Anatomy of this Outfit: Dress – Urban Outfitters | Hat – Urban Outfitters | Sandals – Aldo Shoes


rae tashman - taken by Johannes Husen - lovefromberlin.net

As warm and carefree as the sunny days of summer are, it’s the fall and the winter that hold the most memories for me. At 28 there are a lot of times I think back on those moments from my years on this earth, usually at quiet moments in the evening sitting in the kitchen by candlelight listening to all those songs that make me more thoughtful than usual. I think back to all the highlights of my life. The ones I like to play back time and time again because I’m just too goddamned sentimental for my own good. All those moments of anticipation, wide-eyed curiosity, and messy situations, each making up a square on a quilt that tells my story.

rae tashman - taken by Johannes Husen - lovefromberlin.net

The Indie Years

When I think back to the years I spent in Upstate New York during university, I can’t help but see those years as the blocks that built the foundation of the person I am today. In many ways I finally came into my own, in many ways I was still a confused and vulnerable human with a lot of growing to do. Fall smelled crisp, winters were freezing but the overpowering heat in the dorm rooms – oftentimes a bit too unbearable – kept us warm. I would sit in my window seat at night watching the snow, illuminated by the streetlamps, fall in that silent way that it does, a crown of christmas lights forming a canopy above me illuminating that small space in a bath of purple glow. I was surrounded by soft pillows and blankets with heat being pumped up through the vents and the light curtains I had hung up turned that little window seat into some kind of cozy nest. And as the rest of the world was sleeping, I would wait for the boy with the messy hair I was hopelessly in love with to make the 45 minute drive from the neighboring university to wrap his arms around me and to fall asleep next to me. I lived in thrifted finds from day trips to the goodwill from the tiny neighboring town I had found during my trips with the first people who I really felt connected with me on a deeper level. They were my friends, they were my sisters, they were my soulmates. We rang in the new year year after year running around the lower east side, creating all of our new firsts in the snowy wet streets of Manhattan, put on acoustic open-mic-nights, worked until morning on in the studio on drawings on paper taller than my arms are wide rubbing dark charcoal into those white fibers until our fingers bled, saw concerts in the city in sweaty rooms full of hundreds of other beating hearts, and held each other’s hands through all of the tears and all of the heartbreaks and all of the laughs as well.

Time has changed, and although I no longer love that boy and some friendships have faded away, those years felt like one constant messy coming-of-age movie directed by Sofia Coppola with a perfect soundtrack. It’s partially because when I look back on those years so many of those moments were highlighted by Wolf Parade and Decoder Ring and Band of Horses and all those other quiet beautiful songs I was listening to on those drives to see him, during those clumsy powerful moments of intimacy, on those nights where I stayed up until the sun came through the window, during times that were simultaneously turning into memories with my soul sisters, on those cold winter walks to and from the dorms.

rae tashman - taken by Johannes Husen - lovefromberlin.net

My German Romance

That fall and winter of our first year together was the culmination of all those sappy #relationshipgoals people make stupid tumblr posts about. A trip to the Ostsee marked the beginning of our relationship. There we were in the middle of October, bundled up in warm clothes, reading and cooking by candlelight, falling asleep in the family camper, and waking up to the morning sun with frost on the windows. He showed me around a country that was absolutely foreign to me, we wandered through the Christmas markets in December warm from the inside out with that new love feeling, he helped me move out in the dead of winter when my crazy ex-roommates demanded I find a new place to live, and told me on new years that meeting me was the best thing to happen that year. Things didn’t last and in the end we were too different and to young to have worked out in the long run, but I am forever grateful for his love and kindness that first year.

