The times, the are a-changin' (for the better)

First of all, big hugs to Una, Marley, Deb, Texstyle, Denise, Vicki and everyone who has reached out to me the past few months. I know I have been a seriously horrid correspondent, but I have read every message and checked out all the suggestions - vitamins, meds, docs... 

I'm on new meds, off of hormonal birth control, on yoga (which I could never relax enough to do before the meds)... and off Nordstrom (in less than 2 weeks). I finally felt well enough to make that decision with a clear mind - I always knew I was not a Salesperson 4 Life, and spending more time selling didn't seem like it was moving me toward my goals. I'm going to get a styling certification and then do a combo of freelance styling, ebay selling, and temp work to pay the bills. One of you clever YLFers even suggested Keaton Row, which I'm seriously considering. This should give me more flexibility to make up for lost time with my dad and also stay on my husband's insurance while doing what I'm excited about and focusing on my health. 

It's been super hot in LA lately, so here's a very casual pic of an off-duty laundry day outfit: sheer tank, sport bra, bball shorts, and sandals. I'm not a huge fan of my midsection, but for whatever reason, I'm all about the sheer tops this season. I love having a loose fit that doesn't add bulk and volume. These sandals have also been a workhorse, comfortably dressing up sporty elements.

"See" you again soon!

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

61 Comments

  • ironkurtin replied 10 years ago

    Happy to see you again, Rae!  If there are any connections I can make for you in LA, PM me and we can see if anything's magic.  xxoo

  • Eliza replied 10 years ago

    Thanks for checking in, rae.  Glad that you have put together what will work for you.  It must be a relief to have some decisions made.  We are with you all the way!  Great photo.

  • Alassë replied 10 years ago

    Oh, I'm so glad to hear things are looking up for you, Rae! Best wishes for you new styling job; may you have lots of fun & lots of customers!

  • Janet replied 10 years ago

    Oh, it's so good to hear/see from you! I'm glad you're in a better place and that you're taking steps toward more future happiness! You look fab as always. Hugs to you!

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    Great plan Rae! And so nice to see you :). You look gorgeous as always!

  • Mona replied 10 years ago

    I am happy to hear that you are feeling better. Hope it continues this way. You look great in this outfit.

  • Mo replied 10 years ago

    Glad to hear things are looking up.  wow, those are big changes.  Best of luck!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    Rae, so glad to see you smiling, and happier still to learn that things are looking up for you. It sounds as if you are in a much better place in every way. I have been thinking of you often -- and look how great you look!

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 10 years ago

    It is so good to hear from you Rae.  It sounds like things are looking much brighter for you.  You look as lovely as always and your midsection is as fab as the rest of you.

  • Diana replied 10 years ago

    Good to see you, Rae!  I'm glad to hear things are looking up. 

  • K. Period. replied 10 years ago

    Hi! So nice to see you, Rae! I missed you.  Ditto what Diana said, I'm glad to hear that you feel like things are now moving in a more positive direction.  

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    ETA I had never heard of Keaton Row but obviously I was missing something! 

  • cheryl replied 10 years ago

    You look wonderful and I am happy to hear things are looking up and that you are feeling better. :)

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    Rae, I am so happy you posted.  You look great and everything sounds like it's working out for the best.  We've missed you!  XOXO

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Rae, brilliant news all round. It sounds like your planets are aligning, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. May the new chapter in your life be as amazing as ever. Much love and good luck. xo

  • shedev replied 10 years ago

    Rae, missed you too. I'm so glad you are doing better. All the changes sound pretty exciting.

  • replied 10 years ago

    Great to see and hear from you Rae. I'm so pleased that things are looking up for you. It sounds like you have some solid plans in place, so best of luck and I look forward to more fab outfits like the one you're sporting in the pic.

  • milehighstyle (Linda) replied 10 years ago

    Glad things are looking better for you, Rae.  Wishing you the best always.  This is a great casual look!

