Check-Up #43

Just as a quick addendum to my last post as I thought I would do an update about some other stuff. I've bought some new skirts recently just in time for the hot weather. A nice red maxi one which I'm currently wearing, a black pleated maxi and a knee length denim one with a nice pattern on the bottom. I also bought a nice green dress which is exactly the same as a red one I bought last year. Now I just need a chance to wear them. I was also called 'Miss' in the street recently which was slightly weird considering I was wearing my work suit. I can't deny it cheered me up a bit. 

I also bought some new Star Trek cosplay recently - a blue TOS era dress to match my red one and a yellow SNW era one. Neither of which I've coveted much but one of the cosplay websites had a special offer on which I couldn't resist. Both fit wonderfully as well. I also see that Loungefly have bought out a new Tricorder inspired bag which I may have to purchase. As the new Supergirl has been released this weekend seeing lots of cosplayers online makes me which I had bought that costume last year after all although I still intend to.  

To end with, a couple of links to some stuff I've been enjoying recently: 

1. I don't need to tell you how great Evie Hyde is at this stage but I've really been enjoying her most recent stories featuring Lexi the Gen-Z Genie who is a wonderful character. There are three so far featuring Lexi's brand of twisted wishes helping us oldies 'understand' the younger generation: Gen-Z Genie

2. Many moons ago I used to be on DeviantArt and recently I've been looking back in on it. Now if you've been reading this for a while you'll know how much I like Quantum Leap and that it was a formative show for me that very much stoked my interest in gender swaps. One of the stock scenes in each episode was when Sam Beckett looked into a mirror to see the person he had leaped into well the artist Tharzog has created a number of these scenes which put Sam into numerous other bodies and characters from pop culture. I've really been enjoying their work recently so if this may interest you then please take a look: Tharzog's Gallery 

 

The Model

 Last time I said that I was going to be doing a photoshoot the following weekend, well I did and I really enjoyed it. Turning up early in the morning to an unfamiliar place with two big bags of clothes was a bit nerve wracking but once everything got going I was fine. It wasn't exactly a full feminisation process (which I never expected) but more like a normal photoshoot except that before I went in a make-up artist fully did my make-up for me which wasn't full drag or anything but I had some foundation, lipstick, mascara and eyeshadow. I even had my hair curled a little bit. 

I bought a number of cosplays with me and a few dresses hoping to do at least one in something non-costumey. First up was a lovely summery blue dress with flowers on I have worn only once to a wedding reception. I did have a photo of it already but it wasn't the most flattering (no shade on the photographer of course) but this time when I put it on and looked at myself in the mirror with my hair and make-up done, well, I just couldn't believe how lovely I looked. I will also add I didn't use any enhancements like breastforms, hip pads or a gaff so it was just my own body which, incidentally, I shaved so much the night before. We went through 3 more costumes, which someone had pressed and hung up for me which was very nice and it was a bit of a rush in the end as we went over time but I've rarely had such an adrenalin rush at least these days. I've not done much work with photographers as a proper cosplay model and with my anxiety I always feel that if I'm given direction then I'm doing something wrong but of course not everyone hits a perfect pose every time and even if you're a pro you don't know what the photographer wants to achieve. 

It wasn't until I had finished that I realised that I had been treated like any other girl in regards to the poses and positions I was asked to do. The positions of my feet, holding flowers to my chin, crossing my legs in certain places, smoothing out my skirts, positioning my hands etc. I just went with it at the time but now I've thought about it, it was really great of them to do that. I think I learned a few new things too. I admit I felt rather nervous discussing what I wanted to wear and also confirming that they do deal with more diverse individuals. I never really considered myself to be LGBTQ+ but as I explore my dressing more I realise I must be on the acronym somewhere. If I need any sewing work done one of the first things I do is to check how LGBTQ+ friendly the person/company are. 

So anyway, yes, I had a really enjoyable day and a lovely set of photos.