It’s official. My maternity leave is over. Wah Wah.

Okay, in all honesty I’m making it seem way worse than it actually is. Luckily, I really like my job and the people I work with so other than some sadness over not getting to hang full-time with baby Blake anymore, I’m not really bummed about getting back to work. I made quiet the morning of it too. I tried to get myself put together more than usual (which means I paid attention while blow drying my hair and putting on make-up) and did a quick stop at Target to pick up some new office supplies. That paper section really got the best of me (got this and this… and maybe these – I couldn’t resist). I also totally cleaned out my office first thing when I got in so it kind of feels like the first day of school.

Especially since last night I packed up my new Dagne Dover tote with all my work gear – it’s basically like my fancy, grown-up backpack. I got the 15-inch tote and it has ALL THE POCKETS. One for your laptop, a handful for pens, a special pocket for your phone, cord for your keys (cause you know they always get lost on the bottom and that is the worst) and my favorite feature of all – a pocket/holder for your water bottle. It also zips up so you can hide away all your mess of stuff so people don’t think you are a hoarder on wheels (I hate when I go to meetings with a tote and people can see the clutter inside you bag).Plus this pink color is super pretty and goes with everything. Basically, it is like a dream come true.

And since there are pockets for days, it’s become the prettiest little diaper bag too. I think having a “diaper bag” is kind of a waste because you really don’t need THAT MUCH stuff. I guess you could think of things to throw in for the sake of it but personally, I think it’s unnecessary. Rather than spend a bunch of money on a bag you only carry for a few months that isn’t very attractive, splurge on something like this that you can still carry when your baby is no longer a baby. I have one dedicated pocked in here for the baby essentials I need for emergencies – diapers, wipes (these Honest to-go packs are my favorites because they take up no room), a back-up onesie and changing pad. This way I can pick her up from daycare and run errands or take her straight to dinner without worry about running home first. We’ll see how often we can make that happen though. I’m guessing most days I’ll just be trying to make it home in one piece – say a prayer for me.

Dagne Dover – The 15-inch Tote in Pale Pink Stingray c/o
(this color is limited edition so if you want one, order it before it’s gone)
Banana Republic Tweed Cropped Jacket (on sale now; love this one too)| Stripe Tee from Dress & Dwell | Banana Republic Avery Black Crop Pants | Steve Madden Varcityy Black Heels (seen before here in nude)| J.Crew Tassel Necklace (sold out; similar here)| Ray-Ban Aviators from Ditto (get your first month membership free with code LOUWHATWEAR)

Photos by Sunni Wigginton