Archive | November 2013

Shaving Your Legs

Hello from Denae. I hope all of you had a Happy Thanksgiving. I went to Pebble Beach for lunch with my best friend, there were beautiful women with beautiful clothes!

Herewith an article on shaving your legs…in response to Catherine’s email.

TIPS FOR SHAVING YOUR LEGS!
What is the best way to shave your legs to prevent a rash? For TG’s who do not have a lot of experience with shaving their legs, underarms and bikini area, this is a wonderful question!

First, I have found out how important it is to exfoliate your skin before shaving. It gets rid of all the dead skin cells that could clog up your razor, preventing a close shave. I exfoliate my face with a hand pad, and with a good exfoliating lotion, from the drug store. I also exfoliate my arms and legs with a hand pad from the drug store. This also removes sun spots, or liver spots. (This is a very important step, if you’re going to use any tanning product, as dead skin will cause the tanning product to show these spots even more).

The trick to shaving is to wet your skin and let it soften from the heat and moisture. You don’t want to shave dry skin. Shaving is a natural exfoliator and you’ll clog up the razor with dead skin while putting yourself at risk for nicks. I sit in a very warm bath with yummy soaps I purchase from a soap store. There’s no need to waste your money on shaving creams formulated especially for women. They are virtually the same as the creams sold for men, unless you enjoy the smell of women’s shaving creams. Same goes for your razor; you can use men or women’s razors. You are going to have to experiment with razors until you find the perfect one for you. Look for a razor with lubricated strips, pivoting heads and spring-mounted multiple blades. I’ve sampled several types and varieties and was amazed at how different each feels. With trial and error, I have found the Schick Quattro for Women, which has four super-thin blades and a pivoting head, works best on my legs.

Be sure to change razors or cartridges on a regular basis, a dull blade can lead to nicks. Also, it’s best not to use the razor you use in guy mode, on your face.as your facial hair can be coarser and will dull a blade.

Since your leg hairs grow down, you’ll want to start at your ankles and shave up. For your underarms, you’ll need to shave in every direction since the hair there grows every which way. When finished, apply oil or moisturizer. The skin on your legs has few oil glands and has a tendency for dryness. Don’t forget to put lotion on your feet! And, shave any hair on your feet, or toes. (Please clip those toe nails as men have thicker toe nails, and this can be a giveaway).

Ingrown hairs are caused when the hairs curl back under the skin. Avoid ingrowns by exfoliating daily and using a glycolic acid body lotion. You can purchase this, at your local drug store. (Be sure and get a glycolic acid for your face also, as a man.you will be shaving your face closer to apply makeup).

If you tend to get a few ingrown hairs try Tend Skin –an over-the-counter lotion for ingrown hairs, applying it in the morning and at night. The bumps should disappear within a couple days.

If you’re full time, consider opting for waxing, at least on your legs. You’ll find that men do have coarser hair; it won’t grow back as fast. If you’re a CD, consider purchasing a good electric shaver, which has three blade sizes. Take your leg hair down, leaving some hair for guy mode.

When you wear hose… they cover the light amount of hair you left on your legs. You can use your electric shaver, for your arms or legs. If your hair is really dark, try “Jo Lynn” body hair bleach, from any drug store. Simply rub it on, (it is like tooth paste) and wash off in 5 mins. Your hair will be lighter. This can be done, in the summer, when the sun would normally bleach out your hair. (Okay, it sounds good, right)?

Regards,

Denae Doyle

Kinky Boots ~ In England

Hello All, this is a very interesting story! The man who owned this shoe business, was not making it–with making mens’ shoes. He somehow started making really HOT, sexy boots…and now he is a best seller for sexy boots and he works mostly with the TG (who wants something over the top). You can find the long version of his story, on the Internet. However, take a look at some very beautiful boots,and some regular boots for day or night wear!
http://www.kinkyboots.com
Perhaps for your up-coming New Years Eve Party!
Smiles,
Denae Doyle
FemImage
831 479-1282

Dressing Your Age

Hello Donna, thank you for your email…which I will share on my blog.
Your are dressing to young, to long of blonde hair, to short of dress at 65
You can still look Hot, with shoulder length wig….which is brown with lots of blonde highlights. The low color will bring out your eyebrows and lashes. Dark “roots” can really help also, as they keep one from having a washed out face when you go all blonde. Now, for in guy mode, the same. When we look at Anderson Cooper, few things are more noticeable about him than his perfect hair. While his personal style is excellent from the waist up, oftentimes his bottom half leaves a bit to be desired. However, his hair and desire to ‘age gracefully’ certainly helps him stand out. There is no denying that Anderson Cooper is the perfect example of people aging gracefully. What can this tell us about keeping up our image later in life?
Best of luck Donna, I enjoyed working with you.
Denae

