Angy's Shopping Experience

So! This was it. I was about to put weeks of planning, anticipation and, now, excitement to the test. I was, unfortunately, a bit late on the time I had agreed with Josie and was feeling slightly embarrassed in case I had kept her waiting. I had wanted to walk from the Liverpool Street Station to Adam and Eve but time was against me and so I took a taxi from King’s Cross.

I stepped out, paid the fare and looked for the purple door. It’s just on the corner with a small, ‘Adam and Eve’ sign over a bell push. I pressed the bell and was let in. Down the stairs and I meet Josie and Terri for the first time. I felt immediately at home and we started talking about anything and everything to do with the girl who is Angy.

Josie had got an idea of my size (about 16) and what kind of look I wanted from the discussion we had had on the ‘phone a few days earlier.


I wanted to go shopping in Oxford Street, buy some ‘glam’ clothes and shoes for an evening date I had already arranged, then come back to change into my male attire to go and check in at my hotel. I planned to return to have a more ‘tarty’ makeover, dress in the newly bought clothes and shoes, try a different wig, and then out for my date. First problem! I had misunderstood about the time that A & E normally close. This is usually by 6pm I had thought it was later. This put all my timings out since I would not be able to fit all I wanted to do in the time.

First challenge! Josie asked me what hotel I was staying in. ‘Why not check in dressed?’ she suggested. ‘What? I’ll never get away with that!’ When I told her I was staying at the Thistle Barbican; she explained that they really were very TV friendly – they see it all the time. I said I would decide after I had seen myself fully dressed and made-up.

Clothes were chosen which were feminine but sensible for day wear. The boots in particular had nice pointy toes and a reasonably high heel. (I would be glad that I took Josie’s advice on not too high a heel when I had been walking for a while!!) I had to wear stockings and suspenders though


Next I bought some ‘breast-forms’ because I wanted to go bra-less on my date (beside which I had always wanted some). Josie supervised and assisted my dressing with some help from Terri with my boots. We chatted all the time and I felt that all advice they gave was both supportive and confidence boosting. Josie then applied a ‘light look’ make-up and then place a blonde wig on my head. Wow! I liked what I saw. I stepped out of the make-up booth and admired myself in the long mirrors. I finished the ensemble with my own long black coat just as Josie announced that the taxi had arrived. Was I going to the hotel? No doubt about it now – yes!

Almost in a dream I climbed the stairs, carrying my overnight bag, and followed Josie out of the door and onto the street. The taxi driver had opened the boot and I put my holdall in. As Josie got in one side I got in the other, desperately trying to keep my legs together and look ladylike! As we drove to the hotel we both chatted and it seemed like a most natural situation to me.


15 mins later we pulled under the archway at the hotel. Deep breath Angy! This is it! I got out and paid the taxi driver – he said, ‘Thank you madam’ and drove off. Josie and I went in the door and realised after some walking around we were in the wrong part of the hotel. So we have to go out through the doors and across to the other side to the reception area. There are a few people about but no one seems to take the slightest notice of us as I waited to be called forward by one of the receptionists. After what seems like a lifetime, she called me forward and I explain who I am. Not a flicker of surprise. She checks me in – asks me if I need help with the luggage (which I decline) – and wishes me a pleasant stay. That’s it!! – I leave Josie in the lobby while I go up in the lift to my room. There is a woman staring back at me as I enter – it’s my reflection!

First blonde moment! I get the room number about face and try to enter the wrong room! I ask (honest!) the chambermaid where my room actually is but she is not sure and goes off to look with another girl. They find it and then attract my attention by calling out ‘miss it’s over here!’ Finally, I let myself into the room and go ‘Yes!’

A couple of minutes to have a call of nature and to squirt on some perfume that I had forgotten about in my bag. Out the door, down in the lift and then rejoin Josie who can see that I am very pleased with myself. ‘Happy to walk to get the bus to Oxford Street?’ she asks. ‘Or shall I get a taxi again?’ No contest! This girl’s for walking and getting the bus.

