Oh Kate. Thank you.

In 2008, a decade younger me, was in the middle of planning my wedding. I knew what I wanted when it came to shoes. I didn’t want anything white. White shoes, white dress. Too much white for me.

Besides, I have never been the kind of gal that perfectly matches her shoes to her outfit. No, for me, shoes have the job of speaking on their own. To stand out if you will. I saw these perfectly strappy Kate Spade heels. I knew I needed something like those.

I saved and saved. Twenty-three year old me filled a wedding piggy bank my mom had given me as a gift after our engagement. I put every piece of change I came across in there. I was diligent. I wanted, no, I needed  strappy Kate Spade shoes and I was going to get them.

Closing my eyes, I am back in the store the day I finally bought them. Calling my mom to tell her what I was finally doing. Smile plastered across my round eager face. Feeling as if I were floating just an inch off the ground as I fluttered around the shoe department. Giddiness overcoming me when the box was handed to me. They were mine, all mine.

Shoes, sometimes they do magical things for you. Kate’s carried me down the aisle toward the life I was about to build. Towards marriage filled with good and tough times. Towards the two sweet boys I grew in my body and are beginning to blossom into wonderful young men. Both of whom, are as obsessed with shoes as I am. Thank you Kate.

That was the start of my relationship with Kate. Kate Spade has given me the freedom to be who I am. To embrace my love of a bright and cheerful style. To mix and match patterns and wild colors. To have purses that are shaped like objects. Diaper bags, travel bags, makeup bags, wallets, phone cases, galore. You have adorned my body in so many ways. You have traveled the world with me. Thank you Kate.

This morning I woke up and felt like wearing my glittery gold culottes. Topped with a bright blue jewel-toned flowery top, tied at the waist. Those oh so important shoes? Yellow suede mules, with a slight heel. The freedom with which I give myself to dress with these bold styles comes from Kate. Kate planted the seeds in me. Thank you Kate.

When news of Kate Spade’s tragic suicide began to trickle across the web, I began to receive text messages from family members. This is how much I have grown to love her brand over the years. My family knew that this was not going to be a good day for me. We never met face to face. But her brand engrained itself in my day to day. Thank you Kate.

I have gifted Kate Spade items to women I love. I squeal over being able to share the joy these designs bring me. I soak up their joy when they open their gift and see that green box.

It is a sad day for me and the fashion world at large, and for the women I know who have also been inspired by this timeless brand.

Thank you Kate.

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