  • Marley replied 10 years ago

    Rae!  Sweetie-pie!  It's so good to see your smiling face!  You look great (as usual) - I love the sheer top with the BB shorts!  But, more importantly I love hearing that things are a little better for you.  So glad that you've been able to make some movement towards doing some things that you are excited about!  Love You!  XOXO - Marley
    P.S. - Your HAIR!  Can't stand how cool it is!!!!

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 10 years ago

    That's great news, Rae! You look fantastic as ever in this casual outfit. Looks like your cute little helper in the background is asleep on the job.

  • viva replied 10 years ago

    I was thinking of you last week. I'm so glad to hear of the movement in your life. Wishing you all the best in your new ventures, Rae. Lots of opportunities are opening up for you!

  • jackiec replied 10 years ago

    So happy to see you back. Glad things are turning around for you. You look fab as always :)

  • texstyle replied 10 years ago

    Yay!  I've been wondering about you every time I'm here. So glad to hear things are looking up. You look great - and so good to see a big smile :-). So very happy for your decision to try to do something on your own!

  • Classically Casual replied 10 years ago

    So nice to see your beautiful smile! And your warm weather clothes are of course up to your fab standards.

    Such good news that you've found a path that is right for you at this time.
    All the best to you.

  • Isabel replied 10 years ago

    Hi Rae, I haven't been around much for the last few months, so I didn't know that you were going through this.  I went back and read you post and I am so sorry to know that this is going on.  You have a lot on your plate.  Though I am happy and relieved that you feel you are on the upswing....little by little is all it takes, my friend. 

  • Echo replied 10 years ago

    Rae, it is so good to "see" you here. I am am really glad things are looking brighter and that you have been able to make a decision about moving forward with/without Nordstrom. I hope that things continue to improve for you.

  • Louise replied 10 years ago

    I'm so glad things are looking brighter in Rae-ville. What a wonderful plan for the future and I wonderful outfit to match that plan x

  • Debbie replied 10 years ago

    You look amazing and so glad things are looking up!
    Keep taking care of you.
    I'm off to look up Keaton Row.

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    Yea, for better days!!! Thank you for checking in and letting us know how you are doing. You look great!

  • Ornella replied 10 years ago

    I was thinking of you yesterday! Great to see you and even better to read that you are moving forward and look FAB.

  • Gigi replied 10 years ago

    Thanks for checking in, Rae! I was wondering how you were doing. I'm so glad that things are becoming clear for you. There are a lot of changes to come, but they will be exciting ones! :)

  • Thistle replied 10 years ago

    Exciting changes! You look fantastic and it sounds like you are finding your way. So good to see you again.

  • goldenpig replied 10 years ago

    Great news and thanks for the update--I'm glad things are starting to look up. I admire you for always being willing to take big steps to do what's best for you and what will make you happy. Best of luck with all the changes and so happy to see you again! You look fantastic as usual!

  • Mochi replied 10 years ago

    So psyched at how well you're doing and how far you've come. You also look so edgy-cool. Hair is particularly awesome. 

  • crutcher replied 10 years ago

    I am so happy for you...Sometimes we just need a push to get going out of our safe rut and it seems you are there...Best to you as you explore the wonderful what next...

  • pil replied 10 years ago

    I too have been wondering about you, Rae. So glad to hear things are looking up :)

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    Such a great how weather outfit -- you look cool, relaxed, and fab!

    So glad you've charted a new direction and have made some positive changes.  Blessings to you, Rae!

  • LACeleste replied 10 years ago

    Such good news Rae!  I'm so happy to hear things are better!

  • Vicki replied 10 years ago

    There you are!!!  Rae, I have been thinking about you soooooooo much and I'm glad you're making the life changes that you want to make for your health and well-being.  Sending you hugs of lovingkindness and I'm pm'ing you straight away.  xxx

  • Isis replied 10 years ago

    Very very cool.  I admire your ability to take charge and change what is not right for you.  Best of luck in your new direction; I'm positive things will turn out well for you.  AND I love your outfit!

