Read
the letters below.........they are
General Letters of Inquiry and My Answers to assist you in making your
choices of various products and transformation services offered at Wildside
Toronto. For every inquiry I receive I need to decide if the person is serious or wasting my time. I need to establish what they want and how I can help them. Now that my first year in Digital Art is over I will be making my web site more accessible with short videos so watch for that!!!!
New Store Hours
Monday We are Closed
Tues - Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday 1 pm - 8 or 9 pm
Sunday open Noon - 4 pm
Members,B&B Guests access 24/7 with door code
Note: Holiday Hours from August 1 - 17
Closed Sunday and Monday
Tues - Fri Noon - 5 pm
Saturday 1 pm - 7 pm
No makeovers or transformations in early August
Alternate
shopping times are available with prior arrangement.
(click to email request) or call
In order to personally answer the many wonderful requests we receive
from people who crossdress all over the world I put this page together
for everyone to read. If your letter appears here I thank you for it
- yuour questions are great questions and of interest to many of the
people who inquire about our services. Enjoy these great letters and
my answers.
I hope they help!
To
whom it may concern,
Hello and how are you? I have been to your web site
many times and
thought about contacting you but just didn't have the courage to do
so. I
finally decided to email you because your shop offers everything I
have ever
dreamed of. I would like to know if you can help me to become the
women I
have always wanted to be even if it is just for one evening. I have
been
crossdressing for many years wearing lingerie under my male clothes
to work
and at home, I have enjoyed smooth silk night dresses and the feeling
of
sensual chiffon teddys. I would like to be transformed by one of your
specialist to experiance the feeling of total womenhood by becoming
a
passible female, I am looking to create a "real" look through
make-up and
clothing. I do have a couple of special requests for you. I would
like to
know if you will do a make over on my girlfriend, also I would like
to know
if you would be able to help me get in touch with some other "girls"
for a
night out. I have NEVER been out in public fully dressed and would
really
like to go with a group of people who know where to go. Please contact
me
and let me know if you can help.
thank you,
love
Julie xoxo
Dear Julie,
There are lots of places you can go for dinner with a group of girls
in Toronto. If you are planning to include your wife - and it sounds
like you are - may I suggest you make it just the two of you for the
first time so the experience doesn't overwhelm her. It is an excellent
decision to have a disguising makeover for her too - the two of you together
will each be safely incognito. Often men in drag would not be recognized if it weren't for the fact they were with their wife and it is her recognizable presence that identifies him!
When you arrive for your transformation ask your wife what she would
like to see you in. Courtesy at this time may make or break your experience
together.
If the experience doesn't work the way you expected for you and your
wife you may decide to join Wildside so you have a place to do it if you can't do it at home. You can come here any
time you like 24/7 to dress and visit either by yourself or with the
other members if they are here spontaneously, or you can pre-arrange to meet them
here and go out or for dinner. That way your activities do not inolve your wife (who may not want to see you dressed) and for some
wives, out of sight is out of mind.
Twnety years ago when we opened there were not many places to go
out safely. Now there is. There is a stretch of Church St. between Alexander and
Dundonald that is completely safe - you can go anywhere in that area
and you will see girls like you out and about at any time of day. We are a sisterhood at Wildside
I hope to see you soon.
Paddy
Dear
Wildside
i am thinking of placing an order with your online store but am concerned
about privacy.
What i would like to know is if your company name appears anywhere
on the parcel. i think i would order from you if there are no identifiers
on the shipment.
Thanks for your help
Rachel
Dear
Rachel
We
have been doing mail order for 15 years at www.shopwildside.com
and have much repeat business because we pay particular attention
to detail.
We carefully package all products in a plain brown
wrapper. Only my personal name appears in the top left hand corner
with my address and the return to information. Relax
and know that we are trying our best for you
Paddy
Hello.
I am resending this message hopeing you remember it. I am still interested
in some information about dressing as a French Maid on or near halloween.
I
would like to know what to expect, cost, what you have I can wear,
can I
stay there or do I leave at the end of the evening, best time to start
getting dressed, what should I bring, is going out in public dressed
as a
maid ok there? Any other info. would be appreciated. My dream is to
spend
most of a day dressed as a sexy French maid, running errands, shopping
or
whatever dressed that way. I will be 50 this year and decided that
this
would be a good time to try some of my fantasies.
Hugs, Mary
Dear Mary,
If your intention is to purchase the outfit we can dress you in a
head to toe french maid outfit with shoes and hair included for $500
- that includes a bra, breastforms in foan rubber, panties, socks
and our traditional or pink or purple french maid outfit. If you want
the crinoline it will be $100 extra but I assure you we have lots
of lace on our outfits. There are many upgrades, like silicone forms
glued onto your body but I warn you, that is expensive!
