Regardless, it was great to hear from several of you, and I am thrilled you are enjoying the many tips, Yes, as one of you said… everyone should read back over the previous months…for the many, many tips you can use for dressing. I  also learn, from many of my clients, who tell me some tip that they found works, or a product, or a line of clothing, that works for them, and I always pass that on. So, if any of you out there, have a valuable tip…that I have not discussed…then do share it with everyone!

I am sure, others will enjoy hearing any special makeup tip, or where to purchase specific types of clothing, such as Tall.

Oh, I was watching the Tyra show recently, and she had a special life coach on…who had the entire audience of girls…wearing dark green garbage bags, with belts at the waist. His point was this–It didn’t matter if a girl had on a Prada this or designer that. The clothing was not….what created a feminine, confident female. The suit may make a man…but…. only the clothing….. does not make a truly, feminine woman. And, while clothing styles, make-up, and hair are important–the way we walk, hold our heads, that special “vib” that is project while walking and connecting and caring about others…. is the girl, that others will remember. No one but you, will remember the shoes you wore!

 Others, don’t notice our shoes, or our blouse. Sure, they will “see” and make a three second impression of us by what color outfit etc…we’re wearing,  how the over-all package looks, but the clothing alone does not “sell” you or get you very far (beyond a minute or so). The point was simple–if you can wear a dark green garbage bag with a belt around it…and walk really condiently with a smile and warm beam…you have mastered the art of feminine deportment, beauty, and sensual femininity.

Recently, I attended Southern Comfort in Atlanta, where I speak every year. That Sat night, there were many girls in their long evening gowns….waiting for dinner. The dresses were stunning, but again….it wasn’t just the dress, it was the BEING in the dress. It was the smile, the happiness, the friendly connection, the personality, it was what was being projected–that made others want to approach. I saw several girls, standing alone… in a $1,000.00 beaded gown, who did not come across as a happy, confident female, as I thought to myself…did she think wearing the most expensive dress…would make her “pass”? Sad, to see a beautiful outfit on a gg or tg go un-noticed…due to insecurity, being shy, or simply depending on the outfit to do the work. I suppose it is a balance of a nice presentation, with a confident, feminine, approachable vib…that is ”that” girl who walks by…and causes men to lean out of their chairs to get a second look.

Okay, lets call it, working it!

 So,  get out there and put on your version of a garbage bag…your best casual jeans, and casual blouse with average shoe (instead of the garbage bag). See if the happy, confident, smiling vib you are feeling inside….with approachable smile and eye contact…will work better than the outfit.

 Lets don’t depend on “just clothing” to do all the work. After all, people do look at our faces, and smiles, right? Mostly, everyone wants others to see them, notice them. That is the girl,  everyone remembers. We all want to feel accepted, right?

Blending, Smiling, and taking the time to look at others in the eyes. Get out of racing thoughts in your head, and pull yourself back down….into your body. Feel your body, feel your walk, feel your feet moving on the floor, feel the heel of your foot moving and turning, feel your legs reaching, and feel yourself being happy, feel your eyes opening up and looking around, and feel your lips, …moving, feel your shoulders moving with your head, and projecting how good you feel about yourself…to the world. Don’t be self absorbed– that’s not pretty. Be open, and be you. Mostly, be in your body, and out of your head…with doubt and fear.

E-mail any tips or suggestions you have…for others to read!

Walk YOUR walk,

Denae

So many of you are readying my blog, the numbers are over the moon! Why don’t you post! Don’t be shy, I would love to answer your questions or hear your concerns.

Now, when I work with a one on one consultation–it never ceases to amaze me…how many can’t pose in different feminine angles/directions and levels, so I have known for three years, this is such an important class…for me to begin teaching.

 After saying, I would tape “How To Pose In Feminine Ways,” I am happy to announce….it is done! I have a new extra length DVD on: How To Create Feminine Poses, By Creating Different Levels And Directions PLUS a NEW Sensual Dance Moves, (not difficult dance steps..but moves). I have put these two together in one DVD…as I feel it is perfect for the new CD or the full time TS! There is nothing like this on the market, and many of my gg clients want this dvd!

So, if any of you ladies out there, who are serious about creating your own feminine photos, and who also want to break through the fear of moving…and begin moving your hips with a sensual sway to the music….I think this DVD set it for you! I truly feel, everything in these two sessions, will actually help you in your everyday movement. Of course, you tone it down, but just getting you ladies to not– just stand forward– is such a break through –to have a less linear stance and to begin creating those S Curves. Many of my clients, can’t learn basic movement…from just watching. But, put on some music and show them how to sway their hips and glide there arms and hands…and presto…I have just gotten past a fear of movement block many tg women have.

