“Reassuringly expensive” was the advertising slogan used by Stella Artois for many years.

The suggestion was that although it cost a bit more than your ‘ordinary’ lager the added expense was indication of the quality you were consuming.

I’m not a lager drinker so I can’t vouch for Stella Artois but if ever a slogan fit a designer brand like Missoni, it would be just that. Reassuringly expensive.

My first Missoni was orgasmic. Unforgettable. It was one of the major brands that swayed me in the direction of quality over cost, and one of the reasons that I thought Amara’s Closet would work. I’m still convinced that there are women out there, on a middle income, who love designer labels but want them at affordable prices.

I’m also sure that these women, like me, know the value of good materials, great design and timeless shapes.

A while back I stumbled across a Missoni Bessie bow dress and, knowing my Missoni, haggled like a fiend for it. I wasn’t planning to leave the store without it. I didn’t.

It’s been in and out of the Closet as I’ve struggled, tortuously, about letting it go. It’s like the one vintage Chanel suit I had, sold, and deeply regretted ever since. It’s not business, it’s love. That’s my excuse anyway.

It’s now back in the Closet. I’m a serious business woman after all… for now… until lust takes over…

Needless to say, I’ve spent more of my morning than I should lusting, oooing and ahhing at Missoni.

Reassuringly perfect.