The Long-Awaited GORGEOUS Dress!

I promised to take a few photos in the dress my friend Gail gave me. I only liked one of the photos I took, and I didn't really like that one by much, but here it is:

The photo doesn't really convey how beautiful this dress is. I'm sorry about that! To make up for it, here are some leg pics...

For the first pic, I had layered a pair of black glossy pantyhose over a pair of even glossier nude pantyhose. The result, while slippery as can be (the black ones kept sliding down!) was underwhelming...

So I took off the black sliders and just took a photo with the SUPER glossy Super Lucido 10's (I reviewed them in a recent post). Bada bing...

So there you have it! The GORGEOUS and my obsession with photographing my legs (and pedicure) in glossy hosiery. I'm going to run off and be silly elsewhere now.

Wait! Where did November Go?

Sorry I've been so scarce!

I realize the readership of this blog is very low. Like single digits low. I blog here more for the catharsis it provides - getting things off my chest and out in the open. However, for those precious few of you who actually read this blog, I sincerely apologize for not posting for the past few weeks.

The high from venturing out with my mom and aunt has faded, and I'm looking for more. I'd really like to get out to the local gay-friendly club this Saturday to see my favorite drag performer strut her stuff. Of course, I'd love to strut mine as well! Money may be tight, though, so it may not really be possible.

In either event, I'd really like to get Marika out of the house and into the big world for at least a night.

Honestly, I've been looking for an excuse to wear the gorgeous dress my friend (I call her Gale here, not her real name) gave me back in September. I'll have to take a few photos of the dress (preferably with me in it) to give you an idea of why I gush over it so.

Of course, I'm still working on my makeup skills, with mixed results. I fiddled with my cheap-ass eye shadow last week and rather liked the results, but had to quickly wipe it all off because my beloved Larissa (also not her real name) was due home any moment, so I didn't take any photos. I've been trolling Facebook Marketplace for decent eye shadow palettes, with some success. There is a lady selling 5 palettes for less than $20 total (and a couple of them are pretty high-end), which I tried to buy last week, but the lady was out of town. If she still has them when I'm off work on Thursday, I'm going to buy them and probably use them up practicing. What's money for if you don't enjoy what you spend it on?

News, everybody!

My hat's off to you if you got the Futurama reference. If you didn't, don't sweat it. Anyway, I have an appointment with a new doctor on Thursday (29 November), and I've decided that I'm going to wear whatever the hell I like to the appointment. What's more, we have carpet cleaners coming over later the same day, and I'm not going to change just for the carpet guy. If he doesn't like what I'm wearing, he can just stick to cleaning the carpet. If he does like what I'm wearing, well, he can just stick to cleaning the carpet. I'm not paying him to ogle me and shower me with compliments. I am, however, highly susceptible to flattery, and such compliments might just result in a generous gratuity...

Back to the doctor thing! I've read many accounts of my crossdressing sisters going to see their physicians with polish on their toes or wearing pretty panties, often surprised that the medical professionals are unfazed by such things. I don't recall reading any accounts of similar meetings while wearing overtly feminine clothes. My intention, on Thursday, is to wear a dress or skirt and glossy pantyhose (of course with cute girly panties), along with obviously feminine footwear and jewelry. I'll also include some lip gloss, maybe some blush and eyeliner / shadow if I'm feeling really provocative. This is basically the mode in which I'm comfortable presenting myself to the world at large. I've ventured out into "public" many times dressed this way. I've drawn a few looks and a giggle or two, but it's comfortable for me, so the opinions of others slide off my back like water off a duck.

Why would the staff at the clinic even care? I'm not there for a makeover and they're not there to critique my outfit (God the stuff I wear in "male" mode would probably draw stronger critique), so all's good, right?

I'll try to remember to post an update after the doctor visit and after the carpet cleaner leaves. I may even ask the doctor or nurse to snap a few shots of me in my femme finery, just for you, my dear readers.

Out With Mom

My mom offered to take Marika to lunch last week, and even offered to help with my makeup if I wanted. It's tough to pass up an offer like that!

So I got all dolled up (well as dolled up as I know how to get) and off I went to mom's house. My aunt joined us and we headed to the local Latin / Asian fusion restaurant.