I think this is a fun, dvd…as it is LIVE at a TG conference…Cal DReamin in the San Francisco area, 2008. In closing, we put on some Queen Latifa singing California Dreamin and we danced! Plus, I introduce two, ultra sexy ways to walk, that many dancers use. So, do check this one out. You will learn:

How To Create Feminine Poses Using Level and Direction Changes, Props, and How To Create Several Smiles. Plus, Sensual Dance Moves, Hips, Legs, Breast. And, two ultra sexy ways of walking, used my dancers. So, I have really given you, some great new information, that until now…was only taught to genetic women in dance or modeling school. I think, you will love this one!

If you hate dancing in guy mode, you will love moving and swaying in femime.  I hear this all the time. So, it must be a new break through for anyone who has been afraid to open up and move, so now you can ”shake it”. And, have some natural looking photos, that are not taken, standing straight on…in front of a hotel room door!

You will love this one, I’m over the moon with delight…I finally got this on tape for those who can’t travel to see me!

Smiles,

Denae

 And, I would love to hear back from you ladies, so post!! I feel like I am writing to myself here!

Dance On!

Denae

TIP: Just before putting on your wig, take roll on clear antiperspirant (not deodorant) and run it along the ridge (just under the tip) of where the wig will touch your face. This helps…if you live in a hot/humid area–or if you are going out to a club and plan on dancing.

Drink lots of water,  and take short breaks…so you do not over-heat your head. Many young Rave kids, who wear hats…and danced until 4:00 am ….have overheated and passed out…since their hat over-heated their head. 

 Have fun, drink lots of water, and take breaks to go outside to cool down.

Dance On!

Denae

1. Avoid soaking in your bathtub, or taking long showers–as this destroyus the substances that keep skin cells intact. And, avoid bath oils in the bath-as the oil is wasted going down the drain and can make for a slippery tub to fall in.  Oils are best applied when you get of of the bath or shower, after you are well rinsed off and gently towel dried.

2. Use a pure plant oil, such as olive oil, after your mositurizer over dry areas. She has used olive oil for over 50 years. I have read about using olive in, in many other beauty books also! I always put lip balm at night to prevent dry lips, which  allows day time lipstick to smoothly glide across. And, gloss (or “Chap Stick” during the day, if in guy mode).

3. Lastly, get rid of all the dry, dead skin! We have many layers of skin, and if you have never removed the first layer…you will be shocked at how gray your top layer of skin is. Turn skin cell over with a good AHA or BHA- which can be found in your local drug store. Ask for help. Many men use this, for a healthy, younger look in guy mode. Shaving does help, but you do need additional help to remove the  years of buildup of old skin cells and allowing them to be replaced by newer, smoother ones. So, for these beauty tips, visit your grocery store, or drug store, and get your skin ready or summer  ~ and for a smoother look while wearing makeup!

Also, don’t forget to wear sunblock on your chest and arms for protection, and to avoid the “male shirt-tan” which is difficult to hide …when wearing a lovely open cut blouse.  And, wear a hat and sun-glasses to protect your eyes from getting burned also! Now, I’m off to the beach, with my hair, eyes, and skin protected! After all, I am in Santa Cruz, CA just one mile from the beach!

Denae

I also am releasing PHOTO POSING I, which is a great new DVD for TG women, who are not comfortable taking creative photos using (1) Levels and (2) Directions. This DVD was born…..after I had many private consultation clients, show the photos I had helped them with, during my training consultation with them. There photos, are unique, and beautiful, compared to the standard photos we all see on the Internet, with one level of standing…and that is generally in front of a hotel room door with the check out sign in the back!

 I realized, I needed to pass on my 8 years of experience as a “Photography Model” who has worked with fashion photographers from Houston, Dallas, LA and NY. These are valuable tips…which  I learned from each fashion photographer I was hired to model for print ads.  However, not to worry….once you understand all the levels, directions, props and background choices you can use for a unique photo…you will love the results you see. And, you will always use these same insights in your everyday life…while sitting or standing. Its fun, its helpful, and there is no one with this degree of experience…teaching the TG community …these feminine skills.

This Photo Posing DVD should be released the end of May 2008 with bonus material on Sensual Dance Moves (not complicated dance steps..but “Dances MOVES!) So, watch my web site, I may be able to include them in a bundle.

My new Voice CD will be relased in June 2008. So, I have been a busy girl!

All my best,

Denae

PS: Many thanks to my FemImage assitant, Robin who I thank for all her assistance. Thank YOU Robin, you’re the best!

