The Jaunts of JeffB!

[JeffB]

Hello, Kilty! Nice to hear from you. I hope things get better with you. "Grannified" look? Hmm! Interesting. Still, I see lots of women much younger than I in longer skirts, as with everything I do, I follow trends I see other women sport and copy same.

 

Jaunt #232, 8/3/2014:
A new day, a new jaunt as I had an itch to see a movie, so I turned that into a jaunt, going out in a purple embroidered tank top, a 30 inch button down denim skirt which I just bought from Sears during my previous jaunt, the Payless “Nicole Chopout” platform wedge sandals (my seventeenth straight outing in wedges) and a black handbag. The new skirt, with it's button down styling looked nice and looked good on me, and, as you'll see from the pictures, it pairs well with the sandals and tank for a casually dressy look. Meanwhile, I think I'm coming close to another paradigm shift in my evolution as a freestyler as I've gone out of my way to wear more noticeably feminine looking tops of late, when I'm out and about in public, I want people to see that I'm wearing women's clothes, as a male, from head to toe, and it feels very good to wear such clothes. As for the shoes, the Nicoles are fast becoming my favorite sandals, not just because they're so comfy and easy to walk in, the styling is just killer, making them a treat to wear.

But, I digress. I drove straight to my destination, that being a multiplex over in Cherry Hill to see Guardians of the Galaxy. Arriving in the lot a few minutes before it's 11 a.m. start time, I hopped out and walked to the building, once inside, there wasn't much of a crowd, however, a thirtysomething dad with his young son narrowed his eyes ever so slightly at seeing me, then gave me a brief but harsh stare before hustling his kid away, perhaps before the youngster, preoccupied with a lobby poster for a Spongebob Squareparts movie got a good look at me, but the other half dozen people at the counter paid me no mind. As for the movie I went to see, Guardians was pretty darn good, better than I thought it would be, a perfect roller coaster summer blockbuster sort of film that I enjoyed. After the film ended, I walked out into the lobby which was packed with people, more than a few looked at me, but I paid them no mind as I walked past everyone and left the multiplex. I'm sure I probably startled some, but most didn't make any scene.

Back in the car, I headed down the road and drove to Best Buy near Moorestown Mall since I haven't been in the place for awhile. As it was about 2 p.m., there was a good crowd in the store, but again, no one gave me any attention, I guess a middle aged man in a knee length skirt and platform sandals doesn't get much of my rise out of the populace. I would spend well over half an hour in the store, ogling mainly at the 4K hi-def TV sets which are absolutely awesome, expensive too, but hey, that's usually the way things work with new technology on the market. After leaving the store with the Blu-Ray version of Prometheus, I headed home. A good day to be out in a skirt and heels. More to come....

[SkirtDude]

Jeff, bravo! Much prefer this skirt, though I'd be scared of wardrobe malfunctions if a few buttons popped open at the front of the skirt.

I didn't mean any offence, I guess I dress like younger women (not strictly true as they have an aversion to knee length denim skirts, it seems) I just find ankle length skirts a hassle, from stepping over things, to having to answer the call of nature... it's just easier with knee length.

I aim to try and get well, but the wardens here say I will be here for 'some time', so I'm not worried. Everything's paid for, so I'm in no hurry to go and look for work. Though I'm building up a decent wardrobe, more business casual as that's the look I prefer. Some denim, and some cute jeans too. Though some of the medication affects my balance, so no 'killer heels'for now...

Jeff, well done with your jaunts, you are an inspiration. I went out to the shops in a denim skirt today, the bulge in the zip is just that I didn't pull my skirt down and smooth it at the front after it rode up a little , my tummy control briefs keep everything else in order.  I've lost some weight and can get into a size 10 again which is great! I also spoke to my therapist about getting me on more suitable medications that don't make me put on weight and make me so lethargic, and she said she would start to review it and discuss with the care team at the next meeting at the end of the month!

 

http://hhplace.org/gallery/image/4336-dscf0779/

more sensible heels with this skirt, leather boots

 

Looking forward to your next jaunt

[JeffB]

I didn't have any problems with the buttons, the combination of the right size and the stretchy fabric of the skirt made it comfortable and worry free on that score. As for ankle length skirts, I've never had any trouble with tripping or anything like that since the addition of heels keeps that from being a problem. But, I haven't stopped wearing knee length skirts, I just like variety.

