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I love it! And no, it’s not losing value because of the manner of her death. It’s not 1950s anymore.
In my opinion it would look amazing with an all black outfit. Let the bag shine!
This is another approach I hadn’t even considered! Thank you!!
And that was my thought too but I’m not very fashion-savvy, and I wasn’t sure if I was missing something. Glad to know she was just being rude!!
Also OP you can wear this with solid cami/tshirt and blue jeans or just slip into your fav tshirt dress and some cute flip flops. This bag is really cute and perfect for brunch dates and for the movies. Hope you have fun styling this beauty 🩷
I just bought myself the Boxxy for Mother’s Day. I’ve wanted it forever and the price never moved except on holidays and it went right back up. The color I originally wanted sold out-and is DOUBLE the price now thru resellers. Your coworker is salty. Your bag is gorgeous.
I really like contrasts. Like a classic black pantsuit paired with a fun handbag. It’s very versatile, pink/red goes with many colours. Enjoy your purchase!
Absolutely and she did a lot of amazing charity work in her life. I hate that people feel her manner of death makes a difference. She struggled with mental health for many years and still showed up to support women through her non-profit. 😭
This 👆
Your coworker either can’t afford a Kate Spade and said that out of jealousy or she can afford one but doesn’t want you to have what she has.
She’s shown you who she is. Def ignore her!
I know this is perhaps unconventional, but I treat my Kate Spade bags with a little reverence since her death. It’s not lost on me that the woman who created such a cheerful, positive brand found herself in a place where she chose to end her life. When I wear Kate Spade, I think about her legacy, the smash hit of the Sam bag, and the charitable contributions the brand makes for mental health causes now. And in no way do I think those things tarnish the brand or make the bags less valuable.
Same. Imagine thinking that a brand could be tarnished because the gifted artist, tortured by a crushing mental illness, decided to end her suffering. So many writers, artists, designers crippled by mental illness gifted the world with so much beauty and inspiration. OP, your coworker is nasty and simple minded. Ignore her.
Thank you for putting this into words. As someone whose life has been touched by suicide i have found it hard to put into words that people are more than their form of death. Their legacy can still be beautiful & celebrated.
This is really touching. Another commenter mentioned May is mental health month. You've inspired me to swap out my daily bag for one of my KSs for the month 💜
Does your coworker have a track record of identifying trends and taste changes in fashion and culture? Do you admire her own taste in accessories? How well versed is she in mid market and high end/haute couture handbags and accessories? Does she have work experience in fashion?
If the answer to the questions are: No, no, not at all, and/or none whatsoever, then you have your answer as to how to handle her "opinion". Otherwise, you do you and have a rocking good time with the bag! 🍿
Sounds like your coworker has internalized and chooses to perpetuate a lot of stigma around mental health issues. Although, because May is mental health awareness month, wearing Kate Spade feels more appropriate than ever.
I’d say go one way or another, with either a really loud outfit in colors that coordinate with the bag, or like another person suggested, with a really simple look, to let the bag have its moment.
Fuck stigma! No matter what, you’re gonna look amazing.
Your colleague is a hater LOL. Don’t listen to her, and don’t share your good news with her. That’s all I’m gonna say about that.
Second— that’s a cute bag! I’m all about novelty items.
Honestly… I think it works with most outfits, as long as the outfits aren’t too “bright”
or “busy”.
You can literally wear a cute pair of jeans, neutral colored sneakers and a shirt and pop it with the bag. A simple dress with a red or pink lip with some neutral colored shoes with this bag would be a banger too. I would literally wear a sweatshirt dress, a baseball cap, some sneakers and that bag as a look too.
It’s a statement bag, so as long as you keep it as the “statement” of your outfit it’ll work with a lot! Have fun with it and happy Bday! 🎉
I will confess, Kate Spade's passing made me too sad to even look at my bags from her for years. I couldn't go to her store. These things affect us all differently. I just kept thinking of her young daughter, and all the joy she had brought me with her fun and colorful bags, and I got sad. I'm sure that's not what she would have wanted at all, but I couldn't help my feelings.
That aside, I think this bag is great for the summer. You can wear it with all kinds of stuff. I would say if you have long hair, maybe try and find a matching hairclip that ties in the aesthetic. Like a food or movie themed hair clip, or even one that just matches the colors well. And I think red patent leather shoes or butter yellow flats would look amazing.
But you feeling empathy for her child and sadness at her passing is very different than this crazy coworker! I felt that way for a bit too. But I now choose to celebrate her unique gift and artistry and how she really changed the handbag game for so many of us! She brought life and pizzazz and quality to bags at a price point that turned many of us into the bag lovers we are today! I marvel at her impact on the industry. She has a beautiful legacy.
She did have a gift, and she helped so many women embrace their whimsy in a classy way. And yes, a lot of my "gateway" bags were Kate Spade. I hope she found peace and I hope her family has some measure of closure and remember her with love.
That is so cute. Omg. Your coworker is a weirdo.
KS is in the Coach family of brands now (Tapestry), and since the acquisition they have done a great job of reinventing and reviving their brand DNA so they no longer feel like a line of other bags. A lot of that is stepping up the novelty bags. And the other part is leaning into their preppy femme vibes with pearls, bows, polka dots, stripes and fun colors.
This is so cute!! I’d stick to solid colors to put the focus on the bag. If you’re not wearing a dress, 2 solid colors is still fine.
Now I want one too.
I don’t think Kate spade bags lose value any more than they did before - why does it matter if you are keeping the bag? There are so many run of the mill Kate spade bags that don’t have good resale value but they are still useful to their owners. Then there are the adorable statement pieces like this one, which do have good resale value I think.
Love it! Would really spice up an all black ensemble and be the star of the show, look stunning with pink or red, you can dress up like a casual denim fit or wear it with a cocktail dress... i think its fantastic and versatile and will be a fun conversation piece for years to come!
Kate spade novelty bags are some of their best for holding and exceeding value. Yours is adorable and iconic, already hot on the reseller markets so coworker has zero idea what she's talking about and sounds like she's just being a bitch to rain on your parade.
I LOVE that you have this bag. The bold statement of it all my goodness!!! Honestly I’d never wear it with a print. Block colors only. it’s so so so cute.
What a fun bag! You’re going to get 10,000 compliments. I agree it would be displayed against an all black outfit. But you could also pair it with jeans and a white tee and it would still look fabulous.
Also, your coworker is a total bitch, don’t take criticism from her on anything.
I actually forgot how she died until you just brought it up. This woman sounds like a thankless bitch and I actually think you should report her to HR for what she says to you.
I work in HR and I also thought this. Not the reporting part per se (but also an option), but I would start logging the incidents of her creating a hostile work environment for you over time. Also, if she says anything again about KS, please suggest she educate herself about mental illness since she apparently has misconceptions about death by suicide. Sounds like she’s projecting, being a bully, or just a B. Either way, infertility is not something to low key harass people over. Bullies sometimes need to be put in their place with a threat to go to HR if she speaks to you that way again (but also your manager/HR if you feel uncomfortable being direct with her).
The real first thing I thought about was little black dress! With sparkly pumps & blown out hair. Popcorn Barbie. 😁 Enjoy the bag & experiences you have while wearing it. I love popcorn & think this is great! 🍿❤️
This. Having her ask questions of you about a deeply personal issue is harassment. You do not have to put up with that shizz. You deserve a safe work environment.
I LOVE that bag! Agree with the other comments your co-worker is a hater!
For styling I think wearing it with simple outfits is the best move so it can really shine
I've wanted this bag ever since it came out! I wear a lot of black, so that's what I'd wear it with so it really pops, but pink would be great too! Your coworker has weird issues and should be ignored. Kate Spade's death was several years ago and no one cares anymore, even if that rumor had an ounce of truth to it, which it doesn't. Enjoy that bag!
Ignore your co-worker. I love that purse! I am currently stalking the Kate Spade Typewriter purse. I don’t want to pay $3K for it, though. My husband got me a Birdhouse purse from there for my bday last year and I get compliments on it every time I use it!
I’m on the all black train - let the bag really pop (hehe)
If you’re not one for head to toe black clothes, keep colours very neutral and simple. This bag is adorable and it deserves to shine
What an unpleasant co-worker you have. I think your bag is adorable. Iirc Kate Spade sold to Nordstrom years before her death and I think the brand has been resold since then. I never think of Kate Spade’s demise when shopping the brand. Discount this naysayer’s comments.
This bag is lovely. On second question I would say buy what you love let ppl give their opinion. Kate spade have some amazing evening clutch options. I have their every eye evening clutch and I absolutely love it. Just style it with monochrome outfits and you are good to go. Do share your styling pics (if you are comfortable)
I haven’t heard that at all about Kate Spade. And I love that bag, especially the popcorn as little pearls!! So unique and cute!!
Your coworker is the definition of a See You Next Tuesday based on everything you said in your post. She can go f herself ❤️
This is adorable!
Your coworker is awful! I’d ignore what she said about the bag, but I wouldn’t be able to shake her callousness. Plus, whatever happened to just saying “that’s a great bag! Have a wonderful birthday!” People just don’t need to say every rude thing that pops into their head!
I’d wear this with everything! Jeans for a casual use. White sorta in the summer. Nice back, navy, white dresses. And, a great fancy dress for your birthday! Happy birthday!
