That sobering moment when you realise you’ve lost your purse...

WHERE TO BUY asos.com, accessorize.com, chichiclothing.com, coast-stores.com, dunelondon.com marksandspencer.com, simplybe.co.uk, topshop.com zara.com I’ve lost a few things in my time on a night out – self-respect and dignity to name just two – but losing my purse is a whole lot more sobering.

It was in the cab with Ali and Mark on the way to a 50th party in a pub on Friday night that I realised I’d come out without any money.

“Oh yeah, usual story, you old windbag,” scoffed my bestie Ali, paying the driver. “I suppose you’ll be wanting free drinks all night too.”

As we walked into the pub garden, I heard Ali say from behind me: “Er… hang on, you’ve got a big hole in your bum.”

Stopping and twisting my frock round, I found a big split in the seam, and I suddenly had a flashback to the last time I wore it.

“Aargh, I forgot I’d ripped it with my particularly vigorous country dancing at Mike’s wedding,” I moaned. “I’d better pop back and get changed – and I can get my purse while I’m at it.”

Unable to find it back at the house, I finally I had to admit to myself that I must have dropped it while out shopping earlier in the day.

So, with a heavy heart, I cancelled all my bank cards, changed my dress and raided Jesse’s piggy bank for taxi money to go back to the party.

Next morning at home, as I nursed my fuzzy head courtesy of the free bar, the phone rang.

“Hello, this is HSBC bank,” said the caller. “I have some good news – a lady has found your purse!”

So I’d like to thank Lesley from Overton, Hants, who returned my purse and cash, meaning I was able to pay the babysitter. Economic certainty has been restored.