[JeffB]

Jaunt #233, 8/10/2014:
I was originally going to go out on a jaunt on Saturday, then be lazy and stay home today, but I decided to be lazy yesterday and go out today. Go figure. Anyhow, I wanted to look casual, so I opted for my black, lace trimmed, V-necked tank top, the 30 inch button down denim skirt which I bought from Sears just last Saturday, the Payless “Molly” platform wedge sandals in black and my black faux croc handbag. The new skirt which I've worn two times straight now just looks so stylish and pairs perfectly with my sandals, speaking of which, every time I've put together an outfit of late, sandals have been the first shoes I've reached for, in fact, they've pretty much been the only shoes I've chosen for weeks now, and with five pairs at my disposal, I have numerous options to pair with just about anything I want to wear.

But I digress. I headed west into the burbs, my first stop being Home Depot as I needed to buy a couple of gardening tools to combat the weeds in my small front yard. Arriving at the store, I hopped out and went right in, after asking for directions to the gardening department (I find it refreshing to be called sir, even when dressed in a lace trimmed top, a skirt and high heeled sandals), I went there and within a couple of minutes, I found the tools I needed. As I headed to the register, I passed a salesperson, a black lady who grinned at me and said, “I want your shoes!” I grinned back and said, “Sorry, I don't like walking barefoot.” That got a belly laugh out of the lady who repeated what I said to another salesperson and she laughed too. Quite a neat little exchange if I do say so myself. After leaving the store, I headed down the road to my home away from home, Best Buy. Once inside the store, I found myself amused at how I stood head and shoulders over everyone in the place, but, I guess that's bound to happen when a six foot two inch guy parades around in near five inch heels, and while I'm sure readers are probably tired of my saying this, but the Mollys, like all my other platform sandals are ridiculously comfortable and easy to walk in, no wonder they've been the only shoes I've worn of late. And yeah, they look damn good on me as well.

After better than half and hour in the store, wandering to and fro with nary a stare, odd look or chuckle from other shoppers, I headed to the register with a real treat, Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds on Blu-Ray, and I mean to watch it tonight. My last stop of the day was to Arby's for lunch, there wasn't much of a crowd, just four of so diners and no line, so I placed my order, ate and headed back home. A relatively short outing, but an enjoyable one nonetheless.

[SkirtDude]

Loving that cute top! It would go so well with my new pencil skirt I bought the other day It's nice the sales people were so professional and polite, the skirt suits you, though I prefer something shorter to show off my legs whilst the weather is good. Shoes are super cute and I'm digging the necklace ♡♡♡

[JeffB]

Thanks for the kind words, Kilty!

[JeffB]

Jaunt #234, 8/18/2014:
With some time off on my hands and an errand to run, I decided to turn it into a jaunt, one where I pushed the envelope fashionwise as I sported a lace trimmed tank top in coral, the Old Navy black peasant skirt, the Payless “Molly” platform wedge sandals and a black handbag. Because it had been breezy when I left the house around 9:30 a.m., I added my Gloria Vanderbilt denim jacket which matched well with my outfit. Regarding the top, after reading about Thighbootguy having worn a pink top, I thought I'd give that a try, and while what I wore wasn't pink in the truest sense of the word, it was bright enough to be noticed. And, to be honest, it felt rather....empowering to wear such a brightly colored top. Also, in a moment of irony, while I had looked forward to summer where I could prance around in my short skirts, I've been wearing the heck out of my maxis of late, kooky to be sure, but I really like how I look in long skirts, especially when paired with my sandals.

My first stop of the day was to a branch of my bank in the University City area as I had to withdraw some cash to pay a bill, after I parked, I hopped out, paid the meter and walked in, while waiting in line, an older lady who was better that a foot shorter than me asked how tall I was, I said I was six foot two, then, with a grin, I added, “without the shoes”. She then chatted about how everyone in her family was short while I mentioned how my relatives were tall, and she said she admired me for being tall. After withdrawing the money I needed, I left the bank then drive half a mile down the street to the main branch of the Post Office where I bought a money order, filled it out and mailed it off. With business taken care of, it was time for a little fun, so I drove into the northeast and Parx Casino, I place I've only visited in heels and/or a skirt. With temps having risen, I ditched the jacket so everyone could see the coral top, but once inside the casino, I was pretty much ignored as patrons were busy working slot machines to pay any attention to the middle aged guy in a long skirt and heels. My luck with the one armed bandits was only so-so in the hour I had been there, but I did win nearly eighty bucks on a one cent Superman the Movie machine, so it wasn't a complete loss, but I was there mainly to have fun, and I did.