                          shape, size, and quality.
There are 5 basic shapes
 

Triangles This shape is the most desirable when thickness and protrusion are important to your look. This is especially important to smaller framed females and many Crossdressers who demand firmness and protrusion. It’s the most popular for TGs

Raindrops:  These are simple half domes without any extra material around the form. They look most like a natural female breast but may not have the projection many tgs want. They are also made by only a few companies.

PALS: I am including the non-destructable Pals. They also come in Round!

Push-Ups These are smaller and more oblong to allow for an even “push-up” effect. This style is often used for the lifting of your bust in your bras and swimsuits. These are often adhesive (Nubra and generic versions). Unless you have significant breast tissue of your own, these are not useful for most tgs.

Teardrops These forms add extra fleshy “full-ness” to your underarm area as the “tear” portion of the breast form is meant to be tucked into the band of your bra. This is especially important to Mastectomy patients and many Crossdressers when trying to achieve a very natural look. The tear portion is not really intended to stick out of the top of your bra although many tgs do so.

 
The size of the breast form should generally follow the rest of your measurements. Tgs should resist the impulse to have especially large forms. It’s helpful to remember that the average bra size is a 34B. Now, most tgs do not have a 34 band, but stay with a B if you are thin,  but probably for wider shoulders…the C cup, especially if passing is important. We will talk about bra sizing next. In picking a breast form it’s helpful to follow standard clothing chart sizing, so your clothes will fit better. It’s helpful to start with the measurement that can’t change (usually waist) and then adjust bust and hip sizes to match the size chart. That is, if your waist is 34″, you will fit into size 14 clothes. You should pick breast forms that will yield about a 41-42″ bust (measured around the fullest part of your breast and which is not your bra size). . Hip padding, which we will talk about shortly, should yield about a 42″ around the fullest part.
In terms of quality, there is a wide range available. You can spend anywhere from $15 to $300 per breast form ($30 to $600 for two).  The price is often artificially high for Mastectomy patients since insurance will often be paying for it. There is often little difference in quality between a $50 and $150 breast form, especially if it’s for casual use. What does matter though is the softness and pliability of the form. Some forms are very soft and pliable while others may be very rigid and unnatural. Sometimes, but not always, less expensive forms may be firmer. PALS is a very inexpensive breast form, under $50.00 a pair, and you can purchase more then one size! And, they will not rip or tear!

What about self-adhesive forms, for that braless look?

Most breast form vendors offer at least one model that can be worn without a bra. Some involve an adhesive support that attaches to the chest wall and then hooks to the form via Velcro. This works well but the patches are expensive and can only be used once. Make sure the chest hairs are gone before attaching the patch or they will come off afterwards - with a lot more pain!!).

Increasingly forms are appearing that do not require a patch but have the adhesive on the form itself. It may be reused some number of times. Originally only the breast enhancers (Nubra) used this technique but now most manufacturers offer it for their regular forms. It requires a clean skin surface and diligence about cleaning the form afterwards. It also works only for moderate sized forms. One must be careful about wearing them for too long or with too much activity or they can come loose!!

Finally its often helpful to apply some baby power between the form and the your skin (if not using adhesive forms) to counter the moisture that develops. Unlike natural breast, the form does not breath and so there will be a tendency for moisture to occur. This can be uncomfortable and the baby power helps eliminate it. It also has a nice feminine scent!

 
 
 
Tg’s must measure themselves differently, than a genetic female, therefore the typical size chart for clothing, must be changed for tg’s to find the perfect fit.

Here is my recipe for that perfect fit.
 
Start with the measurement you cannot change much. For most tgs, that will be your waist size. Measure it at the narrowest point. Or where you bend to the side.  If you are planning on wearing a corset or waist reducer, make sure you are wearing it before making the measurement.
 
Once you have that measurement, consult any ”Size Chart” from your favorite catalog or ladies Internet site. (Select Misses clothing which is generally up to size 16 and then Women’s clothing chart for wider, longer sizes from 16W to 24W up.

 
 Find the size that comes closest to your waist size.  If in-between, go up to the larger size. You will be grateful after a few hours. Here is a typical size chart. Remember Misses clothing are even numbers. For many tg’s they require larger sizes, which is a Woman’s (W). (Juniors (J) are odd sizes for younger thin sizes and Petite (P) is for shorter females 5”4 and under.

 
You will probably wear a Misses bottom (skirt or pants) and a larger Woman’s top for blouse and jacket size. Some stores, such as JC Penny’s will have a Tall size hart.

 
*Note: Below is a Misses Size Chart that goes to size 20 to show L and XL t-shirts and stretch blouses.

Okay, now find your waist size in the below chart.

 
If your waist is 33, then you will be a size 16 (at least with this company, others may vary).
 
