enTRANSed

Leap Month 8

2012-02-10T11:50:00.000-05:00

One of my fave casual dresses--a brown jersey shirt dress from Kmart's Attention line, purchased early in my return to dressing. This is a look that could go to the office, shopping, or lunch with the girls.

Accessories are yellow bow, scarf, gold jewelry, tan belt, natural hose, and lynx-print mary-janes for a slightly more sexy look.

As usual, I'm a little unsure of the portraits in the black wig...your thoughts?

More pics on Flickr; a very different look later today; and don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

Leap Month 7

2012-02-07T22:08:00.000-05:00

Still more legs--here's the schoolgirl layered top (from Burlington, ages ago) and the cheerleader skirt (a thrift-shop find this past summer).

Accessories are the pale blue floral headband, gold jewelry, teal tights, and tan suede booties. Overall, an extremely youthful (and probably inappropriate) look.

I'd still like some thoughts on the new wig.

More pics on Flickr; I hope to dress again on Friday; and don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

Leap Month 6

2012-02-07T12:30:00.000-05:00

Today is best described as a leg show...probably my two shortest outfits, beginning with this blue tunic from Fashion Bug. Yes, it could be worn with something under it (probably pants of some kind), but I think it looks so cute and sexy this way, I can't resist doing it.

Accessories are blue bow, red jewelry, burgundy hose, and blue suede peep-toe pumps. (Oh, and lavender panties that sometimes peek out.)

I find myself liking this new wig more and more as I see portraits in it.

More pics on Flickr; another really teeny skirt later; and don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

Leap Month 5

2012-02-06T16:31:00.000-05:00

More blonde in black...here's the black-and-white dress from Fashion Bug, worn this time with brand-new patterned tights.

Other accessories are white bow, silver jewelry, belt and black pumps with a metal heel.

One of the best portraits this year, I think:

More on Flickr; a very different set of looks planned for tomorrow; and don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

Leap Month 4

2012-02-06T11:24:00.000-05:00

Today's theme is decidedly blonde in black--beginning with this pleated black blouse (Fashion Bug) combined with the black chiffon skirt from Wal-Mart. (Unfortunately the pleats in the blouse do not photograph well.)

Accessories are black headband, pearls, black hose, and black patent pumps.

A few comments on makeup--I went with a pure pink lipstick and the digital eyeliner is in a purplish shade.

More pics on Flickr; more black later on; and don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

New Poll

2012-02-05T22:22:00.002-05:00

Once again, choose the picture you think belongs in the year-end review:

Vote in the poll to the right.

Poll Results

2012-02-05T22:16:00.001-05:00

In surprisingly light voting, we had a tie. I could break the tie by voting myself, or declare a double winner. I chose the latter:

Art for the Weekend

2012-02-04T22:29:00.000-05:00

As promised, a couple of artwork items:

Unusual Work Conditions

Convincing?

And don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

Leap Month 3

2012-02-03T17:31:00.000-05:00

This will be a slightly different kind of posting for me. I only wore one outfit today, but I played around with a couple of accessories and took a lot more photos than usual...more than twice as many. After editing them all, I chose the 15 best to post here.

The outfit consists of a blue blouse with silver stripes (Kmart) and a very tight blue skirt (thrift shop). This first set shows it off with just a blue bow, silver jewelry, black belt, and boots.

For the second set of shots, I added my femme glasses to the mix:

And for the third set, the wide-brimmed black hat:

This time there are no additional pics on Flickr (although all these are there). Over the weekend, I'll post some more art...and I should be dressing again on Monday.

And don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

Leap Month 2

2012-02-01T15:57:00.000-05:00

The day before Groundhog's Day continues with a pink confection--pink twofer top from Macy's combined with the pink plaid pleated skirt (wish there were a synonym for "skirt" that started with "p") from Kmart.

The prop this time is a phone, obviously. Accessories are pink bow, black-and-white jewelry, natural hose, and fuchsia pink pumps.

I don't think the portraits this time were as successful as other recent attempts:

More pics on Flickr; I may be dressing again on Friday...but that's not certain. And don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

Leap Month 1

2012-02-01T12:59:00.000-05:00

Beginning 29 days of groundhogs, Valentines and presidents, here's a very school-girlish look: Pink striped blouse (Rider from Wal-Mart) paired with the black-watch plaid corduroy jumper (Target).

Wanting to play with props and noting the school uniform look, I used a book in many of these shots, as well as my femme glasses. Other accessories are blue bow, scarf, silver jewelry, pink tights and black mary-janes.

As I noted yesterday, I'm wearing the red pageboy wig today, so you can all make a comparison to the new one from yesterday's pics. Your thoughts?

More pics on Flickr; a more "adult" look later on--and don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

Happy New Year 22

2012-01-31T16:52:00.000-05:00

Wow! I've worn 22 different outfits this month?! The last one is this very cute denim dress, also from Foreman Mills. It's even better looking than I thought it would be when I saw it on the rack--the belt hits just right and the hemline is revealing without being slutty.

Accessories are pink bow, pink scarf, silver jewelry, white hose and fuchsia pink pumps.

Another portrait in the new wig--do you agree it's great? I'll wear the pageboy tomorrow for comparison.

More pics on Flickr; more dressing tomorrow to start a new month.

And don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

Happy New Year 21

2012-01-31T13:20:00.000-05:00

We end the first month of the year with all new outfits, beginning with this smart tan suit, with a subtle plaid pattern. It comes from a new source for me, Foreman Mills. I gather this chain is somewhat like Burlington Coat Factory, dealing in manufacturer overstocks and the like. This suit was only $20! I had to adjust the waistband on the skirt a bit--it was actually a touch too loose.

The accessories I chose to use are a white bow, gold jewelry, white camisole, natural hose and neutral peep-toe pumps.

Also new is the wig...I like it so much I may make it my new standard, replacing the red pageboy. Your thoughts?

More pics on Flickr; another new outfit later today.