Back in the car, I drove back to town and then over the bridge into South Jersey, heading to one of my favorite haunts in that neck of the woods, Barnes & Noble where I had a turkey and cheese wrap (delicious!) and a bottle of orange juice for lunch which I ate with the newest issue issue of Sports Illustrated, then leisurely read that and a couple of sci-fi magazines for about an hour before leaving with a manga title. My last stop of the day was at Sears for some shopping, and yes, I bought another couple of skirts, namely the 30 inch button down number I purchased two weeks ago, but there were in beige and stonewashed denim. I'll be sure to show them both off on future outings. Oh, yeah, it should also be noted that even though I wore a top that was as close to pink as one could get, I didn't get a rise out out of all the people I came across while I was out and about. Go figure. Maybe guys wearing pink is no big deal in this neck of the woods. More jaunts to come....

[Thighbootguy]

JeffB - I can't quite put my finger on why, but I don't like the tank top style on you when work by itself.  I like it with the jacket, but it just seems too open by itself.  I have a couple of sleeveless turtlenecks that seem to suit my eye, but nothing quite as open as the tank top.  Aside form that reseveration, the outfit loks great!

 

I lucked out in a thrift shop last week (you gotta try that venue).  They had lady's stuff on sale and I picked up six bright colored short sleeved tops, including two in pink.  Considering that most of my tops were black, this was quite a departure for me, but I have been having a great time wearing them.

 

TBG

[JeffB]

JeffB - I can't quite put my finger on why, but I don't like the tank top style on you when work by itself.  I like it with the jacket, but it just seems too open by itself.  I have a couple of sleeveless turtlenecks that seem to suit my eye, but nothing quite as open as the tank top.  Aside form that reseveration, the outfit loks great!

 

I lucked out in a thrift shop last week (you gotta try that venue).  They had lady's stuff on sale and I picked up six bright colored short sleeved tops, including two in pink.  Considering that most of my tops were black, this was quite a departure for me, but I have been having a great time wearing them.

 

TBG

That was a most interesting comment you made about my tank. I agree that it does look nice when paired with a jacket, and when the weather starts turning cooler around next month or so, I'll be sporting that look a good deal, but I also enjoy the open look of the tank as well. Perhaps I might try a camisole which would also look good with a jacket as I'm gravitating towards more feminine looking tops. As for thrift shops, the one I used to frequent in downtown Philly was destroyed little over a year ago in a building collapse, but a new store opened in the western burbs. I will give that a try in the future. Lastly, on the subject of brightly colored tops, while I've worn turquoise and red, it was fun to wear that coral tank yesterday, so you can bet I'll add pink to the collection!

 

Jaunt #235, 8/19/2014:

Another sunny and warm day means a new jaunt, but I did something entirely different today as for the first time since late April if memory serves, I wore traditional heeled footwear, and not just any footwear, but my Pleaser “Vanity” 4 inch heeled thigh high boots (which I'm sure will please Thighbootguy no end) along with my Gloria Vanderbilt denim jacket over a red tank top and a 16 inch black denim skirt. Regarding the skirt, once upon a time, it was 20 inches long, but I took it to my local dry cleaners and had them hack four inches off for the express purpose of wearing it with the boots, and it worked to perfection. As for the boots, after little over three months straight of wearing nothing but wedges, it certainly felt different to be in stilettos again, but it took no time at all to reacclimate myself, especially the pleasingly loud click-clack of the heels. Meanwhile, the red top paired very well with the black skirt and boots, all in all, a very good looking outfit.

