Ransvestia

But in every city there is a refuge for the larger miss. When I was in the St. Louis area, I discovered Lane Bryant. In New Orleans I dis- covered the Vogue. It is on Dryades Street, a street that has become a kind of inner city now and where you don't meet as many Caucasians as you once did. The first time I walked into the Vogue I met a substan- tial woman named Theresa. Timidly I made my way from the door through the maze of dresses, underwear, etc., casting glances furtively to left and right at all the clothes on display. I asked for a girdle, but not just like that; I had to redden suitably first, squirm and stammer and all in all to convey by body language that, yes it was rather strange for an unescorted male to find his way into a female sanctum. In substance I asked for a girdle humbly and daringly. Theresa asked what size? I was coy and hesitant. She waited.

"It's for myself, I blurted out."

"It's for yourself," she re-echoed all over the store in loud and brass voice. She threw back her head and laughed. There were several other saleswomen around and even though Theresa's attitude seemed disastrous it had the merit of informing everybody together. No one was outraged or wanted to throw me out and Theresa was all attention. One way or another I got a thrill. I love women to know I like wearing their clothes. However I was glad no one knew me. After that Theresa kept her voice down a little but I was emboldened to ask her if I could try it on.

She measured me and prescribed a thirty-eight-inch waist. Instead I took a thirty-six and a thirty-four and as Theresa escorted me to the fitting-room I knew that everyone in the store whether saleswoman or customer knew I was trying on girdles. I didn't care. I flittered out of my men's clothes fast. I can't remember if she made me keep on my panties to save the garments from being soiled, but I wouldn't have minded. No one could ever say Theresa was a gentle and sweet lady, but I regarded her as a rough lady with a kind heart, a good sport.

I tried on both girdles, but kept the thirty-four. Seriously, Theresa wished I wouldn't strangulate myself and being ever the salesperson asked if there was anything else. A timid FP shopper needs this kind of encouragement. I said yes, I'd like to buy some stockings, and she recommended thi-hi and said she wore them herself and found them good. This was a measure of identification with me beyond what I had expected. I was touched by it and of course bought them. My corselette

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