Autumn Smiles

Autumn Smiles

• Sunday, September 28, 2014

Shirt Dress: c/o ShopLately   Jacket & Bag: thrifted   Socks & Hat: c/o Oasap   Boots: Just Fab

Okay everyone, I am officially wearing layers here. As in, fall layers. 

Let the autumn excitement commence.

Seriously - tights, knee socks, tall boots, and a jacket? I was quite comfortable despite the looming clouds, and felt amazingly stylish thanks to this fun, print tee from ShopLately! I talked all about their online marketplace, which you can read up about here in case you missed it.

Now, I know that the description labels this as a tee, but seriously? It's so long, I made it work as a dress. In my opinion, it's one of those hybrid tee-dresses. Right? Right.

Layers make everything work the way you want them to!

I've been stepping up my makeup routine lately, and that includes a vast improvement in my lipstick collection. What I've discovered is that the best drugstore brand to go with is Maybelline Sensational. This new, plum lipstick I'm wearing stayed in place despite going out later for some pizza. Impressive, right? In fact, I loved it so much, I went back and bought a second color!

In other news, I've started picking up morning shifts at my job as a barista, and whoo buddy. It's a complete opposite of my usual closing hours. We get a little busy in the afternoons and evenings, but it is nothing compared to the morning rush. Somehow, when I worked Saturday morning (our busiest day), I ended up on the espresso machine. Not to brag, but I felt like a boss as I quietly and intently worked through the never ending line of tickets, tossing them aside as I presented customers inside and outside with their drinks.

There's a dance that's hidden in making coffee, and each customer is an unknowing choreographer who adds to the rhythm and pattern I'm following. After a couple tickets, I feel my body flowing into the movements of pulling espresso shots, steaming milk, and reaching for the varying syrup bottles.

It was intense, difficult, and challenging - but it felt so satisfying to realize I could do it. Thinking back to when I first started and how discouraging it was to try and learn everything, I can't help but marvel at how far I've come. It's been quite an experience, and a skill set I'm proud to have acquired.

Just goes to show that sticking with something and seeing it through can really pay off!

Have a beautiful Sunday, Dragonistas.
Hope you're enjoying a lovely fall day wherever you are!

"Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile."
William Cullen Bryant