rae tashman - taken by Johannes Husen - lovefromberlin.net

Living Young

Oh to be young and single and tearing it down in Berlin. After my first relationship in Berlin came to an end, I spent literal months crying and NOT eating my feelings or much of anything at all. I was a shell of a person and even sprouted winkles between my eyebrows from all the brow furrowing I was doing while tears were streaming down my face by the bucketloads. But eventually, as all things, the clouds clear and the sun appears and I finally managed to kick my heartbreak to the curb. Dance-filled drunken nights with my girlfriends, the smell of last night’s partying in my hair, short-lived romances, U-bahn rides of shame at 8 in the morning, and just about everything in between. I was young and alive and loving every goddamned minute of it. And then I fell in love.

rae tashman - taken by Johannes Husen - lovefromberlin.net

The Man I wanted to marry

It hasn’t been that long since my last boyfriend and I met with the sobering realization that our relationship was no longer working. It was something we both realized for months but were too unwilling to accept. And although no one knows what the future will hold, the chapter to the relationship we had has ended. Despite all of the dysfunction, there is not a single moment I would want to change or take back. Those first flushed months of falling in love with the ridiculous way he ate at daybreak, crumbs on his shirt that I laughed at and I brushed away at 7 in the morning on those weekends when we were out chasing down the punk bars, dancing until our legs wouldn’t work anymore and stumbling home dizzy from love, from alcohol, from the electricity in the air at 10 in the morning. In those first flushed months every time he kissed my lips it felt like the first time and I felt like the luckiest girl n the goddamned world.

And those stinging fights that left me chain-smoking in the dark out of the window of my 6th floor flat in the kitchen to a soundtrack I had perfected for those moments probably due to the masochistic tortured artist that resides within me. Although I have re-discovered a contentment I was lacking for so long, there was something so beautiful and hopelessly poetic about that kind of sadness that you feel completely through and around you – a sadness that goes deeper than bones. There is something so visceral about being so inside a moment like that. There is something so dangerously intoxicating about pain like that.

rae tashman - taken by Johannes Husen - lovefromberlin.net

We have been led to believe that coming-of-age age is something that happens to the Holden Caulfield in all of us. But we are terribly wrong. Because it’s happening all the time over and over and over again as we grow and constantly encounter new moments in different periods of our lives that will mark some kind of turning point for us. Coming of age is not just something sloppy egotistical teenagers with too many emotions and hormones go through.

And now I sit here in the present, ready build up all the things that I will turn into memories which I will look back on and smile about. And in a few years, I’m going to look back on this time and wish I could feel what it is like to be that girl again that I left back there in this very moment and time.

Photography: Johannes Husen


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Rae Tilly

Rae the EIC of LFB and YEOJA Magazine. She is also a photographer and social media influencer.

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  • You look gorgeous and so are your photos!

    Tina
    http://www.justatinabit.com

    • rae

      Thanks, Tina!

  • I find it extremely captivating that, while these are essentially reflections of the past, of your coming-of-age, it feels like a snapshot of what my future is going to look like. You’re 28, I’m 18. I’ve got 10 years down the road before I reach the stage where I can look back at the whirlwind love of my life, the drunken, messed up heartbroken girl that I’ll eventually become, the homesick, swollen-eyed college student I’ll be (in a few short months!) and it’s exhilarating.

    Oddly enough, I cannot wait for myself to fall in love with that one special person and have my heart shattered into a million pieces. I dare say that I’m currently in the midst of this process, really. The person I’m with right now, I’m hopelessly in love with, but there is a consciousness that the relationship won’t last long — we’re 18, young, reckless, there’s so much ahead of us, and I’m not afraid for the day I’ll look back and say, “that was one hell of a love story,” because I want to be able to look back like you have here, Rae, and remember the events that made me me presently. ( I was struggling with the tenses there, so apologies for the wrong use of tense, ha!)

    Though coming-of-age is a term largely associated with tweens becoming teenagers and such, I think, at 18, I’m still living the term. This was an exceptional post, Rae, and you’ve got such a flair for reflecting on memories! I can see this in a contemporary novel, one that’ll eventually turn into a low-key retro indie film.