The restaurant was very nice, but pretty empty. Our server, Jeeta, went out of her way to call us all "ladies" several times, which was a bit strange for me, but really sweet (her tip reflected my appreciation). The food was good, the company was excellent and we all finished up and left without incident.

After dropping my mom off, I decided to join my aunt for a few errands around town. We drove to a few home improvement stores, enjoying the stares and confused looks we got from the other customers. Even though I got a few odd looks, there were no problems and everything went quite well.

Okay, enough of the blah blah blah...you want to see photos? Right on...

I even changed outfits just to see how my makeup job would look with it...

Hosiery Review - Cecilia de Rafael Eterno Super Lucido 10

I haven't done a hosiery review in a long time, and for that I apologize. I've tried a few new brands and styles of tights / pantyhose since the last review, including Gipsy Metallic tights from the UK. I promise I'll give them a review later on, but for now...

Cecilia de Rafael Eterno Super Lucido 10

Cecilia de Rafael, based in Spain, has had a huge role in defining European luxury hosiery in recent years. Their Eterno line rivals the grand dame of the glossy tights world, Platino Cleancut 15. In fact, it's been my experience that certain shades of Eterno tights out-gloss certain shades of Cleancuts, but I digress. Cecilia de Rafael has become a major contender in the glossy pantyhose marketplace.

Earlier this year, CdR released a thinner version of their Eterno Super Lucido line, this time in 10 denier rather than the previously available 20 denier. The company claimed that the 10 denier version is equal in gloss and slipperiness to their Super Lucido 20's.

I purchased a pair in the shade "Dore" from Simply Classic Hosiery (use code "SHINY" for 25% off!)

Here's my review...

The Basics

Cecilia de Rafael Eterno Super Lucido 10's are a 10-denier, glossy sheer-to-waist pantyhose. They have no gusset, no waistband and sheer toes. They are offered in 6 sizes and 5 different shades. They are manufactured in Spain and sold worldwide.

Fit

My previous experience with Cecilia de Rafael hosiery was that it fit somewhat loosely. I'm 5'8" tall and weigh just under 200 lbs, so I always opt for the largest size available. With the Eterno 15's and the Super Lucido 20's, I had no problem getting into the tights, but had to adjust (read: "pull up") them rather often, which is no fun. With these Super Lucido 10's, it was more of a challenge to get my feet and legs into them (the panty fit without a problem), but once they were situated, they stayed up quite well. The toe seams were unforgiving -- Once my foot was in the tights, no amount of tugging or gentle persuasion would get those darn toe seams to stay where they belonged. While this is a minor gripe, it can become quite uncomfortable after wearing them for a few hours with a pair of heels.

Finish

The reason people buy this sort of pantyhose (at least my main reason) is the gloss / shine of them. Glossy legs draw attention and look sexy, and this pair of tights is an excellent example of that. My Super Lucido 20's didn't seem to have this much shine to them when I first tried them. These babies look like glass on my legs! Check it out:

Observations

Though the Super Lucido 10's are only half as thick as their 20-denier contemporaries, I didn't really notice it. They didn't feel ultra sheer to me. That's not a problem, but I thought they'd feel thinner or lighter in some way.

Conclusion

These tights are EXCELLENT. Seriously! If you like shiny pantyhose, these are a MUST HAVE! I haven't owned them long enough to know if they're as resilient as the Eterno 15's or the Super Lucido 20's, but I have a feeling they are. To give you an idea, I bought my first pair of Eterno 15's about 2 years ago, and they still look brand new, even though I've worn them several times and have a history of being a bit rough on my hosiery. The price I paid for my Eterno's (about $15 US per pair) is well worth the many wearings I've enjoyed from them.

New Dress(es)!

A couple weeks ago, Larissa asked me to order her a Halloween costume from Walmart's website, since I have a Walmart credit card and she doesn't. No problem. I'll just order the costume and be done with it...

Wait a minute, Walmart has dresses on clearance? Woah, horsey! Let's take a look...

Well isn't that cute? I've been looking for some new dresses lately, and this one looks super comfy...

Oh, that's just darling! I've never worn a "cold shoulder" dress or top before, and the price is quite reasonable!

So I bought Larissa's costume and scooped up a couple new dresses to go with it. The red one fits perfectly and is every bit as comfy as I thought it would be. The blue one is a bit tight, but I love it, so I'll have to wear some sort of shapewear with it.