Hence your bust size (the measurement around the fullest part, not your bra size) should be 41″ and hips should be “43″
 
 
Now for tg’s to select a bra size, measure the area around the chest immediately above the breast area. Lets say its 39″. This is your bra size. Again round up if you have an odd number. Don’t follow genetic female sites, which say to measure under the breast; this is the difference for TG measuring.

 
 The difference between your bust size (41) and chest size (39) will be your cup size. The formula is:
 
1″ = A cup
2″ = B cup
3″ = C cup
4″ = D cup
5″ = DD cup
 
Hence for this example, 41-39 = B cup.
 
Now can always go up (or down) a cup size if you want. One cup size probably will not make much difference in how most clothes fit Two cups will make a big difference.

 
If you like large size breast forms, just realize finding a “fit” will be very difficult, and many times not look as natural. Your best answer for larger breasts forms, is buying separate blouses in a larger size. Look for no buttons or zippers, and perhaps a stretch fabric on the top. If you’re going full time, it is better to stay closer to sizing charts, for easy fitting and looking more proportionate for your height and waist size.

 
Denae Doyle

http://www.femimage.com

“What color of hose should I wear?” is one of the most frequently asked questions I get from my TG clients, second only to “What color should my hair be?” 

Hosiery is the finishing touch, not the focal point. A lot of women get this wrong by wearing hose that are either too dark or too light for the rest of their ensemble. Of course, if your CD and do not shave your legs, perhaps a darker shade is your option. For others, herewith some basic 101 rules to help you. 

Here are some guidelines: 

1. Hosiery needs to be in the same color base as your garment. Don’t mix warm hosiery colors with cool garment colors. 

2. To instantly look taller and trimmer, go monochromatic by matching the color tone of your hosiery to your shoe and your hem. 

3. With neutral colored skirt or pants, match all three color elements. Example: black skirt, off-black hose, black shoes. 

4. Colored hosiery for dressy or business situations needs to be very sheer. Charcoal gray or off-black is more subtle than a solid black. 

5. Colored hosiery may either match the garment or the accessory/accent color.
If the hose match the color of the dress or skirt, they add the illusion of height and slimness. This concept works especially well with neutrals like navy, gray, brown, beige, taupe, and even burgundy and rust, but NOT with red. 

If the hosiery color matches the accessory/accent color, it should not outshine the garment color. 

6. With a brightly colored garment, choose neutral shoes and match hose to shoes. Example: red dress, taupe hose, and taupe shoes. 

7. Two-color spectator pumps look best with hose matched to the lighter color, NOT the darker one. 

8. Very dark, light or bright hosiery colors and patterns or textures draw attention to your legs. 

9. Off-white or light beige can be worn with black during the summer season. 

10. Keep leg coverings in the same mood and weight as your shoes. Chunky, casual shoes work with heavier, textured hose or socks. 

11. Control top hose are more durable than regular hose, and Lycra extends the resiliency of both. 

12. Avoid emergencies by purchasing hose in quantity and keeping a spare pair in your desk drawer and glove compartment. 

So what’s one of the biggest bugaboos I see? Wearing dark hose to hide spider veins. Unless your ensemble is dark, you’re calling attention TO your legs, not AWAY from them. Dress in darker colors to match the hose, or wear a longer skirt to cover what you want to hide. 

Wearing hosiery gives you a refined, polished look that can’t be beat, so do incorporate it in your wardrobe.  With a few guidelines and a nice hosiery wardrobe, you can look great no matter what occasion comes your way. 

I hope this helps give you a guideline when purchasing and when coordinating. 

Denae Doyle 

www.femimage.com

There is a wonderful web site, in Florida, which custom tailors your female outfits. Simply fill out their size chart, with your own tape measure…(about 15-20 measurements to assure a quality fit). You can then select your fabric, and color and outfit from their web site.  Wonderful quality, and fabulous prices. For example, a silk blouse, tailored made for YOU, for under $75.00. A great fit, is so important. And, no more shopping dread for Tall sizes or long sleeves.

Goggle Tailored Clothiers in Florida. See their on line slection and prices. Once you measure and order, it is very easy for your next order…and you’re given a discount. I am not sure, how they’re able to make these beautiful items, individually for you…at the same price you would pay at Macy’s, but they do. And, if this perfect fit, it not perfect, you can return it, for them to re-sew. Once, you (and they) have your perfect measurements, you simply order everything you want made, from their website selections. No obligation or requirement on orders. Just try it once!

 Any Tall girl… must try this fabulous tip!

Have fun!

Denae

You can always click on my front page, on Cal Dreamin for more information–on their web site.

Thanks,

Denae