    Lots of love from an 18 year old girl. <3

    May | THE MAYDEN

    • rae

      I am so glad that you were able to connect to this post, May. And I do understand the anticipation of your first love as well as first heartbreak – these are huge life milestones we all need to experience. You should like such an intelligent 18 year old girl, I am sure that when you are my age and look back on your life you will have many things to smile about and reflect on. Thank you so much for your comment. It really means a lot to me and I am glad that you can kind of see your “future” in my past :)

  • Aw hun heart break totally sucks!! This is so beautifully written!

    Candice | Beauty Candy Loves

    • rae

      Heartbreak sucks, but is definitely part of life and growing up!

  • It’s amazing to plot ones life in the span of ten years and to see where you’ve come. I’m 29, almost 3-0 (I can’t even type that properly without freaking out) but will be perpetually 26 and have done a lot of this in the past two or so years. Mainly because I’ve felt like I wasted those younger years by taking bad advice and “settling” for less than I deserved. How I wish I could go back to being 19 and taking with me all I know now. But it doesn’t work that way.

    Sxx
    http://www.daringcoco.com

    • rae

      I feel very much the same – frozen at 26. Or maybe that is just our wishful thinking as we approach 30! ;) Still, I have heard from friends who are 30 or above that they are having the best time of their lives. And you know what, I can believe it because I think that each year you learn more about yourself and become more honest about who you are so age really doesn’t mean much. I can sympathize with wishing you had accomplished more at this point, but honestly, you would not be the person you are today if you past was any different.

  • You have an incredible style of writing, it’s so captivating and great to read! I love the concept of this kind of post as well :) Your photos are amazing too x

    | Life as a Petite || Fashion, Crafts & Lifestyle Blog |

    • rae

      Thank you so much, Isabella! All of these complements are so kind and really mean a lot to me.

  • La Travelera

    Great pictures, fab look!! Xxx
    http://www.travelera.es

  • I like to look back on past relationships with a realisation of why they ended but also that they were part of my story too and all those happy little bits, life would be boring if everything was smooth sailing, still heartbreak does suck :( :(

    Lovely to hear your story and I’m sure the next chapter will be amazing!

    • rae

      Of course! As bad as heartbreak is, it is really honestly a part of life that we all need to experience and thank you so much!

  • Nice post☺ You look stunning♥♥

    chocolateandsunset.com

    • rae

      Thanks, Summer!

  • This is so beautiful, and so true too. I can relate so much purely because I’m trying something new and pushing myself out of my comfort zone, which means I am growing and learning. To change is beautiful, and necessary too, I think, because I doubt anyone would want to stay a stroppy teenager for ever.

    The toxic feeling of heartbreak is so beautiful too, that wistful longing is attractive but so destructive. I find sadness, heartbreak especially, such a strong emotion, because in coming out the fighting animal inside me rears her fire-head and becomes so ready to take on the world.

    Erin | comadiary

    • rae

      So glad that you enjoyed this post, Erin! I think it is amazing that you are trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone! And yes, there is something intoxicating about sadness for us creative types and the ultimate sadness is heartbreak in many ways.

  • prettytendency

    Nice dress, me encantan las rayas. Un saludo desde Spain.

  • I am so glad that I found your blog! I loved this post too much for my own good, and just wanted to say how incredibly brave and strong you are to share such personal stories in such a beautiful way. It was poetic yet not exaggerated, and I could feel the sincerity and emotion in your voice. Change is beautiful, and it definitely happens time and again like seasons that come and go. I want to wish you all the strength and love for the coming times ahead, I’m sure life has many more things in store for you! xx.

    • rae

      Aisyah! I am so glad that you enjoy my blog :) And so glad that this post could speak to you. Wishing you all the strength and love in the world as well!

  • That are touching memories you decided to share, full of romance and struggle, like right out of a Sofia Coppola movie, as you said. I don’t think my “coming of age years” were half that eventful or tragic romantic, but I wouldn’t want to have missed a second of them.

