I totally agree with Book Worm... The hardware is a personal preference.. I wear white and yellow gold, and have the same color bags in both GHW and PHW. I think it's a very casual bag, regardless of hardware.. Regarding the price, I personally have a difficult time paying more than retail for luxury items, but that's just my stubborn nature. I'm willing to wait, perhaps for nothing. However, I also haven't come across a something I want that badly, YET. LOL If you absolutely love it, and don't want to bother with the wait for one in store, then it's totally worth it. But if you're iffy, then it may not be the one for you.