You guys know I’m a sucker for a good ol’ fashioned reader testimonial. Today’s comes from Glenn, who was kind enough to share his story (and make me tear up in the process).

Give it a read, and share your own stories in the comments!

“Hey Megan,

I’m writing to thank you for all the hard work you put into your site. Bear with me here for just a moment.

With the exception of the last 15 months or so, the past few years haven’t been the best ones for me- in fact they’ve unquestionably been the toughest and most trying I’ve ever gone through. My father passed away after a long struggle with multiple sclerosis, I was stuck in an unfulfilling dead-end position at my then-job, I’d been gaining weight since I’d left college, which only grew worse with all the stress I was dealing with…. I was in a real rut.

For a long while, I deluded myself in thinking that I wasn’t responsible for my situation, that it was all the result of multiple gut punches life had thrown me- and there certainly were some of those, of course. But I finally awoke to the realization that regardless of what had happened that was out of my control, I was primarily to blame for where I was. So I decided to roll my sleeves up and get to work fixing things.

Well, it’s now 15 months later, and that’s exactly what I’ve done. I’ve lost all the weight (and there was a considerable amount of it), found a new job that I actually enjoy (which came with a substantial salary jump too!), started eating better and taking better care of myself, and addressed the numerous additional issues that had mounted up around me. And as a result, I’m happier now than I’ve been in many years.

Now for the reason I wrote you:

Upgrading my wardrobe has been a huge part of this process. I never really put much thought into what I wore in years past, so its been truly remarkable to see the effect putting effort into buying and wearing the right clothes has had on me. I stumbled across your site about a year back, and it’s totally changed how I approach my appearance and, as a result, how other people perceive me.

You taught me the importance of fit, how to buy things that are mixable, how to properly match different fabrics and colors, why buying quality actually does matter, how important finding and using a good tailor is… the list goes on. I’ve even punted all my old care products for superior, all-natural alternatives- AND found a quality barber.

The effect all this has had on me is amazing. I’ve never had more confidence, and I leave for work each morning knowing that I look good- it’s an absolute pleasure, and it’s completely changed my outlook. In truth, discussing it as merely “upgrading my wardrobe” doesn’t even begin to explain it all: I now put effort into myself, into how I face the world each day. It makes me feel so much better about myself, and it even helps me out with the ladies- I know, who’d have ever guessed!?

that’s me (in the middle) at my two friends’ coed wedding shower last month. I let blue reign supreme, mixing oxford, gingham, and plain cotton into (what I think is) a stylish, cohesive whole- and I didn’t even break a sweat thanks to the unlined (and tailored!) jacket. Taken with a cellphone so its kinda rough, but it gives a good idea.

Anyway, it all comes down to this: thank you. This ran a little longer than I thought it would, but that only reflects just how geared up over this I am. Your site has had such a positive influence on me, and it’s made all the effort I’ve put in towards improving myself that much more satisfying. I’m truly grateful, and I thought you should know that.

Keep up the great work,

Glenn”

If it’s not abundantly clear by now, Style Girlfriend readers are the best readers. Of all things that can be read. Ever. Thanks to Glenn for sharing his story.

Tell me:

How do you relate to Glenn’s journey?

Want to share your own story? Head over to Facebook and talk us through it.