And don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

Happy New Year 20

2012-01-30T18:46:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite combinations: The cowl-neck sweater from Kohl's (Croft & Barrow) and the denim skirt from Target.

Accessories are white print bow, gold jewelry, white belt, natural hose and wine suede mary-janes. Those shoes are not as sexy as the ones from this morning, but they're cute and may be my most comfortable pair of heels.

Another nice portrait:

More pics on Flickr; tomorrow will be new outfits, as noted earlier.

And don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

Happy New Year 19

2012-01-30T13:42:00.000-05:00

The first outfit for today is the lovely blue velvet dress I found at the thrift store a few months ago. I think it's likely the best thrift store purchase I've ever made.

Accessories are a blue bow, silver jewelry, black belt, natural hose, and blue patent pumps with spike heels.

This portrait is quite attractive, IMO:

More pics on Flickr; another, very different, outfit later.

But speaking of great finds (as I did in the first paragraph), I went to that new location--called Foreman Mills--today, and brought home a cute denim dress and a business suit, all for under $30. I also stopped by a costume shop and found a new wig; I've been wanting a red one close in style to the blonde I'm wearing here. The one I got is a bit curlier but I like the way it looks--you'll see all of this tomorrow.

And don't forget to vote in the poll (details here)!

New Poll

2012-01-29T22:10:00.000-05:00

Once again, pick the image you think should be in the year-end review:

Once again, vote in the poll to the right.

Poll Results

2012-01-29T22:05:00.000-05:00

The winner of the poll this week:

Not one of the ones I predicted.

On a Pedestal

2012-01-28T21:25:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted one of these in a while, so with a few days with no other material on hand:

And you have about one more day to vote in the poll (details here)!

You Can't Win...

2012-01-26T22:07:00.002-05:00

...you can't break even, you can't get out of the game. That's the colloquial version of the laws of conservation of energy.

You can't win: you cannot get more energy out of a system than you put in.
You can't break even: you will always lose energy.
You can't get out of the game: the prior two laws always apply.

In the first category--not winning--my plans for shopping on Friday are not inoperative; the wife has decided to work from home for the day. Oh well, maybe some time next week.

How Come This Never Happens to Me?

2012-01-26T08:15:00.002-05:00

And don't forget the poll (details here)!

Happy New Year 18

2012-01-25T21:45:00.000-05:00

And more pink! Here's a pink blouse (a long-ago Burlington acquisition) combined with a short, tight gray skirt from the thrift shop.

Accessories are a pink bow, silver jewelry, black belt, natural hose, and fuchsia pink pumps.

And another portrait, trying out a pose I've wanted to experiment with for a while. Not sure it works as I'd like...have to keep trying.

More pics on Flickr. Plans call for a shopping trip on Friday--I've discovered a new source with some great prices...more on that later this week. And don't forget the poll (details here)!

Happy New Year 17

2012-01-25T14:58:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was all red...today is mostly pink, starting with the pink polka-dot blouse from Kmart and the short, tight red skirt found in the thrift shop. A new addition is the pink knit tights.

Accessories are red bow, red jewelry, and red patent t-strap pumps.

Not sure about the color balance on these portraits; I tried several times to make it better, but still not entirely happy:

More pics on Flickr; more pink later today; and don't forget the poll (details here)!

Happy New Year 16

2012-01-24T22:35:00.000-05:00

More red--the sweater top is from Kmart's Jaclyn Smith line of several years past; the black skirt is from Target.

Accessories are white bow, black-and-white jewelry, red belt, natural hose, and red patent pumps.

These portraits came out better than the ones this morning:

As always, more pics on Flickr; I expect to dress again tomorrow; and don't forget the poll (details here)!

Happy New Year 15

2012-01-24T16:12:00.000-05:00

Lots of red today...starting with the red paisley blouse (a long-ago Burlington purchase) paired with the gray belted pencil skirt from Kmart. And another pair of tights--this time in burgundy.

I think I've decided the colored tights work best with shorter skirts (knee-length or higher). Other accessories are a print bow, glasses, gold jewelry, scarf, and red baby-doll pumps.

Portraits this time didn't seem quite as good, but here's one anyway:

More pics on Flickr; more red later on; and don't forget the poll (details here)!

Happy New Year 14

2012-01-23T22:23:00.000-05:00

This morning was all leg...now, here's one of my longer, more "mature" skirts--the navy and white checked skirt combined with the V-neck short-sleeved blue sweater. I also wore new blue tights (not sure they work as well as I hoped).

Accessories are pale blue headband, silver jewelry, black belt, and blue suede peep-toe pumps.

Is this portrait as sexy as I think it is?

More pics on Flickr; more dressing tomorrow; and don't forget the poll (details here)!

Happy New Year 13

2012-01-23T13:46:00.000-05:00

More dots--here's a mini-dotted shirt dress from Target, worn with my brand new patterned tights. I think the combination is sexy as hell.

Other accessories are white bow, pearls, and black patent pumps.

And here's a portrait that shows I can smile:

More pics on Flickr, as usual. Another very different outfit later on...and don't forget the poll (details here)!

New Poll

2012-01-22T22:46:00.001-05:00

Once again, I ask you to pick the picture to include in the year-end slide show:

My guess as to the winner? E or C...let's see if I'm right again. Vote in the poll to the right.

Happy New Year 12

2012-01-21T22:05:00.000-05:00

Here's one of my best purchases of 2011--a black-and-white polka-dot dress from Target's Merona line. A touch filmy and light for the season, but still a great looking frock.

Lots of polka dots here--the bow and the pumps, as well as the dress; other accessories are red jewelry and black hose.

This portrait isn't quite as nice as the others from Friday:

More pics on Flickr; I hope to dress again on Monday!

Poll Results

2012-01-20T22:03:00.002-05:00

Well, I guessed right--you voted overwhelmingly for the maid's uniform:

Next poll will probably go up on Monday.

Happy New Year 11

2012-01-20T21:11:00.000-05:00

Here's an interesting and surprisingly attractive look--it combines this deep pink pullover top (a thrift shop find) with the black pencil skirt from Fashion Bug...and trendy purple tights! I liked the look so much I went out today and bought some more colored tights.