And with that, I headed out, west to Springfield, the weather was warm, but not overpoweringly hot, and that made wearing the thigh boots not just tolerable, but enjoyable, comfortable too. And, yes, I had forgotten just how much fun it was to be out and about in thigh boots, not to mention how awesome they looked on me, moreso with the miniskirt than with jeans. My first stop of the day was to Pizza Hut for lunch, after I parked, I went inside, there were only a dozen or so patrons and none of them noticed me as I was seated, then promptly attacked the buffet and ate while watching the Little League World Series. Half an hour or so later, fully stuffed, I left and drove down the road to Best Buy. As I pulled into a parking spot, I noticed a trio of women in traditional Muslim garb, all black from head to toe, given how warm it was, I wondered if they were more comfortable or less comfortable than I was in my short skirt and boots. Once inside the store, it was the usual, but enjoyable routine of cruising the aisles ogling at all the gizmos and gadgets, especially the 4K HDTV sets which I've grown quite fond of, after well over thirty minutes in the store, during which time, no one paid me any mind, I went to the check out lane with a Blu-Ray copy of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and left.

My third and final stop, driving back the way I came was to a supermarket as I needed to replenish my supply of bottled water. Hopping out, I walked right in, the place was fairly busy for an early afternoon, but again, I wasn't hassled or anything like that, pushing a shopping cart, I went to the aisle where the water was sold, picked up two 24 bottle cases (2 for $7.00), went to the self-service lane, paid for my purchase and left, easy as pie. I was fully prepared for odd looks, gasps, giggles or chuckles, but nothing at all happened, I was treated just the same as everyone else, despite wearing a bright red top, a short black skirt and thigh high boots, footwear that's hardly a staple in August for women, never mind men. And that was very much a fun outfit to wear, I felt daring in the miniskirt and empowered in the boots which literally put me head and shoulders over everyone. You can bet I'll be wearing variations of that outfit regularly once the weather cools. More jaunts to come....

[Thighbootguy]

Jaunt #235, 8/19/2014:

Another sunny and warm day means a new jaunt, but I did something entirely different today as for the first time since late April if memory serves, I wore traditional heeled footwear, and not just any footwear, but my Pleaser “Vanity” 4 inch heeled thigh high boots (which I'm sure will please Thighbootguy no end) along with my Gloria Vanderbilt denim jacket over a red tank top and a 16 inch black denim skirt. Regarding the skirt, once upon a time, it was 20 inches long, but I took it to my local dry cleaners and had them hack four inches off for the express purpose of wearing it with the boots, and it worked to perfection. As for the boots, after little over three months straight of wearing nothing but wedges, it certainly felt different to be in stilettos again, but it took no time at all to reacclimate myself, especially the pleasingly loud click-clack of the heels. Meanwhile, the red top paired very well with the black skirt and boots, all in all, a very good looking outfit.

 

More jaunts to come....

 

JeffB - I will admit to having a biased opinion, but that outfit looks GREAT!  Shoes and  purse match, skirt shows off your legs and the boots, and the necklace over the red top completes the image.  You mentioned, "how awesome they looked on me" which is right on the mark, I could not agree more.

 

I'm not sure where the waist of the skirt falls on you, but consider wearing the skirt with the top tucked under the waist to show off the skirt a little more.

 

I know we differ on this, but I still find it more comfortable to present myself as a guy wearing thigh boots than as a guy wearing pumps.  The boots make such a strong statement hat everything else is either totaly accepted, or totally rejected.  Fortunately very few totally reject the image.

 

I hope you don't wait too long to wear your thigh boots again.

 

TBG

[JeffB]

Hey there, TBG! Thanks muchly for the kind words. I thought you'd enjoy what I wore on my latest outing. Regarding the skirt, it sits snugly right at my natural waist, and works great with the boots. I'll see what I can do about displaying it fully on a future outing, as I mentioned in my last post, wearing the thigh boots felt very empowering and the rush I got from wearing them was quite intoxicating. On the topic of boots versus pumps, I'm perfectly at home in both, I started out with the latter a long time ago while the former was an acquired taste, I see no reason I can't feel comfortable in both. I agree that boots do make a strong statement, but so can the right pair of pumps. It all depends on the person and how HE presents himself in his footwear of choice.

[Thighbootguy]

as I mentioned in my last post, wearing the thigh boots felt very empowering and the rush I got from wearing them was quite intoxicating.

 

Ain't it though. 

