tights.

I hate hose with a passion, but I can't get away with bare legs because I have scars and I'm so pale that bare legs look unattractive.

As for purses, I have to carry one, and it's got to be fairly large. Right now, I carry pens, my PDA, cell phone, a small notebook, my wallet, and other stuff. During the school year, I also tend to carry around at least one required-reading book so I've got something to read during downtime. When I'm going for something like a job interview, I use a smaller bag for my wallet, PDA, cell phone, and pen.

Robin

[flamingbananas]

I've always been girly, but not too girly. I have skirts and wear them on occasion, but it's not a habit, I wear makeup, and care a lot about my hair. On the other hand, I swear, and am pretty much a total nerd.
I'm also a ballerina, and it's hard to be a tomboy when you're in ballet. Though after walking on my toes for an hour I've found walking in high heels to be a breeze.

As for shoes, go to Payless and invest in some cute strappy sandles. They go well with just about anything and it's hella cheap!

[flamingbananas]

Oh man, I got caught up in reading this and didn't realize it was old! :smack:

[Ponder Stibbons]

Well, it's not quite two months old, so I guess it doesn't really qualify as a zombie thread.

[UrbanChic]

Thanks. :) Did you notice my hot pink Turkish-inspired rhinestone mules? I did and they're adorable.

[Terminus Est]

Thanks. :) Did you notice my hot pink Turkish-inspired rhinestone mules? I had no idea we were gonna take that photo and the first thing my boss said when he saw the photo was "couldn't you have worn normal shoes?" :dubious:
My first thought was that the shoes clash with the vest.

[Kyla]

I grew up to be pretty girly, much to my own surprise. Although I still shriek at the players when I go to a ballgame. And I can't figure out why anyone would wear heels on the weekend (that's when you get to wear jeans and flipflops!).

My favorite girly things are pedicures and manicures. I looooove pedicures. I ge my fingernails buffed, though, polish is too much for me.

On the purses: I find most purses are awfully small. I carry a Dickies messenger bag most days. It fits my lunch, my notebook, my wallet, whatever book I'm reading (I hate going anywhere without a book), and an extra pair of shoes, if I happen to be wearing new shoes that I'm concerned might get uncomfortable. I finally did get a smaller bag for when I'm going out, but I wouldn't dream of taking it to work. I need my stuff!

Seren, good luck with finding the right balance of frilly and sensible for you.

[Clothahump]

Well, I've always biologically been a girl. Now I'm going to start dressing/acting like one. I've just had this urge recently to start wearing makeup, carry a purse, wear skirts, hang out with girls, etc. I even found a perfume that I really like. This whole situation is really strange for me.

So....how you doin'? ;)

[Seren]

So....how you doin'? ;)
Too late!

I've already got flowers from a very nice boy sitting on my desk at work. :)

Maybe you should've asked two months ago... :D

[Bookkeeper]

This I don't get. I don't get why men don't carry purses, either. Where do you keep all your stuff that's nice to have with you during the day? Where do you keep your book (to read when you get bored)?
Mostly we don't, although I do make sure that every jacket and parka I own has pockets big enough to hold a full-sized hardcover book. It's always good to have a book or two (or three or four) with you!

[Cardinal]

snip
And while he fell for me when I was in jeans with chemical burns and unflattering tee shirts, I like dressing up and looking pretty for him. I'm suck a bad feminist ... Although one day I was with him and came to the realization that I had worn pink for the last three days, including a dress the night before and I would have to go home and rebuild a transmission or something to regain my normal balance.I love it when feminism becomes, "I'm still taking orders from other people about what I can and can't be like, but since it's a bunch of older women I've never met, it's the *good* kind of being bossed around.






Be you, and if that's frilly and dressy, that's fine. You don't owe these "feminist" "leaders" anything.

[Broomstick]

So, um, Seren... you're trying to be a girl and find gal pals.... AND you're learning to fly airplanes??? (By the way, aren't we due for another update thread on that?)

I've never been a girly-girl - always a tomboy. Then, somewhere in my 30's, my macho relented and I started wearing more skirts and dresses and stuff. But even so, I ditched the makeup and purse collection years ago (it had been a failed attempt to "feminize" me back when I was still under the control of parents and school). I do a pretty good "drag" at work when appropriate, and I'm getting an urge to get a simple purse... but you know menopause is approaching, the hormones are a-changin', and now, after finally coming to terms with my feminine side, it's becoming rapidly apparent I will have to figure out a way to deal with the incipient goatee my chin is trying to cultivate. Bleaching isn't going to work - it would leave me with white hair, not invisible hair. Hmm... maybe more of a fu manchu than a goatee. Nor am I waxing my face, as someone recently suggested. If I can't bring myself ot wax my legs what the hell would induce me to wax my face?.

>sigh<

I just know this is all part of a journey to yeti-hood. If I could just wake up one morning entirely hairy/furry I could simply hire myself out to a sideshow and make tons of money, but this slow transformation thing is just a pain.

Um... I suppose that's not a very girly fantasy, is it?

It's amazing how a het female like me is more butch than most lesbians I know.

[Malacandra]

Too late!