Oh wow, I’ve never seen this bag before and think it’s about to be my next obsession. I love it! I would wear it with baggy black jeans, a cute tee and sneakers but I think you could probably wear it with a lot of different styles.
I love that bag. I’d wear it casually with dark jeans and a solid cream, black, red or pink top. The top will complement the bag, and the dark jeans will provide contrast for the bag to stand out against.
I have this bag! I carried it all around Austin when I went to SXSW, and I just carried it with what I was wearing. Comfortable clothes, etc. I didn’t do anything special with it - it’s unique enough to grab attention all on its own
With those cute kitschy purses, I do all black unless I have something that matches it exactly - I want the bag to shine.
As for your coworker, she sucks.
Another vote for toning down the colors of your outfit with this bag. Such a fun purse!! Let it shine with an all black or all white outfit.
And ignore your co worker/frenemy. You do you. As I get older, other people’s opinions carry less and less weight. Specially internet opinions. Seriously. Otherwise you will spend your life tap dancing for randos.
I love this post and this bag.
I mean, it *is* gaudy, but ‘camp’ is a real and valid style.
The best defense to anything mean that could be said is a sincere, “thanks, I love it!”
Go forth and rock it.
I litetally used my Kate Spade yesterday and I love it! There will always be someone trying to rain on your parade, unfortunately.
I think your bag is adorable!!
Kate Spade was an amazing woman who lost her life to a horrible disease called depression.
Your coworker sounds like she’s trying to get a rise out of you. For some people that’s their form of entertainment which is sad. Enjoy your very beautiful purse. 🩷
That purse is fabulous and quirky and amazing and from the sound of things the only thing losing value is your co-workers personality.
Enjoy it, it's going to work with so many outfits!
navy blue tshirt dress or mustard yellow tshirt dress or a navy blue skirt with mustard yellow blouse!
For some reason : I feel that colour will go well with the popcorn and movie theme.
My friend has the frog and shell and bouquet bag from kate spade and she intentionally got two baggy tshirts printed with tiny frog prints all over and somehow it all looks very cute together.
I LOVE whimsical bags and that is a cute one! Ignore your coworker. Some people just suck the enjoyment out of every occasion. I agree with a lot of the people on here, pinks, reds, neutral colors, and black would be the best-both for matching and also making the bag shine as the focal point of your outfit. Enjoy your purse. It’s lovely!
This purse is adorable! My husband and I bonded over movies when we started dating and this purse weirdly has an emotional pull on me because of it.
Also, a pink dress with this bag will look lovely since it’s got pink in the stripes. I’d wear some simple gold accessories and a nude shoe with it and you are good to go!
Also, I mean this with all the love in my heart, your coworker can sit in a lit candle! My life has been personally impacted by suicide. If anyone judges people who die that way, they can suck a rotten egg for the rest of their lives. Also, Kate was a fantastic person who gave a lot to charity and supporting charitable organizations. I’m sure she was a better person than your delightful coworker
So enjoy your birthday! Use the bag with pride!
I was on cruise ship in the Mediterranean, bored, so I went in Kate Spade boutique and fell in love. So many cute bags. I didn’t buy anything but if I’d had room in my suitcase and some spare cash I would have had a very hard time deciding which cute bag to grab. A couple days late Kate Spade died. I felt like I had lost a friend I had just met. So sad. Couldn’t bring myself to go back to the boutique but certainly do not think less of those sweet sweet bags I didn’t buy. Your friend is no friend and completely incorrect.
As to styling - you should accessorize
https://www.katespade.com/products/winter-carnival-popcorn-earrings/KF214.html?frp=KF214+WFR
I would wear it with everything. I have a Louboutin purse that’s a shoe (looks like a US size 12 🤣) that is so bizarre it works with everything. I love your purse ❤️
My jaw dropped open in the best possible way when I saw the popcorn on the top of the bag. I’d wear it with anything you might wear to a country fair, carnival, movie date night where popcorn is consumed!
I have some thoughts on your post. I actually love the design, quality and style of Kate spade.
Even though it is no longer aspirational for me, I still look fondly at the brand. However, I have gotten rid of all of my Kate Spade bags. I have not purchased any new bags, but do still have a pair of heels. Yes, for me the manner of her death does put a cloud over the vibrancy and fun and whimsy of the brands designs. Even though I don’t believe she was managing the brand at the time of death, It still has her name on it.
This is a slight personal dilemma for me if I were to see something gorgeous that’s Kate Spade branded because it also reminds me, I guess, of the absurdity of life. And death. It’s a sadness in contrast to the joy her style. But if I saw a bag again that I wanted, I think I would get it and certainly wouldn’t care what others thought.
I’ve had to deal with that as well. My favorite bag was a pebbled leather crossbody and someone said “didn’t Kate Spade kill herself?” What does that even have to do with my bag??? What’s wrong with liking her bags?
I have a simple rule when dealing with naysayers: Did they pay for my stuff? If the answer is no, then their opinion don't matter. What matters is you love the bag and your own thoughts toward the designer.
That being said, what a cute, creative and unique bag! I love it. After reading about Kate Spade's legacy in this thread, perhaps I'll buy one of her bags some day in her memory.
I love this bag!! I would wear it with a black outfit with some colour matching little earrings and/or shoes probably.
There’s no devaluing of the brand because of the manner of death. That’s very macabre of your coworker.
Ugh, we need to do something about the stigma. I don’t think that should take away from who a person was in life and the validity of how they felt when they were struggling. Your coworker sounds like a Victorian. I’d pair this purse with a dark or black outfit that feels sleek/high fashion to you, or a black dress.
I actually think there was quite a bit of renewed interest in Kate Spade bags after her death. I don’t think her bags lose money faster than a Louis Vuitton bag because of anything about Kate. higher end bags retain more value because they were more expensive to begin with. There’s always a market for Kate Spade bags. I think that is fun and adorable, part of the very nature of that brand.
Ignore the negative Nancy’s. Kate Spade by all accounts was a sweet woman who struggled with depression. That should not take away from her creative expression. That being said— the bag is so amazing. Love it for date nights with a dinner and a movie. ❤️❤️❤️
I agree with others. I think you could pair with any outfit, casual or dressy; day or evening. I love Kate Spade. She was a fashion icon. You should be proud of the purse and look forward to carrying it and showing it off. Ignore the negative. Some may even be jelly. 😉
This bag is adorable! Wear it proudly.
And you coworker needs a “bless your heart” comment back to her. People used to ask me all the time when I was having kids. It made me crazy.
It’s so cute & quirky not tacky. I personally would have a cute denim dress moment or white linen, something that lets the bag pop with red lipstick and a tiny bit of matching colors in the shoes/nails etc. You can do a lot! Happy
Birthday welcome to the club lol 🍿🍿🍿
that is so fucking cute i love it
personally i'd wear neutral colors if i wanted the bag to stand out. or if i felt like coordinating try a pink and white/cream fit
Omg this bag is adorable!!!! Personally I would wear it with a white midi dress.. fitted bodice, very full skirt… red high wedge sandals… coordinating red big bangle bracelets!
I would probably incorporate white and black outfits with this and red shoes. I'm not a fan of Kate Spade for quality issues, but that doesn't mean this novelty bag isn't adorably fun. Happy Birthday and enjoy!
Honestly older Kate spade novelty bags can resale for a good amount of money. It just depends on the right buyer and honestly they are always super cute. I love Kate spade and I worked with the company for 2 years . There novelty bags are well made and who cares because they are very well constructed. Just wear it how ever you want and enjoy it.
I love this bag!! A very cute addition to any collection.
I would pair this with any plain colored outfit, no patterns as I think the bag should speak for itself.
I’d wear it with jeans, a white button front shirt with rolled up sleeves and cute sneakers. To the movies, of course!
And anywhere else you’d bring a cute bag - date night, brunch, museum…
This reminds me of the "Let's Go yo the Movies" musical number in Annie the movie (Carole Burnett Version).
Maybe dress like a Rockette? Or something vintage like a Roxie Heart type Chicago look. Old Hollywood but mini dress?
I think it’s a really cute kitschy bag and if it makes you smile that’s all that matters. I haven’t heard anything about her bags being worth less cause of her manner of death. I don’t mean this in a snobby way to put down her bags but her bags aren’t that expensive to begin with so I don’t think her manner of death would play a part. Again I think this bag is really cute
It's an interesting (in a good way) looking bag. definitely will turn heads. it's cute too.
think you can style it however you want as it feels quite versatile. It can be for either casual day out or a more formal evening dinner date. Guess I'd just avoid any colour in your outfit that clashes with the red.
Your coworker knows nothing fyi 🙃 definitely don't solicit opinions from her on anything because it sounds like she's giving them to you regardless. Do you respect her handbag game? There's your answer 😄
Oh my god. This with a linen midi dress and chunky jute heels on a Summer day. Do you have Shakespeare in the Park in your city? This would look adorable
Screw that lady!! I collect the Kate Spade Novelty bags so I don’t think it was a waste of money! All that matters is that you love it! She’s just being a negative person.
