The Mulberry Araline is pretty huge in the UK, probably because it is a British brand, and I finally took the plunge and got one in chocolate brown. It's my first major investment on a bag (probably not that major as it is still cheaper than many designer bags, at 295pounds), but it's so soft and I love the size of it. Do you think it will be one of those bags that will last a while rather than being just an 'it' bag? I like the fact that it's practical, comfortable and pretty light to carry around. But I'm not a fan of the tassles. I tried contacting Mulberry and asked if they do a similar strap but without the tassles but was told it was against company policy to change the design of the bag. I am now thinking of actually cutting them off myself! I'm not sure and don't want to make a grave mistake! What do you think?