It might sound silly to say that I learned valuable life lessons from a discount sale on designer purses, but it’s true. And these days, a girl’s gotta get her pearls of wisdom wherever she can. Let’s face it, we ain’t gettin’ it from TV — well, except for that tidbit on Top Chef about not letting others handle your meat.
Anywho. Last week, after hunting and gathering like a sweaty beauty beast over the deeply discounted purses and accessories in Kate Spade’s online sample sale, I learned the following lessons I would now like to share.
1. To hesitate is to meditate in a horizontal position
This popular phrase from martial arts can also apply to shopping. It means that if you don’t act when you know that you should, like when every fiber of your being says, “Do it! Add that gold seahorse bracelet to your cart!”, you’re liable to end up out cold on the floor, or out of luck, as the case may be.
In my case, I missed out on a possible birthday bracelet gift to myself. Along with the purses I liked, it was one of the things I wanted to get for my birthday next month, but by the time I got around to clicking it, it was already gone.
Kinda like that time in kindergarten when I desperately wanted to be in the school play, but I was too shy and scared to volunteer. Or that time in college when I wanted to study abroad but was too afraid to confront my parents, and by the time I finally did, the deadline had passed.
2. Crime doesn’t pay, but research does
No joke, but in the months leading up to the sale, I think I’d already tried on every one of the sample sale purses at the Kate Spade store by my house. Every time I’d stop by the mall, I’d swing by the KS store. So when the sale hit, GURL, I was ready! I knew exactly which purses would fit my body, and which colors worked best with my wardrobe.
Which brings me to this: if you plan to invest in something pricey — be it a bag, a post-graduate education, a house or a car — conduct as much recon as possible beforehand to help you make the right decision.
3. You can’t go wrong with classics
Even though I was moved by a few of the trendy numbers in the sample sale, in the end, I went with an off-white bag and a black quilted purse. Following new trends can be fun (says the girl who still has a little black satin backpack from 1996 in her closet, LOL!), but it never hurts to have a few classics around. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Katrina says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:12 pmI love love love that black quilted, I want it so very badly…but eh, poor right now >.<
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:26 pmI have been waiting on that sucker to go on sale! I probably would’ve passed if it was 1) full price and 2) wasn’t a birthday present.
How’s your Friday been?
Vijaya says
May 27th, 2011 at 8:02 pmI love that one too!
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snoopysteph says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:21 pmI hesitated on the black quilted purse – and then it was gone when I finally decided I wanted it. 🙁
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:25 pmDid you end up getting anything? 🙂
Oh, and what’s the word with your hubby? Did everything turn out the way he wanted it with his tests?
snoopysteph says
May 27th, 2011 at 6:10 pmI restrained myself. I really, really wanted that purse (and there was a hot pink bag I was dying for too!). To make up for it, I ordered a Sea Turtle palette from Chantecaille today since it popped back up on their website!
My husband was sworn in to the US Navy yesterday, hooyah! He’s on the delayed entry program & will report to boot camp next March. After 9 weeks of that he’ll be going to San Antonio for 14 weeks of hospital corpsman training, which will go hand in hand with his “day job” – he’ll be opening up an acupuncture/oriental medicine practice after he graduates this September. I’m so proud of him & happy that he’s living the dream!!
What did your dad do in the Navy & how long was he in for? My dad did 4 years of service in the 70’s right after he graduated from high school. He was an electrical engineer of some sort & was assigned to a pilot & his plane – even got his name stenciled on that jet too!
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:42 amOh, that palette looks amazing! You’ll so be able to rock it out for years to come.
And big congrats to your hubby. It’s great to hear about people making their dreams come true! I’m so happy for your family. 🙂
As for my pops, he was in the Navy in the ’70s, too (I was a baby at the time). I’m not exactly sure what he did, but I think it had something to do with flying all over the place, planes and ships, LOL! The few times he’s talked about it he mentioned having to fly up to Alaska all the time.
It’s hard for me to picture my parents’ life before they had kids, you know? When I see pics of them when they were young I’m like, “WHOA! You guys look less stressed out! And skinny!”
Nikolas says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:26 pmKaren!! Your new handbags are so beautiful!!! I’m happy you got them 🙂 In the game of life, we win some and we lose some… These babies are DEFINITE winners<3333 Tabs must be very jealous…
Karen says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:29 pmThanks, Nikolas! 🙂 Did you ever find your newsprint clutch?
And yes, I won’t be surprised if Tabs tries to “borrow” these purses, LOL!
larie says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:30 pmLove the off-white one, so gorgeous!
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Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:35 amThanks, Larie! Enjoy your Saturday!
Tiffany says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:38 pmLove both of these! Great classics!
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:35 amHey Tiffany!
How’s it going, girl? Hugs to you and the baby! 🙂
Vicki says
May 27th, 2011 at 5:42 pmHa, I did not go classic – I got a hot pink patent leather purse. I <3 it sooo much!
