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INTRODUCTION
The world of femininity is yours to explore during
our private, comfortable, confidential and elegant transformation
and education Salons for gentlemen.
Especially for those new to cross-dressing, but
also for those from all segments of the gender community wishing
to update their image and refine the techniques of makeup application
and skincare, our three-hour Salons are completely private. We are
delighted to serve both individual clients, as well as couples with
the significant other or wife in attendance.
Over the past several years we have offered our
Salons, we have been consistently gratified by the positive client
response to our gentle approach. Therefore, we strongly encourage
those who are a bit hesitant in considering our Salon to inquire
further, based upon the information presented below. A quick telephone
call to us at (415) 585-0760 (please leave a message if we are not
in), to discuss your concerns and interests, will prove us to be
friendly, responsive and considerate of your confidentiality needs
and personal desires.
To participate in a Salon and begin or advance
an exploration of your feminine self, is to advance the process
of becoming more fully human and integrated as a person in your
business, personal and spiritual life. But let one of our recent
clients express it in his own words:
"You said that you thought I would begin
to feel better and better about the new me and that this exploration
would make all things more enjoyable. You are so intuitive. Things
are so much more pleasurable."
Our life at ROMANTASY is especially blessed and
made more pleasurable by the opportunity our clients give us to
serve and learn from them.
OUR UNIQUE PHILOSOPHY AND METHOD
ROMANTASY's special approach is to work with
you to co-create from the inside out, a comfortable, feminine and
elegant look and feel for either a day or evening appearance. While
we are able to create a "far-out" fantasy look for our
experienced clients, for beginning or intermediate clients, we prefer
to enhance your natural personality and simply bring out an elegant
beauty that feels comfortable to you.
We not only "do" but also teach at
the same time, so that you can later practice and implement what
you learn at the Salon. We believe that if something is worth doing,
it is worth doing right, and being able to do yourself. Thus, we
encourage you after the Salon to take the time and pay the proper
amount of attention that your feminine self deserves to express
her most beautiful self.
You may choose to arrive en femme, or arrive
in a business suit and bring your clothes with you to change into,
or request that we prepare a selection of feminine outfits, accessories,
wigs and makeup/skincare products for your shopping pleasure that
evening.
A confidential questionnaire will be sent to
you in advance, once you book and deposit a reservation fee, to
help us tailor-make the evening to meet your particular interests
and experience level. Please call for your reservation date and
booking fee. (415) 585-0760
SALON STAFF
ROMANTASY owner Ann Grogan will design the Salon for you, and select
the proper additional consultant from our staff to provide makeup,
wig styling or hair care services, eyebrow waxing and sometimes,
nails.
Our consultants include:
Monica Molton brings 15 years of experience in Hollywood and most
recently, at major San Francisco hair and makeover salons. Her
expertise revolves around both hair and makeup services, with
special focus on creating illusions through sophisticated and subtle
contouring techniques. Her skill level and results are
extraordinary. ROMANTASY frequently books Monica to provide
professional makeup for our corset models such as those seen here.
Advanced clients as well as novices would particularly appreciate
Monica's knowledgeable approach, sophistication, and her fun-loving
nature.
We are very pleased to announce as of May, 1999, the addition of TWO
very talented makeup artists. One is a former Miss Gay Arizona,
Miles K. Miles works as a representative for Borghese Cosmetics and
we cannot speak highly enough about his talent with feminizing the
male face. The other is Kristine Burget, owner of a Hair Salon in
the popular Soma area of San Francisco. She's our corset client, one
of Ann's main hairdressers as well, and a bubbly personality who
will make you feel right at home!
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| Introducing Miles K. (former
Miss Gay Arizona) and Harmony. |
And here is Mile's Magic
on Harmony -- pretty glamorous! |
Yet another great "look"
on Harmony, compliments of Miles K. |
Our second new addition is Emma, or David W.,
a well known chanteuse who entertained the Second Annual Corset
Celebration that ROMANTASY sponsored at the Bedford Hotel a few
years ago. David also loves wearing our reversible Point Counter
Point cincher and may be modeling for our fall catalog! You might
also see David advising customers at the Laura Mercier counter in
a well-known San Francisco department store!
