Le Guide Shopping d'Elle
First things first. Unless you're in the off-sizes (like
myself regarding shoes), shopping is just big fun. And basically you
don't need any specific guide. Just use any guide you want when you're
in a new city (women do that also), or run in any shopping street of
mall you desire, look at the windows for the style you like, run in,
make your selection, try them for size, pay and go enjoy. In my experience,
people (and especially women) do not have a problem with it, generally
they're positively surprised and will help you as much as they can.
The only people that would cause difficulty are the male chauvinistic
pigs radiating large quantities of testosterone. They're agrassive (besides
because of the lack of affection from their mothers) because they feel
treathened. Their manhood depends on aggression rather than intellect
and sensitivity. The good news: they're the last of the mohicans. Our
society moves towards a knowledgebased system where success is measured
in terms of (emotional) intelligence rather than muscle strenght.
In short the key message is: just get out there and buy whatever and
wherever you feel like. Make it fun. Go do your shopping and go for
a treat afterwards (coffee, pancakes, a glass of champagne in the sun...)
You can do it!
One last word: there are a number of online stores in the list, but
I wouldn't advice buying stuff online, unless you have tried on a thousand
pieces before. Though sizes have numbers, whether it fits or not depends
on the manufacturer (italian sizes are very different from german sizes),
the cut (some things look beautiful on a picture and make you dream
away, but you ave to face the mirror at some point), etc.
Shoes, shoes, shoes... a girls best friend
At least mine. I go crazy about shoes. And my wallet is gratful for the fact that I got a size 44 (UK10/US12). Still my collection of shoes is larger than what I own for my "socially correct" attire.
Vanluechene
One of the best shops in Belgium for ladies with that size up. They carry a full line of shoes from very comfy to very fashionable. Personally I go to the Antwerp shop (Special Shoes). The service is wonderful, the staff is very helpful and - depending on the clients in the store, or upon your own request - they enable you to fit your shoes in a backroom.
Schoenen Tas
T-friendly. Shoes in all sizes. Women go up to EU 46.
Brantano
The online version of the well know shoe stores. Sometimes they carry larger sizes in their product range. You can order online and have it delivered at home or pick it up in a store.
Mariposa
More than just a shop. This place is, as they call it, a Lounge. A place to shop, to be and to meet other girls. It's about getting out while staying in (or going out if you feel like it). Great selection of stuff, anything you want, and... very discrete (park in the back, off the main road and enter that way). Recently however, I heard that the evening hours of the lounge are over. Very sad.
Silhouette
Rotterdam shoe shop. They cater to the T community (ask for Nel) and carry larger sizes (.../size-up). On occasions (twice a year) they have a special shopping night for the 3T.
Big Shoe
Amsterdam shoe shop. They say they're the best for larger sizes... I'll have to check it out one of these days..
Koks
New on the scene. They do seem to have an interesting selection. According to friends it's a warm and friendly welcome that awaits you. And if you can believe the prices online, it's a shame not to check it out
Travisage
Enjoy the support and assistance from Truus and Ad in a private setting. On appointment only, but you have the place for yourself.
DINKY
[Brussels] Cool shop great clothing and shoes at a decent price. Everything that goes from 'sexy' to 'drag'. They're situated next to the Grand Place in a small shopping mall ('Agora'). Actually the whole mall is an interesting place. All the shops sell imitation designer stuff (jackets, robes, jewelry,...). And the shop owners are used to a lot of things, so they won't give you the eye!
Hair Club
[Bld Anspach - Brussels] The place for wigs and theater make-up in Brussels. All sorts and styles of hair in any color imaginable and for different budgets. Still one of my favorite places, especially for the funky make-up stuff.
New Hair Shop
[Bennesteeg - Gent] The place whee I bought my latest wig. It's the perfect spot to go. They are used to cater to T-girls (most of us from the region go there), you get coffee and they know exactly how to assist you. They bring out tons of wigs and you can try anything you fancy. But do listen to their advice, they know what they're talking about. I went in with a specific idea of what I wanted and got out with something completely different. And guess... I haven't regretted it for a single second. But mind you, they take their job seriously. Don't expect to "just buy a wig". Let yourself be assisted, let them do the final touches on the wig (which might take a couple of days), and you'll have your money's worth.
WAKKO
Sint Rochusstraat
3 - Antwerpen (03/233 46 04)
They also have Drag/T* clothes to rent, large selection of wigs. The place
is run by Peter Platel aka Bang Bang La Desh
Chrandels Fashion
[Tongeren] Specializes in exclusive ladies eveningwear. They realized that our community has potential and organize private fashionparties (max 4 people) where they demonstrate the collection. Worth a try.
Marlene Klein Cosmetics
The internet shop
for all your cosmetics
The Transformation Shop
Shopping chain that caters exclusively to the T* community. They also have an elaborate website that allows you to shop at home (or prepare your trip). Click on the rose to go there. They have an interesting collection, and if you have some spare time in London, don't feel shy. It's a good place to start. The ladies are very friendly and all the effort is made to put you at easy...
LadyBwear
IMHO the sexiest clothes you can find online. Seems like a never ending wish-list...
Ultimate Shoes
Always a good selection of shoes, both dressed and sexy. A must visit when your looking for something new.
Dugan Brothers
Well known online shop for shoes in all sizes
Fuss
Large selection of shoes, and some original ones in large sizes, not always easy to find, trust me.
Heels Online
Shoes, shoes, shoes... and lots of other stuff. Beautifully done site, sounds a bit like the Amazon of high heels!
Ernest
French shoe store, good selection of high quality, larger size shoes.
Femme Phallique
Maybe the style isn't yours (it isn't mine for sure), but it's the best shopping experience ever...
More shoes: a shoe story
July 10th. I decided to by my first pair of shoes online. Why? They were just too gorgeous and the price was acceptable. Fair enough? But where? A couple of days ago I came across a site that collected links to petite and less-petite women apparel sites... hence... I have been looking around for ages in order to find shoes that are trendy, modern, female sexy without getting into the stilletto or platform side of the world. You those decent, elegant shoes that women wear. On top of that: it's summertime and I was just craving for sandals to fall in love with. And YES! I did find them. Two sites made my little shortlist:
I ended up buying at TallGirls (or 9211). And of course, between all those shoes it was impossible to choose, so I bought 2 pair (one was discounted, so it was a deal!). Here they are:
This one will go perfect with the fushia skirt I have! Can't wait to go show them off!
And now:
time to wait, and wait, and wait... hoping they'll arrive tomorrow morning
(not) and that the sizing is perfect. It's a bit exciting, it's actually
my first internet-buying-which-are-not-books experience...
[RETOUR]