 

TBG

[SleekHeels]

Much as I agree with you that wedges are cool, it's nice to know that Pennsylvania is echoing with the click of stiletto heels again And overall that's a very confident and fun outfit. I think the strong colour of the tshirt under the denim jacket balances the strong statement of the boots well. It's great to have the choice of blending in with everyday styles or being more bold and adventurous, and you seem comfortable and confident across the spectrum Jeff.

[JeffB]

Much as I agree with you that wedges are cool, it's nice to know that Pennsylvania is echoing with the click of stiletto heels again And overall that's a very confident and fun outfit. I think the strong colour of the tshirt under the denim jacket balances the strong statement of the boots well. It's great to have the choice of blending in with everyday styles or being more bold and adventurous, and you seem comfortable and confident across the spectrum Jeff.

Thanks for the compliment, SH. Yeah, it certainly was fun to be bold and adventurous with the outfit I wore on Tuesday, highlighted by the boots which had been a treat to wear. And, to be honest, it was a breath of fresh air after dressing so, well, conservatively over the last few months. To have made such a strong statement with an outfit most women wouldn't wear left me feeling emboldened, and eager to strut the streets in that ensemble again, and soon, because I can!

[Mr. X]

Back to the boots, eh Jeff!  That outfit is quite a departure from your other recent choices of garb and footwear.  But you know what, I like it!  I was gonna mention the short skirt but you beat me too it.  As short as it is, it still looks good on you and with the boots.  I have some wedges too but I still prefer heels, be they boots and or shoes.  Anyhow, way to go!

[JeffB]

Thanks much, Mr. X! Once upon a time, I used to be rather self-conscious about wearing a short skirt in public, now it's no big deal, in fact, I love it! At the risk of sounding vain, there isn't a skirt, long, short and inbetween that doesn't look good on me. And thigh boots are terrific, plain and simple!

[Mr. X]

Once upon a time, I used to be rather self-conscious about wearing a short skirt in public

 

You self conscious?  I find that hard to believe.  lol

[JeffB]

You self conscious?  I find that hard to believe.  lol

Hard to believe, but it's true. A few years ago when I wore a miniskirt with my thigh boots, I was so self-conscious because of how short it was, I couldn't bring myself to sit in the silly thing. Nowadays, I don't worry about that, if my skirt rides up when I sit (call me crazy, but I kinda get a thrill out of that), it's no big deal, I'm damn proud of my legs and I don't mind showing them off. I wouldn't wear short skirts if I didn't.

[Thighbootguy]

I remember, several seasons ago, buying a micro skirt at a thrift store.  I asked the register clerk, "How do you wear something that short?"

 

She replied, "Leggings."

 

From expierence, she was right, and it is the only way you can sit down (or even move)  while wearing a micro skirt.

 

JeffB, I recommend one for your consideration (but only with leggings and thigh boots).  If you're gonna show off your legs, there is no better way to do it.

 

TBG

[JeffB]

I will follow your advice. Since I only wear skirts on my outings, leggings with something as short as you described would indeed be essential.

[SkirtDude]

I will follow your advice. Since I only wear skirts on my outings, leggings with something as short as you described would indeed be essential.

black underwear would be fine with a skirt that short, black briefs. But for me, it's a little too daring. I think any skirt under 19 inches is too short for me, I would struggle to control it, though a naughty part of me still toys with the idea of a skater skirt... Kudos to you though! Looking forward to your next jaunt

[JeffB]

Kilty: Well, I would say that it takes a certain sort of mindset to wear a short skirt, but when you get right down to it, it's really no big deal. At least it isn't to me, having done so for years. As for that next jaunt:

 

Jaunt #236, 8/23/2014:
Not all of my little adventures as a freestyler can be enjoyed with perfectly pleasant weather, and this was such an example as it was cloudy, brisk, overcast and damp with occasional showers, and that brings up a motto which I employ when the weather is less than spectacular: “If the streets ain't dry, then my heels ain't high”. However, that doesn't preclude wearing flats which I did, but that was already planned as I'll explain shortly. Anyhoo, I headed out today in a black polo shirt, the 30 inch button down denim skirt in light stonewash that I bought from Sears, the Payless “Cori” wedge flats and my black Buxton bag, a nice, casual outfit tailor made for a Saturday.

