Dear Kate Spade,

When I first heard the news that you tragically left this earth, I didn't know what to say. I sat in shock as I read article after article detailing your suicide. I don't know what terrible demons you were battling that convinced you to take your last breath, but I dearly wish you hadn't. Your style empowered young women like me to embrace the quirkiness of the world and to leave a little sparkle wherever we go. Even though you are no longer with us, your sparkle will always be here, glittering in the light of life.

I always planned to write about how all young women should own at least something from your line. I wish I had gotten around to penning that piece so that I could use present tense verbs instead of past. But sometimes life happens and we are forced to bear the burden of regret. Yet before we keep journeying on, I want to take a moment to express how truly revolutionary the brand Kate Spade has been for young women, especially myself.

Besides the perfect purses, sparkly shoes, and cute clothing, Kate Spade New York has created a lifestyle of empowering young women to flirt with adventure, walk on air, and eat cake for breakfast. You used your brand to let women know that it's okay to carry a cat purse, wear over-sized earrings, and prance about in a polka-dot dress. You taught women to celebrate the season in life where you eat takeout on fine China and serve champagne with pizza. You reminded women of the beauty that is being young, careless, and free. And for that, we can't thank you enough.

You simply made fashion fun. You believed in the everlasting power of playing dress up. Witty words and pretty things adorn the walls of your boutiques, encouraging all females to be quick and curious and playful and strong. And though you may no longer be with us, your handbags, dresses, notebooks, dishes, jewelry, and everything else that bears your gold little-shaped spade will forever serve as a reminder that we have one mission in life. To live colorfully.

Love,

A Young Woman Who Adores Witty Words, Pretty Things, & All Things Kate Spade New York