Other accessories are pink bow, black-and-white jewelry, and black two-tone pumps.

I think this portrait is one of my best in recent days:

More pics on Flickr; one more outfit to go.

Happy New Year 10

2012-01-20T13:54:00.001-05:00

Final set of new clothes--a lovely white blouse and a blue plaid wool skirt (bought to replace the red plaid one that was too small).

Accessories are blue bow, gold jewelry, and brown boots.

Not sure why these portraits came out with the heavy shadows, but the effect isn't unattractive:

More pics on Flickr; two more outfits yet to be posted. And you still have a few hours left to vote on the poll (details here!)!

Dani's Excellent Adventure

2012-01-18T11:47:00.000-05:00

For the first time in ages, I went out in partial femme attire today.

I wore pink panties and camisole, knee socks, gray Rider blouse, black women's slacks, and black pumps with a bow on the vamp, as pictured here. To avoid the disaster referenced here, I put all my male accoutrements--especially keys!--in the pockets of the coat I wore. You can't see it here, but for the first time on one of these excursions, I also wore some makeup--a light pink lipstick and mascara.

Unfortunately, the results of the adventure were not so excellent. I went to a shopping center with a Marshall's, a Wal-Mart, a Burlington Coat Factory, a DSW, and a local chain called K&G. I picked this because it's in easy driving distance, but far enough away that I was unlikely to see anyone I knew. I didn't find a thing that screamed "buy me!" The items I really liked were too expensive and the ones I could afford, while attractive, were simply not so irresistible I had to have them. In addition, I had only one brief encounter with someone else, a female clerk at Burlington who asked if I was finding everything OK. I don't think anyone noticed my makeup or attire, though there may have been one guy outside a store who glanced at my footwear.

Oh--and I'm never going to that Wal-Mart again. Its women's department is surprisingly small, much tinier than the two stores closer to home.

Oh well...I'm going to hit one of the thrift shops again this afternoon, looking for a replacement for that too-small skirt from Tuesday.

Don't forget the poll (details here!)!

Happy New Year--video

2012-01-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

Here's a video look at the second outfit from Tuesday. The new camera makes lots better videos, too.

Later today, a report on my "adventure". And please vote in the poll (details here!).

Happy New Year 9

2012-01-17T17:27:00.000-05:00

Still more new clothes--but just the top this time. This navy twofer with pinstripes is apparently from JC Penney's Worthington line, although I found it in the thrift shop. The skirt is from Kmart.

FTR, I had also found a lovely white blouse and a tartan skirt in my latest thrift store run and had intended to wear both of them today as well. The blouse looks great, but the skirt is way too tight--despite being an 18W, which is usually a good fit (as an example, the skirt in these shots is a 16). Either the manufacturer sizes badly or it shrunk at some point in the previous owner's use.

Accessories are white bow, red jewelry, light tone hose and black two-tone pumps.

Another portrait:

There's also a video I shot of this session; I'll post it later or tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, I have plans for a real "adventure". Details when it happens.

Additional pics on Flickr. And please vote in the poll (details here!).

Happy New Year 8

2012-01-17T13:12:00.000-05:00

More new clothes! This outfit consists of two items acquired at the local thrift shop last week...a lovely cream-colored blouse with lace trim and a pastel floral print skirt. (The skirt is, perhaps, a bit spring-like for the season.)

Accessories are yellow bow, camisole (under the blouse), silver jewelry, light tone hose, and bone snake-skin pumps.

I still think this wig makes me look quite severe at times. Do you agree?

More pics on Flickr; another outfit with new stuff later on...and my plans for tomorrow! And don't forget the poll--details here!

New Poll

2012-01-13T22:00:00.001-05:00

Once again, I ask you to determine which of these pics belongs in the set for the end-of-year review:

Why do I have the feeling you're all going to vote for the maid? Now, prove me wrong. Vote in the poll at the right.

Happy New Year 7

2012-01-13T16:38:00.000-05:00

A very different look from the maid's uniform yet, oddly, with the same undergarments! Here's the red jacket and print skirt from Burlington Coat Factory, worn with a black camisole.

I've often noted that this jacket always puts extra emphasis on my knockers...and the corset only adds to that effect. Accessories are black headband, gold jewelry, fishnet hose, and red patent pumps.

The whole thing always seems to lend a touch of sex even to portraits:

More pics on Flickr; next dressing session on Tuesday.

Happy New Year 6

2012-01-13T13:19:00.001-05:00

I haven't worn the maid's uniform in quite a while, so I thought I'd go traditionally sissy for this morning. I'm still amazed by how much better this looks since the corset and strapless bra.

Accessories are the maid's headband, chain necklace, silver bracelets and anklet, black and white petticoats, fishnet hose and black patent pumps.

A rare profile portrait:

More pics on Flickr; I'll try to get the next set posted later today.

Happy New Year 5

2012-01-12T14:31:00.000-05:00

The final outfit from Tuesday is this combo of a green cowl-neck long-sleeve top and a brown/black print skirt. The top is from Target--I love the nice touch of the buttons on the sleeve; the skirt is from Kmart's LYS line for full-figured women--it falls a little low on my hips, but it's sort of cute that way.

Accessories are white print bow, silver jewelry, chain belt, light hose, and black mary-janes.

I like this portrait:

More pics on Flickr; next dressing session sometime next week.

Happy New Year 4

2012-01-10T22:31:00.002-05:00

The second all-new outfit consists of a top from Kmart Basic Editions and a skirt from the Xhileration line at Target.

The skirt is shorter than I originally thought and gives a very youthful look. I may have to try it with a petticoat someday. Accessories are blue bow, red jewelry, black pantyhose and blue suede peep-toe pumps.

An unusual angle for a portrait:

More pics on Flickr; one more outfit to post.

Poll Results

2012-01-10T21:05:00.000-05:00

The winner of the most recent poll:

The next one will begin on Saturday.