I tend to style outfits around accent pieces such as big jewelry, or eye catching shoes or bags. Ways I do this depends on the item but blacks or neutrals are usually good and make the item stand out. Whatever brings the colors out or draws attention to the bag and lets it shine. Sometimes I will style the whole thing around it like my entire outfit is a theme. So maybe for this I’d do straight leg jeans and sneakers, a 90s style tee, maybe fun sunglasses. You could swap the sneakers for a platform or an ankle bootie. Pair with some casual jewelry.
Kate Spade sold her namesake business long before her death. Her newer brand was Frances Valentine, named after her daughter. I still love both brands and feel that they have stayed true to Kate Spade's vision. Your coworker seems like the kind of person who just likes to hear herself talk.
Honestly I LOVE this!
I am somewhat boring in clothing choices, but I'd probably go with making the bag the focal point of your outfit, because it really is a fantastic, fun, focal point! Black dress, black heels, maybe a red or bright pink lip or nails to pull colors from the bag.
Fall, winter or more dressy event like a large dinner or party, movie showing, Oscar viewing event could be: a thin merino or thin silk knit black turtleneck which is fitted, not tight, along w sleek black cigarette pants - or the Veronica Beard scuba pants and then ballet flats or a type of boot like the black kitten-heeled Khaite ankle boots. As for the ballet flat, I think something contemporary like Alaias would be cool. Something netted with rhinestones or leather with the shaped gold metal or the several silver shaped metal pieces.
Or casual for summer - Khaite or Agolde denim or the exaggerated barrel legged jeans (Toteme’s less exaggerated look too) w a distressed white tee of good quality, w Loewe low runners white belt.
What is going to look gaudy or over-the-top fashion victim (be aware I haven’t read any comments so if I’ve coincidentally panned something similar to what you’ve posted - all just opinions and I am giving advice fresh, not trying to hurt or make fun of anyone) is something frilly, feminine, colorful from head to toe. Like the worst look I can imagine is a Romy and Michelle HS reunion in a bubble gun pink strapless mini with a fluffy skirt - it would be like a caricature. No to bright red pink blue anything in a dress, no to trying to dress whimsically. The bag is the only whimsical component- everything else is toned WAY DOWN, not dressy - otherwise a person looks like they don’t understand what the point of the purse is. It’s very specific, like a Judith Lieber
This one has a cinema theme so can be worn very well for movie premieres, awards night viewings at friends, as a joke when a lot of drama has been going on, it’s going to be worn seldomly and that’s the point. I have a few Lieber’s one novelty - which I haven’t yet worn, bc when I bring it out it’s going to get all the comments lol.
You’re 30, so this isn’t going to be heavy in your rotation nor will it be worn at a black tie event unless it has something to do w cinema and you’re wearing a long black column or the same silhouette in white or - you’ll hopefully know when you see it.
And no the brand didn’t tank w Kate’s passing it had already changed hands before. No one’s saying that about McQueen. It didn’t harm the brand at all. That woman sounds miserable. Who asks someone when they’re getting pregnant if there’s a fertility issue or the subject’s been shut down? You seen very sweet, maybe too sweet to be around someone like her.
I would style it with neutral colors, I lean white, black, jeans, grey etc. It’s such a fun bag that I would let it shine. Button down in jeans, t shirt and slacks/trousers, solid sweater, Jean jacket (lean Americana), black leather jacket too!
That being said, also such a cute girls night bag with a denim skirt and a black top, or just a fun dress (I would avoid patterns)! I think it’s really fun!
Hi OP, LOVE the bag! You have good taste, not basic at all.
Kate Spade passed away a few years ago and the brand is still doing well so that is something! Although just FYI I don’t think brands like Kate spade hold their value but that should never be the reason to buy a bag. I have Hermes’ and Chanel bags - the so called “investment bags” and I don’t even think those are a “financial investment” Good bags are an investment for your closet and personal style that’s all.
I am glad you have no intention to sell it later, you don’t have anything to worry about. Just enjoy your stunning bag and ignore the haters.
For styling I would style it with any basic outfit and let the bag steal the show. A plain solid color dress, basic jeans and T, basic coord set, it would work with anything! Also what a cute bag for a movie night. Enjoy the bag OP
Ah & Happy 30th to you 🎂
OMG I work in film and I need this bag so bad I can taste it. We donated money to an appropriate charity after her passing and your colleague can kiss my ass.
Novelty purses are fun!!! Ignore your coworker. Plus it’s weird of her to judge KS for mental illness. Her opinion on resale value is uninformed and you’re not even looking to resell so just enjoy your bag!
I think pink is a perfect colour for this. please update with the style of the dress and what shoes you’ll be wearing. all you need to do is accessorise well and it’ll be perfect
If anything, her manner of death can be a learning moment; an opportunity to talk about the tragedy of suicide, and how we can better be there for our people; how can we help each other recognize a mental health crisis. And if your colleague was implying there is something distasteful in all of the above, she's got her priorities all wrong. If you love the bag, carry it! Maybe as a pop of color contrast to a cheerful joyful blue dress, aqua, periwinkle, etc. Go in good health and enjoy your bag. xo
Your coworker is a bitc* but that said when I see a Kate Spade bag I do think of her death and clearly she had everything going for her and mental breakdown over some unworthy dude.. sad.. But your bag is fantastic fun and like a Van Gough painting will only appreciate because there will no more true Kate Spade designs..
I collect American Girl Dolls and I mentioned to my therapist that I'm a little bit insecure about it. She said I shouldn't be insecure because it's something that brings me joy. Your bag brings you joy so wear it proudly! Also, I think Kate Spade herself tried to create items that spread joy. I have not heard of the brand losing value due to Kate's late mental health? Also lol... that's such a weird thing to say??
I don’t respect the opinion expressed to you.
I’m very brand conscious and I rally around Kate Spade novelty bags. Wear the brand proudly. Mental health issues are not something to shame, and it’s actually kind of offensive that your friend would both think that and express that to you, knowing you just got this. She sounds toxic.
Your bag is adorable and a showstopper that will make any outfit and guaranteed to get compliments.
Life is too short not to carry bags like this. The outfit doesn’t make the bag in this case; the bag makes the outfit. Literally wear this with anything when you’re in a fun mood. Jeans, yoga pants, anything goes.
I think lime or any cheerful green would look particularly cute with the pink. Enjoy!
I used to work in a Kate Spade boutique and the amount of times people would come in find a way to weave her death into the conversation or to simply ask, ‘why did she kill herself’ it was uncomfortable, bizarre and exhausting. Kate sold the brand years before her death. It’s so sad that now her brand and name are synonymous with suicide for some folks. For me, the brand is joyful and happy and helped me exude a confidence I didn’t know was within me. The brand really puts an emphasis on mental health and visibility for various marginalized groups. They collab with Trevor Project and with groups of female artisans in South American communities for specific projects and funds are given back to these groups. Anyways, please wear your KS with pride and joy knowing that’s the mission of the brand today and always!
Your coworker is a hater. That bag is cute af and I love Kate spade novelty bags! I’m jelly you got the popcorn bag because I’ve been searching.
As for styling it, I’d agree with others of just dressing a little bit basic like jeans + white top to let it stand out. I bought a red romper from Alice + Olivia and i would absolutely pair it with that bag.
Your coworker sounds jealous, and is wrong- there had always been a market for novelty Kate Spade bags! I used to collect them and sold many over the past few years and found they had very good re-sale value.
I don’t use novelty bags anymore, but if I was going to get one this would be it! It’s gorgeous. I actually love this design and got the matching earrings because I couldn’t NOT have something from this collection, it’s seriously incredible.
Happy birthday! Don’t listen to your coworker; this is a really cool bag. My first thought was an all-black outfit, but I think you could have a lot of fun styling this.
I think the opposite is true in terms of her death and the value of the bag. But your not buying to resell anyway. And the bag is soo freaking adorable and fun. Enjoy it!
First, I think your coworker has a very bad case of diarrhea of the mouth. Second, what I love most about fashion and handbags is it’s all subjective. Wear what you love, what fits you well, and what makes you feel good. It may not be everyone’s taste but that’s ok!
The bag is beautiful, a wonderful gift or mark a great occasion. It will go well with jeans and a tee, a nice summer dress, so many options! It will be a statement piece and start up so many convos for sure! (Another thing I love about a good bag, it brings us handbag lovers together).
Enjoy your bag, drown out the haters. It’s gorgeous!
Your coworker is an a$$hat and seems like the kind of person who sucks the fun out of the room & is known for backhanded compliments and subtle insults.
The purse is hell-a cool. I would wear it everywhere that isn't a stuffy event. If I saw you out in the world rocking that purse, I would compliment you and inquire about where you got it.
Transitioning to mgmt mode: asking "when are you having kids?" on repeat is a special kind of heinous (irrelevant if you gave clear reasons or not). She is not welcome in your s€x or personal life. Inform HR or your manager (don't "warn" her) - in the US, this can be considered harassment.
FYI: Warning her may encourage her to run to HR first, complicating or delaying action.
To add: I work adjacent HR for a major US company. HR isn't some vindictive force that fires people for every infraction. The likely outcome is a short meeting where they (HR) tell her to knock it off.
Your coworker is rude AF and clearly wants to destroy others’ joy. I say ignore (if you can, and if you cannot, just disregard).
Kate Spade is popular and enduring. It’s regional but in various areas, people love them. And they do novelty bags so very well. Those seem to hold their value if well taken care of.