Off we go down the street to find the bus stop for shops. Second blonde moment! I have left my Travelcard, which I had bought earlier, in my male attire back at A & E. Not a problem I give Josie some money and she leaves me at the bus stop while she goes to a shop and buys another. While she’s gone I look at my reflection in the shop window and like what I see. People pass and appear to take no notice as I stand gazing at the adverts on the bus shelter wall. Josie returns and takes a photo of me looking in my purse. The bus comes and we board with some other people. The bus is quite full and so we stand at the foot of the stairs as people move alongside us. I am entirely happy and I think I was grinning such was my delight at being able to feel so comfortable.

Eventually, we arrive at Oxford Circus and we head for Debs. By now I am confident that I can do just about anything so we head for the ladieswear (including stepping on to the escalator in my heels!) and start looking for a dress for the evening. Almost at once we see something we both think is just the job but in order to be sure we continue to look at all the likely clothes that might also do. No it is the best one so I go and choose some shoes. I buy two pairs which are both stunning with four inch heels then we head back to buy the dress. Another photo to prove that I have actually achieved another milestone

By this time we both could use a sit down so we go for a coffee and a bun. Josie goes and gets them while I sit down and take the weight of my feet. (Thanks for suggesting not wearing anything with a much higher heel Josie!) We have our photo taken by one of the assistants and as we get up I have my third blonde moment. ‘Have I stood on part of the chair?’ – ‘no you numpty its your heels – doh!’

A couple more photos at Debs doorway and then a ten minute walk back to the bus stop to return to A & E. A girl smiles at me as I walk down the street – it seems like a ‘good for you’ kinda smile and I smile back.

We’ve timed it right and get a seat. Fourth blonde moment – I’ve lost the dress I have just bought! – Josie is ready to go back when I find the bag by my feet!!


We chat on the way back and I feel entirely happy with the days outing. Back at A & E and time is getting on; but bless them Josie and Terri stay on till well after 7 to get me ready for my date.

I remove the daywear – have a shower, while Josie looks for a wig for me to buy for the evening. Fifth blonde moment – I have left my own waist clincher back in my bag at the hotel. Very kindly Josie agrees to lend me one provided I return it the following day.

Terri and Josie apply the breasts using the special medical adhesive. They were great before – they’re fabulous now! I dress in my purchases and, after some debate, chose which shoes will be the best for the outfit and a walk around town.

Night-time make-up is applied with false eyelashes and plenty of eyeliner for that sexy look! The wig Josie chooses is stunning and I parade up and down while Terri takes some more photos of me. Josie has to go – she has a home to go to like us all! But Terri stays on to see me to the taxi that has been booked to take me back to the hotel. I say my goodbye and walk, this time on my own, to the taxi which is waiting. I climb in and am driven through night-time London back to the Thistle. I feel like a real girl as I get out at the hotel and walk through the foyer to the lifts. ‘Just how great is this I think to myself?’


As I approach the lift a man who has just checked in stands to the side to let me enter first – I thank him and ask which floor he wants – it is the one before mine and I press the button for him. As he leaves he says ‘thanks – have a nice evening!’ As it happens the evening doesn’t work out quite as well as I had planned; ‘men!’ but that’s another story.

‘So how was it for me?’ I think you will have guessed it was, without any doubt, the best day of my TV life. If you want to try for yourself then A & E can make it happen. A few things though: Remember that, unless you are very fortunate with your size and build, you are a man dressed as a woman. You may well fool some, none or lots of people or you may not – don’t worry because nobody really takes any notice either way. You stand the best chance of being accepted if you take A & E’s advice. Five inch heels and tarty make-up can work in the evening but don’t go out in the daylight like that unless you are ultra convincing – most real women save the glam stuff for later!

Finally, remember that A & E is a business – not a charity! (And no I don’t work for them or have shares in the company!) Their rates reflect their need to cover their overheads so expect to pay for their time and expertise.

Will I be going shopping in London again dressed as Angy – stupid question!