Though I've tried both dresses, I haven't taken any photos of myself wearing them. I'm working on my makeup skills and trying to find / style a wig that I like. When I'm happy with those things, I'll post plenty of photos in these and other dresses (including the one Gail gave me the night we went to the drag performance...OMG it's SOOOO gorgeous!)

Sorry I haven't posted many updates lately. I've been going through some serious depression and grappling with some relationship issues. Rest assured that things are shaping up and my mental state is 180° from what it was a week or so ago.

Thanks for reading! Please share this blog with anyone you think would enjoy it!

XOXO
Marika

More Makeup Practice

Day Off!

After an overnight stay in Milwaukee for a Metallica performance, I found myself at home alone with some time on my hands. So I pulled out all my makeup (not a huge collection, but enough for a beginner) and set to work trying to look feminine, but not like a clown.

Here are the results, along with a shot of today's outfit. How did I do?

I rather like this wig, don't you?

My glasses cover up the dark area under my eyes well, but they also obscure my eye makeup.

I went to the quickie mart dressed like this. Aside from some looks from the cashier, it wasn't a big deal.

I feel like I'm doing alright with my makeup so far, but without some coaching, I won't be able to move beyond the basic look. I'd like to learn to do winged eyeliner and cut creases and the like, but for now I'm happy that I don't look like the poor girl in the photo above.

Feel free to comment!

Time Flies, but Flies Can't Tell Time

Has it really been over a month since I posted? Bad! Bad Marika! LOL

Things have settled into a rather dull routine since my outing to the drag performance. I haven't gone out fully "done up" since. However, I have purchased 2 new wigs, a bunch of makeup and yet another pair of the addictive Gipsy Metallic tights, this time in Fuscia. In fact, I've taken a few photos of my first attempt at doing my own makeup, and whaddya know, the fuscia tights and both wigs are pictured! Wanna see?

Not the best makeup job, I know. From the photos, I can barely tell I'm wearing any makeup, though I spent the better part of an hour slathering it on. It's better than slathering too much and looking like a party clown, so no hurt feelings. I'm really looking forward to improving my makeup skills. I know it won't happen overnight, but when it does happen, look out, world!

I actually got a compliment on these wedge booties from another member at Crossdressers.com. I also was asked why my dress looks so "bumpy". I was trying out a new pair of hip & butt padded undies, along with a waist cincher and a bra. I can see where the bumpiness comes into play. I think what I need to find next is some sort of spandex tank top to smooth out my look. Any suggestions?

Tomorrow is my day off! Hooray for tomorrow! Of course, I have to work the following 3 days afterwards, but the payoff is going to see Metallica with my sibs on Tuesday night. Holy crap, is it only 5 days away? I'm so excited! I've loved Metallica since I was just a boy...err girl(?). Anyway, I digress. Tomorrow is my day off. That means Marika gets out of her drab cage and gets to go out into the world. The world may never recover.

It gets better! Marika has a mission! Our car's registration expires at the end of the month. Uber believes it expires in 4 days. If I don't get that registration renewed before then, Uber won't let me drive until I prove to them it's current. No problemo! Tomorrow, I'll take Larissa to work, keeping the car (it's her daily driver), then run home, get all dolled up (maybe even with makeup!) and sashay my fancy butt down to the local DMV office. As fun as that sounds, it's doubtful that even a man in a dress, wig, heels and (crappy) makeup could liven that place up. Truthfully, I probably won't wear makeup. I'm in far too dire need of practice to attempt an outing without Brenda's help. So no makeup, and probably no wig, either. The dress, pantyhose, heels and earrings, however, are an absolute lock.

I've recently come to realize that I don't own nearly enough dresses, and the ones I do own are mostly floor-length. So, after the depression party at the DMV, I'm off to the local thrift shops in search of new and shorter dresses! If I find any cute tops, I'll probably buy them, especially if they're on some sort of clearance sale.

After that, I'll probably go home, change into my drab male clothes, meet Larissa for lunch, change back into Marika's glam clothes, do a bit more shopping or hang out with Brenda. Typical day off stuff. Marika won't see the light of day again until next Wednesday, so I hope I can pack a lot into a short period of time.