    Linda,
    Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

    • rae

      Thank you so much for your comment Linda – and I am sure that your coming of age years are just as eventful. Each of our experiences are unique but no less meaningful than the experiences of someone else.

      • Maybe I am just not able to describe them in such a romantic way…

  • Rae this was such a beautiful post! You’re right – if I’m trying to pinpoint a time where I “came of age” I can’t, but compare me to myself 5 years ago, or even this time last year, I’m different (and improved, I daresay). I might not like it at the time, but it’s been the periods of struggling and finding things difficult that really have shaped me closer to the person I want to be.

    • rae

      I am so glad that you enjoyed this read, Jane! And yes, it’s those moments where we really struggle and then come out on top at the end that do some of the biggest shaping.

  • todopormivestido

    Muy bonito el vestido camisero, y con el gorro es perfecto

  • Such a lovey post to read, and the outfit is gorgeous!

    http://www.notesofglam95.blogspot.it/

    • rae

      Thanks so much, Vanessa!

  • this chemisier look amazing
    I wish you an happy day
    a big kiss
    <<< fashion blogger Pamela Soluri >>>

  • Maray

    Wow!!!! I love your style!!! ♡ ♡
    You look gorgeous! Kisses!!

    http://www.alasdeangel.net

    • rae

      Thanks so much, Maray!

  • Elizabeth Hisle

    I loved reading each and every word of this post. I know it sounds cheesy, but life really is one big journey. People filter in and out, loves filter in and out, and we have to keep those memories and the lessons learned from them. I would not change a single damn thing about college years. Drunken messes, 8 am bedtimes, static energy in our tiny blackbox theatre at my college… nah. Lots of stupid things happened, but they were all wonderful in their own way. I’m not sure at which point I became the woman I am now, but even that ignorance is beautiful. Organic experiences are the best. When I’m 40, I also want to look back with wonderment.

    Speaking of which, I am so happy to hear others share their raw experiences. There is something delightful about connecting with fellow humans and realize that, while all our lives are different, they are still shockingly similar.

    P.S. Heartbreak sux. I feel you there. Even though the guy I was gonna marry cheated on me, I’m happy that whole clusterfuck happened. Lessons learned, my friend.

    • rae

      Thank you so much it means so much to me that you have enjoyed this post and yes I hope to look back in another 10+ years and have even more to reminisce about!

  • The perfect shirt dress! <3

    Mr Essentialist

  • I’m so glad I came across your blog today, beautiful! I definitely can related to your post, although with different experiences of course, but the emotions are very much alike. At 26, soon to be 27, I often reflect on pivotal moments in my life, too. I think it’s something that starts to happen when you hit around 25, lol. Life is beautiful, it’s a story, it’s a game, it’s pretty amazing. All of what we’ve gone through and will ever go through will always form a perfect part to meet the puzzle that becomes the greater picture of who we are.

    As for your outfit, I love it! The hat paired with the striped shirt dress perfection and I loved the shoes you selected to finish it off.

    I hope you have a wonderful day, beauty! Sending much love your way :)

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    • rae

      Hey, Jalisa, so glad that you enjoy my blog it means so much to me and I ams o glad that you could relate to this post. Sending lots of love right back!

  • life is a shoe

    what a great post! I really love your dress!

    lifeisashoe

  • Molly Hogan

    Love this! You have such a cool style :)

    XO
    Molly
    http://www.trendychickadee.com

    • rae

      Thanks Molly!

  • Hickman Martin

    Beautiful storytelling and very gorgeous pictures!! Great stuff :) xoxo

    All Things Bright and Lovely

  • Beautiful post! I love the images you create and I saw you growing! Keep on writing dear

    http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com

    • rae

      Thanks so much and yes, photogarpher Johannes Husen takes the most incredible shots for my fashion posts!

  • Nice and heartbreaking memories… I really enjoyed reading them! You look gorgeous, I’m loving your style and hair… xx

    http://www.elabellaworld.com

    • rae

      So glad that you enjoyed this read, Ela!