Thanksgiving Holidays

Hello from Denae. It is now Friday, Nov 22. If you’re going in femme anyplace for the holidays, begin planning now!
Here is California, it finally got cold. So, begin wearing leggings to be warm, and pull out your femme boots, perhaps a sweater with a skirt or leggings or jeans. Be comfortable!
And, have fun,
Denae
831 479-1282
PS: Remember your table manners, as I have blogged before…small sips of water and not gulps, take small bites to eat, don’t talk while eating, and “pat” your mouth, don’t “smear” with your napkins.

Kertain Hair Treatment

Hello Everyone, I have very hard to control hair, and spend lots of time blow drying out my curly hair. I went to a salon today, where Larry Zellers at Inspire Salon in Santa Cruz, CA (fabulous hairdresser who occasionally dresses in drag) put a new product called Keratain on my hair. OMG, my hair was instantly smooth and silky, and I have had to try a million products and have had to deal with my difficult curly-frizzy hair for my entire life.

I had heard about this new Keratain product for frizzy hair for over a year, and since I have an important TG event coming up, I decided to try it;, but deep-down inside I was really thinking it would be yet more wasted time, effort and money. What a wonderful surprise. Smooth, silky hair, and the frizzy hair was gone! You do want to find a stylist who has worked with Keratin products before, so they can explain the process to you.

There are two types of Keratain treatments.
The first-(heavier treatment)- will help frizzy, or really curly hair straighten and be more smooth. The second type -(less strong)- is simply a hair “smoothing” treatment. This has to be done in a salon and is truly miraculous. This will last for several months. Yea!

For TG women, if you’re using your own male hair or hope to grow it out one day (and not wear a wig) and you also have frizzy, curly guy hair… check the yellow pages/or do a computer search and locate someone who does Keratin treatment (for men and women). You will not believe it is actually YOUR hair.
Also check prices, as every salon is different. Another plus, is I do not have to style my hair, the next day. The new, straight, smooth hair…stays for days! I love, love, this hair product! If you test out using Keratin on your male or female hair, do blog me and let everyone know how it looks!
Denae

New Bra For Holiday Dresses

Hi All, as I blogged yesterday, I have been looking for a sensual but sophisticated holiday dress to wear (for Thanksgiving, Christmas, parties, or even maybe New Years Eve). I have found, from previous years….that it is very smart to buy a red, black, type dress…about this time of the year, as women shop early for the holiday dresses, and shoes. You will get to wear it so many times. As I told you, go to http://www.bostonproper.com if you’re looking for a really sensual but fabulous looking dress. I bought one on the cover and one other solid black. Okay, herewith the problem.
Most of the evening or cocktail, or dressy long dresses have a low front. What Bra to wear??
I was shocked, a normal bra is to high in the lower cut fronts of these dresses. So, I shopped on line to SOMA. They have the best. sexy, bras. For the lower cut dresses for any TG woman, I would suggest a push up bra, in black. Wear pads if needed. I recently lost about 10 pounds, so I am now a cup size lower, so I will be putting pads in my strapless bra too!
Try http://www.soma.com for great bras and panties. If the dress is short (two or three inches above the knee) shop for thigh highs that will STAY UP. You may have to pay a little more, but when you cross your legs while sitting, they will not come down.

If you have any holiday party or New Years party, start shopping now!!
I love shopping for bras!
Denae

Sexy Christmas/Holiday Dresses

Hi, from Denae. OMG, I looked at the “Boston Proper” web site today to look for a hot holiday dress. They have so many fabulous dresses, you have to type in their site and look!
They also have a new bra product Called Tweakers which is designed to creat3e cleave! And it hides the bra straps. I will order it, and let you know how they work with their sexy new bras! Take a look!
Tweak Your Bra- Hide Your Straps
Customizable bra-strap concealer enhances cleavage and hides bra straps comfortably by simple snapping in place. Each package comes with two different size flexible center straps with different adjustment on each. The center straps bend for complete comfort. No looping or weaving to put on, just slide under your bra strap. Tweakerz design is great for women who long to create cleavage, need lift and support or want to hide their bra in tank tops. Perfect for wearing with racer-back styles. Tweak Your Bra-Hide Your Straps!
• Hypoallergenic Plastic.
• Mini 32AA-34D, original 34D-38D.