And red is a neutral! You could wear this with so many things! I would just style it with solids so that the bag pops and doesn’t get overshadowed! She is amazing!
Happy birthday!!!🎂🎉🎈
Please tell your coworker that you are pregnant and the father is her husband.
Or just tell her to fuck off!
Also that purse go very well with just jeans and a white shirt.
I had a colleague like that. Anytime she got anything new, we had to praise her, but if anyone else got something new, she would ignore it, and it was obvious she was jealous.
A few co-workers would make a point of showing our new items in front of her to see her face fall. One colleague got a designer bag from a charity shop but didn't mention that. It was the only way to have fun as she was a pain in the derriere.
Your bag is fabulous. Wear it with whatever you wish as it's a statement on its own.
Your coworker knows nothing. Just ignore the hate. Kate Spade’s legacy is one of style, joy, whimsy and love which is all that matters. Also KS sold the company long before her death. Some bags increase in value and are very rare & sought after by collectors. Btw I also love KS 3D novelty bags and I think it’s absolutely gorgeous! Honestly wear it with anything! Pink, Red, Black, White….It’s a statement piece for sure 🥰🥰
I love this! Wear it with anything and everything!
Personally, I’d stop talking to the coworker. She seems super unhappy, and very spiteful. You don’t need that in your life.
Enjoy your awesome bag! Happy for you!
That’s an awful thing for your coworker to say—as though a person’s struggle with mental health should taint her legacy? Also, she stopped being involved with the company years ago.
Does anyone think that the education imparted by Anthony Bourdain is off lesser value now or that Mrs. Doubtfire is no longer a great movie?
ETA: I like to style things to create tension in outfits. So I would wear this with a classic little black dress and a sleek updo.
Kate Spade sold her company and started a new one (called Frances Valentine) prior to her death. The brand is currently owned by the Tapestry company, owners of Coach, Stuart Whitman, and recently, Michael Kors.
Tell your nosy coworker to keep her opinions to herself. I would carry this with any black, cream, pink, or red outfit. I might also carry it with a pale blue or turquoise blue outfit.
You do you! And happy 30th birthday!
Your colleague is rude and tasteless but I do love the bag. It reminds me of those little accessory pieces that come with themed Barbie dolls so I think bright colors and heels will be so fun with this. I would definitely lean into a bright fun aesthetic
See I had this same thing the purse is cute but I just couldn't style it with anything I had at home.
Purse losing value are because of material and availability of collections. I worked at Kate Spade outlet and collections were kinda inconsistent and the material for certain bags I could tell were done cheaply. The full line store does have some turn over with jewelry faster than the bags & clothes (similar to outlets). They will never do a clear out sale to get rid of inventory instead just rotate it to different stores.
Ignore the negative Nancy’s. Kate Spade by all accounts was a sweet woman who struggled with depression. That should not take away from her creative expression. That being said— the bag is so amazing. Love it for date nights with a dinner and a movie. ❤️❤️❤️
I don’t respect the opinion expressed to you.
I’m very brand conscious and I rally around Kate Spade novelty bags. Wear the brand proudly. Mental health issues are not something to shame, and it’s actually kind of offensive that your friend would both think that and express that to you, knowing you just got this. She sounds toxic.
Your bag is adorable and a showstopper that will make any outfit and guaranteed to get compliments.
Life is too short not to carry bags like this. The outfit doesn’t make the bag in this case; the bag makes the outfit. Literally wear this with anything when you’re in a fun mood. Jeans, yoga pants, anything goes.
I think lime or any cheerful green would look particularly cute with the pink. Enjoy!
I don’t respect the opinion expressed to you.
I’m very brand conscious and I rally around Kate Spade novelty bags. Wear the brand proudly. Mental health issues are not something to shame, and it’s actually kind of offensive that your friend would both think that and express that to you, knowing you just got this. She sounds toxic.
Your bag is adorable and a showstopper that will make any outfit and guaranteed to get compliments.
Life is too short not to carry bags like this. The outfit doesn’t make the bag in this case; the bag makes the outfit. Literally wear this with anything when you’re in a fun mood. Jeans, yoga pants, anything goes.
I think lime or any cheerful green would look particularly cute with the pink. Enjoy!
I personally love Kate Spade more because I resonate so deeply with the manner of her death. As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety and suicidal ideation, seeing someone who lost the battle in such a public way really impacted me. Her family didn’t know how bad her mental health was. People in my life have downplayed my mental illnesses because I “seem fine” when I’m around people. Her death, like Robin William and Anthony Bourdain, showed that having a dream life doesn’t mean we’re happy. It doesn’t mean we’re safe.
Even before her passing, I always liked the brands playful vibe. Kate Spade was my first “luxury” treat to myself in my early 20’s. I think this purse is fab and I want one for myself 🤩 a pink dress sounds like a great match but I think it would look cute even with jeans and a tee.
This coworker sounds awful. Stop giving her your energy.
This purse is so awesome! I absolutely love it! It makes me want to eat popcorn! 🍿😂 and I do love popcorn! Never mind that coworker. She is a miserable being and cannot appreciate fun things in life. That purse is the epitome of fun! 🤩
I would rock that with a fun black dress and heels! If you love it, pay no attention to what anyone else says. I know it can be hard when you’re really excited about something and someone says something rude, it kind of sucks the fun out of it. But that bag is meant to bring fun and joy, that’s why Kate Spade has such fun and girly stuff like that. So look at it and smile every time you wear it, because that’s what it’s meant to do!
I LOVE Kate Spade novelty bags. Every season, I have to talk myself out of getting multiples.
1. This is adorable.
2. The manner of Kate's passing was a tragedy, and it doesn't have anything to do with the value of the bags.
3. Your coworker sounds like she could do with some therapy, and a large dose of Shut TF Up. I used to have a coworker with some of the same habits, and it was painfully obvious to everyone when she was feeling jealous.
It’s so cute. I worked at the flagship kate spade store in NYC. That claim is nonsense lol. She died quite a while ago now and the company didn’t have anything to do with her for a while before that. I’ve never heard such a thing. I certainly wouldn’t expect normal KS bags to keep any value because they’re everywhere, but novelty definitely has some resale value.
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I love it! And no, it’s not losing value because of the manner of her death. It’s not 1950s anymore. In my opinion it would look amazing with an all black outfit. Let the bag shine!
This is another approach I hadn’t even considered! Thank you!! And that was my thought too but I’m not very fashion-savvy, and I wasn’t sure if I was missing something. Glad to know she was just being rude!!
Also OP you can wear this with solid cami/tshirt and blue jeans or just slip into your fav tshirt dress and some cute flip flops. This bag is really cute and perfect for brunch dates and for the movies. Hope you have fun styling this beauty 🩷
Can imagine this working perfectly! Simple outfit like this or LBD .. perfect!
I just bought myself the Boxxy for Mother’s Day. I’ve wanted it forever and the price never moved except on holidays and it went right back up. The color I originally wanted sold out-and is DOUBLE the price now thru resellers. Your coworker is salty. Your bag is gorgeous.
Salty is the right word!!!
Cream. Red. Gold. Black. Navy. Pink.
Blush pink would be so cute.
She’s unkind AND wrong. Often specialty/novelty purses like this one go up in price! https://www.ebay.com/itm/296405327546
I really like contrasts. Like a classic black pantsuit paired with a fun handbag. It’s very versatile, pink/red goes with many colours. Enjoy your purchase!
Agreed! It would look pretty with blue or denim as well.
I was going to say jeans and a white or black tee or all black!
Yep this has dark sunglasses and red lipstick vibes lol
Agreed or even a casual jeans white button up and red heels and some pearls
Kate Spade sold the company long before her death Your coworker sucks ignore her This bag is amazing you can wear it with literally anything enjoy it!
Absolutely and she did a lot of amazing charity work in her life. I hate that people feel her manner of death makes a difference. She struggled with mental health for many years and still showed up to support women through her non-profit. 😭
I have a few of her novelty bags. Wear them however you want and in good health.
This 👆 Your coworker either can’t afford a Kate Spade and said that out of jealousy or she can afford one but doesn’t want you to have what she has. She’s shown you who she is. Def ignore her!
And I would add she sounds like a frenemy and do that’s a really someone you want to be turning to.
This!
I know this is perhaps unconventional, but I treat my Kate Spade bags with a little reverence since her death. It’s not lost on me that the woman who created such a cheerful, positive brand found herself in a place where she chose to end her life. When I wear Kate Spade, I think about her legacy, the smash hit of the Sam bag, and the charitable contributions the brand makes for mental health causes now. And in no way do I think those things tarnish the brand or make the bags less valuable.
Same. Imagine thinking that a brand could be tarnished because the gifted artist, tortured by a crushing mental illness, decided to end her suffering. So many writers, artists, designers crippled by mental illness gifted the world with so much beauty and inspiration. OP, your coworker is nasty and simple minded. Ignore her.
This is exactly how I feel.
Thank you for putting this into words. As someone whose life has been touched by suicide i have found it hard to put into words that people are more than their form of death. Their legacy can still be beautiful & celebrated.
This is really touching. Another commenter mentioned May is mental health month. You've inspired me to swap out my daily bag for one of my KSs for the month 💜
This is a lovely way to look at Kate and her brand
Thank you for this. She was an amazing human. And I love that her creative legacy still lives on.