  • Your writing is so beautiful, and I do agree winter does hold a lot of memories, though not all of them great. There are just so many beautifully cosy things you can do in winter. I love the look too <3

    The Quirky Queer

    • rae

      Thank you so much, Izzy, it means so much to me.

  • wendy
    • rae

      Thanks Wendy!

  • So sad and beautiful too. Love is the reason we live and also want to die. It’s so blissful and painful too. You captured the feelings beautifully! Also love your look!

    xx Yasmin

    http://banglesandbungalows.com

    • rae

      It’s amazing how many different emotions love can make us feel.

  • Ashon

    Enjoyed reading each and every line of your post! & you look beautiful <3

    kisses from Ashon

    http://www.ashonfashionary.com/

    • rae

      Thank you so much, Ashon, so glad you enjoyed the post!

  • Lovely outfit sweetie ! It fits you very well. I want the same dress.

    Follow me now on GFC, I always follow back.
    http://WWW.HEKYMA.COM

  • Haylee Mae

    Love this look, you are a doll. Great hat too, love it.

    xo, Haylee
    http://www.dolledupdaily.com

    • rae

      Thanks so much, Haylee!

  • monalisa

    Okay I knew there were a reason for me coming back to your blog! This post had me so much in my feelings! I didn’t want it to end! Keep these type of post coming, darling! I love to see stylish outfits but love even more to see the person behind them! Thank you for sharing this with us! Btw have you ever considered writing a novel? I would read it! Hugs! http://www.monalisas.no

    • rae

      So glad that you enjoy my little space here on the internet and do not worry many more posts are coming :) And actually I thought it could be funny but I am not sure if I would be able to write an entire book… maybe I should give it a try ;)

  • Life and all it’s hardships can be straining, but reading about how you come out of all of these circumstances stronger than ever is really inspiring. You have such a lovely, raw writing style I really connected with this post so much. Side note, you are so extremely beautiful! xxxxx

    http://www.romantiquely.com

    • rae

      Thank you so much for this comment it really means a lot to me.

  • Michèle

    wow. you look just absolutely AMAZING

    http://www.thefashionfraction.com

    • rae

      Thanks, Michèle!

  • Kelsey & Kenecha

    How gorgeous, I adore the dress x

    Florals&Smiles

    • rae

      Thanks ladies!

  • Julia

    You look great! And I love the way you write!

    Best

    http://www.champagne-attitude.com

    • rae

      Thanks Julia!

    • rae

      Thanks, Carmen!

  • LOVED reading this Rae. You have such an emotive and nostalgic way with words and I actually really resonated with a lot of this. The whole concept of coming-of-age happens all the time, at multiple twists and turns, not just at the awkward pre-teen age, with hindsight, it’s kinda cool to see how things pan out, eh? x

    • rae

      I am so glad that you enjoyed the post and your words mean so much to me Michelle! Life is just one big ass adventure and I am really happy to be along for the ride for as long as it lasts.

  • I love your writing style, very inspiring post! Great shirt dress too :)

    http://www.mintnotion.com

    • rae

      Thanks so much, Eden!

  • This is gorgeous! I love the photos~ such a lovely post<3
    ~Kiyomi
    kokorosasa.blogspot.com

    • rae

      Thanks, Kiyomi!

  • What a nice writing piece! Love your outfit.

    x Karen

    http://dressinginlabels.blogspot.com

    • rae

      Thanks, Karen!

  • Ich liebe deinen Style Rae. Dein Blog ist wirklich eine tolle Inspirations-Quelle!

    Liebste Grüße

    Nesli | things-ilove.de

    • rae

      Danke Nesli!!

  • Emily

    You always look so effortlessly put together, I am so envious!

    Musings & More

    • rae

      Thanks so much, Emily!

  • Kathy

    Lovely post. Thanks for sharing all of these details about your life with us. You are right that we are always coming of age even when we are older. I always look back and realize I am constantly maturing in a good way. Getting older isn’t so bad in that sense.