You can rent an outfit with a makeover for $150. That is called a
transformation. You can stay here or go out once you are dressed -
it is your choice. You can return later if you go out to remove your
makeup and change back into a boy. Take a shower if you like - we
supply all makeup removers and towels. If you have an agenda that
day - you can hire someone to accompany you or bring someone to keep
you company.
We have assisted in many birthday and other celebrations. We would
love to help you with yours ! Paddy
Hello
Can you advise as to membership, fees and parking?
I believe
there is a membership fee. If there is, how much is it and what
does it cover? Is it a requirement to visit Paddy's Playhouse? With
a
membership, can I still use the facilities even when the store is
closed
(e.g. Friday evenings).
Are there
any other fees (e.g. a cover) to visit Paddy's Playhouse?
I'm from
out-of-town... how do I address parking (i.e. where, how much,
etc.). Are there different procedures based on time of day (e.g. Friday
evenings versus Saturday evenings)?
Any info
you can provide is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Sylvia
Dear Silvia.
Paddys Playhouse is the common room at Wildside which has a stage
in it. That is where the plays at Paddys Playhouse are performed.
This is done 4 or 5 times a year for a week or two. You can click
on events to find out what they have been like. There may also be
info on what is coming. Paddy donates Paddys playhouse in the sense
that if she did not provide this space free to actors, directors and
writers their work would not be seen because theater space is so tight
in Toronto
The plays are part of Paddy Aldridge's life because she graduated
from Ryerson Theater School just before she opened Wildside in 1987.
Paddy's theater training is one of the reasons she is so good at creating
believable images for crossdressers and transsexuals, their wives
and genetic women too. Having the plays at Wildside make for a varied
presentation list. At other times we do Karaoke and theme parties
on the appropriate holidays. Occasionally a private function will
hapen like a gallery opening or a private party for a large group.
The membership fee is $50 per year and goes towards various things
like property taxes for a location in downtown Toronto, employees
to keep Wildside and the Canadian Crossdressers Club clean and maintained
(we just added a ceiling fan in the makeup room). Then there's hydro,
a/c, heat, water, and garbage removal. Your .136 cents per day goes
towards this
Now, for your $15 attendance fee. We supply towels, soap, shampoo,
razors, showers, hot water unlimited, a dedicated makeup area with
mirrors, a common room, cable tv and high speed internet access -
with a computer that we keep well maintained.
Memberships are $50 per year and $15 per visit - we have many members.
You must show your identification to join because members get the
front door code and can come and go as they like after store hours.
Overnight accommodation is reduced for members.
Parking at Wildside is only available to overnight guests and costs
$10 per night. During the day shoppers can park in the back while
they are shopping - if you let us know we can unlock the back foor
so you do not need to walk around.. Wildside is a busy place. Out
front parking is $2 per hour in 2 hour increments before 6 pm. Between
6 pm and 9 pm you can buy the 3 hours at once for $6 and then park
free between 9 pm and midnight. You must move your car at midnight
or get a parking ticket because it is permit only. You purchase a
parking coupon for the hourly parking from the meter in front of 163
Gerrard St. East next door to us. Then don't forget to place it on
your dashboard inside your car so the meter maids can see it.
I hope this helps,
Paddy
Hi Paddy,
I was wondering what the costs woud be? What would a 2 night and 3
night package be complete with transformation and photoshoot? what
other things might you have that could be part of the package.
If no packges just a cost for each different thing you may offer.
I am trying to get a feel on a cost for my trip when I come out for
a visit. Thanks in advance for whatever you can give me.
I am thinking of coming out sometime in October from a thurdsy to
a sunday.
Regards, Marina
Dear Marina,
The minimum price for a two night stay would be 2 nights
on the off nights from Sunday - Thursday which is only $79 per night
plus tax - $158. plus tax and if you add a $150 transformation to
each day it is $300 for 2 days and $450 for 3 days.
The maximum amount of money for the stay you request
would be 2 nights on the weekend at $99 per night $198
- add $79 for a Thursday night
A regular transformation Day 1 upon arrival - you can
go out later. $150
Breakfast Day 2 9 am - 10 am included
each morning - you help yourself!
A glamour transformation and photo shoot Day 2 from 10 am - 2 pm $500
Lunch and relaxation Day 2 from 2 - 4 - order
in or go out - not included
A Femininity Workshop for 2 - 3 hours Day 2 from 4-7 $150
Take your instructor to dinner and practice your techniques 7 - 9 $50
9 pm return to Wildside to change and go out for the evening estimate
$100
A big sister will accompany you with her car for $25 per hour - you
decided how long
Day 2 total is $950
Day 3 add another $950 if you want the same thing or
just have a simple transformation for $150.
