So I am thinking I am going to keep all three tops, even though 2 doesn't get so much love because as long as I have some clean clothes I can get dressed in the dark with these. My WIW was seriously the last clean weather appropriate top in my closet to wear that day. I am over the last top and will try to get to Massimo Dutti to see if I can find something there as well in a pretty color.

Angie, thanks for the reassurance that they are all 10s. Like I said I don't want to waste money no matter how desperate I feel.

Natalie, he will be home with dad for a few months now, and you know dads have their own special approach to things but he will be home for now and later on he will go to a small daycare.

Hi Scarlet --

I actually like all 3 tops quite a lot so am glad you're keeping them; all are flattering and right in sync with trends. You're right in that you NEED appropriate clothes to return to work -- and they need to make your life simple!

Hopefully they'll all end up favorites but when we have a lot going on clean + "feels enough like me" is sometimes as good as it gets, ha.

Having done a bloodless power shop myself 2 months ago there's something rather freeing in accepting the latter. I think #2 may well go from duckling to swan once it's not in the dressing room, has a white/nude underlayer, and gets a bit of the Scarlet touch.

Good luck with this big transition. I hope the return to work invigorates in many ways...that should make it a bit easier not to envy your husband. And really, it's wonderful that your XYs get to have a special few months together too. Babies have so much love to give -- letting them share it is practically a community service!

I like all the tops you're modeling. I can't tell what the others would look like on you. You don't love them though or has that changed?

Just chiming in to say I think you did great! My favourite is the first one.

Scarlet, good luck with the return to work. At least it will be that much easier knowing that you're leaving the baby with Mr. Scarlet. And what a wonderful chance for them to spend time together.

You will look great leaving the house! Well done. I know exactly what you mean, and only wish that I'd found YLF before I had my kids. I shudder to think about what I used to wear when I felt like nothing fit.

P.S. I just love it when Inge gets on a "mission"... ; )

Vix, thanks so much for your wise words. Such a great way of putting it. Babies have so much love to give. It really changed my perspective for the positive. Also how you describe the freeing aspect of bloodless power shopping/dressing is reassuring. And thanks for having faith in me to style these well, especially number 2.

Elle, I wasn't sure about the last top, it's actually the same one, my photo in poor lighting and the photo from the brand's website. I think the neckline is wonky and actually doesn't even flatter the sales mannequin come to think of it.

Sarah, thanks for chiming in. It's reassuring to hear from you, Natalie, Sara, and others that it's normal to be in this state. Yes, I do love it when Inge has a mission