    Kathy
    http://www.glamsimplified.com

    • rae

      Thanks Kathy, and I agree with everything you said here. And no, when you look at it this way, getting older is actually really beautiful.

  • Totally understand your melancholy, Rae! You’ve experienced so much and there still so much to learn… I tend to be sentimental at the end of the year as well! Especially when the sky turns grey and the rain won’t stop. Glad you can smile about your memories, those are all we have! <3 Hugs!

    xoxo Ira
    JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

    • rae

      It’s not really melancholy, because I look back on all these memories happily :) And yes there is still so much to learn. I am really hoping to make the rest of this year and the coming one even better than the ones before full of incredible experiences!

      • Ahhh, I see! :) I’m sure you’ll rock 2016, Rae! I think it’s a nice thought to be thankful to those people who taught us certain things in life, no matter if bad or good. Otherwise we wouldn’t be there, where we’re now! Thanks for reminding that! ;) Hugs!

        xoxo Ira

    • rae

      Thanks, Emma!

  • Lovely post, thank for letting us into your life.http://www.thestylegalaxy.com/

    • rae

      Thanks, and no problem!

  • This is so beautifully written…it is so interesting to read about your memories! Gorgeous outfit as well!

    http://roadesque.com
    http://ourruins.com

    • rae

      Thank you so much, Valerie!

  • Tal

    Lovely post as per usual!
    My purse is definitely going to take a bruising because of this post haha xxx

    How To Dress for a Fashion Interview

    • rae

      Thanks, Tal!

  • My oh my I wasn’t expecting to read this amazing post when I clicked a link to your blog but Im so happy that I did! I feel like after just one post, I got to know you and how talented you are <3

    Love from Philippines (see what I did there?),
    BCfactor Blog

    • rae

      So glad that you enjoyed this post and your comment is honestly so sweet, thank you so much. Hope you will be back to visit LFB soon!

  • Bianca

    Love your dress! And also, lovely post! xx

    http://www.blancheneve.com

    • rae

      Thanks Bianca!

  • You are such a wonderful storyteller!! And love that adorable look.

    xo Annie
    http://www.laircake.com

    • rae

      Thank you so much, Annie!

  • What an amazing story! And I love your outfit in the pictures, your hair is gorgeous :)

    http://lipstickandmocha.blogspot.com

    • rae

      Thanks, Carla!

  • Beautiful story I love it ..x

    • rae

      Thanks so much!

  • Was für ein toller Look. Ich liebe dein Kleid, aber von Streifen krieg ich nie genug. Oh man Exfreunde, dass ist so ein Thema. Schön das ihr so viel Spaß zusammen hattet. Wenn ich über meine Exfreunde reden würde, dann hätte ich keine netten Worte übrig :D

    xx glamdevils.com / miasmode.blogspot.com

    • rae

      Tausend dank, Mira! Und oh je Exfreunde. Ich finde es schön wenn ich zu mindestens ordentlich mit meinen Exfreunde reden kann. Aber manchmal ist das leider so dass die Männer, mit denen wir zusammen waren, waren richtige Arschlöcher – und sind immer noch so! Von daher verstehe ich total, wenn du keine netten Worte für sie hast!

  • There’s something quite addictive (without you realising it) about that dangerously intoxicating pain. Great post Xx

    THEFASHION-JUNKIE

    • rae

      There really is, but it should only be given into in small quantities!

  • Such a detailed post! I loved the heels you were wearing in your outfit as well. But as for the story of coming of age, I suppose we do go through that time period that shapes who we become in the end, and probably (hopefully) make us better after it has all happened. It seems like you have had some good relationships, and some bad. I am just hoping the next one will be the one x

    • rae

      Thanks so much and yes endings are okay – they make us ready and stronger for new beginnings.

    • rae

      Thanks, Heather!

  • Beautifully written, now this is a proper account. You ever considered penning a Caulfield-style story?

