RANSVESTIA

I finally settled on the expensive gown. It was too much to resist. Also too much to pay, but I was not about to let money stand in the way this time. The basic color of the gown is a deep royal purple. The material is one of those hybrid mixtures of dacron, cotton, and who knows what else. The bodice is closely fitted with long narrow sleeves ending in fluted ruffles. The neckline features the same fluted ruffle and the look is what some refer to as provincial. I liked it because it looks sort of "doll-like." The material in the bodice is opaque and is a solid royal purple. The bodice joins the ankle-length skirt at the high waist (but not empire waistline) and the junction is concealed by a self- belt or cummerbund in solid off-white. The skirt is covered with a ran- dom pattern of off-white flowers against the deep purple. It is cut narrowly and has only a shallow slit at the back. I have a lot of fun walking in it.

Having committed myself to that purchase I expressed a desire to look at some casual dresses. They had some on sale and I chose two of them. Then I had a fling at suits and casual sportswear and wound up trying on shoes and some earrings and other jewelery. At 11:15 my three would-be Auntie Mames were still going strong but I was afraid to wear my welcome out. Besides I was already on the line for a small fortune. It was time to quit.

While Mrs. Smith wrapped my packages and rang up the sale, I chatted with Mrs. Brown and Miss Bell over coffee which they very graciously made and served. They had many questions and it was a good opportunity to strike some blows for the cause of understanding. When we got beyond the openers like, "How often do you dress?" and "What does your wife think of this?" the conversation grew interesting. It was just past midnight when Mrs. Brown walked me to my car in a shopping center parking lot a block away. I was back in my good old coat dress now, feeling like Cinderella on the verge of returning to cinders and ashes. But it had been a profitable evening (especially for Miss Bell) and best of all they invited me back.

"Next time, if you like, come in dressed-up during regular hours," Miss Bell had offered. When I expressed concern about exposure to other cusomters she replied, "Well, call first and I'll tell you if we're busy. If we aren't busy there won't be any problem."

I

may take her up on that. I just may take her up on that.

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