Meet Rae Allen | Wardrobe Stylist, Shopper + Athlete

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rae Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rae, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe that we create our own version of success. For me, I have been resilient, persistent and authentic. I absolutely love what I do and my passion behind my career as a wardrobe stylist has allowed me to literally run with it. When most people would give up – I kept pushing. As an athlete I have learned how to put my head down and dig deep during challenges, and this mindset has allowed me to transform professionally in my styling career.

As a stylist, you are constantly faced with adversity and you have to adapt. For my clients, I will always work hard to get the job done. From shopping for looks for a shoot to being on set to sourcing a luxury bag. I take pride in what I do, and it shows.

I absolutely LOVE it and grateful to have this career. I have worked SO unbelievably hard and sacrificed a lot to get here. I am now at the point where I am becoming more intentional with the workload I take on and the direction I want to take my business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a wardrobe stylist and athlete and my path has evolved over the years. Have vast experience in styling from costume design in TV/Film + commercials; personal styling + shopping; and styling products for brands for e-commerce, becoming skilled in flat lays/pin-ups, ghost mannequin and on-figure.

I didn’t start out as a stylist, but so proud at how far I’ve taken my career. In 2016, I had a health scare that forced me to pivot and evolve out of the corporate world. That’s when I decided to give it everything I’ve got and lean into styling. I bought a camera and started styling myself and posting my looks and workouts to Instagram. Then I hit the pavement and knocked on doors of wardrobe departments to get into costuming. It literally snowballed from there. From working on major TV Shows, multiple Lifetime movies and working with big brands like Nike and Ifit.

The biggest lesson I learned was to never give up on myself. I had so many obstacles against me, but I kept pushing and became so resilient. If it weren’t for those challenges I wouldn’t be where I am today. This set me up to face obstacles as they come, especially these last few years. I’ve evolved and grown as a stylist. During the pandemic, it was the busiest I’ve ever been as I found my niche – styling professional athletes for commercials and workout videos. Even worked on a series filmed on Mt. Everest that was nominated for a Sports Emmy.

Aside from styling, I have organically started working with brands on content creation becoming known for my style: pink hair and Nike sneakers. I never thought posting photos of my looks and workouts early on would evolve to working with many brands on content creation and events. To speaking at Poshmark’s Fashion + Entrepreneurial conference, to running the New York City Marathon with Michelob Ultra to being on a digital billboard for Nike and livestreaming shopping events for ShopShops.

If you haven’t noticed, I actually welcome challenges as I know they will only make me stronger and show me massive growth. At the end of the day – I will always go the extra mile for my clients.

Currently I am in the midst of growing my personal styling and luxury shopping business. I have a passion to empower others (women + men) to feel confident in their skin. I also have a passion for designer resale, shopping for hidden gems and helping individuals source the right luxury item(s) for their wardrobe. Very excited to see where this next chapter takes me.

As an athlete, I am evolving from IRONMAN triathlete into bodybuilding and training for a bikini competition. Still on my run streak of 2800+ days.

Currently open to opportunities in the world of styling and taking on clients for personal styling + luxury shopping.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely have a packed day – we would start the day at my favorite spot Runyon Canyon. Yes, I know it may seem cliche, but when I first moved to LA it became a place for me to escape and view the city from above. I like going early when the city is quiet. Then we would make our way to grab coffee, probably Alfred or find a new spot around Melrose.

For a good workout (I am an athlete too, so you know we gotta workout) I will take her to Gold’s Gym in Venice. It’s so iconic and such an inspiring place to workout.

Definitely head to the beach, like Marina del Rey beach or Playa del Rey as they are less crowded.

I absolutely love hitting some of the consignment/resale boutiques like Crossroads on Melrose, RCR Lux Boutique, Recess or Round Two. There are so many amazing places to shop in LA – I could literally plan an entire week of shopping.

Love to grab a (plant based) burger + fries at my favorite place – Monty’s. I live on the westside and love checking out places on Abbot Kinney like Plant Food = Wine, Butcher’s Daughter or Rose in Venice.

For drinks, would end the night at Belle’s Beach House or Only The Wild Ones.

However, all of this sounds so fun and exciting, but I have so much pride in my home in Marina del Rey and enjoy spending time on the patio, making healthy dinners with good company or simply walking around the marina admiring the beauty with my little fur baby, Coco Chanel.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We rise by lifting others and I always strive to empower + inspire those around me. I am inspired by so many individuals and grateful for the humans that have shaped my journey.

I worked for Nike for many years and had an abundance of mentors who taught me leadership and helped me step into my powers. Huge thanks to Maureen, Brian, Shanna, Kristen and so many more!

My school FIDM LA. I am so grateful for the connections I have made and the mentors I have had.

To the costume supervisors, costume designers and producers that took a risk hiring me at the beginning of my career…Not going to name names, but you know who you are.

Lastly, my parents and my boyfriend as they have supported me along the way and I wouldn’t be here without them.

Oh and I can’t forget my sidekick – my fur baby, Coco Chanel. She is my world.

Website: https://www.raerunlove.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raerunlove/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rae-allen-b6793469/

Image Credits
Image credits: Alex Morgan (image from ifit) Alex Morgan ( image from Nordictrack) Martins Licis + Phil Catudal (image from Ifit) Nike x Off-white vest/bag (image from Nike SNKRS app)