My first stop was to my local comic book shop downtown, parking a block away, I got to enjoy a good little walk, meanwhile, I got nary a stare during my walk to the shop. After twenty or so minutes, including a lively little chat about Guardians of the Galaxy, I returned to the car and drove over into South Jersey to the Cherry Hill Mall, and the reason I wore flats with my conservative outfit. You see, over the years, I've worn heels to shopping malls several times, but under long jeans, but I've never strolled through a large mall in a skirt, until today. Hopping out of the car, I entered the mall through an anchor store, that being JCPenney and walked through the store and into the food court which was crowded, but no one paid me any attention as I went to Subway and bought a six inch tuna sandwich. After eating, I went to Penney’s where I bought a navy handbag and a pink tank top because, well, I wanted one.

 

Leaving the store, I decided to push the envelope and take a slow stroll through the entire mall, going from one end to the other at a slow, leisurely pace, I stopped at the Apple Store for a good twenty minutes, I even sat in a chair near the food court and fiddled with my smartphone for almost as many minutes, in clear view of passersby, and no one gave me so much as the time of day, despite how I was dressed, something I found rather surprising, I thought I'd get a few stares, odd looks, chuckles or giggles, but none of that happened. After spending well over an hour total in the mall, I left and headed down the road to the Moorestown Mall and Barnes & Noble where I spent a good half hour strolling the aisles, ignored here too before heading to the register with a Marvel trade paperback. My last stop of the day was to Sears for a little more shopping as I bought a killer new handbag before returning home.

 

All in all, this was one of the most satisfying outings I've enjoyed in quite some time, strolling through a major area shopping mall in a skirt, and nobody gave me a hassle, sort of like I thought would happen because of my theory that people are too wrapped up in their own lives and affairs to notice a guy in a skirt, but I wasn't entirely sure, so I was quite pleased when my expectation came to pass. Suddenly, I can't wait to do that again. More to come....

[Thighbootguy]

Great looking outfit JeffB!  I don't think you should be too surprised that "no one paid me any attention."  Why would a conservative, tasteful, outfit draw attention?

 

TBG

[SkirtDude]

Looking good!

[JeffB]

Great looking outfit JeffB!  I don't think you should be too surprised that "no one paid me any attention."  Why would a conservative, tasteful, outfit draw attention?

 

TBG

Well, I figured SOMEBODY would take at least a little notice. Perhaps I might try a slightly shorter hemline on my next experiment.

 

Looking good!

Thanks muchly for the kind words.

[JeffB]

Nice pics, Kilty! As for wearing more wedges, I'll see what I can do!

[JeffB]

Jaunt #237, 8/30/2014:
Just a short outing today since today marked the start of a brand new season of college football, and even though I didn't know who would be on ESPN around noon (turned out to be UCLA versus Virginia), I meant to get back in time to watch. I did have a particular errand to run in the morning as I had to ship off my old Verizon set top box and wireless router in favor of a new set up, so I headed out in a blue polo shirt, my six year old denim skirt which fits like a second skin and is extremely comfortable to wear, the Payless “Cori” wedge flats and my trust Buxton bag, nothing overtly flashy, just a plain, casual outfit for a casual outing.

I drove down to the nearest UPS Store which was in the University City area, finding a place to park little over half a block from the store, I hopped out with my old set top box equipment in a bag, fed the meter and walked to the store, passing by numerous college kids, none of whom paid me any mind. I wound up spending little over five minutes in the store as I dropped off the stuff and left, passing more kids who ignored just as had the first lot I encountered. From there, I headed downtown to my friendly neighborhood comic shop, as usual, parking was a tad sticky and it took some twenty minutes to find a spot nearly two blocks from the shop, but I didn't mind as that afforded me an opportunity to enjoy a little walk along with being seen, I did earn a couple of turned heads and a long stare, but nothing more than that.

After some twenty minutes in the shop, I headed back to the car, but, along the way, a car with two or three young guys who, upon seeing me as they passed, laughed and I think one of them even gave me a derisive wolf whistle. I didn't say anything and simply minded my business, a few seconds later, they were well down the street and out of view, no harm, no foul, but I did find it humorous to have gotten a wolf whistle, my very first I think. Life, after all, is chock full of firsts. After buying tonight's Powerball Lottery ticket from a newsstand, I headed back home as I had football to watch and I didn't want to be late. While this had been a short outing, it did have it's moments, as do all my little adventures which I treasure greatly. More to come....