Secret In Lace


SECRETS IN LACE

Nov 2013

Hello Girls, I was sent this ultra feminine web site from a clients. Take a look at http://www.SecretsInLace.com This site has many separate sections to observe–from panties to bras in silk and lace and sizes that fit the TG woman. Thank you to a client you sent me this information.

Stay tuned, I will blog next about going on a flight with a soon to be TS who had never been able to get on a flight, for fear of the screening process. When I saw her pulling back for fear of being “clocked” I would simply step forward using a very feminine voice, movements and walk. This set everyone at peace. On the flight home, she had over-come her fear.

I have had so many exciting consults, I will begin blogging (never using your name or city) and I am told this helps others. If any of you have any fears or have found a way to over come them, please do email your story. Also, read Robins Blog. She just recently finished a 100% professional photo shoot, wearing very feminine under-garments but in very good taste.

Stay tuned!

Denae Doyle/Founder FemImage

Beauty Suplies

Hello All, from Denae.
I wanted to caution you, not to use old makeup brushes, pencils or items such as emery boards, and not to use others. For example, if you go to the nail salon, take your own emery board–so you do not catch a fungus on your toe nail or finger nails. Old makeup pencils, should be sharpened. Don’t use any other persons makeup supplies.
Q-Tip has a new pointed Q-tip which is wonderful to use for your eye makeup. The pointed side is great for applying makeup under your eyes and the oval side is great for spreading your eye makeup. Then toss it away! Wash your blush brush and other brushes with hot water and soap. Many nail salons do NOT clean their instruments, as they should. Take your own polish, and supplies….there is yeast, and bacteria which can give you yellow nails and give you an infection in your eyes.
Stay safe, stay clean!
Denae

Beauty Tips For The Serious TG Woman

Beauty And Image Related Help For The Serious TG Woman.

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Style For The TG Woman

Everything About Being A Stylish Woman ~ Fall/Winter Clothing and Dating, & Traveling Tips For TG Women.

It seems some women, simply know how to be comfortable out in public.
Why? They learned and it was important to them to be as pretty as possible.

They can tie a scarf, knot a belt, size up a boot heel, and kick the stuffing out of a pinstriped suit. They know what jeans wash is cool and what cocktail is hot. But above all, they’re thoughtful. About dressing. About behavior. About attracting the right kind of attention at just the right time. Which is what separates the truly stylish from the merely guy in a dress. Here, a practical guide to polishing up your look and burnishing your image this fall. Herewith some great tips. Thanks to Allure for some great tips.

1. How to Order a Drink
In our 20s, we thought that ordering a Jameson on the rocks made us look badass and that we couldn’t go wrong with a nice glass of house Chardonnay. Ah, youth. On the rare occasion now that we give a damn what someone thinks, we have one inscrutable go-to drink: vodka soda with a twist. It’s not pink, it’s not seasonal—in fact, you could call it the Drink Without Qualities.

2. How to Maintain Clothes Like a Pro
Snip out hanger loops in new tops and dresses, or they will pull out when you wear them.

3. How to Dress it Down
Scale back the statement necklace for day by going with silver instead of gold and pairing it with a thin, silky T-shirt.

4. Black is the new dark wash.
But get it in a true blue-jeans cut—five-pocket, straight leg, starting just below the waist. The Levi’s Eco style has skinny, tapered legs—and a tight, leggings-like fit—love, love.

5. How to Keep Stretch Jeans Snug
Stretch jeans need a little heat to restore their fit, but be sure to grab them out of the hot dryer the moment they’re no longer damp— you’ll forestall the slow, inevitable death of the elastic in the fabric.

6. How to Talk About Sports

You are not required to like sports. You are not even required to pretend to like sports. But utter cluelessness is beneath you. If you own a truck, sell it girls!

A few guidelines:

Familiarize yourself with the approximate beginning and end of the pro sports seasons. Not having an opinion about the Lakers’ record is fine; not knowing that the season is over is lame.
The same goes for time periods: Baseball has nine innings; football and basketball have four quarters; hockey has three periods; soccer has two halves.
Upsets are the most exciting thing about sports. Watch highlights of the most buzzed-about games on YouTube so you can join in the national conversation. (Just check out when the U.S. soccer team beat Spain in this year’s Confederations Cup.)