Mary Jo Lassin occasionally travels from Los
Angeles to join Ann in makeover services, specializing in both glamour
and daywear looks. She can provide wig styling tips as well as makeup
tips. Her present work involves both theater and stage actors, plus
private clients. You will enjoy Mary Jo's rapid work, no-nonsense
approach and high energy style.
You may now request Salon assistance with your
choice of artists, and some students have even benefitted from separate
sessions with two artists, since each has his or her unique style.
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| Mary Jo prepares
custom-blended foundation for "Dana" |
"Dana"
after -- Mary Jo's magic! |
"Dana"
as a blonde -- smashing! |
SEVEN BASIC TOPICS
You may choose three of the seven salons listed
below:
1. Creating the feminine figure by corseting
2. The art of feminine movement and gesture
3. The etiquette of dining, entertaining and serving
4. Feminizing your visual image
5. Basic fashion styles and color analysis
6. Transforming into your femme self (1A)
7. Updating your personal feminine style (1B, for advanced clients)
You will benefit from a 10% discount on products
if you choose to purchase anything at the Salon or within a few
days after. And you will receive a special gift that evening to
memorialize the experience and record the information. Registration
fee for evening: $400.
MAKEUP APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
For special occasions such as a party or going
to the theater or opera, you may want to look your very best with
flawless, appropriate and more complex makeup. Thus, we also offer
our straight makeup application service. This service does not including
instruction in products, application or colors, all of which are
typically covered only in the full Salon.
Again, we meet in our private, comfortable San
Francisco location with easy street parking, and we offer refreshments
as well. You may request a male or female makeup artist with advance
reservation and deposit of $50 (non refundable if you do not cancel
or re-schedule 48 hours before your appointment):
- A simple day or evening look created in about one hour --
$150.
- A more glamorous evening look created in about 1.5 hours --
$185-200.
may include eyelashes, rhinestones, glitter, high fashion eye
colors, complex contouring, some brow shaping or
creation of new eyebrow arch using wax foundation to
disguise natural brow line) -
- Opportunity with either makeup service to change into your
evening wear before or after the makeup -- $25.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
We also offer the following services: shopping,
accompaniment to a CD or regular lounge after the Salon, or afternoon
tea.
If you wish us to accompany you out to a lounge
after the Salon, we are happy to add an additional hour to your
Salon for a small fee. In addition, on another day we can provide
a 2-4 hour shopping expedition, or plan to share afternoon high
tea at the Sheraton Palace Hotel or a cozy Victorian tea room in
our neighborhood.
HOTELS NEAR BY:
Beck Motor Lodge, 2222 Market, 621-8212
Ramada Plaza Hotel, Civic Center, 1231 Market, 626-8000
(close to downtown with underground BART system entrance at front
door, then four short stops to Romantasy location)
Savoy Hotel, 580 Geary Street, 441-2700
(near theater and downtown district, with $14 taxi ride, or short
walk to BART then four stops to Romantasy)
Best Western Civic Center, 9th Street and Harrison Street, 621-2826
(close to downtown with short walk to BART then four stops to Romantasy)
HOW TO BOOK A SALON
We require at least a one-week advance notice
and a completed confidential questionnaire, to book a Salon. We
prefer at least two weeks notice, if possible. You may call us after
12 noon PST daily except for Mondays at 415-585-0760, or fax us
at the same number (call first) to obtain a brochure, or to book
a Salon, shopping expedition, or request that certain products be
made available at your Salon. We will discuss the final fee for
your total Salon, depending upon your choices of services. Once
a deposit of $100 is paid to reserve a Salon appointment, there
can be no refund, only a re-scheduling of the Salon with 48-hr.
advance notice (otherwise another $100 deposit will be required
to re-schedule).
TESTIMONIALS
| From
"Brie" (novice):
(Before Salon) "I
know that I will entrust myself to you and your staff completely.
Although I just met you on the phone I do feel as if I have
known you. You seem so kind and you have been so helpful.
You convey a sense of happiness and pleasure in who you are,
what you are, and in what you do, and you seem to enjoy sharing
those good feelings. I have never done what we are contemplating
(the salon)....I am, because of you and how you relate so
comfortable with people. Thank you." Lynnwood,
Wa 10/98 |
Monica defines eyebrows on "Brie" |
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(After two Salons, evening out,
and afternoon shopping service)
"I just wanted to tell you again how much I truly appreciate
you, your staff, and the (image and shopping) services you offer.