Happy New Year 3

2012-01-10T14:01:00.001-05:00

Today's sessions are all of brand-new clothes! Let's start with this brown cable-knit sweater dress from Kmart's Attention line. I knew it would be a good fit when I bought it, but I had no idea it would be this terrific-looking. It almost doesn't need the belt I added (and next time I wear it, I'll try it without).

Accessories are white print bow, gold jewelry, the aforementioned belt, dark-tone pantyhose, and new short boots. More on those in a moment.

The glasses are new, too...I won't use them all the time, but they're a nice femme look, don't you think?

Now about those boots:

I'm not usually a big fan of short boots, but these were so cute--with the bows on the side--when I saw them at Kmart, I couldn't resist, especially when I saw them in my size! FTR, they're part of the Jaclyn Smith line.

And you still have a few hours to vote in the poll! Details here

Shopping Spree

2012-01-05T16:29:00.000-05:00

Well, as I said, I went on a shopping trip for Dani this afternoon. Scored a new top and skirt at Target, a new bracelet and cute femme glasses (I want to try that again) at Claire's and another skirt and top and a dress at Kmart--all for under $100! It pays sometimes to shop after the season.

You'll begin to see some of these new items next week. In the meantime, don't forget the poll (details here).

Miss Magpie

2012-01-04T16:48:00.000-05:00

A friend on Facebook posted this screengrab from an old Heckle & Jeckle cartoon. I'm trying to figure out which adventure of the magpies it comes from:

When I do, I'll let you all know. In the meantime, don't forget about the poll at the right (details here).

Update: The cartoon is called "Blind Date". And it has more of a connection for readers of this blog than you might first imagine. Here's a little from a (somewhat negative) review on IMDB:

"Heckle puts a blonde wig on Jeckle's feathered head. Jeckle angrily throws the wig onto the floor, but then Heckle quickly binds Jeckle into a corset which constricts him into a (vaguely) female shape and prevents him from struggling. Next, Heckle puts the wig back on Jeckle, then adds a dress, high heels and lipstick. It's not a very convincing disguise, but Heckle brings Jeckle to Horace's mansion and then turns 'her' in for the reward."

And I've also found the full cartoon on line--here it is (the relevant part starts at about :50):

Heckle and Jeckle-Blind Date by klangley

New Poll

2012-01-03T21:48:00.000-05:00

Once again, I'm asking you all to pick the best from a set of pics to go into the end-of-year slideshow video:

Make your choice in the poll at the right.

Happy New Year 2

2012-01-03T21:43:00.000-05:00

I put this outfit together as an experiment. The purple drape-collar top is from Kmart's Attention line (bought last spring, I think); the skirt is from Fashion Bug, bought this past summer. I'm frankly surprised by how good it looks together.

Accessories are white bow, black-and-white jewelry, dark hose and black mary-janes.

I don't know if it's the new camera, but the portraits really seem to be coming out well:

More pics on Flickr; the next dressing session sometime next week. When that happens, I'm going to experiment with using mascara again...I want to see if the greater clarity of the new camera makes it work better photographically.

In the meantime, I plan on some Dani shopping on Thursday; actually, it's already begun--I scored a terrific pair of short boots at Kmart today.

Happy New Year 1

2012-01-03T12:05:00.000-05:00

I'm back! The house is back to normal...or, as my wife put it this morning, "at least routine". The boys are back in their respective homes, my wife has returned to work, and I have a day today to give Dani some exposure.

After collecting all her belongings from the storage locker, Dani dressed in the black-and-white jungle print, empire waist dress she bought at Kohl's (part of the Chaps line) in the spring of 2011. I'm not a big fan of empire waists, actually (not enough waist emphasis, IMO), but this one looked so good on the mannequin I couldn't resist.

These are the first Dani pics with the new camera; I like it--I need less light to get a good shot and the overall effect seems less grainy. Accessories here are a white bow, silver jewelry, dark hose, and black pumps with a metal heel (very sexy, right?).

Surprising cleavage showing in that second shot...nothing I did on purpose, just the angle and the movement of flesh, I suppose.

Here's a nice portrait:

More pics on Flickr; another outfit later today.

The Janus Syndrome

2011-12-29T22:19:00.001-05:00

Janus was the two-faced Roman god of portals, who looked both forward and backward. He gave his name to our month of January, hence he is a fitting entity to take note of this posting of my achievements (or failures) in 2011 and goals for 2012.

2011 achievements:

without corset / with corset

1. In May, I bought a corset, something I had been considering for many months. The difference it makes in my look is obvious from these pics of the same outfit without the corset and with it.

all digital eye makeup

all real eye makeup, including mascara

real eye makeup, mascara digital

2. Over the summer, I began doing all my makeup for real, rather than digitally applying it. By late fall, however, I decided to go back to digital mascara...because the real stuff simply didn't photograph as well as I'd like.

3. Made some new on-line friends--Hi Meg, Paula!; maintained some other friendships--Hi Karen, Linda, Gwen!; established some acquaintances I hope will develop into friendships--Hi Stana, Janet!

2011 failures:

1. I've stopped trying to achieve hypnotic trance. I think I was fooling myself that it was working with the Virtual Hypnotist program, and when a computer crash wiped the program and associated files from my system, I decided to stop the attempt.

2. I have yet to acquire a real 1950s style petticoat to wear under some of my skirts that could really benefit from it. Yes, I could order on line, but the dangers of home delivery are still a problem. I keep searching for a brick-and-mortar source nearby.

3. I never went out in public in female attire this year--not even one of my "adventures" in semi-drag (a blouse and jeans and kitten heels, for instance). Part of that was that younger son was living home and cutting into dressing time for most of the year...part of it was just fear, after a couple of bad experiences in 2010.

2012 goals:

1. Find that petticoat!

2. Get out at least five or six times for a semi-drag "adventure". I need to build my confidence.

3. Find an excuse to shave my mustache (hoping a theater role will require it this spring), so I can stop digitally removing it in photos.