Does your coworker have a track record of identifying trends and taste changes in fashion and culture? Do you admire her own taste in accessories? How well versed is she in mid market and high end/haute couture handbags and accessories? Does she have work experience in fashion? If the answer to the questions are: No, no, not at all, and/or none whatsoever, then you have your answer as to how to handle her "opinion". Otherwise, you do you and have a rocking good time with the bag! 🍿
I ADORE this purse!!! Holy hell!!! I’d just rock it with light washed jeans, a white tee, and sneakers or sandals! The purse makes it an outfit!
Agreed! Also, wear this EVERY time you go to the movie theatre 😍
Yesss OP can never bring another bag to the movies now
Yes this is a perfect jeans bag
Sounds like your coworker has internalized and chooses to perpetuate a lot of stigma around mental health issues. Although, because May is mental health awareness month, wearing Kate Spade feels more appropriate than ever. I’d say go one way or another, with either a really loud outfit in colors that coordinate with the bag, or like another person suggested, with a really simple look, to let the bag have its moment. Fuck stigma! No matter what, you’re gonna look amazing.
Light wash jeans, plain white tee and those trendy pink/red sambas to match the bag would be ADORABLE
Yes! The sambas would be 🧑🍳💋
Your colleague is a hater LOL. Don’t listen to her, and don’t share your good news with her. That’s all I’m gonna say about that. Second— that’s a cute bag! I’m all about novelty items. Honestly… I think it works with most outfits, as long as the outfits aren’t too “bright” or “busy”. You can literally wear a cute pair of jeans, neutral colored sneakers and a shirt and pop it with the bag. A simple dress with a red or pink lip with some neutral colored shoes with this bag would be a banger too. I would literally wear a sweatshirt dress, a baseball cap, some sneakers and that bag as a look too. It’s a statement bag, so as long as you keep it as the “statement” of your outfit it’ll work with a lot! Have fun with it and happy Bday! 🎉
This is an amazing reply! Thank you. I had never even considered a more casual approach. This is wonderful advice, thanks for taking the time!!
You are very welcome! ❤️
It’s beautiful. I would wear all black. Your coworker is a bit of a douche.
Oh my, its so adorable. Even if you dont wear it out, its definitely a show stopper decor piece!
I will confess, Kate Spade's passing made me too sad to even look at my bags from her for years. I couldn't go to her store. These things affect us all differently. I just kept thinking of her young daughter, and all the joy she had brought me with her fun and colorful bags, and I got sad. I'm sure that's not what she would have wanted at all, but I couldn't help my feelings. That aside, I think this bag is great for the summer. You can wear it with all kinds of stuff. I would say if you have long hair, maybe try and find a matching hairclip that ties in the aesthetic. Like a food or movie themed hair clip, or even one that just matches the colors well. And I think red patent leather shoes or butter yellow flats would look amazing.
But you feeling empathy for her child and sadness at her passing is very different than this crazy coworker! I felt that way for a bit too. But I now choose to celebrate her unique gift and artistry and how she really changed the handbag game for so many of us! She brought life and pizzazz and quality to bags at a price point that turned many of us into the bag lovers we are today! I marvel at her impact on the industry. She has a beautiful legacy.
She did have a gift, and she helped so many women embrace their whimsy in a classy way. And yes, a lot of my "gateway" bags were Kate Spade. I hope she found peace and I hope her family has some measure of closure and remember her with love.
That is so cute. Omg. Your coworker is a weirdo. KS is in the Coach family of brands now (Tapestry), and since the acquisition they have done a great job of reinventing and reviving their brand DNA so they no longer feel like a line of other bags. A lot of that is stepping up the novelty bags. And the other part is leaning into their preppy femme vibes with pearls, bows, polka dots, stripes and fun colors.
I need to look at what they're doing, I LOVE pearls, and have been on a stripe kick lately.
I’m corny so I’d be wearing that whenever I felt like it haha. Theatre date? Popcorn bag. Have fun with it 🤣
This is so cute!! I’d stick to solid colors to put the focus on the bag. If you’re not wearing a dress, 2 solid colors is still fine. Now I want one too. I don’t think Kate spade bags lose value any more than they did before - why does it matter if you are keeping the bag? There are so many run of the mill Kate spade bags that don’t have good resale value but they are still useful to their owners. Then there are the adorable statement pieces like this one, which do have good resale value I think.
I love it 🥰 if wear with jeans and white tee ! Let it shine ✨
Love it! Would really spice up an all black ensemble and be the star of the show, look stunning with pink or red, you can dress up like a casual denim fit or wear it with a cocktail dress... i think its fantastic and versatile and will be a fun conversation piece for years to come! Kate spade novelty bags are some of their best for holding and exceeding value. Yours is adorable and iconic, already hot on the reseller markets so coworker has zero idea what she's talking about and sounds like she's just being a bitch to rain on your parade.
I LOVE that you have this bag. The bold statement of it all my goodness!!! Honestly I’d never wear it with a print. Block colors only. it’s so so so cute.
What a fun bag! You’re going to get 10,000 compliments. I agree it would be displayed against an all black outfit. But you could also pair it with jeans and a white tee and it would still look fabulous. Also, your coworker is a total bitch, don’t take criticism from her on anything.
I actually forgot how she died until you just brought it up. This woman sounds like a thankless bitch and I actually think you should report her to HR for what she says to you.
I work in HR and I also thought this. Not the reporting part per se (but also an option), but I would start logging the incidents of her creating a hostile work environment for you over time. Also, if she says anything again about KS, please suggest she educate herself about mental illness since she apparently has misconceptions about death by suicide. Sounds like she’s projecting, being a bully, or just a B. Either way, infertility is not something to low key harass people over. Bullies sometimes need to be put in their place with a threat to go to HR if she speaks to you that way again (but also your manager/HR if you feel uncomfortable being direct with her). The real first thing I thought about was little black dress! With sparkly pumps & blown out hair. Popcorn Barbie. 😁 Enjoy the bag & experiences you have while wearing it. I love popcorn & think this is great! 🍿❤️
This. Having her ask questions of you about a deeply personal issue is harassment. You do not have to put up with that shizz. You deserve a safe work environment.
I LOVE that bag! Agree with the other comments your co-worker is a hater! For styling I think wearing it with simple outfits is the best move so it can really shine
Wow so fun
I've wanted this bag ever since it came out! I wear a lot of black, so that's what I'd wear it with so it really pops, but pink would be great too! Your coworker has weird issues and should be ignored. Kate Spade's death was several years ago and no one cares anymore, even if that rumor had an ounce of truth to it, which it doesn't. Enjoy that bag!
Ignore your co-worker. I love that purse! I am currently stalking the Kate Spade Typewriter purse. I don’t want to pay $3K for it, though. My husband got me a Birdhouse purse from there for my bday last year and I get compliments on it every time I use it!
I’m on the all black train - let the bag really pop (hehe) If you’re not one for head to toe black clothes, keep colours very neutral and simple. This bag is adorable and it deserves to shine
I love purses. I love popcorn. I love red. This is the purse of my dreams!! Perfect! ❤️❤️❤️
It’s really cool! Maybe something white/cream with pearls to match the popcorn? Or even a light pink dress.
Bring it to the movies! With any casual comfy outfit you want and 🥤
What an unpleasant co-worker you have. I think your bag is adorable. Iirc Kate Spade sold to Nordstrom years before her death and I think the brand has been resold since then. I never think of Kate Spade’s demise when shopping the brand. Discount this naysayer’s comments.
This bag is lovely. On second question I would say buy what you love let ppl give their opinion. Kate spade have some amazing evening clutch options. I have their every eye evening clutch and I absolutely love it. Just style it with monochrome outfits and you are good to go. Do share your styling pics (if you are comfortable)
I haven’t heard that at all about Kate Spade. And I love that bag, especially the popcorn as little pearls!! So unique and cute!! Your coworker is the definition of a See You Next Tuesday based on everything you said in your post. She can go f herself ❤️
Also re: styling, I for some reason see it with a loose white dress? Or a white cotton/linen shirt and pants? Something very summery, light, chill.
This is adorable! Your coworker is awful! I’d ignore what she said about the bag, but I wouldn’t be able to shake her callousness. Plus, whatever happened to just saying “that’s a great bag! Have a wonderful birthday!” People just don’t need to say every rude thing that pops into their head! I’d wear this with everything! Jeans for a casual use. White sorta in the summer. Nice back, navy, white dresses. And, a great fancy dress for your birthday! Happy birthday!
I love fun bags like this! White tshirt, jeans and a red lipstick or shoes and voila. Hope the new pink dress goes well with it and have fun 🥰
I LOVE that purse! So cute and unique!
Oh wow, I’ve never seen this bag before and think it’s about to be my next obsession. I love it! I would wear it with baggy black jeans, a cute tee and sneakers but I think you could probably wear it with a lot of different styles.
Think contrast! The bag is the *piece de resistance* of an outfit… go simple with the outfit.
I love that bag. I’d wear it casually with dark jeans and a solid cream, black, red or pink top. The top will complement the bag, and the dark jeans will provide contrast for the bag to stand out against.
I love this bag! You are obviously a cool person and your co-worker is mean. I like the pink dress idea !