It was a memorable weekend, one that must happen again and one
that I will NEVER forget. Quite simply, thank you." |
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| (Two weeks after returning home):
"I want you to know that the
red head (Brie) finally went out in public! In fact, had dinner
at a nice restaurant in Vancouver with two friends, M and her
CD husband B. Spent close to three hours fully dressed, in complete
makeup, some done by me and poorly, but most adjusted by M.
Wow! What an experience. Sooooooo scary. But when no one said
or did anything I began to relax. By the time I had my third
drink the red head's attitude arrived and all of a sudden I
realized that I did not give a hoot what anyone thought or said.
It was absolutely magical. Now I have a new problem: I have
nothing to wear. I must get some new clothes and jewelry and
a purse, of all things!" |
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"...I believe
that you, Wanda and Monica treated me, no accepted me for who and
what I am, and that made the difference. I never once felt silly,
stupid, wrong or perverted. You and your staff made me feel good
and accepted. You can't possibly imagine how gratifying that was....you
Ann, showed me how to walk through the door. I am free. I don't
ever want to go back into that dark, scary and lonely closet! I
will be who and what I am and that's the way it should be. I owe
you so much and I could never repay you in full measure. You are
a very special and unique human being. The world, especially mine,
is a better place because of you. Forever your friend in Seattle,
Brie"
From "Kelly" (novice):
(After Salon) "I
really do appreciate your help, and gentle pushes. You've been
a great friend! Hope to see you soon." 10/98
Here's
a photo of our two "new" students, Brie and Kelly,
just six months later, enjoying themselves at Esprit (TG conference)
in Port Angeles! My, you've come a long, long way!
And that's not the half of it. Brie reports
she has increased her wardrobe and image expertise about
1000% and Kelly is going out regularly with her T and CD
friends, as well as her understanding wife. We congratulate
both of our first-timers from our Image Salon! |
Brie and Kelly |
Ann and Kelly |
From "D" (intermediate):
(Before Salon) "I'll
be in next Wednesday for the Salon. I did a transformation in London
years ago when I was there; it was somewhat enlightening for me.
I was scared to death but had a good time. Doing it with friends
would be great....Ann, you always have been a very good friend and
I credit you with getting me to finally accept what I am and what
I always wanted without feeling guilty. That shift into complete
confidence has helped me in most parts of my life and I am very
grateful. I may have gotten there on my own, but no doubt it would
have taken me a lot longer. Thanks." 10/98
From "Kaye" (novice):
(After Salon) "Dear
Ann, I want to tell you how grateful I am for what you and Monica
gave me Friday night. I saw a different person, someone that has
been there for a long, long time but could never find her way out.
It was revealing and transforming in ways I'm not yet sure about,
and it was the first step of a process to come. I couldn't have
gotten there without your guidance and care. Thank you."
11/98
From "Rita":
"June 1st, 2000 was Rita's big day; she finally
came out of the closet, not into broad daylight, but at least into
a wonderful San Francisco evening.
"The precise description of me is hard to
pin down; I have worn items of feminine clothing at various times
and under various circumstances all my adult life, but always in
private. I am flattered by TS friends, some of whom have told me
that I think like a TS, but I wasn't even a fully qualified TV in
practice, as I lived in a comfort zone of acceptance by my partner,
and I never got around to full presentation.
"This year into early retirement, with my
TG feelings getting stronger all the time, I finally decided that
it was time to do things properly and liberate Rita. I had been
dealing with Romantasy (exquisite corsetry :-) in San Francisco,
and as well as clothing they do gender image salons, so I took the
plunge and spent a wonderful evening with an expert makeup person
seeing what could be done with me. I told them I would settle for
the "frumpy dowager" look, but I think they did a little better
than that. I bought a wig, in a fantastic shade, which I like to
call sunny auburn, and was completely overwhelmed by the image that
finally appeared before me. It was an intense experience to find
that Rita really did exist physically, and that she had an image
which I would never have imagined, and which was very satisfying
to me at least.
"What was most satisfactory about my evening
with the empathetic and helpful people at Romantasy was that I came
home with some fairly detailed notes and instructions that will
help me to work on recreating what they did for me.
"Please enjoy the photo results of my visit
with Romantasy."
Please see additional
photos and testimonials.
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Introduction