4. Experience hypnotic trance. I've concluded this will require a real person as the hypnotist, at least on the phone, as virtual programs and recordings do not seem to work for me.

5. Meet one of my on-line friends in person.

I'll keep you up-to-date on whether I achieve any of those goals.

Christmas Surprise

2011-12-24T22:27:00.000-05:00

The family bought me a new digital camera for Christmas! I can't wait to try it out...first with some ordinary snapshots over the next week or so to get the hang of it, then setting up to do some Dani photo sessions later in January. First impression is that it should give me some really good shots.

FTR, it's a Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W530--with 14.5MP and 4X optical zoom.

Happy Christmas to All--2011

2011-12-22T06:34:00.000-05:00

[My annual Christmas greeting, first posted in 2007.

...and to all a Good Night!"...as Clement Clark Moore wrote. (And, yes, he did write "Happy Christmas," not "Merry....")

I'll probably not be blogging very much over the next few weeks, so Happy New Year as well. I thought this was an opportunity to thank everybody who has commented here, who has linked to here, who reads here regularly.

And a chance to talk about how I feel about Christmas. I'm with Charles Dickens, who put these words into the mouth of Scrooge's nephew, Fred: "I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -- apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that -- as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!"

There is practically no version of A Christmas Carol that I cannot stand to watch at least once, although I have a favorite--the 1984 TV version starring George C. Scott, which I consider closest to both the spirit and the letter of Dickens' work. I will confess a soft spot for The Muppet Christmas Carol, in part because my kids love it so (despite their being college graduates now).

So I will close this post with the immortal words of Tiny Tim:

God bless us, everyone!

December Art: Lana & Clara?

2011-12-20T08:41:00.001-05:00

December Art: Collared Cutie

2011-12-18T22:43:00.001-05:00

Poll Results

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

You all have chosen this picture as the best of the first six:

The next poll will not be until some time in January, since dressing is suspended until after the holidays.

December Art: Lesbian Sissies #41

2011-12-15T07:47:00.001-05:00

Don't forget the poll; details here.

Pre-Christmas: Party Hearty

2011-12-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

This will be the last dressing session posted until after New Year's. The rest of this week is too hectic and one of the kids will be home for the season next week. As of this posting, all of "Dani" is living in the storage locker until 2012.

That said, today's outfits are both intended for celebrations, beginning with the bright red party dress from Wal-Mart.

Accessories are red headband, gold jewelry, black hose and red patent pumps.

The second outfit is the very first I ever bought as potential partywear--a two-piece set from Burlington Coat Factory consisting of a gold paisley top and a black skirt with a flirty handkerchief hem. I loved the look of this when I first bought it and, now, with the corset underneath, it's just gorgeous!

I love the "gesture" of the head in the shot on the right. Accessories are black headband (I really need to find a gold one to go with this), pearls, black hose, and gold peep-toe pumps.

And a portrait from each set:

More pics on Flickr. I'll try to fill in with art and other things (including my annual Christmas message) between now and Dani's "return".

Don't forget the poll to the right; details are here.

Poll: You Pick the Best

2011-12-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Once a week or so, I'm going to post what I think are the best pictures from my last few dressing sessions...and then ask you to pick the best of that batch. The "winner" from each batch will go into the file for my annual slide show on my anniversary at the beginning of December next year.

Here are the first set:

A

B

C

D

E

F

Just choose the one you like best in the poll to the right. You have until next Friday to vote.

December Art: Mistress's Commands

2011-12-08T16:10:00.001-05:00

Here's another look at the mesmerized, feminized Archie:

December Art: Stay Right Here

2011-12-07T14:41:00.001-05:00

Another one that just wrote itself--once I saw the image, I knew what had to be added and what the dialogue would be.

Pre-Christmas: Two at Once

2011-12-06T12:16:00.001-05:00

Unlike my usual practice, I'm posting both of today's outfits in one swell foop.

Tanning Session

Here's the tan twofer top combined with the tan straight skirt, both found earlier this year in separate thrift shop explorations. The top is originally from Macy's White Stag line and the skirt is Alfred Dunner, showing you can find really nice stuff in a thrift shop.

Accessories are white print bow, gold jewelry, light hose and neutral peep-toe pumps.

I'll post the portraits at the end.

Scarlet and Gray

Oddly enough, those were the colors of my high school. Even more oddly, both my sons went to colleges (different ones) with the same colors. Here's a gray blouse from the Rider line teamed with a long red skirt from the Kmart Jaclyn Smith line.

Accessories: red bow, red jewelry, dark hose and gray fabric pumps.

And now, a couple of portraits:

Many more pics on Flickr. I don't think I'll be dressing anymore this week--but I'll have a poll ready on Friday and some art in between.

Pre-Christmas: Black-and-White

2011-12-05T22:10:00.001-05:00

Here's one of my fave dresses--a zebra-print shirtdress from Target. I decided to go for black-and-white photos to go with the dress.

Accessories: white bow, black-and-white jewelry, black hose, black belt, black patent pumps.

Even in monochrome, this portrait works:

More pics on Flickr; more dressing tomorrow.

Pre-Christmas: Violet Vision

2011-12-05T15:24:00.001-05:00

Here's another outfit that's entirely from the thrift shops...in fact, found on the same trip. As I recall, I found the violet skirt first and went looking for a blouse that would go with it, soon discovering the lilac satin blouse.

Accessories are white bow, silver jewelry, dark hose and wine suede mary-janes (from Kmart, one of only a few pairs I've found there).

As usual for the blonde wig, I used a lighter lipstick and digitally switched my eyes to blue.

More pics on Flickr; a different outfit and a different kind of photography later.

Pre-Christmas: Office Party?

2011-12-02T16:45:00.001-05:00

Well, having dressed for the office earlier today, maybe this is the dress for the office party. It seems a bit fancy for just wearing to work, don't you agree? It's from Fashion Bug, a favorite place that I learned today may be in financial difficulty. I'd hate to see it go out of business!

Accessories are a pink bow, pearls, light hose and pink pumps.

The hand gesture in this pose seems very lady-like, doesn't it?