If you mix and match you can do the 4 days and have a really good
time for $1000 - $1500
Just let us know when you want to come Marina. We'll be happy to have
you arrive to enjoy yourself. We'll plan your activities to suit a
schedule that is either pre-planned or you can choose after you get
here.
Some people like to go to the theatre for instance, or a Jays game
or a concert and that is off premesis and on their own time. Saturdays
are good for people who want to meet other people - we are busy here
and we have get-togethers in Paddys Playhouse, our common room. There
is a good night life in Toronto - people go out in groups or singles
from here.
I hope this helps
Paddy
Hi Paddy,
1. When would the best time to come out be in October/November
regarding events/things to do en femme?
2. I hae some of my own wardrobe and makeup.
Therefore, would I be able to get any discounts on the transformation
packages?
3. Is there many places to go en femme in the area? Is it safe?
regards, Marg
Dear Marg,
There are many many events in Toronto to which our members
go. You can contact people on the Wildside message board in the forum.
When you get here you can meet people too. The transformations are
what they are because of the time and the expertise of the person
helping you, not the fact that you use your own stuff. Either you
get makeup only or a transaformation. A makeup lesson costs more but
then you get 3 different looks - daytime, dinner and evening in that
order! We are downtown a block from the bars and nightclubs. You can
start out at Zipperz and work your way up Church St. to Wellesley
and drop into any number of places like Hair of tthe Dog, PLAY, Woodys,
Church and Firkin, Crews Tango, O'Gradys, The Village Cafe, Cafe California,
Byzantium, Zelda's, Slacks, or go south on Church St. past Queen to
Goodhandys, etc. Xtra Newspaper has stuff listed as well as Fab Magazine
Paddy
Hey Paddy
I've been doing this for awhile now but rather stealthily and never
out in public so I thought this may be the best place to start. I
am interested in the full transformation where I am abe to keep everything.
Is the price for this still $300? What exactly is included?
Also as I still have not really shared this with all that many people
will any body hair (i.e. my eyebrows and legs) be visibly removed
or altered?
Last question, from what I have seen in the transformation photo's
the clothes look fairly provocative are there any clothes a little
more conservative that I may be able to wear out in public afterwards?
How soon do I make an
appointment?
Thank You, Peter
Dear Peter,
Congratulations on choosing Wildside to provide your
introduction to the corssdressing world. We are twenty years in business
so we must be ding something right. Your $300 includes head to toe
dressing and a makeover. Shoes and wig are included. From the top
- wig, blouse and skirt or dress, bra, panties, breastforms, pantyhose
and shoes. The breastforms are foam rubber at $19.95 but you can upgrade.
The wig is a $50 wig and the shoes are previously loved - ie: not
brand new. Thw clothing is not brand new either - but we have lots
of things and you will be most pleasantly suprised by our professional
ability to create a believable look for you.
We do not need to touch a hair on your head in terms
of shaving. We can block you brows to hide them if they are thick
- they will still be there when your makeup comes off. We have pantyhose
that will hide your leg hair.
The photos I chose for the web site show the upper limits
of what we can accomplish. An everyday look is simple and easy. Some
people think you haven't done anything is you don't go to town with
a fabulous look. I have had some men come in for a makeover and say
"When I look in the mirror I do not want to see myself."
So I do more than I can to make them look different and they are happy.
If less is what you want I will do less!
Make your appointment as soon as you feel you can keep
your appointment. We can often see you the same day and we accept
walk-ins.
Paddy
Hello.
Can you answer some questions for me please? What name is on the credit
card statement?
I mean who does it say the payment is to.
Also, how is the shipment packaged, and what is stated on the label?
I seem to
remember ordering something a long time ago from you and the contents
were printed on the label. The isn't what I had hoped for. I live
in Canada.
Thank you, Mary
Dear Mary
Hi thank you for your questions. Your credit card will
be billed from Toronto CDC. The plainly wrapped package is shipped
to your name and address. The return address is from Paddy Aldridge.
The contents list is important if we send to another country and that
needs to be attached to the box on the outside. Otherwise your package
is shipped discretely.
Paddy
Hello
I am going to be visiting Toronto at the end of may
23 – 30th and am considering staying with you at least a few
days. I’ll be attending a short conference nearby and will likely
stay at a downtown hotel during part of the week. I’ve read
your website (bio and incredible content – Thanks for sharing)
and so it seems unnecessary to ask too many questions however I’m
trying to decide if I should stay there a few days although I’ve
never ‘dressed’ with other girls and am wondering more
about the experience and how many other people will be staying there
or enjoying the experience.
Also, what is the hanging out or going out experience
like? And are there any special events going on that week?
Last time I was in your city I went to Goodhandy’s
and went home with a beautiful girl although I wish I could remember
her name.
If I do stay there would I be able to bring over another
tgirl? For several years it seems I can only have ‘escort’
relationships with transgendered yet have never mixed my cd with tgirls
or others.
