Mine started in summer 2006 - I really wanted an orange bag, and saw the tangerine araline 50% reduced on the mulberry website after discovering it thanks to posters in another forum. I wasnt really too keen on the style tbh, but as I wanted an orange bag and couldnt find one elsewhere, I nearly bought it. But I hadnt ever spent more than £100 on a bag up until then and so decided it was too much money.
I found out about the christmas sale from posters in the same forum; saw the black araline was reduced by 50% and was tempted again. Then a poster put up a code for an extra 10% off (thanks again Ditab!) and so I ordered it.... really to just see what the fuss was about... I had sort of planned to send it back (the OH hated it aswell)... but then it arrived and I just couldnt - I 'understood' then; the smell, the softness of the leather, the details, everything. The rest is history!!