More pics on Flickr. And an announcement--in the past, I've determined the pics to be used for my annual slideshow all on my own. This year, I'm going to leave part of the decision to you...you'll see how in a couple of weeks.

Pre-Christmas: Off to the Office

2011-12-02T11:20:00.001-05:00

Let's begin the new month and Dani's new year with this very "safe-for-work" ensemble: my blue pinstripe suit matched with the new tan shell. The suit was bought at Burlington Coat Factory about three years ago, the shell is a very recent thrift store find.

I love this suit because it's very professional, yet sexy, too (the short skirt is major reason for that). Accessories are blue bow, gold jewelry, tan belt, light hose and brown/navy peep-toe pumps.

I switched to a different color palette for the eyes today, and digitally altered my eyes to green (as I often do with this wig).

More pics on Flickr; a very different look to be posted later.

Dani's Fourth Birthday

2011-12-02T07:53:00.000-05:00

It's actually tomorrow, Saturday, but it's easier for me to post stuff today. Four years ago this weekend, I bought and wore my first full female outfit--a skirt and top ensemble from Wal-Mart--in nearly 30 years. That started me on a journey to rediscovering Dani in my middle years. Here's a look at where that journey has led me in the past 12 months:

Dani's fifth year begins today.

Turkey Month: 24 Hours En Femme--5

2011-11-30T17:27:00.001-05:00

Closing out a day in female clothes, the month of November, and my fourth year in a return to dressing, this outfit is entirely thrift shop finds from earlier this year: an elegant white pleated blouse and a white pleated skirt. Yeah, no white after Labor Day...but is that rule really still viable?

Accessories are red bow, red jewelry, light hose and white pumps.

One last portrait:

More pics on Flickr. I may be able to start the new Dani year on Friday and over the weekend I'll post this year's birthday celebration.

Turkey Month: 24 Hours En Femme--4

2011-11-30T13:33:00.001-05:00

Today's first outfit is somewhat outside the fall attire I've generally been choosing since October. Though it has somewhat fall-like colors, it's decidedly a spring-summer dress from Kmart's Attention line, purchased earlier this year. I like it because it shows off what I always consider my best feature--my legs.

Accessories are yellow bow, black-and-white jewelry, light hose and yellow sling-back pumps.

I'm never really sure about the black wig; it sometimes seems very severe. On the other hand, I'm very pleased with the eyebrows here--I got the arch just right.

More pics on Flickr; one more outfit to round out the 24 hours, the month and Dani's fourth year.

Turkey Month: 24 Hours En Femme--3

2011-11-30T07:43:00.001-05:00

As promised, some shots in my nightgown. These are heavily edited to make the false boobs look more real. I hope it all works. No corset here, hence the bit of tummy only moderately controlled by my waist cincher.

As I edit and post these I am still sitting at the computer in my nightie; I'll be putting on some semi-male clothes (the jeans and sneakers) to pick up the paper and then dressing full en-femme later today.

Two additional pics from this set are on Flickr.

Turkey Month: 24 Hours En Femme--2

2011-11-29T20:01:00.001-05:00

Today's second outfit is, as I noted, far more casual--blue jeans and a sparkly blouse. The jeans are from Fashion Bug, the blouse from Kmart's Jaclyn Smith line.

Accessories are blue hair bow, silver jewelry, chain belt, and faux croc heels.

A slightly different portrait.

More pics on Flickr; as noted, some shots of the nightie later on and more tomorrow.

Turkey Month: 24 Hours en Femme--1

2011-11-29T17:14:00.001-05:00

I am now five hours into my 24 hours of living in female clothes. Here are some shots of the first outfit I wore today--a lovely crepe dress I bought at Kmart during my first spring returned to dressing.

Accessories are red rose headband, gold jewelry, dark hose and red t-strap pumps. (I love those, by the way; incredibly comfortable and I've always thought t-straps were both classy and sexy.)

Are the portraits in the short wig as good as the ones in the blonde?

More pics on Flickr.

Right now, I'm in the second outfit for the day--something more casual that you'll see later on. I've taken off the corset, though...hard to "lounge around" in that, I'm afraid. Also later, I get to sleep in my lovely nightgown...and I'll post a few photos of that, too.

Turkey Month: Leg Show

2011-11-28T21:06:00.001-05:00

When I first bought this sweater dress last year, I was afraid it was too short; now, with black tights and boots, I think it's just right. For the record, it's from Kmart.

Accessories are polka-dot bow (chosen for its youthful pizazz), black-and-white jewelry, black tights, and brown boots.

Another nice portrait:

Well, if all goes as planned, I should be able to spend about 24 hours in femme clothes starting tomorrow afternoon, including a chance to sleep in my nightie. And this weekend is Dani's fourth "birthday", so Friday's posting will be the annual "slide show" of the best pics of the past year...this time with music.

More pics on Flickr.

Turkey Month: After the Feast

2011-11-28T11:02:00.001-05:00

Just three days left in November (and in Dani's fourth year--more on that later today) and I'll be dressing on every one of them! We start this morning with one of my older outfits, a tunic and skirt ensemble from Burlington Coat Factory. Since I started wearing the corset, I've had to replace the belt it came with, because it can't be pulled tight enough on my new waistline!

Other accessories are a red bow, gold jewelry, black hose, and black mary-janes.

My blonde portraits always seem to look good.

More pics on Flickr; a very different look later on today...and much more over the next two days!

Weekend Art: Sailing Along

2011-11-25T23:21:00.001-05:00

Filling in this weekend:

What an Honor!

2011-11-24T22:06:00.001-05:00

Over at one of my favorite blogs, Femulate, Stana has honored me by using one of my pics in her "The Femulated" feature. Thank you, Stana...thank you very much!

Turkey Month: Being Green

2011-11-22T22:20:00.001-05:00

This green henley-collar dress is from the Route 66 line at Kmart, bought about two years ago, I think.

I like the dress because it fits great, has a hemline that hits just right...and it has pockets! Accessories are white bow, black-and-white jewelry, black belt, dark hose, and black pumps.