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:34 amI saw that one! That purse is hawt, mama!
Lauren says
May 27th, 2011 at 6:03 pmgreat lessons karen! i’ve learned that first lesson the hard way. x.x *le sigh* that quilted bag is gorgeous and will never go out of style! 😀
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:33 amI think we all have to learn that lesson the hard way… LE SIGH!
dani@callitbeauty says
May 27th, 2011 at 6:47 pmfabulous picks, karen! i agree with all your tips – doing research really helps with the shopping experience.
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Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:32 amThanks, Dani! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Megan says
May 27th, 2011 at 6:48 pmThat off-white looks much better than I thought it would (I didn’t get to see it in person). The texture looks great in your pictures–I’m a little sad now that I didn’t get it!
I also learned the “put it in your cart and just buy it now or you’ll be sorry” lesson the last sample sale KSNY had. I’m still scrounging on eBay for the perfect one that got away.
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:31 amIt’s a difficult lesson to learn! What purse are you still hunting for? I have a feeling that seahorse bracelet will haunt me for years to come, LOL!
Julia says
May 27th, 2011 at 7:30 pmI love Kate Spade . I gave each of my bridesmaids a little black and white Kate Spade cosmetic bag as part of their bridesmaid gift when I was married in February. I loved those bags and kind of wish I had gotten one for myself! I waited and waited and waited until they went on sale so I was lucky to get a very good deal on them. Both of the purses you chose are beautiful and look so classic. You’ll be able to carry them for a long time.
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:28 amWhat a sweet gift! I bet your bridesmaids loved it. 🙂
Tracy says
May 27th, 2011 at 8:10 pmLove them both! It’s one of my dreams to someday have a Kate Spade Bag!
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Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:27 amHi Tracy,
Hopefully that dream will come true soon (maybe during the next sample sale?). 🙂
Brandy says
May 27th, 2011 at 8:52 pmI ordered a kiwi green bag! Moving to Australia in two months and the bag just felt bright and sunny, like my new home!
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:27 amCongrats on your bag and the move! How exciting. Are you moving for work, school or just for the heck of it?
Kajal Couture says
May 27th, 2011 at 8:58 pmLesson #4: pay attention to the dates of the sales.
I totally forgot about this and missed out! =(
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Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:26 amAww, bummer! Well, I think the sample sales happen a few times every year, so you’ll get your chance in a few months.
mulberrytea says
May 27th, 2011 at 10:03 pmI love those two bags you ended up with! I didn’t know that Kate Spade made such classic styles (lately I’ve been seeing things like the orange slice straw bag and the flamingo beach bag). I have two bags that are very similar styles to the ones you bought, and they are both classics that I love.
The white ostrich one is extra gorgeous by the way 🙂
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:25 amShe has some cray-cray, stuff, that’s for sure! Did you see this elephant bag?
ROYAL PLANTATION ELEPHANT BASKET
So nuts!
But yeah, she does have some classic stuff too!
Paris B says
May 27th, 2011 at 11:41 pmLove the bags you picked! I only have one bag from Kate Spade and I might tote that out 🙂 Its pricey here though I think I might just check out the quilted one in our local store. It looked bigger on you than it looks in the 1st picture 😀
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Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:24 amIt’s surprisingly roomy. If you like the black quilted one also check out the Evangeline — it’s SUPER CUTE, and the chain is adjustable:
Kate Spade Evangeline
Karen B says
May 28th, 2011 at 1:51 amBoth of those look gorgeous 🙂
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:22 amThanks, Karen. 🙂 How’s your weekend going?
Michelle says
May 28th, 2011 at 4:25 amLove the bags you got! I just got mine in the mail. it’s the Roland Park Editorial Cecilia in solid black. It’s big and beautiful. It’s my third Kate Spade sample sale purchase. I’ve received so many compliments on the other two, and I’ve carried them so many times that they’ve been worth every penny. And, like you, I learned that I have to jump and buy what I want as soon as I see it or it’s gone.
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:21 amI remember seeing that bag and thinking it was REALLY cute. I can’t wait until the next sale. I think it should be in October?
Michelle says
May 28th, 2011 at 3:33 pmOctober? That’a long way away :-/ What ever will we do until then? Love reading you every morning 🙂
*jen says
May 28th, 2011 at 4:37 amGreat article, Karen! And your new bags are hawt. 🙂
Sorry you missed out on the seahorse bracelet, though. That’s a bummer. I would have loved to have seen Tabs modeling it (and I know he would have!).
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:18 amThanks, Jen! Yeah, Tabs is giving me a lot of crap for missing out on the bracelet. You know he woud’ve loved to have borrowed it permanently, LOL!
How’s your weekend going so far? Doing anything fun?
*jen says
May 28th, 2011 at 10:09 amI’m overhauling the kids’ rooms this weekend. Yes, I know how to have a good time! But their toys are overtaking the family room and they’re old enough now that I can enforce room cleanings — and get my grown-up room back! lol
I hope you get to go bask in the sun for at least some of this long weekend!