I've already got flowers from a very nice boy sitting on my desk at work. :)



Shouldn't you move him off of it? :p

Yeah, I know. Catch me saying "off of" when I'm not being flippant, and I authorise you to shoot me without warning

[Seren]

Shouldn't you move him off of it? :p

Yeah, I know. Catch me saying "off of" when I'm not being flippant, and I authorise you to shoot me without warning

I knew something sounded funny about that sentence.. You'd think having an English teacher for a best friend would've taught me something over the years.

Although, I think I might rather have a nice boy sitting on my desk instead of flowers. Instead of flowers sitting on my desk, not the nice boy sitting on the flowers...

You've got me all paranoid now. :p

[Seren]

So, um, Seren... you're trying to be a girl and find gal pals.... AND you're learning to fly airplanes??? (By the way, aren't we due for another update thread on that?)


Yeah, I do like a challenge. I see why guys complain a lot about never being able to meet girls now. It's because girls just don't tend to do fun things, like flying. Clearly, you and I are superior females. :D

Anyway, I'm girly every day of the week except Thursdays. Thursdays, the hair goes up and out of the face, and the contacts stay in their case and the glasses go on. I'll wear old jeans and a t shirt and some sneakers I've had for a few years now. No point in dressing up if I'm just gonna be sweating and getting av gas all over myself.

Well, except today... I have a lunch date with that nice boy who may or may not be sitting on my desk and/or flowers. :D But I'll definitely change before my lesson.

And I'll post an update soon, I swear.

[Clothahump]

Too late!

I've already got flowers from a very nice boy sitting on my desk at work. :)

Maybe you should've asked two months ago... :D



Story of my life...... :(

[Seren]

Story of my life...... :(
Awwww *hugs* You can have me if this one doesn't work out. :)

[Lissa]

I can't afford to be a girl right now. Girly stuff is expensive.


That's why I'll probably never be a girly-girl. I look at a bottle of makeup and think, "I could buy a book with that money instead."

[Cletus Hornblower]

My guy friends think this change is hilarious, though one of them has offered to help me pick out clothes. He's straight, but man, he's got some fashion sense.

They may not all think it's hilarious.

I worked with a woman who I kinda/sorta knew was attractive. The nature of our job had her always wearing jeans, no make-up, and a pony tail.(all of which can be incredibly sexy, too - but hey, it was work) We were pretty good friends. One day she asked me to go to a wedding with her. When I showed up at her house, I was, for a moment, literally speechless. She was definitely a girl, and somehow I had let myself not notice.

Be prepared for a little attention!

[nevermore]

speaking of "a little attention"...

I've never been hardcore about my tomboyery; I've just always been about comfort. if I can look hot and be comfortable, I'm all for it, but it's generally an impossibility. I pretty much hate skirts and dresses (I donno, I just feel too "exposed" or something), though I'll wear them to like court or an interview or downtown. I don't mess with my hair other than to blowdry and brush it-- it's long and straight and really looks fine left as such when clean, IMO. I wear makeup and perfume when I go out, "out" meaning for an evening of debauchery, and every time it is the BIGGEST scandal. "oh, Raven's wearing makeup!!! oooohhhhh, Raven's wearing GIRL clothes!!! look at YOU, hottie!!!!" gag. it's cute and fun every once in awhile, but man, sometimes you just want to walk in and be acknowledged like a normal person, not cooed and squealed over like a child; it's just embarassing. god forbid I should ever resort to carrying a purse; people would soil themselves.

now that I think about it, though, even when I wore makeup every day (high school) people freaked out when I wore anything particularly girly, and I think it might be because of the way I talk. I present as very masculine in mannerism and especially speech, because every other word that comes out of my mouth is "fuck", and rarely in anger... it's just a word to me, like "the", and I think that really cements this image of masculinity in people's heads. I don't think it would matter if I started wearing makeup and skirts and purses and heels today for the rest of my life, I'd still get shit about it, because I'll never have a feminine personality.

[MaxTheVool]

Awwww *hugs* You can have me if this one doesn't work out. :)

Damn it, not only am I too late, I'm too late to be too late! Pish tosh!

[Broomstick]

Yeah, I do like a challenge. I see why guys complain a lot about never being able to meet girls now. It's because girls just don't tend to do fun things, like flying. Clearly, you and I are superior females. :D
And ya gotta admit, hanging around an airport is a great way to meet guys!

Of course, there's guarantee the guys of are of high quality, and that's the downside. And most of 'em seem to be divorced at least once - usually over aviation issues.

God forbid anything ever happens to my husband - my "harem-in-waiting" would come knockin' on the door, and the ones I know about are just the ones ballsy enough to admit their interest with a husband lurking in the background.

I'll wear old jeans and a t shirt and some sneakers I've had for a few years now. No point in dressing up if I'm just gonna be sweating and getting av gas all over myself.
Hear, hear.

By the way - I find baby shampoo most effective at getting avgas and engine grease out of clothing, particularly winter-weight gloves and knits.

And I'll post an update soon, I swear.
Come to think of it, I think I'm running late on my latest account of adventure myself.... better get to work.

[Broomstick]

Of course, there's guarantee the guys of are of high quality, and that's the downside.
:smack:

"Of course, there's no guarantee...."!

(Note: preview is your friend, slow down in pursuit of the "submit" button...)