And another portrait:

More pics on Flickr; next dressing after Thanksgiving...should be a lot that week. I'll try to put up some art over the long weekend.

Turkey Month: An Attractive Matron?

2011-11-22T10:39:00.001-05:00

Is that what I appear to be in this outfit? A two-piece ensemble from Target, purchased very early on in my current dressing cycle, I always get compliments here and on Flickr when I wear it...and it looks even better since I got the corset.

Accessories are white bow, silver jewelry, dark hose, and two-tone black pumps.

The portraits this time came out very well, I think. Here's the best one:

More pics on Flickr; another outfit will be posted later today.

Turkey Month: Unexpected Dressing

2011-11-21T10:54:00.001-05:00

As noted yesterday, I have an unexpected opportunity to dress today and tomorrow. However, I have work to do around the house today (work that is really inappropriate for feminine attire), so I'm only doing one dressing/photo session.

Here's the hounds-tooth suit from Fashion Bug, worn with the lovely red satin blouse from Wal-Mart (of all places!). You'll note the photo venue has changed a little as well--we've put a bed into what will become a guest room.

Accessories are red head band, gold jewelry, dark hose and red patent pumps with spike heels.

Not sure about this portrait...an awful lot of double chin showing.

More pics on Flickr; two outfits tomorrow

Weekend Art: The Manchurian Sissy

2011-11-20T08:47:00.001-05:00

Here's another Lois/Superman idea:

Also some good news: I will be dressing this week, after all!

Mid-Week Art: Boy-Girl Love

2011-11-17T07:59:00.001-05:00

Another of the re-written romance comics covers:

A Couple of Manips

2011-11-16T09:44:00.001-05:00

A couple of photo manipulations today.

The first is one of my series of "not really outside" pics...the first I've done in quite a while. This starts with a shot of my backyard and then adds a picture from an indoor photo session, carefully edited to match lighting, etc. This one works particularly well, I think:

The second is one of my magazine covers. The goal here is always to create something that really looks like a mag cover, but with articles that could only appeal to us:

Turkey Month: School Uniform?

2011-11-15T18:36:00.001-05:00

That's what this always looks like to me...though admittedly a very sexy one, with the ankle bracelet and all. The white blouse is from the Rider line available at Kmart and Wal-Mart; the blue corduroy jumper (with a subtle plaid) is from the Converse One line at Target.

Accessories are white bow, scarf (tied like a male tie), white belt, silver jewelry, white hose and black patent pumps.

And, again, no wig--do I look startled in this portrait?

Additional pics on Flickr. Probably my last dressing session until after Thanksgiving; I expect the next week or so to be very busy. I'll try to fill in with some more art.

Turkey Month: Another Office Dress

2011-11-15T11:24:00.001-05:00

This dress is from Fashion Bug...and it's lovely, isn't it? The belt didn't come with it, but it's also an FB purchase and works perfectly with the dress.

Other accessories are white bow, gold jewelry, light hose and black pumps with metal heels.

You'll note that--for the first time in months--I'm posing without a wig, just my own hair combed into a somewhat feminine style. I've gotten compliments on it before...how about this time?

More pics on Flickr; another, very different, outfit later today.

Turkey Month: Can Pants Be Sexy?

2011-11-14T21:00:00.000-05:00

I think they can...with a flared leg and really high heels--like this. I think this is an incredibly femme look...despite not "showing" anything. For the record, the pink twofer top is a thrift-shop find, the pants are an early purchase from Burlington Coat Factory.

As I said in an earlier post, this is possibly another shopping outfit...though I suspect I'd be sorry I didn't pick a lower pair of heels late in the day! Accessories are pink bow, scarf, black-and-white jewelry, black belt, and black pumps with metal heels.

Another portrait:

More pics on Flickr; I hope to get in two outfits tomorrow, before an expected delivery arrives.

Turkey Month: Shopping Outfit

2011-11-14T10:55:00.001-05:00

That's obviously what this ensemble is made for, right? A shopping trip with the girls? It's a brown jersey knit shirt dress from Kmart's Attention line--one of my earliest purchases but still one of my faves.

Accessories are blue bow, scarf, silver jewelry, tan belt, dark hose and brown plaid mary-janes. Aren't those shoes just the cutest? They're the only pair I've ever found at Wal-Mart.

I like this portrait. I never thought of myself as a blonde, but I do look good--especially when I digitally give myself blue eyes.

More pics on Flickr; another outfit--probably also a shopping ensemble--later today or tonight.

Weekend Art: Archelle's Diet

2011-11-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Archelle learns one of the problems of cross-dressing:

Weekend Art: Roped and Tied

2011-11-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a recent photo-manip that I think came out really well:

Turkey Month: Little Black Dress

2011-11-11T21:00:00.000-05:00

From this morning's office wear to this, my one little black dress, ready for a night on the town.

Accessories are white bow, pearls, belt, fishnet hose, and black patent pumps.

Another portrait:

More pics on Flickr. It looks like I'll get at least two days to dress next week. Some art over the weekend.

Turkey Month: Pencil Skirt

2011-11-11T09:16:00.001-05:00

I am very pleased with how this outfit looks today...check out that waist! Here's a red twofer top from Kmart and a pencil skirt with a muted gray plaid also from Kmart. It's a very "office" outfit...although the accessories make it a bit sexy.

The seated poses look just as good, I think. Accessories are red hair bow, gold jewelry, fishnet hose and black pumps with metal heels.

This morning's portrait:

More pics on Flickr. A different outfit later today.

Mid-week Art: Aladdin's Predicament

2011-11-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

I was browsing the channels over the weekend, and ran across Disney's Aladdin...and suddenly realized the characters were ripe for some gender transformation. I went searching for art to use and most of the really good stuff came up in black-and-white line art. Yeah, I could have colored it, but the line version looked so good, I didn't want to play around with it.