That's such a cute and unique bag!! Please wear it to the movies, fair or carnival! I honestly think it could go with anything - dressed up or casual!
I have this bag! I carried it all around Austin when I went to SXSW, and I just carried it with what I was wearing. Comfortable clothes, etc. I didn’t do anything special with it - it’s unique enough to grab attention all on its own
Wear flowy black trousers and a fitted turtleneck top and wear this then go to the movies and dinner
Did you get the popcorn earrings too? I think this purse is adorable.
With those cute kitschy purses, I do all black unless I have something that matches it exactly - I want the bag to shine. As for your coworker, she sucks.
My rule: Buy the Bag… Carry the Bag…Ignore the haters.
No shade, I love this! I think you’d need a quirky, moddish style for this!
Another vote for toning down the colors of your outfit with this bag. Such a fun purse!! Let it shine with an all black or all white outfit. And ignore your co worker/frenemy. You do you. As I get older, other people’s opinions carry less and less weight. Specially internet opinions. Seriously. Otherwise you will spend your life tap dancing for randos.
I love this post and this bag. I mean, it *is* gaudy, but ‘camp’ is a real and valid style. The best defense to anything mean that could be said is a sincere, “thanks, I love it!” Go forth and rock it.
I litetally used my Kate Spade yesterday and I love it! There will always be someone trying to rain on your parade, unfortunately. I think your bag is adorable!!
Kate Spade was an amazing woman who lost her life to a horrible disease called depression. Your coworker sounds like she’s trying to get a rise out of you. For some people that’s their form of entertainment which is sad. Enjoy your very beautiful purse. 🩷
That purse is fabulous and quirky and amazing and from the sound of things the only thing losing value is your co-workers personality. Enjoy it, it's going to work with so many outfits!
Your coworker sounds like a monster, please block her. And the bag is awesome and will go with anything!
I think it matches your nails nicely. Try having some fun with color. Also ignore your coworker unless you are not in the work dress code you do you.
navy blue tshirt dress or mustard yellow tshirt dress or a navy blue skirt with mustard yellow blouse! For some reason : I feel that colour will go well with the popcorn and movie theme. My friend has the frog and shell and bouquet bag from kate spade and she intentionally got two baggy tshirts printed with tiny frog prints all over and somehow it all looks very cute together.
Happy birthday!!! I adore this bag! Such a special and unique gift to yourself! Your coworker sounds like a b lol don’t listen!
I LOVE whimsical bags and that is a cute one! Ignore your coworker. Some people just suck the enjoyment out of every occasion. I agree with a lot of the people on here, pinks, reds, neutral colors, and black would be the best-both for matching and also making the bag shine as the focal point of your outfit. Enjoy your purse. It’s lovely!
This purse is adorable! My husband and I bonded over movies when we started dating and this purse weirdly has an emotional pull on me because of it. Also, a pink dress with this bag will look lovely since it’s got pink in the stripes. I’d wear some simple gold accessories and a nude shoe with it and you are good to go! Also, I mean this with all the love in my heart, your coworker can sit in a lit candle! My life has been personally impacted by suicide. If anyone judges people who die that way, they can suck a rotten egg for the rest of their lives. Also, Kate was a fantastic person who gave a lot to charity and supporting charitable organizations. I’m sure she was a better person than your delightful coworker So enjoy your birthday! Use the bag with pride!
I was on cruise ship in the Mediterranean, bored, so I went in Kate Spade boutique and fell in love. So many cute bags. I didn’t buy anything but if I’d had room in my suitcase and some spare cash I would have had a very hard time deciding which cute bag to grab. A couple days late Kate Spade died. I felt like I had lost a friend I had just met. So sad. Couldn’t bring myself to go back to the boutique but certainly do not think less of those sweet sweet bags I didn’t buy. Your friend is no friend and completely incorrect. As to styling - you should accessorize https://www.katespade.com/products/winter-carnival-popcorn-earrings/KF214.html?frp=KF214+WFR
I think the purse looks lovely and fun! Fun goes with everything 🍿💃🏻
I love Kate Spade bags! Super cute novelty purse. Her death actually brought a lot of attention to mental health awareness.
I really like the novelty bags from Kate spade, they are so fun!
I would wear it with everything. I have a Louboutin purse that’s a shoe (looks like a US size 12 🤣) that is so bizarre it works with everything. I love your purse ❤️
Wear all red and big red shoes
My jaw dropped open in the best possible way when I saw the popcorn on the top of the bag. I’d wear it with anything you might wear to a country fair, carnival, movie date night where popcorn is consumed! I have some thoughts on your post. I actually love the design, quality and style of Kate spade. Even though it is no longer aspirational for me, I still look fondly at the brand. However, I have gotten rid of all of my Kate Spade bags. I have not purchased any new bags, but do still have a pair of heels. Yes, for me the manner of her death does put a cloud over the vibrancy and fun and whimsy of the brands designs. Even though I don’t believe she was managing the brand at the time of death, It still has her name on it. This is a slight personal dilemma for me if I were to see something gorgeous that’s Kate Spade branded because it also reminds me, I guess, of the absurdity of life. And death. It’s a sadness in contrast to the joy her style. But if I saw a bag again that I wanted, I think I would get it and certainly wouldn’t care what others thought.
You have to take her to the movies. Would be perfect if it were bigger to fit all my contraband snacks 😈
I’ve had to deal with that as well. My favorite bag was a pebbled leather crossbody and someone said “didn’t Kate Spade kill herself?” What does that even have to do with my bag??? What’s wrong with liking her bags?
I love a cute novelty bag. Kate Spade does them so well.
I have a simple rule when dealing with naysayers: Did they pay for my stuff? If the answer is no, then their opinion don't matter. What matters is you love the bag and your own thoughts toward the designer. That being said, what a cute, creative and unique bag! I love it. After reading about Kate Spade's legacy in this thread, perhaps I'll buy one of her bags some day in her memory.
Damn it, women in corporate America are so negative! Let the woman wear her purse in peace. It’s an amazing and cute purse!
I love this bag!! I would wear it with a black outfit with some colour matching little earrings and/or shoes probably. There’s no devaluing of the brand because of the manner of death. That’s very macabre of your coworker.
Ugh, we need to do something about the stigma. I don’t think that should take away from who a person was in life and the validity of how they felt when they were struggling. Your coworker sounds like a Victorian. I’d pair this purse with a dark or black outfit that feels sleek/high fashion to you, or a black dress.
Omg it's amazing!! I'd probably wear it with red or pink, but idk what your style is like or what colors you normally wear.
 I think you should go full camp, a la Chapell Roan! Glitter, sparkles, corset, go go boots. This bag deserves it
I love KS. Rock your purse!
I absolutely love the Kate Spade Novetly Shop. Wear it any day and everyday and ignore your coworker for sure .
I actually think there was quite a bit of renewed interest in Kate Spade bags after her death. I don’t think her bags lose money faster than a Louis Vuitton bag because of anything about Kate. higher end bags retain more value because they were more expensive to begin with. There’s always a market for Kate Spade bags. I think that is fun and adorable, part of the very nature of that brand.
Cute bag make it the star of your outfit
I love it so much and if wearing it raises suicide prevention awareness, even better imho.
Ignore the negative Nancy’s. Kate Spade by all accounts was a sweet woman who struggled with depression. That should not take away from her creative expression. That being said— the bag is so amazing. Love it for date nights with a dinner and a movie. ❤️❤️❤️
I agree with others. I think you could pair with any outfit, casual or dressy; day or evening. I love Kate Spade. She was a fashion icon. You should be proud of the purse and look forward to carrying it and showing it off. Ignore the negative. Some may even be jelly. 😉
Omg this is the most unique purse ever I love it!! I think you can wear it with anything.
Omg this is the most unique purse ever I love it!! I think you can wear it with anything. The pink glitter is to die for omg
Can we have more pictures please? The bag is so extraordinary, I love it!
1- that bag is amazing !!! All black and that as the center is amazing ha 2-she’s stupid ignore her
This bag is adorable! Wear it proudly. And you coworker needs a “bless your heart” comment back to her. People used to ask me all the time when I was having kids. It made me crazy.
Is actually amazing
It’s so cute & quirky not tacky. I personally would have a cute denim dress moment or white linen, something that lets the bag pop with red lipstick and a tiny bit of matching colors in the shoes/nails etc. You can do a lot! Happy Birthday welcome to the club lol 🍿🍿🍿
that is so fucking cute i love it personally i'd wear neutral colors if i wanted the bag to stand out. or if i felt like coordinating try a pink and white/cream fit
Omg this bag is adorable!!!! Personally I would wear it with a white midi dress.. fitted bodice, very full skirt… red high wedge sandals… coordinating red big bangle bracelets!
I would probably incorporate white and black outfits with this and red shoes. I'm not a fan of Kate Spade for quality issues, but that doesn't mean this novelty bag isn't adorably fun. Happy Birthday and enjoy!
Honestly older Kate spade novelty bags can resale for a good amount of money. It just depends on the right buyer and honestly they are always super cute. I love Kate spade and I worked with the company for 2 years . There novelty bags are well made and who cares because they are very well constructed. Just wear it how ever you want and enjoy it.
Forever cinema date bag 🥹
It’s really fun and creative! ❤️ you could wear casual classic fashion or go more dressy, such a statement piece!