Hugs to Tabs.
xoxo
*j
nidhi says
May 28th, 2011 at 5:19 amfabulos picks..love the white one…
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Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:17 amThanks!
Advah says
May 28th, 2011 at 7:12 amThese are beautiful bags! I’m almost glad it’s kinda impossible to get Kate Spade in the UK, as it helps me resist tentation. Although there’s a KS outlet shop by where my brother lives, which gets me drooling every time.
Do you have other KSpade items Karen? I’ve a bright green leather organiser I adore!
Also, that grey/purple top you’re wearing in the pictures is lovely and super-suits you!
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:17 amHi Advah,
I have a few things from her line. A black and white print bag from a few years ago, a patent blue and white tote bag and a couple of makeup bag-esque accessories. Oh, and the black & white polka dot iPhone case! Your bright green leather organizer sounds cute. I love brightly colored accessories. 🙂
And thanks regarding the grayish/purple sweater! I got it in the junior’s section at Nordstrom for like $18, LOL!
What are you up to today? Have a great weekend!
Advah says
May 29th, 2011 at 5:07 amHaha love the junior sections!
Not much planned this weekend, the weather is atrocious so I’m staying in and cooking. Have a lovely Sunday too!
Gotham Polish says
May 28th, 2011 at 7:31 amGreat picks, and I love your wisdom as always 🙂
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Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:14 amThanks, Gotham Polish!
What have you got going on for the weekend?
Girl says
May 28th, 2011 at 7:42 amGASP! I just realized I NEED Kate Spade!
Karen says
May 28th, 2011 at 9:13 amShe makes some lovely purses! Keep an eye out for the sample sales. They happen a few times a year.
Kristen says
May 28th, 2011 at 3:14 pmI love the classics you chose! especially the black quilted purse!
Tahnee says
May 28th, 2011 at 3:26 pmomg. I LOVE those bags. So jealous!! 🙂
Nina says
May 28th, 2011 at 6:34 pmtotally digging the black quilted purse!
Maia says
May 29th, 2011 at 12:50 amI got the same white bag as an early bday present for myself too!! Love it!
Stephanie says
May 29th, 2011 at 1:11 amLove the white one!! Karen, am curious, how do you find out about the sample sale?? Do they have stuff like that online…? I’m new to this..so was just wonderin..
Vonvon says
May 29th, 2011 at 1:55 amBoth bags are very pretty! Now….time to shop around! Or perhaps hit the Outlets!
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Victoria says
May 29th, 2011 at 7:00 amHi karen, thank you so much for the info on the sale. I read your blog everyday and so glad i did that day. I got the same style as your white bag but in blue and love it coz its a color i dont have. Didnt see the black quilted ne, its gorgeous no wonder it went fast coz i wouldve gotten that too. I was thinking really hard but i really wasnt lemming anything lately and the sale was just like the sale prices at coach but goodness, its a kate spade. Thanks so much again.
Faye says
May 29th, 2011 at 8:29 amThank you again for posting the information about the sample sale. I love the bag I got (same as your white one, just in blue), and I probably wouldn’t have gotten it without the sale. It’s now happily living in its new home on one of the accessories shelves in my closet with her sisters :).
Karen says
May 29th, 2011 at 8:37 amHey Faye!
I have a question for you about the hardware on your blue purse. Are the zippers attached to thin leather pieces that match the purse, or are they gold with embossing? I tried on the blue one at the store and I could’ve sworn the zippers had gold plated tags (one said “Have” and the other said “Courage,” so cute!). My white one has thin leather pieces that match the purse, so I’m just curious…
How did those sweaters work out for you, btw?
Fieran says
May 30th, 2011 at 12:08 amA week before the Sample Sale, I picked up the Cheltenham Opus in coffee brown. I received it over the weekend. It’s so beautiful. The leather is so nice and soft. I totally get why you love Kate Spade 🙂
Gloria says
May 31st, 2011 at 6:25 pmI didn’t know about the sale til 19 minutes before it ended. I wasn’t going to buy anything, but I saw and immediately fell in love with the the Darien Stevie in white. It called my mom and wanted me to bring it home.
2 quick clicks, a few days of waiting, and it’s all mine! It’s even prettier more elegant in person!!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-darien-stevie-shopper/3082462
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Deb says
June 7th, 2011 at 10:08 amBoth of those bags are adorable! And I totally remember those little satin backpacks.
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NB says
June 9th, 2013 at 5:21 pmI am looking to purchase a kate spade quilted leather bag and I am a little hesitant because some bags seem to lose their “puffiness” if you know what I mean lol! Is that the case? If I am going to spend a lot, I just want to make sure that after a while, the quilting does not get flat. Please let me know if this flatness of quilting has occurred to your bag.
Thanks soooooooooooooo much 🙂