Hi All,

April has been an interesting month with a lot on my plate at work (a large audit, training a new staff member, winning a new contract) and a couple of adventures away from home.

I think since joining YLF I also bought more pieces than any other month. So I think May will be a shopping fast.... The good news is that most pieces were on my shopping list for the year...but at 19 purchases to date for 2021 I do need to slow my purchasing down. Nine have been gear, but it is still more than I am used to buying. Still things come in fits and starts don't they.

I added the following pieces:

• Denim shirt ($5 at the Dress for Success Sale) I have been considering one for a while and I added this and think it is a winner after one wear. Label cut off so no idea on brand.
• Helen Cherry (NZ designer) blouse - so pretty - also Dress for Success sale.
• Gregory black linen skirt (also DFS sale)
• Veronika Maine blouse - new
• Black and white rollies - new
• New balance activewear windcheater
• Adidas tee
• Kathmandu lilac merino
• Navy and black snakeskin puffer
• Five Star Slippers

Why have I broken my rules?

• I stay away from purple and have added a lilac merino....this is in regular rotation for cycling and early morning walks. I am enjoying it a lot.
• The Power of One - well I added two floral blouses with a light background, and my rollies are really similar to some white Django and Juliette laceups I already own. I have worn the long sleeve floral blouse three times already - the short sleeve will probably be unworn for four to five months but will come into its own next spring. At $20 it felt a good deal. And I think the two pairs of similar sneaker hybrids will be worn a lot, based on April.

The slippers, puffer jacket, windcheater and black sports tee were all planned purchases that were on my list. I have been looking for the two jackets for a while and finally the right ones turned up. And these slippers are cosy and relatively stylish:)

I attach some April WIW too. A full range from work outfits through to cycling adventures through to a couple of nights out in the big smoke.

There have been a couple of pieces that have exited as well.

• The black and white cycling jacket got chain marks on it which did not come off.
• My cognac handbag was the victim of a handbag snatch/mugging attempt last Sunday night on our way back from the Van Gogh Live show. The bag was dropped after a pursuit by my son and husband- but the shoulder strap was broken. It could be repaired but I feel like it has been tarnished in my mind. A cognac/tan bag is an essential for me so I will try and replace it - but I will sit on it for a couple of weeks and see what I think.

I attach here a group of WIW. The pink merino has had a couple of wears already, and the Black and White rollies feature a few times as well, as does the Veronika Maine blouse.

Photo 1 - heading out for meals out
Photo 2 - errands day featuring the new denim shirt (and a new haircut)
Photo 3 - mountain biking adventures in the rain
Photo 4 - pink merino purchased in March
Photo 5 - casual outfits, one athleisure, one for work
Photo 6 - two work looks featuring the new Rollies
Photo 7 - two outfits with the new Veronika Maine blouse (same jeans but different shoes)

Thanks for looking and feel free to ask any questions.

And I got a lot chopped off my hair too - it was feeling a bit of a mop.

Cheers.