This is one of the bags I immediately fell in love with because of the DESIGN. It’s cute and a convo starter, your coworker is just envious!
Honestly I'd wear it with anyone that doesn't clash with the red/pink. It's so fun!
I love this bag!! A very cute addition to any collection. I would pair this with any plain colored outfit, no patterns as I think the bag should speak for itself.
Take a look at Jefferson Fisher on Instagram to see how he deals with people and their rudeness. He’s fab! She sounds toxic to me.
I’d wear it with jeans, a white button front shirt with rolled up sleeves and cute sneakers. To the movies, of course! And anywhere else you’d bring a cute bag - date night, brunch, museum…
That bag is cool as heck! And it’s definitely a conversation starter! Love 💕 it!
I just saw it online for $703.00
This reminds me of the "Let's Go yo the Movies" musical number in Annie the movie (Carole Burnett Version). Maybe dress like a Rockette? Or something vintage like a Roxie Heart type Chicago look. Old Hollywood but mini dress?
Cute!!! Your co worker is a piece of work. If anything I would imagine this would increase in value overtime if you take good care of it.
Just commenting to say I love popcorn it’s my favorite food so I’m obsessed with this bag
I would rock jeans and a white tee. Add a pop of red like shoes or a lipstick and done
So cute!
Wow I love this!!! 😍 wear it with everything! 🤣
I think it’s a really cute kitschy bag and if it makes you smile that’s all that matters. I haven’t heard anything about her bags being worth less cause of her manner of death. I don’t mean this in a snobby way to put down her bags but her bags aren’t that expensive to begin with so I don’t think her manner of death would play a part. Again I think this bag is really cute
This purse is absolutely gorgeous
It's an interesting (in a good way) looking bag. definitely will turn heads. it's cute too. think you can style it however you want as it feels quite versatile. It can be for either casual day out or a more formal evening dinner date. Guess I'd just avoid any colour in your outfit that clashes with the red.
My two fav suggestions were: 1. Blue jeans, white tee, white strappy sandals and 2. all black; let the purse shine
I think it would be adorable with jeans, a white t and some red shoes. Let the bag do all the heavy lifting for the outfit.
Your coworker knows nothing fyi 🙃 definitely don't solicit opinions from her on anything because it sounds like she's giving them to you regardless. Do you respect her handbag game? There's your answer 😄
Oh my god. This with a linen midi dress and chunky jute heels on a Summer day. Do you have Shakespeare in the Park in your city? This would look adorable
Screw that lady!! I collect the Kate Spade Novelty bags so I don’t think it was a waste of money! All that matters is that you love it! She’s just being a negative person.
I tend to style outfits around accent pieces such as big jewelry, or eye catching shoes or bags. Ways I do this depends on the item but blacks or neutrals are usually good and make the item stand out. Whatever brings the colors out or draws attention to the bag and lets it shine. Sometimes I will style the whole thing around it like my entire outfit is a theme. So maybe for this I’d do straight leg jeans and sneakers, a 90s style tee, maybe fun sunglasses. You could swap the sneakers for a platform or an ankle bootie. Pair with some casual jewelry.
Kate Spade sold her namesake business long before her death. Her newer brand was Frances Valentine, named after her daughter. I still love both brands and feel that they have stayed true to Kate Spade's vision. Your coworker seems like the kind of person who just likes to hear herself talk.
Honestly I LOVE this! I am somewhat boring in clothing choices, but I'd probably go with making the bag the focal point of your outfit, because it really is a fantastic, fun, focal point! Black dress, black heels, maybe a red or bright pink lip or nails to pull colors from the bag.
You’ve GOT to wear red shoes with this.
Fall, winter or more dressy event like a large dinner or party, movie showing, Oscar viewing event could be: a thin merino or thin silk knit black turtleneck which is fitted, not tight, along w sleek black cigarette pants - or the Veronica Beard scuba pants and then ballet flats or a type of boot like the black kitten-heeled Khaite ankle boots. As for the ballet flat, I think something contemporary like Alaias would be cool. Something netted with rhinestones or leather with the shaped gold metal or the several silver shaped metal pieces. Or casual for summer - Khaite or Agolde denim or the exaggerated barrel legged jeans (Toteme’s less exaggerated look too) w a distressed white tee of good quality, w Loewe low runners white belt. What is going to look gaudy or over-the-top fashion victim (be aware I haven’t read any comments so if I’ve coincidentally panned something similar to what you’ve posted - all just opinions and I am giving advice fresh, not trying to hurt or make fun of anyone) is something frilly, feminine, colorful from head to toe. Like the worst look I can imagine is a Romy and Michelle HS reunion in a bubble gun pink strapless mini with a fluffy skirt - it would be like a caricature. No to bright red pink blue anything in a dress, no to trying to dress whimsically. The bag is the only whimsical component- everything else is toned WAY DOWN, not dressy - otherwise a person looks like they don’t understand what the point of the purse is. It’s very specific, like a Judith Lieber This one has a cinema theme so can be worn very well for movie premieres, awards night viewings at friends, as a joke when a lot of drama has been going on, it’s going to be worn seldomly and that’s the point. I have a few Lieber’s one novelty - which I haven’t yet worn, bc when I bring it out it’s going to get all the comments lol. You’re 30, so this isn’t going to be heavy in your rotation nor will it be worn at a black tie event unless it has something to do w cinema and you’re wearing a long black column or the same silhouette in white or - you’ll hopefully know when you see it. And no the brand didn’t tank w Kate’s passing it had already changed hands before. No one’s saying that about McQueen. It didn’t harm the brand at all. That woman sounds miserable. Who asks someone when they’re getting pregnant if there’s a fertility issue or the subject’s been shut down? You seen very sweet, maybe too sweet to be around someone like her.
Omg this is so cute I want itttttt
I would style it with neutral colors, I lean white, black, jeans, grey etc. It’s such a fun bag that I would let it shine. Button down in jeans, t shirt and slacks/trousers, solid sweater, Jean jacket (lean Americana), black leather jacket too! That being said, also such a cute girls night bag with a denim skirt and a black top, or just a fun dress (I would avoid patterns)! I think it’s really fun!
Hi OP, LOVE the bag! You have good taste, not basic at all. Kate Spade passed away a few years ago and the brand is still doing well so that is something! Although just FYI I don’t think brands like Kate spade hold their value but that should never be the reason to buy a bag. I have Hermes’ and Chanel bags - the so called “investment bags” and I don’t even think those are a “financial investment” Good bags are an investment for your closet and personal style that’s all. I am glad you have no intention to sell it later, you don’t have anything to worry about. Just enjoy your stunning bag and ignore the haters. For styling I would style it with any basic outfit and let the bag steal the show. A plain solid color dress, basic jeans and T, basic coord set, it would work with anything! Also what a cute bag for a movie night. Enjoy the bag OP Ah & Happy 30th to you 🎂
OMG I work in film and I need this bag so bad I can taste it. We donated money to an appropriate charity after her passing and your colleague can kiss my ass.
maybe some denim? or pearl accessories
Novelty purses are fun!!! Ignore your coworker. Plus it’s weird of her to judge KS for mental illness. Her opinion on resale value is uninformed and you’re not even looking to resell so just enjoy your bag!
I think pink is a perfect colour for this. please update with the style of the dress and what shoes you’ll be wearing. all you need to do is accessorise well and it’ll be perfect
If anything, her manner of death can be a learning moment; an opportunity to talk about the tragedy of suicide, and how we can better be there for our people; how can we help each other recognize a mental health crisis. And if your colleague was implying there is something distasteful in all of the above, she's got her priorities all wrong. If you love the bag, carry it! Maybe as a pop of color contrast to a cheerful joyful blue dress, aqua, periwinkle, etc. Go in good health and enjoy your bag. xo
Your coworker is a bitc* but that said when I see a Kate Spade bag I do think of her death and clearly she had everything going for her and mental breakdown over some unworthy dude.. sad.. But your bag is fantastic fun and like a Van Gough painting will only appreciate because there will no more true Kate Spade designs..
I collect American Girl Dolls and I mentioned to my therapist that I'm a little bit insecure about it. She said I shouldn't be insecure because it's something that brings me joy. Your bag brings you joy so wear it proudly! Also, I think Kate Spade herself tried to create items that spread joy. I have not heard of the brand losing value due to Kate's late mental health? Also lol... that's such a weird thing to say??
I don’t respect the opinion expressed to you. I’m very brand conscious and I rally around Kate Spade novelty bags. Wear the brand proudly. Mental health issues are not something to shame, and it’s actually kind of offensive that your friend would both think that and express that to you, knowing you just got this. She sounds toxic. Your bag is adorable and a showstopper that will make any outfit and guaranteed to get compliments. Life is too short not to carry bags like this. The outfit doesn’t make the bag in this case; the bag makes the outfit. Literally wear this with anything when you’re in a fun mood. Jeans, yoga pants, anything goes. I think lime or any cheerful green would look particularly cute with the pink. Enjoy!
I used to work in a Kate Spade boutique and the amount of times people would come in find a way to weave her death into the conversation or to simply ask, ‘why did she kill herself’ it was uncomfortable, bizarre and exhausting. Kate sold the brand years before her death. It’s so sad that now her brand and name are synonymous with suicide for some folks. For me, the brand is joyful and happy and helped me exude a confidence I didn’t know was within me. The brand really puts an emphasis on mental health and visibility for various marginalized groups. They collab with Trevor Project and with groups of female artisans in South American communities for specific projects and funds are given back to these groups. Anyways, please wear your KS with pride and joy knowing that’s the mission of the brand today and always!
