Julie - Out and About

  ***This post may contain TMI (depending on how nosey you are) You have been warned.*** As we have moved into September and the temps have started to level off, I went for a Nature Walk today. One of the drawbacks of crossdressing is I have to wear A LOT of stuff - foundation garments, padding, wig, make up - and then I have to put on clothes over all this! In hot weather that can be problematic. How do I usually combat this, you ask?  Thanks for asking - I'll tell you. I have tried quite a few types and styles of breast forms over the years, and believe it or not my all time favorites are . . .  Yes, that's right - Water Filled Balloons Now, please read that carefully. That's "Water Filled Balloons" - NOT "Water Balloons". Water balloons are designed to break apart on impact. ANY level of impact. I use helium grade 9" latex balloons. I have been using this method for well over 12 years and have NEVER had an accident. And they usually last for qui...

  I've been away from home most of the summer - mid-June to early August - and unable to enjoy any "Julie Time". Partly because most of my wardrobe was in Spokane, and partly because Florida in July is WAY too hot for a wig! I got home over a week ago, and FINALLY had a day out! It was a Sunday, and since my SO had the car I was relegated to the bus. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy using public transportation. It allows for more interaction with the world. However, it does make scheduling a bit tricky. But that's half the fun! "Is that woman staring at me? I hope so!" I bused to downtown with a planned stop or two, but also wanted to just enjoy being out. First stop was my favorite bookstore. (actually the ONLY locally owned bookstore in town) I had a gift card and needed to see how much was still on it. Turns out, not nearly enough to buy anything, but that doesn't stop a gal from browsing. Do I really need more books? (do I really need more air?) R...

  Pardon my repitition, but Stana's Blog FEMULATE is a wonderful resource for any crossdressers - from those who are just exploring to us old broads in need of advice.  Today's article has a very intriguing title - HOW TO LOOK LIKE A CROSSDERSSER. http://www.femulate.org/2026/08/how-to-look-like-crossdresser.html Stana makes many valid and helpful points, but the one that hit me hardest was about wigs. As a person who has been folically challenged since I was 17, wigs are VERY important to Julie.  My First "Real Wig" - in my Lucy Period Stana says, " A cheap, shiny wig that looks as though it came from a Halloween costume shop is difficult to overlook. So is a wig that sits too high, too low or crooked on the head. Extremely long hair can also look out of place on someone whose face and wardrobe suggest a more mature woman. A good-quality wig in a believable color and age-appropriate style is one of the best investments a crossdresser can make."  Wig #2 - Be...

  I was recently asked why I don't write about issues, or opinions, or existential stuff.  Why is my Blog all about the play by play of my travels. Well, just look at the title of the Blog ----- JULIE - OUT AND ABOUT Nuff said. Now, back to our story . . .  Today's excursion was unexciting (especially since I was alone - but I won't harp on THAT any more in this installment) but it did have a highlight. OOD - casual and comfy I needed mascara so I hit CVS. No major interactions with anyone, just in and out. Then to the Mall (yes, I still go to the Mall) for some walking around. I find that, since retiring, I need to get out and walk more. Where better than the Mall. You never know WHO you're going to run into The Mall is open for walking at 9, but the shops don't open until 11. So I did some window shopping - or window TREATMENT shopping. I've been accused of being cheeky, but not like this My soft wear could stand some updating The need for coffee kicked in, so...

  In addition to writing a Blog myself, I follow a few. The one that got me started down this path is Femulate by Stana (http://www.femulate.org), a combination of insights, How To's, history, and inspiration.  I occasionally share some of her best stuff (with permission, of course) and this one struck a chord with me. It sums up my feelings when Julie is being her full self - as well as an answer to the question "Why do I crossdress" MY FAVORITE THINGS by Stana Smoothing the back of my skirt as I sit down. Pencil skirts. Crossing my legs and letting a high-heel pump dangle from the tip of my stockinged foot. Carrying a purse— my purse . Taking a compact from it to touch up my makeup. Wearing high heels. Hearing the click of those heels as I walk. Being called “Ma’am.” Better yet… being called “Miss.” Wrap dresses. A complete stranger stopping to say, “I like your dress,” or compliment something else I’m wearing. Shopping in a clothing store that opens a dr...

  I'm part of a FB Group called Big Cisters - a safe place for cisgender and transgender women to come together in sisterhood solidarity and share the joys and challenges of womanhood. Today I saw this post, written by Mo Cherry -  Dear my sisters I recently had a realization I'd like to share with my trans loves about the whole "woman enough" struggle. I hope that you all know that this is actually a huge part of adolescences into womanhood. Cis young women perform feminily in a similar way when we are trying to figure out what leaving behind girlhood is and stepping out into our adult woman selves. Before Instagram at least, lol. Trying on different looks and styles and makeup and even voices is so much a part of girlhood, It's kind of like playing dress up until you find the "costume" that actually feels like you.  Every time I see this phase in young women or trans folks, I find it so endearing. I know it;s a struggle while you're in it, but it...

  Previously on Julie Out And About - I have been out of town for a month now - and due to my work/living situation, Julie had to stay behind in WA.  Being an actor, I know the power of "let's pretend". Or, as some say, the "fake it til you make it" attitude. Well, I have been trying to keep MY attitude rose colored, but it hasn't been easy. Walking around NYC, all I can think about is how I'd enjoy it SO much more if I was dressed pretty. What's a girl to do? Grin and bear it, I guess. Try to occupy my mind with other stuff and not dwell on it. But when I see women walking down 8th Avenue in GORGEOUS outfits, when I hear their heels click-clacking across 42nd Street, it becomes VERY disheartening. It makes me think, "when will I be able to let Julie Out and About again?" (well, I know when that may be, because I get back home January 5th, but you know what I mean) Time for a photo So I will continue on, trying to enjoy this chapter of my l...

  Don't Panic!  (hey, it worked for Douglas Adams) Let me explain. No, there's no time - let me sum up. (William Goldman) I will be hitting the road at the end of the week - out of town work that will take me thru January 5th.  But it will mean that Julie will stay home as the other guy traverses the country.   Toward that end, I was able to take 2 very good outings this past week.  On Thursday I had a night out.  Wandering the Mall Finding some light reading for my trip As well as a test drive for my new Red Coat I wanted to get REALLY dressed up, so this night that included my fingers. IMPRESS nails - in 10 years I've only had one fall off The biggest disappointment was that I was - again - alone. Then came Saturday, and I was able to fall back into my "semi-regular" Saturday morning routine. Starting with breakfast at Golden Corral. Casual Saturday Wardrobe I was greeted with a smile by the cashier at the front. Sweet gal, and I complimented her nec...

  Get it? "Back"? (lol) Where was I? Oh yeah - I was at the office in a skirt, pantyhose and pumps! I was with a law firm for 4 years. That place closed down and we all went to the 4 winds. I have been at this new firm since April, and in that time have run into former co-workers 3 or 4 times. On Halloween, as Flight Attendant Betsy, I ran into 6 different former co-workers - mostly over my lunch hour!  Do these glasses make me look fat? (lol) I went to Mod Pizza, where the 2 managers know me by name. I took them by surprise, and one told me that if I DIDN'T take first prize, she'd hurt someone. On my way there I ran into an attorney I used to work with. As we walked and talked, a Paralegal from the old office approached us. She started chatting with him, but was giving me a look that said she had no idea who I was.  I split off from them and started down the escalator. Halfway down I heard her voice almost shout, "No Way!" I emailed her the next day and she...