I have no real advice to give you beyond this:

About 7 years ago, I wore for the first time an expensive shirt I had gotten on vacation to a friend's pool party. My best friend didn't bring a bathing suit but eventually was persuaded to jump in with her clothes on, and when she needed a change of clothes I let her borrow some of my stuff. She took the shirt and I've never seen it since. For about a year I bugged her consistently about it, and then for a few years after I'd bring it up once and a while in a joking manner. Every now and then she'll call me and tell me she found it, but she somehow manages to lose it randomly before I see her again. I'm sure the thing doesn't even fit me anymore, but I'll tell you one thing...that shit is irritating.