Despite thinking that I would purchase very few items on my maternity leave, I’ve added quite a few pieces to my wardrobe, and took stock of them today.

Most are pictured as finds below, and I also purchased:

• A navy cardigan from MM LaFleur (https://mmlafleur.com/shop/cat.....egory/115/);

• A pair of black ballet flats from Rothy’s (https://rothys.com/collections/the-flat);

• A navy Tahari sheath dress from my favorite consignment shop; and

• A lovely double-strand pearl bracelet with an infinity clasp that is a piece of jewelry that I’ve been hoping to add to my collection for years (pictured on my wrist below).

Although I wasn’t expecting to make so many purchases, I remind myself that these pieces:

• Should further my goal of wearing versatile, refined, elegant pieces, especially as I tend towards dressy.

• Serve practical purposes: for example, navy dresses are a favorite for weekends, because they can be easily dressed up for down; the black-and-navy blazer transforms my black sheath dresses into near suits; the MM LaFleur cardigan looks terrific with many of my work dresses; and the black dress from WHBM embodies the vintage glamour that I love, and will be a staple for parties, date nights, etc.

• Reflect a small percentage of items I’ve bought and returned since the new year, as I’ve been trying to be very picky, keeping only what I love and expect to wear often for a long time.

• Could be viewed as overdue because - other than maternity wear and some accessories - I made few purchases last year, especially holding off on footwear (thankfully, my feet didn’t change size during pregnancy), and several pairs of shoes needed to be replaced. All of the ballet flats will be worn often on strolls with baby and work commutes, and the Calvin Klein pumps fill a longtime void for a dressy pair of nude pumps.

• Replace an equal number of items that I’ve donated, so my overall wardrobe size has not changed.

• Include purchases from independent companies (MM LaFleur, Rothy’s) that aim to sell quality products for professional women, which I’m happy to support.

• Reflect my recent revelation that I don't need a lot of variety in my favorite colors and silhouettes (which I learned when wearing eight dresses on repeat during my pregnancy).

Although perhaps I’m rationalizing through the above thoughts, I’m quite happy with these purchases and may take a break from shopping . . . plenty to enjoy for now.

Thanks for reading and sharing any thoughts about this unexpected spring bounty!