    Buckets & Spades

    • rae

      I totally should. Lol.

  • Christina Härter

    Du hast so einen wundervollen, außergewöhnlichen Look! Ich liebe deinen Hut!
    Deinen Schreibstil finde ich auch ganz toll.

    Liebste Grüße und ein schönes Wochenende,
    Christina von http://lifeas-christina.blogspot.de

    • rae

      Dankeschön, Christina! Und ich wünsche dir ein schönes Wochenende auch!

  • Wow, such a thought-provoking post! Love your reference to Catcher in the Rye – my fave book of all time!

    Pop over to my blog!

    Sarah
    https://everydayconcepts.wordpress.com

    • rae

      So glad you enjoyed the post, Sarah!

  • That’s a very interesting format for the post! I love that you are going into such details and have your personal opinion on relationship issues… Also, I adore your outfit!

    http://stylesprinter.com/

    • rae

      Thanks, Katja and glad that you enjoyed it.

  • Beautifully written, so honest, poetic and analytical at the same time. Just wow.
    Pretty outfit, I love the serene yet edgy feel!
    XO,
    Izzy
    http://www.nearnoise.com

    • rae

      Thank you so much, Izzy!

  • I’m sorry to hear things haven’t worked out with your boyfriend but as you seem to know already, things end for a reason and ultimately breaking up is what’s right for you guys right now or else it wouldn’t be happening. And I think once you get through the first heartbreak, I’m not saying they get easier (I wouldn’t actually know as I’ve only been through one) but I just think you know you’ve lived through it once so you know that you’ll be able to get through it again. The first time you’re not really sure, or I wasn’t at least, but once you do get past it you know that even if you never want to go through it again, if you ever have to that you’ll be okay.

    It’s great to read such a personal post from you too, I love that you’re not afraid to share this side of you, it’s really refreshing and I love getting to know you better through your blog. :) x

    jessica – littlehenrylee.com

    • rae

      Thank you so much, Jessica! I have loved following your blog for years and you seem like such an amazing and sweet person. Really hope we get to meet one day in person – would be awesome!

      • I would love that!! Definitely when I have plans to travel back to Europe I’d love to visit Berlin again so I’ll absolutely let you know! It would be wonderful to meet you one day :) xx

        • rae

          Yes! And if I ever finally make it over to Oz we can hang out there too!

  • inconformistafashionista

    I love you style, I love your story, I just love it all. You have a cool twist to your blog and it’s inspiring.

    inconformistafashionista.wordpress.com

    • rae

      Thank you so much and so glad you enjoy LFB! Feel free to follow so that you don’t miss any new posts and hope to see you back on LFB soon :)

  • Shy life living

    Love your photography and this is such an amazing post. I hope it helped to clear your mind, its written so beautifully!xx

    • rae

      Thank you so much!

  • This post is amazing. I can especially relate to the college portion since I went to school in upstate NY too (Ithaca). When I was reading that section I felt like you were recounting my own life. The rest of it was so incredibly honest and real. I can relate to quite a bit of that too and I’m sure plenty of other women would agree.

    -M
    http://www.violetroots.com

    • rae

      Thank you so much, Monika! That is so crazy – I am sure a lot of the small colleges in Upstate have a very similar vibe. And thank you so much – I really like to write about aspects of life as honestly as possible.

  • Christian Chou

    Oh my oh my.. you have some amazing outfits and photography. I could just keep scrolling

    • rae

      Thanks so much, Christian!

  • Simoni Papaefstathiou

    amazing style and blog! keep up the good work girl :)

    kisses

    Simoni from

    http://www.fashionablerose.com

    • rae

      Thank you so much, Simoni!

  • I love your outfit and your blog. I can tell you put a lot of time and effort into your posts.

    Batty4Beauty.com

    • rae

      Thanks so much! And yes I definitely try to make LFB a strong and professional page full of well-thought out content, so I am so glad that you feel that way!