Real Women Don't Wear Blue Eyeshadow.

The title of this post was something I overheard last night at a gay bar said by a waiter to a cross-dresser. It was probably one of the funniest things I have ever heard in my life, delivered with the know-it-all air of a truly confident gay man trying to give tips to a fledgling transvestite. And that was just the tip of the iceberg of a truly interesting and fun day.

It all started with a close male friend of mine convincing me to meet him in downtown Pittsburgh to hang out which is something I previously would not have been likely to do. Why, you ask? Firstly because this friend has made no secret of the fact that he is interested in me and up until Wednesday I was in a relationship and secondly because I have never actually hung out downtown before. I know, I sound so jaded and sheltered by saying that. Most of my friends have spent countless afternoons and evenings in downtown and other areas and are probably so sick of the whole thing that they scarcely get excited about it anymore but everything was new and shiny and fresh to me so I was having a ball.

After taking a bus down there and meeting a woman on the bus who recognized me from my day job (how crazy is it that I meet someone from my little neighborhood on a bus in downtown Pittsburgh?) I met up with my friend and we headed off. I had no idea what to expect from this day but none of it disappointed. Our first stop was this little thrift store boutique run by two of the coolest guys I have ever met. The name of the establishment is Hobo and it has only been open for two months but it is one of the coolest places I have ever been. Not only is it the type of store that has a vase full of free condoms at the cashwrap (who does that anymore?) but they also do HIV testing in the back, promoting awareness and encouraging their shoppers to practice safe sex. Those to facts would make the joint pretty cool on it's own but their wares are fantastic and fabulously priced. My eye was first caught by a rack of vintage sunglasses all priced at $4 - $5. Within minutes I had located a pair that I could not live without.

Pardon if I look a little out of it in the picture, I didn't think to model the glasses until later in the night after an Irish car bomb and a draft or two.

My next score at Hobo was a pair of black heeled buckle boots that I was so in love with that I wore out of the store, tossing my Chucks in my bag. Regrettably, I neglected to get a picture of myself modeling these but I am sure they will become a regular staple in my wardrobe so all can behold their splendor.

My Hobo purchases. Not at all bad for a $35 total.

Free stuff I grabbed at the counter. Don't ask why I grabbed a condom. Probably just to shock my friend.

From there we hit a few more shops but nothing as fabulous as Hobo. I am so enamored with that store. I really hope that if and when Order & Chaos gets its own storefront we can have an energy and vibe like Hobo. It would also be amazing if we dedicated ourselves to a cause like they have done with AIDS awareness.

My friend and I rounded out the night by hitting Primanti Bros for dinner and then chatting it up at a few bars with some more random wandering in between. It was probably one of the best nights of my life and I can't wait to do it again.

And as for blue eyeshadow, I think I am going to have to agree with the waiter. The only women I see that wear blue eyeshadow anymore are the Real Housewives of New Jersey and they are about as far from "real" as you can get.

 ~Coco