ps: Haha! Just read Maneera's post. Maneera - scandalous! Hehehe. I'm Team Gucci Captain For some reason, I'm happy to love Gucci things to shreds...

I (along with everyone else) really appreciate your honesty in sharing this story. I also have eyes for luxury goods so I can relate to the thrill of coveting and owning- yet, there have been expensive mistakes as well. And when I have just owned up to it and let it go I have felt much better. My husband and I have had many a discussion on this. He was the one who encouraged some purchases but feels very strongly that you use what you have and don't save it for good (there is no better than today!). Please cut the tags off your scarf and wear and enjoy it!

This post is incredibly generous of you to share your experience because it may stop someone else from making this mistake, it can be hard when you are caught up in the moment, and this bag had a lot going for it, as the colour works so well for you. I fell into this trap when shopping with a girlfriend who only wears Gucci heels and swears that they are so comfortable. So silly me bought some and of course rather than being incredibly elegant, I could barely walk in them. I did feel rather Carrie Bradshawish in them, so whilst it was a foolish purchase, it was not without some fun. Live and learn.

Thanks for sharing your story Natalie. We grow from our mistakes and it's good of you to tell us your experience.

As usual you look amazing in all your outfits and I'm sure your other orange handbag will fit the bill beautifully and you must wear the scarf with it. The way you have it draped over your shoulder with those fab culottes is lovely!

Dear Natalie, i can fully relate to your post. I bought Jimmy Choo booties this winter and used them very frequently eventually (not at first) and they are gorgeous; but i think i will not do this kind of purchase again. Not sure its really justified as they did wore out and may be will hold next winter but not more that that. I kind of felt not "in my shoes" although nobody besides me knew they are what they are.
I think the thing is that one should fit well into his own surroundings, labels included.

Agree with everyone else -- such an interesting and honest post. I too love handbags but have often wondered how much even the most fabulous purse can actually be worth. Like you, there is a price point above which I would simply become uncomfortable carrying the bag, no matter how much I loved it. I too have bought items that at one time or another I just had to have, only to lose money eventually selling them on ebay. I don't think that you should regret the purchase. a) You were able to gratify the desire to own the bag--you experienced it and decided it wasn't for you. b) You learned something about yourself and your values.

Natalie, thank you for the well told story, variations of which are so familiar to so many.
It sounds as though you resolved this very, very well, and did some honest thinking about your priorities. I guess you could also look at it as though the money you lost is what it cost to learn everything you described. I'm not saying it was cheap, but someone people have had to pay for cars or houses to learn the same things.

I have learnt so much from your post and reading each other's experiences. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Well done for finding your way through to the other side.

Thanks for sharing your story Natalie. Excellent resolution. I'm proud of you for taking action and not letting guilt or regret consume you. Well done!

You look lovely in all outfits!