input, please*

A few days ago, I was looking on the Gap's website (I don't remember why...looking for jeans, maybe, which by the way, the Gap no longer appears to be selling?! Remember the massive wall of denim that back in the day was the hallmark of every Gap store? It is no longer, having been replaced by a few paltry stacks of sizes 0 and 20. Sure, their website is packed with almost every style imaginable, but don't be fooled. Should you dare want to actually TRY ON a pair of jeans - as only crazy people do - you will be almost completely at a loss). Whew, that was quite the parenthetical tangent!
While on the website, I stumbled upon this beautiful thing. Now, mind you, I have never before in my life had the desire for a leather jacket, but isn't this one incredible? The color is lovely, the finish is nice and soft and unshiny, and I love the Members Only-esque collar. As soon as I saw that picture, I instantly pictured myself wearing this glorious specimen everywhere - to coffee shops, on leisurely walks with Q, or to any number of my school's sporting events and paired with this long ago mentioned scarf. Who knew teachers could be so cool?
There are, not surprisingly, two obstacles to my attaining fashion heaven. First, as you may have already noted, is the price. I have never spent anywhere even close to that on any article of clothing in my life (wedding dress excluded). How can I justify it, especially in my soon-to-be one (my) income household? It's not going to be any fun to wear if I'm drowning in guilt every time I think of it.
The second obstacle is that, in keeping with what appears to be the Gap's new favorite trend, none of the stores around me has any of these jackets in stock. I can get one online, but dare I buy it without actually seeing it in person? Prior to my first trip out to look for the jacket, I promised myself I would only buy it if it looked FABULOUS from every angle. As strong as my imaginative powers may be, I don't think I can judge that through my computer screen.
Is it just time to grow up and accept that sometimes clothes, especially pieces like this, cost this much? Have I just been sheltered in my Target and Ann Taylor Loft bubble all of these years? If you happen to be more savvy in this are than I, please, please, please, give me a hint. I am clearly floundering.

* the title of this post is not intended to reference your soon-to-be ex-employer, J.