kate spade

If asked to name popular card games, gin rummy would probably not make the top five. That said, the game does carry a touch of old fashioned sophistication that works well with Kate Spade's Gin Rummy Drink Set. She has a whiskey decanter ($125), a set of highballs ($100 for 4) and a set of cordial glasses ($50 for 4), all made of full lead crystal that has been etched with the shapes of card suits. The decanter, which is topped with a rectangular crystal stopper, stands 11" high and holds 32-oz.

Kate Spade clearly knows that few things are more festive than brightly colored holiday lights, so she used them as the main pattern on her holiday accent plates. The 9-inch china plates work with her Rutherford Circle line of tableware, but the plates can also be used on their own, for dinner or dessert, and can be matched up with other white dinnerware if you already have such collection. The plates come in a set of four and are dishwasher safe. Price: $80.

The bold pattern on Kate Spade's new Mala Blue Hobo was inspired by the "bold patterns [seen] on the savannah" at the Mala Mala Game Preserve in South Africa. Not having observed the African savannah in great detail personally, I can't speak to whether the design is a realistic representation of naturally occurring patterns, but it is beautiful even if the details of the patterns don't match up. The unstructured bag is made of leather-trimmed haircalf and is accented with a large, geometric gold turnlock closure. Price: $675.

Kate Spade's Larabee Road pattern, which covers this After Dinner Cup and Saucer Set, seems guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of anyone served with one. Sold in a set of four with red, yellow green and pink polka dots, the pieces have a sense of fun about them that is not often found in after-dinner cups, a typically staid delineation of the tableware world. Use them for cappuccinos or tea, or bring them out with a breakfast service for coffee and scones. The set is also available in a bright stripe pattern. Price: $75.

The Kate Spade Oak Park Erin handbag is basically a simple clutch that has had a strap added to it to make it a little easier to carry. It measures only 3.6" x 10.6" x 3.2" and the strap, which has an almost 7 inch drop, makes it seem tiny. The bag comes in ruby (pictured) and chocolate and is made of Italian suede with cotton lining. It has a zip top and gold hardware, including tiny feet on the bottom of the bag to protect the suede, although you may never actually set this bag down when you are out with it. Price: $275.

She wore blue velvet... and could have carried a bag very similar to the Kate Spade Russian Hill Maya, which is an understated velvet bag in midnight blue. The shape of the purse is derived from a classic knitting bag, with an expandable bottom and gathered top, though Spade's version has wood handles and snakeskin trim on the tab closure. The bag, though it appears to be small in the photo, actually measures 11.6"h x 19.7"w x 4.3"d and is very roomy. It has a satin dot lining, and multiple interior pockets to keep your things well organized. It won't be available until September 1st, but it is available for preorder at $425.

Jack Spade is the male counterpart to the heavily female-centric line from designer Kate Spade. The Pi Keychain could certainly appeal to anyone, regardless of gender. The ring and the key on it, which is un-filed, are both made of sterling silver and the ring is engraved with the first twenty-one digits of the number pi: 3.14159265358979323846. It is a subtly flashy keychain, perfect for those who don't like to have unnecessarily large things dangling with they keys. Price: $90.

Maybe it is a little bit of practicality lurking behind the love of fancy handbags, but even when I know how many really fantastic handbags there are for this season - and in general - it's nice to have at least one classic, everyday shoulderbag. Kate Spade's Siena Medium Serena fits the bill nicely, with classic lines, comfortable shoulder strap and a structured, reinforced bottom that will hold up well to everyday use without banging the contents of the bag around. There are also several interior pockets that will help keep you organized and provide room for things you need on a daily basis, like cell phones, pdas, pens and perhaps even reading glasses. The bag is made of waxed, natural cowhide and features a colorful nylon web detail, with a cotton twill lining and gold hardware. Price: $485.

Need a gift for a baby shower or a "first birthday party"? Kate Spade's Pippin Park Sets just might fit the bill. Most of the plate/cup sets that are produced for kids are made of plastic - and for good reason, since most kids cannot quite be trusted with the good china. These sets, however, are for kids who can. The plate, bowl and cup collections - with an elephant set for boys and a sheep set for girls - add a bit of elegance to children's dining, while still maintaining a high cuteness factor. Each piece is brightly colored and made from  fine, bone china, is lead-free and dishwasher safe. Price: $75.

All Kate Spade fans should take note that the designer's sample sale is going on right now. Everything in the sale section is up to 65% off, including handbags, baby items and accessories. Many of the handbags are under $100 and there are great iPod cases for less than $20! It would be very difficult to get a better price on Kate Spade shoes, as just about ever pair is well under $200.

The sale only lasts through June 15th, so there's not much time left to check out everything that is listed.

It's hard to say exactly what the Kate Spade Santa Margherita Box Basket is and, judging from its name, the designers were reluctant to pin it down, as well. To my eye, it looks like a picnic basket. It is, in fact, made of wicker and has the turnlock latch that is so commonly found on picnic baskets.  The purse comes in black or white, though both have gold leather handles and a closure, as well as golf hardware, even if the contrast isn't as obvious in the photo of the white bag here. It has one zip interior pocket and a fabric lining. Price: $295.

A good tote bag is a summer essential. Why? People seem to carry around a lot more in the summer. Perhaps it is the long days and gorgeous weather, though it might be the spirit of summer vacation lingering from your school days, but once June comes around everyone has hats, books, three pairs of sunglasses, a bottle of water and sometimes an extra pair of sandals that they need to have with them at all times. After all, you never know when the opportunity to hit the beach might up.

The Coach Motif Tote is a fun, straw bag covered with bright appliques and accented with white patent and silver metallic leather. It coordinates perfectly with Coach's Mattie Wedge sandals. What's not to like? $358

As fun as the gardening and book totes are, with their respective detailing of tools and eyeglasses, Kate Spade's Hobby Picnic Tote is just a little more fun. Perhaps it is the changing season that gets me thinking about picnics and outdoor activities, but it doesn't hurt that the bag has an appealing shadow screenprint of a knife, spoon and fork on the side. Made of red cotton with a bright yellow leather trim, the open-top tote has enough room to hold picnic supplies or everyday items, so you will always have to option to bring a little bit of the weekend in to the office with you on Monday. Price: $245.