If you are old enough to have worn it the first time, or 80's redux

When I was little I told my mother that I was thinking about dressing up like a "50's" girl for Halloween.  She looked at me in astonishment and asked what a girl in the 50's could have possibly worn that made it costume worthy.  I enthusiastically detailed my plan to wear a poodle skirt, sweater, saddle shoes, etc.  My mother raised one eyebrow and said that she didn't recall anyone in the 50's wearing the outfit as I described it.

50's Costume

I get the same feeling when I keep seeing things described as '80s inspired.  My sartorial recollection of the '80's includes all of the pillars of  the Preppy Handbook.

A bag for every season!

Laura Ashley Corduroy

 I sported Tretorn sneakers, Calvin Klein jeans, Pappagallo belts and bags.  Carroll Reed,  LL Bean,  and Talbots sweaters , as well as oversized Champion sweatshirts all went over oxford shirts or matching turtlenecks. I remember  "Dynasty" inspired power suits, and little girls who dressed like Madonna.  I even remember "Flashdance" slouchy fashions, Vicky Tiel cocktail dresses and "Thriller leatherwear.

But, I am not sure if I remember the inspiration for this:

 I just viewed the Kate Spade New York RTW Fall 2103 show on style.com.  I did a double take because at first I was taken back, and then I thought I was not giving the collection a fair chance.

 I felt slightly vindicated when I turned to the review by Style.com's Lauren Sherman
"It was all about the eighties at Kate Spade New York's Fall 2013 presentation. Blondie blasted in the background, hot pink ruled, and old-school taxicabs served as props. It looked like a set for Sex and the City reboot The Carrie Diaries, which takes place in 1984.

If that all sounds a bit tacky, well, it was. Irreverent would be a nicer way to put it. But in its 20th year, Kate Spade New York could give two hoots what its critics think. Because its customer is more than satisfied".  

  Some of the pieces were pretty and wearable, although they seemed reductive to me.  I thought look 2 was lovely and something about it reminded me of the colors of the Isabel Toledo Coat worn by Michelle Obama for the Presidential Inauguration in 2009.

When I first saw the iconic Kate Spade Sam bag, I knew I had to have it.  It was handbag design stripped to a perfect essential.  Class and purpose.  Kate Spade designed bags that were  for the successful post prep sophisticate. Some of her designs were quite feminine, but I never thought they were twee.




I admire some of the quirky accessories and still find some treasures  today,

Catherine Street Pippa as seen on the wonderful One can't get over the habit of being a little girl all at once blog

but in my mind  the brand is it is not the same as it was before it was acquired by the Liz Claiborne group. A new boutique opened in my mall, but I rarely look in. I had high hopes, but the colors and effects remind me of Good and Plenty and Skittles candy with a little Hello Kitty thrown in and the patent shininess is almost too much. 
 What do you think about this collection? Are you a satisfied Kate Spade customer?