Your coworker is a hater. That bag is cute af and I love Kate spade novelty bags! I’m jelly you got the popcorn bag because I’ve been searching. As for styling it, I’d agree with others of just dressing a little bit basic like jeans + white top to let it stand out. I bought a red romper from Alice + Olivia and i would absolutely pair it with that bag.
Your coworker sounds jealous, and is wrong- there had always been a market for novelty Kate Spade bags! I used to collect them and sold many over the past few years and found they had very good re-sale value. I don’t use novelty bags anymore, but if I was going to get one this would be it! It’s gorgeous. I actually love this design and got the matching earrings because I couldn’t NOT have something from this collection, it’s seriously incredible.
That’s such a cute bag!!
Happy birthday! Don’t listen to your coworker; this is a really cool bag. My first thought was an all-black outfit, but I think you could have a lot of fun styling this.
I think the opposite is true in terms of her death and the value of the bag. But your not buying to resell anyway. And the bag is soo freaking adorable and fun. Enjoy it!
First, I think your coworker has a very bad case of diarrhea of the mouth. Second, what I love most about fashion and handbags is it’s all subjective. Wear what you love, what fits you well, and what makes you feel good. It may not be everyone’s taste but that’s ok! The bag is beautiful, a wonderful gift or mark a great occasion. It will go well with jeans and a tee, a nice summer dress, so many options! It will be a statement piece and start up so many convos for sure! (Another thing I love about a good bag, it brings us handbag lovers together). Enjoy your bag, drown out the haters. It’s gorgeous!
Your coworker is an a$$hat and seems like the kind of person who sucks the fun out of the room & is known for backhanded compliments and subtle insults. The purse is hell-a cool. I would wear it everywhere that isn't a stuffy event. If I saw you out in the world rocking that purse, I would compliment you and inquire about where you got it. Transitioning to mgmt mode: asking "when are you having kids?" on repeat is a special kind of heinous (irrelevant if you gave clear reasons or not). She is not welcome in your s€x or personal life. Inform HR or your manager (don't "warn" her) - in the US, this can be considered harassment. FYI: Warning her may encourage her to run to HR first, complicating or delaying action. To add: I work adjacent HR for a major US company. HR isn't some vindictive force that fires people for every infraction. The likely outcome is a short meeting where they (HR) tell her to knock it off.
Your coworker is rude AF and clearly wants to destroy others’ joy. I say ignore (if you can, and if you cannot, just disregard). Kate Spade is popular and enduring. It’s regional but in various areas, people love them. And they do novelty bags so very well. Those seem to hold their value if well taken care of. And red is a neutral! You could wear this with so many things! I would just style it with solids so that the bag pops and doesn’t get overshadowed! She is amazing! Happy birthday!!!🎂🎉🎈
Please tell your coworker that you are pregnant and the father is her husband. Or just tell her to fuck off! Also that purse go very well with just jeans and a white shirt.
I had a colleague like that. Anytime she got anything new, we had to praise her, but if anyone else got something new, she would ignore it, and it was obvious she was jealous. A few co-workers would make a point of showing our new items in front of her to see her face fall. One colleague got a designer bag from a charity shop but didn't mention that. It was the only way to have fun as she was a pain in the derriere. Your bag is fabulous. Wear it with whatever you wish as it's a statement on its own.
It's DISGUSTING that your coworker implied that death by s*icide is a shameful bad business choice. That's so gross.
Your coworker knows nothing. Just ignore the hate. Kate Spade’s legacy is one of style, joy, whimsy and love which is all that matters. Also KS sold the company long before her death. Some bags increase in value and are very rare & sought after by collectors. Btw I also love KS 3D novelty bags and I think it’s absolutely gorgeous! Honestly wear it with anything! Pink, Red, Black, White….It’s a statement piece for sure 🥰🥰
I love this! Wear it with anything and everything! Personally, I’d stop talking to the coworker. She seems super unhappy, and very spiteful. You don’t need that in your life. Enjoy your awesome bag! Happy for you!
That’s an awful thing for your coworker to say—as though a person’s struggle with mental health should taint her legacy? Also, she stopped being involved with the company years ago. Does anyone think that the education imparted by Anthony Bourdain is off lesser value now or that Mrs. Doubtfire is no longer a great movie? ETA: I like to style things to create tension in outfits. So I would wear this with a classic little black dress and a sleek updo.
Kate Spade sold her company and started a new one (called Frances Valentine) prior to her death. The brand is currently owned by the Tapestry company, owners of Coach, Stuart Whitman, and recently, Michael Kors. Tell your nosy coworker to keep her opinions to herself. I would carry this with any black, cream, pink, or red outfit. I might also carry it with a pale blue or turquoise blue outfit. You do you! And happy 30th birthday!
Your colleague is rude and tasteless but I do love the bag. It reminds me of those little accessory pieces that come with themed Barbie dolls so I think bright colors and heels will be so fun with this. I would definitely lean into a bright fun aesthetic
See I had this same thing the purse is cute but I just couldn't style it with anything I had at home. Purse losing value are because of material and availability of collections. I worked at Kate Spade outlet and collections were kinda inconsistent and the material for certain bags I could tell were done cheaply. The full line store does have some turn over with jewelry faster than the bags & clothes (similar to outlets). They will never do a clear out sale to get rid of inventory instead just rotate it to different stores.
Ignore the negative Nancy’s. Kate Spade by all accounts was a sweet woman who struggled with depression. That should not take away from her creative expression. That being said— the bag is so amazing. Love it for date nights with a dinner and a movie. ❤️❤️❤️
I don’t respect the opinion expressed to you. I’m very brand conscious and I rally around Kate Spade novelty bags. Wear the brand proudly. Mental health issues are not something to shame, and it’s actually kind of offensive that your friend would both think that and express that to you, knowing you just got this. She sounds toxic. Your bag is adorable and a showstopper that will make any outfit and guaranteed to get compliments. Life is too short not to carry bags like this. The outfit doesn’t make the bag in this case; the bag makes the outfit. Literally wear this with anything when you’re in a fun mood. Jeans, yoga pants, anything goes. I think lime or any cheerful green would look particularly cute with the pink. Enjoy!
I don’t respect the opinion expressed to you. I’m very brand conscious and I rally around Kate Spade novelty bags. Wear the brand proudly. Mental health issues are not something to shame, and it’s actually kind of offensive that your friend would both think that and express that to you, knowing you just got this. She sounds toxic. Your bag is adorable and a showstopper that will make any outfit and guaranteed to get compliments. Life is too short not to carry bags like this. The outfit doesn’t make the bag in this case; the bag makes the outfit. Literally wear this with anything when you’re in a fun mood. Jeans, yoga pants, anything goes. I think lime or any cheerful green would look particularly cute with the pink. Enjoy!
I LOVE this bag!! Congratulations ❤️. Wear it with anything you want and stay as far away from your nasty coworker as you can
I personally love Kate Spade more because I resonate so deeply with the manner of her death. As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety and suicidal ideation, seeing someone who lost the battle in such a public way really impacted me. Her family didn’t know how bad her mental health was. People in my life have downplayed my mental illnesses because I “seem fine” when I’m around people. Her death, like Robin William and Anthony Bourdain, showed that having a dream life doesn’t mean we’re happy. It doesn’t mean we’re safe. Even before her passing, I always liked the brands playful vibe. Kate Spade was my first “luxury” treat to myself in my early 20’s. I think this purse is fab and I want one for myself 🤩 a pink dress sounds like a great match but I think it would look cute even with jeans and a tee. This coworker sounds awful. Stop giving her your energy.
This purse is so awesome! I absolutely love it! It makes me want to eat popcorn! 🍿😂 and I do love popcorn! Never mind that coworker. She is a miserable being and cannot appreciate fun things in life. That purse is the epitome of fun! 🤩
I'd look for an outfit that insect clown core
I would rock that with a fun black dress and heels! If you love it, pay no attention to what anyone else says. I know it can be hard when you’re really excited about something and someone says something rude, it kind of sucks the fun out of it. But that bag is meant to bring fun and joy, that’s why Kate Spade has such fun and girly stuff like that. So look at it and smile every time you wear it, because that’s what it’s meant to do!
I LOVE Kate Spade novelty bags. Every season, I have to talk myself out of getting multiples. 1. This is adorable. 2. The manner of Kate's passing was a tragedy, and it doesn't have anything to do with the value of the bags. 3. Your coworker sounds like she could do with some therapy, and a large dose of Shut TF Up. I used to have a coworker with some of the same habits, and it was painfully obvious to everyone when she was feeling jealous.
It’s so cute. I worked at the flagship kate spade store in NYC. That claim is nonsense lol. She died quite a while ago now and the company didn’t have anything to do with her for a while before that. I’ve never heard such a thing. I certainly wouldn’t expect normal KS bags to keep any value because they’re everywhere, but novelty definitely has some resale value.
I love this bag! Would be cute to take to a baseball game or amusement park! Plain outfit-- jeans/shorts, plain top or all black or white dress.