Vote Early, Vote Often

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Not really, of course. But I do urge everyone who reads this blog in the US to vote today. In most areas, I realize this is an "off-year" election, with just municipal or county positions on the ballot. But, contrary to most beliefs, these are the positions that most affect our daily lives--the ones that determine our local tax rates, our schools, our roads, etc. I know my local precinct will probably see only a 10 percent turnout--and I wish I could go to every door in the community and say, "Unless you show up at the polls today, don't come to me in six months complaining about your trash pickup or the pothole in the road or whatever. Where were you when we choosing the people in charge of these things?"

Turkey Month: Black and Tan

2011-11-07T21:00:00.000-05:00

A very different look for the second outfit today. It's an office-wear ensemble, consisting of a tan twofer top that came from the thrift store and a black pencil skirt from Fashion Bug.

Accessories are hair bow, gold jewelry, dark hose, and neutral peep-toe pumps.

This portrait seems thoughtful:

More pics on Flickr.

Turkey Month: "She Wore Blue Velvet..."

2011-11-07T10:06:00.001-05:00

"...bluer than velvet was the night...."

I immediately thought of that old Bobby Vinton song when I spotted this dress in the thrift shop. Isn't it elegant?

It's a touch tight, but I love the way it looks and feels. Accessories are a blue hair bow, silver jewelry, black belt, dark hose and black patent pumps.

You might notice I've only soft-focused the portraits this time, instead of all the shots. I think, in the new photo session location, the soft-focus is no longer as necessary.

More pics on Flickr; another outfit tonight or tomorrow. Also tomorrow, a little non-CD commentary, Wednesday or Thursday some new art, and Friday another dressing day.

Weekend Art: Headmistress

2011-11-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

Remember I said some images just write themselves? Well, this is one of them--the moment I saw the cover to this sewing pattern, I knew what scenario it suggested and began developing the dialogue in my head.

Next Week

2011-11-04T15:51:00.003-04:00

Looks like I will be dressing next week after all--I'll have time on Monday and Friday. Now, I just have to decide what to wear. One item will definitely be the new blue velvet dress I found at the thrift shop yesterday.

Turkey Month: Slinky Sweater Dress

2011-11-04T11:38:00.000-04:00

When I bought this sweater dress from Burlington Coat Factory back in 2008, I recall being astonished that I could squeeze into what was labeled as a size 14! (I still think it might be mis-labeled.) Now, with the corset, it's an even better fit and very slinky and sexy.

Accessories are a yellow hair bow, scarf, silver jewelry, black belt, dark hose, and black patent pumps with spike heels.

Only two portraits today, because some of them came out badly. But I did glamourize one of them:

But no video today. I have lots to do before opening night of my play, so I didn't have time for all the editing that takes.
More pics on Flickr...and word on my dressing schedule for next (if any) later.

Turkey Month: Tight Skirt and Turtleneck

2011-11-03T13:55:00.000-04:00

The turtleneck was purchased two falls ago at Kohl's; the skirt at a thrift store earlier this year, as I recall. It is very tight, even with the corset, and constrains my stride almost like a hobble skirt. Combined with the spike heels, it turns my walk into a lady-like mince.

Accessories are the red rose headband, black-and-white jewelry, black belt, light hose, and the aforementioned blue patent pumps with spike heels. Props are a book and a handbag.

As I often do when going blonde, I changed the makeup a little, using a more pink shade for my lips; I also digitally changed my eyes to blue and used a dark blue/purple for the digital eyeliner. Once again, I "glammed up" a couple of the portraits.

Here's a video...demonstrating how the skirt affects my movements:

More pics on Flickr.

Apologies

2011-11-02T22:49:00.000-04:00

One of the things I have learned in the four years since I returned to dressing is not to be too settled in your plans...because there are a host of things that can change them. My intention to dress every day this week fell apart today when my wife had to work from home because of transportation problems. Now I have to decide whether to squeeze in two outfits tomorrow or just postpone one of the five ensembles meant for this week to another time.

Next week may be a bit bumpy, too--I know I won't be able to dress on my usual Tuesday schedule (I'm working the polls on Election Day), so it will all depend on whether I have another weekday off. (I may not...since I also have the weekend off for performances of my current play.)

Turkey Month: Am I Blue?

2011-11-01T13:09:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not--because this blue suit dress is one of my greatest thrift-store finds. It fits like a glove (thanks to my corset) and makes my figure look terrific. Though not exactly a fall ensemble, I pulled it out because I realized I hadn't worn since I first found it during the summer.

Tried a couple of props with this set of pics--a book and a glass. Made for some different poses and expressions than usual. Accessories are the pale blue headband, gold jewelry, light hose and pale blue peep-toe pumps.

Once again, I did a couple of portraits "regular" and a couple "glamour" style. Here are the best of both:

And here's today's video, also in a slightly different style:

More pics on Flickr; three more days of vacation dressing to go

Octoberfest: Tartan Skirt

2011-10-31T13:45:00.000-04:00

Our final outfit for October is also the first of the ones for my week of vacation. Since I have the opportunity to dress every day, I've decided to stick to one outfit for each day, taking more photos (and posting more of them) than usual. Today's set is the gray Rider blouse (from a line available at both Kmart and Wal-Mart) and the purple-and-gray wool tartan skirt from Target:

Accessories are white hair bow, silver jewelry, chain belt, black hose, and black patent pumps. I really like the effect of all this--it's youthful without being out of line for a more mature girl.

I also did more portraits than usual and then glammed up a couple of them. Here are examples of one portrait with only my usual soft-focus editing and another turned into a glamour shot.

I'm also doing a video for each day this week. Here's today's:

Additional pics on Flickr. Tomorrow we start the month of thanks...and the final month of Dani's fourth year.

Weekend Art: Super Sex-Slave

2011-10-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking for ages that there ought to be a way to do a really good Superman/Lois cartoon and I finally came up with a trio of them. Here's the first:

Weekend Art: Dot's Rich!

2011-10-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

I was actually searching for stuff for this idea when I came across the images I used for the Casper/Wendy cartoon. This is pretty cute, too, I think.