As far as the jeans issue ... Wrangler relaxed cut $16.59 at Target.
Thats all I got - lol.

If you're going to shave your legs, use one like 'venus' if you get them over there. Make sure you still use plenty of soap or shaving cream though, even though they suggest you don't need it.

alternatively, get your legs waxed when you get your brows done. :)

Ib, I need to tell you too, Mav (Mr 14 almost 15) had his brows waxed the other day when I had a beauty party at my place. If you still have reservations about going into a salon and doing it, I hope this helps with your nerves. I meant to tell you about it at the time, but somehow it slipped my mind.

Bic make excellent pens and lighters. I wonder why their razors don't make par.

Ladies, let me tell you, men's clothing is just the same, well cut for an ideal body, awkward for the other 95% of us.

Ibica, regarding the lack of hips: me too!! Never had 'hips' as such. Always loved the look of hipster jeans on other girls, never able to wear them as hipsters m'self, on account of the lack of discernible hip.

And obviously, any style of clothing relying on a cleavage effect is a non-starter for me too :p

Welcome to the sisterhood, babes.

Now off you go and get yourself an eating disorder and a lifelong compulsion to please everyone around you and you're all set!

:p

Joking aside: your particular situation is obviously going to magnify the impact of some of these things in subtle ways. Drawing the line between what is gender dysmorphic and what is the ordinary day to day self criticism/loathing/consciousness that is being a woman might be difficult at times.

Though, men seem to be running up behind us on this track. The days when men could just throw on whatever was clean and consider they'd done their sartorial duty for the day are fast disappearing. And whilst being an unattractive woman is still more frowned on by society than being an unattractive man, the cracks are starting to show.

They've been showing, you're just noticing now.

Can't. Look. Away.

Caught. In. The. Glare.

Lies.

And "clean" is a relative term.

Doesn't anyone use electric any more?

Norelco all the way. Close shave, no nicks. The dry shave is mildly irritating to the skin, but after you are done, you just splash a little cold water on your face, and it's fine. It's faster and just as close. I haven't shaved with a blade in 25 years or more.

Electric are much cheaper and better for the environment too, because you aren't using any hot water, and the amount of current they draw is minimal. No supplies to buy. Nothing to throw away. The cost of the razor pays for itself in like 6 months.

You have seen my profile pics. Have you ever thought: "that glatt has a poorly shaved face?" The only trick with the electric is that sometimes you need to pull slightly on the skin to get the hairs to stand up straight as you pass over them with the electric.

You can get the $30 corded one, or spring for the $60 cordless that you can walk around with while you shave. You need to charge it once a week, though.

I am with you Glatt! My husband is cheap and hacks[ed] his face up all the time. For his birthday I bought him a Norelco. Going to social events with his face dripping blood scares the crap out of people. I dunno how it shaves legs.

IBS save your cash and get a No No, hair gone for 6 weeks at a time would be fabulous. ;)

Electrics don't work on my legs...hair is too baby fine

Ibby, welcome to the sisterhood. You have just hit on one of the thorny topics that never quite seems to get resolved.

I highly recommend a lubricated multi-blade razor and lots of hot water. Shave your legs in the bath AFTER soaking for a while, but before you prune up. Use soap, not shaving cream. Fresh, sharp razors are better than old ones. If money is an issue, try this.

If your skin can stand it, I use Nair For Men (never use the women's kind; the Ph is not your Ph and will burn). Follow the directions on the bottle and do not deviate. This is important. The lotion will also soften your skin as a side-benefit and the smoothness will last longer (I get at least a week before I feel stubble).

A lot of us late-bloomers use a depilator. I know, it hurts and it torture to use. I recommend the enjoi Optima. Use on hair that is more than 1/16 but less than 1/4 inch long.

If hormones are in your future, be advised that most of your body hair will become very fine (vellous) and mostly invisible over the course of time. Not your face though :( That, you need to treat with electrolysis and/or laser.

Hormones also change your body's distribution of fat, giving you curves, although you will always have narrow hips.

I am full of these little secrets, all you have to do is ask!

Take care

Pamela

This is what I've been using from the very beginning. Disposable razors are absurd.

Also, Mr. Clod uses an electric too, and would never, ever consider switching to real blades. I've never tried it myself, but he uses a pre-shave to soften the hair (Nivea for Men moisturizing shave gel) and then moves it in lots of very small circles all over his face until it's magically done.

Sorry, I disagree - I've tried several electric razors. FAIL. They don't even dent my facial hair.
MY son uses one because he is afraid of using a regular blade. It takes him at least 15 mins to shave with it and he still looks rough when done. I always have to touch him up afterward.
AFTER using one, I look like most men BEFORE they shave.
I've gone with a beard from the chin line up for the past couple years out of sheer economics.
I only shave my neck now. Otherwise I'll go through too many blades.
^^^WSS^^^

The answer:



Works on radio, too, for those of us who have delicate sensibilities.



Ibram, you've come a long way, baby.

Moonlight?