7. Weekend Wear

First, the rules. No dresses. No skirts. No black in the country. And nothing dangling from your neck except a cashmere scarf or a subversive-style chain necklace.Here, what to wear on weekend days:

In the city: Slim black pants, ballet slippers or platform booties, thin sweater or T-shirt, cashmere jacket and scarf.
In the country: Slouchy jeans, motorcycle boots or Wellies, waffle-knit cashmere sweater, chunky scarf, peacoat.

8. How to Flirt

Wear red. Women who dress in red are seen by men as sexier than those who wear white, green, blue, or gray, according to a University of Rochester study. Not convinced? Ladies in red are 56 percent more likely to get asked out on a date than someone wearing blue.
Flash your…wrists. The most demure of body parts isn’t so innocent after all. “Their glands emit pheromones, so we become aroused on an unconscious level by seeing the wrists,” says Martin Lloyd-Elliot, a psychotherapist and author of The Secrets of Sexual Body Language (Ulysses Press).
Dim the lights. Candlelight is flattering in more ways than we realize. A University of Chicago study found that men perceived women with dilated pupils to be more attractive. Observe my Vol 1 2 & 3 ~ For TG Women, Creating Feminine Movement!
Stand tall. “We pay attention to someone who’s higher up,” many therapist say. Many TG women are taller, but please don’t cruch in your waist or roll your shoulders forward. Less obvious: Consider where you’re pointing your toes. You can tell if a person really likes you if their toes point toward you.

9. Make Your Clothes Last
The less frequently you wash clothes, the longer they’re going to last, according to Chris Paulocik, conservator for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. “Do what women in Europe do with their finest garments: The day after you wear them, air them out outside, away from direct sunlight, which can fade clothes, but somewhere air can circulate through them. Unless they’re stained, this is often enough to freshen the fabric.”

10. How to Walk in Platforms
We love everything about this season’s platform heels—except the prospect of fracturing an ankle. Shoe designer Edmundo Castillo explains the secret to walking tall: “Platforms can be difficult because they don’t flex in front. A tight fit helps, so buy Foot Petals or an insole for heels. And as with any 4 inch heel or over in high shoes,” always step on the ball of the foot and roll to the toe.” Lower heels, step on the heel and roll to the toe.

11. How to Wear a Belt Right Now
Run to the men’s department and get yourself a medium-width brown leather belt with a gold buckle. Think of it as a layering tool, not something to thread through loops. And make sure it’s long—and pliable—enough to wrap or knot around dresses (yes, dresses), jackets, and coats.

12. How to Dress For Travel
Three high flyers reveal what they wear to look stylish on an airplane:

Stefani Greenfield, Co-founder of SCOOP: My favorite look is a Rag&Bone fitted stretch blazer, a J.Crew long-sleeved cashmere T-shirt, slim stretch pants by Curations Never Looked So Good, a big scarf that doubles as a shawl, and ballet flats.
Rebekah McCabe, Senior Vice President of P.R. for Chanel: I wear boyfriend jeans and ballet flats, then change into heels and add a little black tweed jacket when I land.
My go-to outfit is a long shirt in a wrinkle-proof fabric, American Apparel leggings, and open-toe wedge shoes—all in black. I pack cashmere socks for the plane. I wear faux wraps and pull down caps. Accessories, are very female. Many of you fight it, but add on those hats, caps, and pull your hair up under the hat/cap or let it down. I prefer up. Great for rain and San Francisco fog!

13. How to Tie a Scarf
You’ve got Edith Piaf on the iPod and a one-by-six-foot panel of thin cashmere dangling from your neck. What now? We’ll let Louis Vuitton PR director Iana dos Reis Nunes take it from here with this simple un-deux-trois demo.

Drape: To start, I place the scarf at the back of my neck, so the ends fall forward.
Wrap: I do two snug turns of the scarf around my neck, leaving both ends hanging in front by my shoulders again.
Knot: To finish, I loop the ends in a half knot under my neck so they hang down like a necktie. The idea is to have something close to the throat, to bring the focus to the face.

14. The Ultimate Evening Shoe
This slingback by Brian Atwood has the requisite platform sole and some glitter at the toe. But what makes it unusual is that it’s suede, a material usually reserved for day.

15. How to Make Your Shoes Last
Take new shoes to the cobbler, and ask for a thin rubber half sole and rubber taps at the toes. The former come in black, beige, and even red for those Louboutins, and the latter help prevent scuffing.