And finally if I were to stay there a day or two,
which nights are best? I’d love to go all out and have a transformation
and enjoy a party.
Candice
Hi Candice
We have stuff around - like there would be in a private home - and
if you bring someone who may like to take our stuff or a members stuff
home with them it would not be kosher. We prefer you do not bring
people home.
We don't like to be in an unsafe situation and people who stay here
and belong here know and like that. It is what makes us different.
We also do not have parties like we used to since so many people go
out now and we are getting older. We do have singing though.
We have the best shop with the most stock and do great transformations.
There are lots of beautiful girls at Goodhandys. Some of them I have
known for years and years. Wildside has been around since 1987 and
I have been in the gay ghetto/village since 1973.
We have a weekly rate of $400 and a monthly rate of $700. we have
parking for $10/night.
Members come and go all the time, some rent lockers, stay over, come
for the day, evening, or whatever. We are here providing a well stocked
store, makeup and transformations services, and a clean safe place
to live the fantasy.
Paddy
Dear Paddy,
How far in advance do you have to reserve hotel rooms
and makeover/lesson appointments. I may be able to come up there April
9, 10, 11 ahd 12. Do you sell the products that you use in the makeovers
Thanks, Marion
Dear Marion,
People book according to their schedule and where they are coming
from. Someone in Toronto will call 1 or 2 days ahead but someone travelling
from another country will make plans with us as soon as they book
their flight. We have 4 rooms - it is just enough for us to have an
exclusive, uncrowded destination in downtown Toronto right accross
from a park - so there is lots of privacy!
So the bottom line is - you make whatever booking you need in order
to feel comfortable. We will need a $50 deposit when you make you
booking. This does not apply to makeovers. All the products we use
in the makeovers are available for purchase!
Paddy
Hi wildside
i was wondering how much a make over is with photos
with the makeover do you supply cloths too
Thx
Gerri
Hi Geraldine,
It is $150 for a makeover with a complete wardrobe (clothes) which
is a transformation and $50 for the photos for a total of $200
Patricia Aldridge
Hi Patricia
Do you supply the clothes with the make over?
Also my legs are shaved there any way to cover that
up?
Gerri
Dear Geraldine
Please try to read the web site http://www.wildside.org/html/services.htm
Do you know that I am a full time art student studying digital art
and film in addition to running Wildside and all that entails - meaning
it is a bed and breakfast as well as store and makeover/transformation
service so I work really hard.
Have you been here before?
Your open ended questions and many emails make me think you are just
emailing for something to do or some kind of friendship but I need
to keep things simple so I can give everyone the time they deserve
to do all the various things we offer at Wildside.
Please know that I am a busy person with over 25 years experience
working in the field of makeup with transgendered people. People in
business do not have time - at least I do not have much because it
is Halloween!. There are other busy times of year too but I like to
focus and see what people's needs are right at the start.
I can not answer any more of your emails because I designed a web
site to answer the questions you are asking. You are taking up my
valuable time I need to spend on other things right now so please
forgive me. Please read some of the emails I get by clicking
here for additional information
http://www.wildside.org/html/services_lettersofinquiry.htm
I will add your excellent letters to these emails so people will
know what the answer to this question - your question - is. Your questions
are not commonly asked questions and may help other people. I do wish
that maybe people will try to help out by reading the web site to
answer their own simple questions. Please contact me when you are
ready to set up an appointment.
Have a great day and I hope to see you soon!
Paddy
Dear Paddy
......But I guess since my e-mailing has seemed to offend you, and since I find it hard to communicate otherwise, I will simply have to take my business elsewhere. Sorry for the trouble.
Joelle
Dear Joelle
Why don't you just keep it simple and call?
Your behaviour is mysterious to me.
I don't have as much time as you, I think this because you are sending so much email to find out one little thing that you could find out yourself by reading the product descriptions in the online catalogue. Your email is also vague..
I need to clear this up soon since I am very busy. Email allows for misunderstandings - I prefer face to face or by phone.
You email is unclear and too brief for me to deal with easily and quickly. You having bad feelings means now I need to write an apology for something you think I did because your feelings are hurt.
If your feelings are hurt it was not my intention.
I do not have the kind of time you may think I have when you come here to Wildside and see me sitting in the store. Think of how much programming went into this website you are viewing for instance, if you wonder how I spend my time.
Please call me from now on - but if you do not want to I will understand if you have trouble communicating by voice. Go to a specialist in the field of communication if you need to learn how or go to school. I go to school at night after working all day which partly explains why I am so busy.
You are high maintenance and I do not have the time. You can please understand my position and call for help from now on and I will be happy to help you. I will use your letter and my reply on my web site and change your name. It will appear here
Paddy
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