[JeffB]

Jaunt #238, 9/6/2014:
Even though the calendar says September, it felt more like July yesterday because of stifling heat and humidity and bright sunshine, but that didn't stop me from heading out on a jaunt, garbed in a red campshirt, my black denim pencil skirt, the Payless “Cori” wedge flats and a black handbag. While it was quite hot, I felt comfortable in my skirt which made for a better clothing option than jeans or even shorts, and on days like this, comfort was most definitely the name of the game. My first stop of the day was downtown and my friendly neighborhood comic shop, having parked a block from the store, I put enough cash in the meter to last me well over an hour, I strolled to the shop, getting nary a stare, after some twenty minutes there, I left and headed down the street to Barnes & Noble in the Rittenhouse Square area.

The Square was plenty crowded with a farmers’ market, but again, I didn't get any attention. Going into the bookstore, I spent a good twenty minutes there before leaving with the latest Sports Illustrated which touted their 2014 NFL preview, and with the season in full swing tomorrow! I knew that would make for good reading. After mixing with the masses to check out the farmers’ wares, I headed back to my car and drove into South Jersey, heading straight to the Moorestown Mall area and Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Entering the store, I immediately caught the attention of a group of half a dozen young boys at the counter, probably no older than eight or nine and wearing what looked like soccer uniforms, they openly stared and gawked and one of them giggled, but I paid them no mind as I placed my order, but nothing more than that, however, as I walked to a booth and sat, I saw an overweight boy who was a little older than the soccer players stare quizzically at me from ten feet away. I found that mildly amusing. From there, I left and drove to the nearby Barnes & Noble (yes, I enjoy spending quality time there) and I spent nearly a most pleasurable hour reading sci-fi magazines before going to the check out counter with a couple of manga titles.

My last stop of the day was to the Cherry Hill Mall, but with the skies starting to darken due to an approaching cold front and the inevitable showers and/or thunderstorm that would accompany it, my stay there would be short as I wanted to visit the Apple Store. I parked near Macy’s and entered to the chaos of a women's shoe sale and the aisles were packed with shoppers, that was a good thing as that enabled me to blend in with the crowd. However, once in the more spacious area of the mall, I did attract a fair number of stares, second looks and turned heads, moreso than I anticipated, then again, maybe I should've. I would hazard to say the combination of the shorter skirt and the blatantly obvious purse was what got me noticed by onlookers, but it wasn't problematical, no one laughed, pointed fingers or whipped out smartphones to snap pictures (at least I don't think anyone did). Still, I handled it with my usual nonchalance as I went to the Apple Store and asked about the release date for the upcoming iPhone 6 which I'm kinda interested in, but the salesperson I chatted with had no information. No big deal, so I wandered about the store for about fifteen minutes, then returned the way I came, earning a few more stares along the way.

On the drive home, I mulled over my brief experience at Cherry Hill. While I was dressed casually for the day, I still attracted attention, well, that sort of thing is bound to happen for a freestyler and is something I've long since accepted. Still, to broaden my horizons by wearing skirts in shopping malls is a goal I've looked forward to undertaking, and I mean to make that experience work, and be enjoyable as well. More to come....

[Bubba136]

Nice outfit, Jeff! One reason you probably attracted more attention than usual could be because you were derssed better than most of the other shoppers circulating through the stores. Well dressed attractive people really stand out in crowds these days. It's only natural that people look more closely at things that catch their eye.

[JeffB]

Nice outfit, Jeff! One reason you probably attracted more attention than usual could be because you were derssed better than most of the other shoppers circulating through the stores. Well dressed attractive people really stand out in crowds these days. It's only natural that people look more closely at things that catch their eye.

Good point. I have to admit that hadn't occurred to me. Since I took the plunge to wear women's clothes from head to toe on my little adventures, I made it my number one priority to look my best, even when garbed in what I considered to have been a purely casual outfit. Being dressed nicely makes me feel good and gives me confidence to venture out in public, and that's something everyone here should take fully to heart.