16. Don’t Be a Fashion Victim

Take it one trend at a time. Studs and chains? That’s it for the hardware. A bright neon dress? Keep the shoes muted.
Go ahead and mix things up—high end, low end, inherited or vintage—to foil a copycat uniform a head-to-toe runway look.
Don’t trot out all your jewels at once. Pick a big, showy necklace or a dramatic oversize cuff. But don’t wear both.
Test-drive everything. If you can’t walk in the five-inch-high gladiator platforms, don’t buy the five-inch-high gladiator platforms. Please, any TG woman who is not experienced with walking in heels, please keep your heel to 3 inches. Having a “weird” walk, will be additional unwanted attention. Sit, walk, and observe yourself. Never sit down, without sitting down in this dress…..in front of your own mirror. Cross legs or not?

17. How to Go Solo

At a bar: Sit at a table if you aren’t looking for conversation. Sit on a stool near the bartender if you are. Flipping through a magazine is fine; listening to your iPod is lame; talking on your cell phone is out of the question. Tip well, just on principle.
At a restaurant: If you aren’t sure a restaurant is friendly to single diners, try making a reservation; if they are condescending on the phone, it will be worse in person. Eat at the bar whenever it’s an option— there’s always plenty to observe. (Sushi bars are especially welcoming.) And, most importantly, don’t be self-conscious. Does your heart swell with pity when you see a woman dining alone? We didn’t think so.
At a party: Arrive at least 30 minutes late so you can blend in. If you don’t see a group you can approach, head to the ladies’ room (where women inevitably chat in front of the mirror) or the bar area (where you can always point to someone’s empty glass and ask, “How was that?”). Once you’ve struck up a conversation, consider following your new friend back to her group if she seems amenable.

18. How to Dress After Dark
The rules are unwritten, the boundaries fuzzy. Roopal Patel, women’s fashion accessory editor for Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, sets us straight on what to wear for a big night on the town:

Club/concert: If you’re going out dancing or to a concert, then your outfit should be fun. Think of the Balmain disco influence: a crystal-embroidered or sequined T-shirt or tank, leather leggings, and multibuckle boots.
Dressy dinner: A more sophisticated look is needed here. A soft, draped dress in crushed velvet—such as those from Balenciaga, Prada, and Calvin Klein—would be perfect. Add a stack of mixed-metal bangles, and instead of classic stilettos or evening sandals, wear suede or leather booties, like those by Elizabeth and James.
Black tie: Short or long, the one-shoulder dress is flattering on almost everyone. Keep it light and diaphanous or buy one that’s bejeweled. I love Naeem Khan’s take on the Indian sari, in topaz or gray. Pare back your accessories to crystal bangles and embellished evening shoes, such as those from Giuseppe Zanotti.

19. How to Order Wine

Do a quick survey to see if the majority wants red or white. If everyone thinks it’s just fine to drink red with swordfish, then it is.
Take the price of the most expensive entrée on the menu and add half. (That swordfish is $30? Shoot for a $45 bottle.)
Look for a two-year-old white or a three-year-old red.
If you’re left with more than one choice within those parameters, choose the least common varietal. Spanish Albariños, Aglianicos from Italy, and Chilean Malbecs are all good options.
If all else fails, ask the sommelier to suggest a bottle.

20. How to Cheek Kiss
Let’s settle this, shall we? Start on their right (we don’t know why that’s more common; it just is). Place three fingers of your right hand where their left shoulder meets their arm for balance. Your cheek lightly touches their cheek; your lips do not. Purse your lips, but don’t make a smacking sound. Only repeat on the left if you are in Europe or with fashion types.

21. “Never buy a dress that’s really too tight for you. But if you do…never go to a party without safety pins.” —Victoria Beckham

22. How to Choose an Evening Bag
Yes, you can squeeze in a BlackBerry, a compact, a lipstick, and even some Tic Tacs—and that’s why this Jimmy Choo black cylinder is a favorite evening bag. Plus, it’s got a clutchable shape (like a Tootsie Roll), a smooth satin exterior, and a detachable top handle.

23. How to Pick a New Polish

Look to moody grays, opaque nudes, and striking purples this fall–because the best shades of the season are unexpected (but not so much so that they are shocking)

24. Never respond to a compliment with anything self-deprecating. It’s a rejection of the other person’s goodwill.

25. Always face forward when making your way through a row of seats. Learn to side-step (and walk backwards)!

Denae