Dear Kate Spade,
Oh, Kate. I wish you knew how many people are missing you today. I’m so saddened by that fact that a person who lived so colorfully could be dulled by feelings that their life is no longer worth living.
I first remember hearing about you one day years ago when I was a tired young mom, wiping little fingerprints off the coffee table while watching Martha Stewart introduce us to a bright and creative entrepreneurial woman who had started a business making handbags with her own label. Kate Spade. Even her name was adorable. It would be years before I was treated to one her beautiful bags, but then I would carry no other kind of bag after that.
image via Pinterest
Your classy style sealed it in my mind that dressing up is totally chic, even if it’s just for a trip to Target. And everyone who knows me knows I’ve not been spotted without my classic red painted nails in several years now. You’ve made it so easy on my husband to shop for every birthday, Christmas, and special day in between because he knows if it has your name on it, I will love it for sure.
When I designed my blog logo, I chose Kate Spade green in a font I felt you would approve of, and black and white stripes are my favorite color.
For years now, my decor style has had your signature on it.
You can see your influence in Abby’s room at home…
And Abby’s room at college…
Even her graduation party was done in true Kate Spade style…
And the influence continued when it was time to design Lily’s room, hence the bold florals and black and white striped accent wall.
And there are more stripes and color in the guest bath…
On the screened porch…
And in the entry…
I’ve done DIY’s with products of yours…
Set tables that nod to your whimsical side…
And snagged every product with your name on it that I could work into my budget …
We’ve visited your shops from Hawaii to New York, and many in between.
And I’m seldom seen without one of your bags on my arm. (Seriously, never!)
I never really imagined having the chance to meet you in person, but I wish now that I had tried. I’m not sure what happened in that whirlwind of a life you had after Martha Stewart introduced us and you became a brand of your own. But, I will tell others now what I never had the chance to say to you: Even those who don’t feel like they matter to anyone, matter to God. And whether the entire world knows your name, or no one else on earth, God does. And He can reach through the darkest places to the deepest hurts and heal them. I’m determined to let the loss of you and your beautiful self be a reminder to me that I’m called to carry His light to these dark places.
The fabulous style of Kate Spade will go on for a long while, I’m certain. And for generations to come, when a girl somewhere slips her foot into a super-cute shoe that bears your name, may she walk out the door to be an encouragement to someone. And when she carries a bag with a spade on the label, may she be reminded to carry the burden of a friend who needs her as well.
You will be missed, Kate Spade.
Lisa
June 6, 2018 @ 9:05 am
This is beautiful Julie. Her death is such a sad reminder that we never know what is going on with someone else – we all carry heartaches and burdens that might not be visible. What a strong influence the Kate Spade brand has had on your style! Loved seeing this Kate Spade inspired home tour and thank you for continuously being a light in this world. xo
Julie
June 6, 2018 @ 10:23 pm
So true! And thank you so much for the kind words!
E Aelterman
June 6, 2018 @ 9:55 am
What a beautiful tribute!
Julie
June 6, 2018 @ 10:24 pm
Thank you! I’m so glad you think so. I’m so sad over her loss!
Tessa Labatut
June 6, 2018 @ 10:34 am
BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES, YOU CERTAINLY HAVE CAPTURED HER BEAUTY IN YOUR HOME AND LIFE. THANKS FOR SHARING.
IT IS SO SAD THAT PEOPLE DO SELF HARM NOT TAKING INTO REGARDS WHAT PAIN IT BRINGS TO OTHERS. BUT WHO KNOWS WHAT PUT HER THERE:(
I THINK OF HER DAUGHTER AND PRAY SHE CAN GET PASS THIS.
Julie
June 6, 2018 @ 10:25 pm
I agree! It’s not our place to know everything that happened here, but I do feel for her daughter! So sad!
Christa
June 6, 2018 @ 6:25 pm
Such a beautiful tribute, Julie. Thank you for sharing. I was attracted to your blog years ago because of the Kate Spade feeling I got here (and many other reasons too!) I also love this style so much. I didn’t know that is where your red nails influence that I always admired came from! What color red nail polish is it? I always wondered.
So sad to think that this is how her life has ended. She represents joy, happy, whimsical, fun, classic, colorful, and positive affirmations for me. So opposite from her tragic ending. May she rest in peace and may God bless her family.
Julie
June 6, 2018 @ 10:28 pm
Thank you, Christa! I’m so honored that you’d say that. And I agree with your thoughts as well! God bless her family, indeed.
And my nail color is OPI Cajun Shrimp :). Glad you like it!
Julie
June 7, 2018 @ 9:06 am
Yes beautifully written as if you knew her…….and perhaps in ways you did……..
Mina Miley
June 7, 2018 @ 11:34 am
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!! Such a heart-felt tribute & so true to help bear one another’s burdens. Love this!!
Linda Schenher
June 8, 2018 @ 3:03 pm
You were the first person I thought of when I heard he news on Tuesday. So hard to understand why someone like her would take her own life. Particularly sad for her young daughter, who is at an age that can be difficult in the best of situations. Loved your tribute and keep on spreading the good news of Christ.