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    You are fab and talented, willing to do what it takes to realize your dream. I admire you and wish you all good things as you move forward.

  • Aubergine replied 10 years ago

    So glad you're doing better and taking steps that sound like they'll be good for you.

    I always love that kitty bag!

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    Sounds wonderful and you look fantastic. Yoga helps me a lot with mood issues, glad you are enjoying!

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    So good to see you and hear that you're doing better!  I'm glad that you're making positive changes.  And it's a real treat to see you smile!

  • cloud9 replied 10 years ago

    Sorry to hear you were going thru stuff, but so glad to see your big smile and as chic as ever! You will be great at whatever you choose, good luck!

  • Theodora replied 10 years ago

    I am so glad to hear you are doing better!  You are such a talented person, and I admire you for being brave enough to face this depression and even change things in your life that were not working.  So many of us don't have that courage.  Yoga is a great idea too.  I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, and wishing you success in your styling career, and in your personal happiness :)

  • replied 10 years ago

    This is good news Rae! It sounds like you have a really good plan in place. You look great, too. You do the voluminous sheer tops really well. :)
    xoxox <<<hugs>>>>>

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    Great news & great outfit :)

  • columbine(erin) replied 10 years ago

    I've missed your posts, Rae. Best of luck to you.

  • Jeanie replied 10 years ago

    Great news Rae.  I've been thinking about you.  What an exciting new path you are on!!  So glad to hear you are feeling better.  

  • Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

    This is fantastic news Rae!
    The experience you have gained so far will, I am sure be so helpful for your next step.
    Best wishes to you :)

  • Jjsloane replied 10 years ago

    I've been scarce but even so noticed your absence. So lovely to see you and your beautiful smile. It sounds like you are making positive choices towards health and happiness. Well done! 

  • gryffin replied 10 years ago

    Rae - so good to hear from you!!  I've missed your posts!  So sorry you've had such a difficult time but I was beaming good thoughts for healing and good karma your way!!  Wow, lots of changes - exciting and scary but sounds like it is a well thought out plan and will help propell you where you ultimately want to be!!  Much good luck, good things and wishes for every happiness!!  You like divine btw, kudos on the "laundry outfit" mine is never so chic!!  Hugs and fervent good wishes to you!!

  • Elizabeth P replied 10 years ago

    I'm so glad you touched base Rae, I've been wondering how you are.  Sounds like things are coming together, and I wish you the best.  Hopefully you'll be back more soon!

  • Dana replied 10 years ago

    Congratulations on your new direction. If you'd like any ideas of who to study with for styling, let me know. It's a fun business!

  • MsMary replied 10 years ago

    Rae!  I'm so so happy to hear that things are starting to look up for you!  You look super fab and I am hoping better days are ahead!

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    This outfit rocks it.

    Man, but it is so cold here. How could this look be made to work for cold weather?

  • Vix replied 10 years ago

    Hi Rae --

    Nice to see you looking and sounding well. I hope the next phase of your life brings you much peace and happiness!

  • karymk replied 10 years ago

    Hi Rae, It's good to see you're still smiling though! I hope you get through these bumps soon.  K

  • abc replied 10 years ago

    I'm excited for you.  I've missed your posts.

    Glad it seems like you are taking action to put yourself and your health first.

    I wish I looked that chic while doing laundry!

  • CocoLion replied 10 years ago

    I'm really late to respond here, but the forum moves too fast for me these days!  I am so impressed that you made this change.  Given your knowledge as an eBay seller, I wonder if you could have a side business in closet organization/management/editing.  In addition to styling.  Anyway it's all very exciting to have a new chapter to explore.

    I also wouldn't discount the opportunity to work in a cool small boutique, one without the corporate pressures.   Maybe something just part time, where the owner needs a trusted experienced person so she can have a break every once in a while.  Working in small business has been a much better fit for me overall compared to my former corporate life.

    And please do wear more sheer tops or cropped tops, you look amazing in them.

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