spin I bought a work dress from Vertbaudet, it's nice and doesn't look 'maternity' at all.
not is second making a list or spreadsheet. For dd I bought very lovely things, some was a great investment (a lovely solid wooden chest of drawers, the bugaboo etc) other stuff in hindsight was daft. I spent £50 on a playmat that she would lie on, £120 on a carrier that was used once, daft stuff. I'll buy a second hand play mat and jumperoo this time as they really aren't used long enough to warrant the expense plus baby might hate them
Read lots of reviews before making any big purchases.
This time around I'm in a stronger position financially but will spend less as I'm getting tighter with age.
I'd definitely advocate spending more on things that are classic and will last - dd bedroom drawers cost around £350 but are ten years old and still look good after daily use. We didn't get the cot from the same range but got a 'matching' white cot from kiddicare much cheaper, it got used for two years then resold on. She did then have a lovely handmade bed with truckle as I felt that would get used for many more years and be worth it.