High Street or on line fem shopping?

The past couple of days, I’ve been to two different shopping centres.

Both were packed.

Not a sign of the so-called "dying high street" that gets mentioned in the news although some other areas near by where business rates are silly have seen town centres left by the main high street shops which is sad to see - Out of town shopping centres a lot to answer for and town planners not thinking ahead.

It seems people are still heading into towns and cities to browse and buy, especially when there’s a bargain to be found.

Shops like Primark were absolutely buzzing.

It's no wonder—they're still offering fairly affordable fashion, even if prices have crept up a little bit lately - The Band t-shirts gone up from £10-£12 and things like that. Still a good price for an ACDC tShirt.

Cost of living rises, taxes, business rates... I imagine retailers are juggling a lot just to stay open. But the crowds are still there in some towns and cities where the Town planners got it right.

And yet, while I was there, something felt off.

I find it awkward shopping for fem things in person when I’m presenting as male, impossible if the kids are with us.

I’d love to walk into Primark, Matalan, New Look etc and just be in that space with my wife where I can say I like something and we buy it but that opportunity is rare.

I’m too busy looking like I’m not looking.

That’s why online shopping—places like Shein, Temu, Boohoo—has become such a safe and fun outlet for crossdressers and i suppose to some extent for women.

You can take your time.

Browse through pages of dresses, tops, tights, and shoes and save what you like into a basket if you're buying or not.

I’ve worn a few things from Shein and Boohoo before, so I know the quality is decent enough for me as a part time T-girl and I think If i were a woman and the fit works for me.

That makes it easier to buy with confidence.

That V-neck dress? I know it will suit my shape.

I can already imagine it with black tights and ankle boots or heels.

And truthfully, I’d love to sit down with my wife one evening and scroll through Shein together.

Just the two of us, looking at fashion we both like—from heels to hosiery, lingerie to dresses, skirts, and blouses. Laughing at some of the outrageous items, admiring others, and maybe choosing one or two things that catch both our eyes that we can purchase and share.

Maybe it’s something we’ll do soon, if the opportunity presents itself. Or maybe we’ll start more quietly—stealth-sharing links and screenshots on WhatsApp when something nice catches our eye.

Even that kind of low-key connection would mean a lot.

So yes, the high street may be busy—but it’s still not always made for someone like me.

Not unless I’m Davina and I've never been shopping properly as Davina - That one time in Tesco when away with work very self-concious...

Until then, my wardrobe grows from inheriting things my wife's thrown out and online carts

Do you and your partner share your femme fashion finds? I'd love to hear how others navigate this too—feel free to share in the comments or email me privately.

Davina