copy kate



browsing the kate spade website for spring inspiration i fell in love with this bag.  the point breeze coal is so pretty for spring and summer but with gasoline running $4 a gallon, it's out of my budget, not that i ever go anywhere...but still.

i am not a crafty type person at all, but i figured i could maybe find something more budget friendly.  this is what i came up with.  this straw bag with non-leather handles (yay) was $19.99 at marshalls. the bag itself is nicely made and it's lined.  i'm not normally a fan of cheapo purses and shoes, but i am very hard on summer purses for some reason.  maybe it's the all the sitting outside at the cafe sipping lattes.  anyway, i went next door to joanne fabric and spent $2 on a yard of black grosgrain ribbon, tied it on and there you have it. 
my new spring/summer bag...






xo
janet



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48 comments

  1. Adrienne ShubinMarch 9, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Janet,

    I like your creation much better than Kate's. Much! I like the bigger hardware and, what I assume to be, faux leather accents. Plus, a more substantial handle will make it more comfortable to carry.
    The sassy black bow completes the look. And, if you wanted, you could change out the colors of the bow. Red? Floral? Stripes?
    How ingenious of you!

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  2. MadeliefMarch 9, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Hi Janet,

    Your new straw bag looks great. I can see you walking around with it. It matches your Ralph Lauren outfits perfectly!!

    Happy day & lieve groet,

    Madelief

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  3. A Whole Lotta MagicMarch 9, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Very cute; I want one, lol!

    Sue
    xo

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  4. LRS4AMANDAMarch 9, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Love your new bag...Good job! :)

    Linda

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  5. flwrjaneMarch 9, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    I am a huge Kate fan. But I had to give up the habit:(

    My roof patching will cost upwards of 500.00. a Kate bag costs what, 300. and change?

    No contest, dammit.

    Your solution is perfect. I have a older straw bag from Kate with the cutest blue and white striped lining. It was 1/2 beat by the end of summer. Lots of $$$ down the drain.

    When yours is gone, it's gone. I'm off to Marshalls.

    xo Jane

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  6. hostess of the humble bungalowMarch 9, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Janet,

    Applauding your creative and resourceful spirit...and I'll bet that you had some fun with this project...
    You could also tie a red grossgrain ribbon too for that feel good lift :)

    Hugs
    XO

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  7. life, in small chunksMarch 9, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    LOVE it! Karin

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  8. MMWMarch 9, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Smart.
    Fresh.
    Fantastic.

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  9. TriciaMarch 9, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Way to go Janet~ magnifique my friend!
    xo~
    T

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  10. AnonymousMarch 9, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    So cute! This economy has made us all frugal, smarter and more creative. My summer bag was $2 at Goodwill, still had the tags on it. I see a ribbon in it's future!

    You have awesome style, thanks for sharing!
    Betty

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  11. AnonymousMarch 9, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    very cute! And now a one of a kind :)

    Julie

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  12. DebMarch 9, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Tres cute. You are so resourceful!

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  13. AnonymousMarch 9, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    I have to say that I actually like your bag that you made more than the Kate bag! The ribbon looks fabulous with the dark black of the handles. Great job!

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  14. AnonymousMarch 9, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Dear Janet, Fantastic job!.. It's very 'Audrey'. and it is so you. I like yours so much better. The more substantial handles and hardware, are in 'better balance' with the bag, and the larger weave gives it more texture and interest. Love that black grosgrain bow,classic. Wonderful Janet! As in everything you do! Hugs, Joyce

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  15. TerriMarch 9, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    Love it!!! and oh soooooooooo economical!!!! :)
    No kidding ... your version is gorgeous! Terri

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  16. AnonymousMarch 9, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    You are awesome! Honestly, I like your bag much much better. Maybe you found a new calling?

    xo sarah

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  17. the gardener's cottageMarch 9, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    sarah - my new calling, putting ribbons on bags.

    also, everyone, my girlfriend melissa met a real point breeze coal in person and she said the raffia seemed very flimsy and that the bag was overall kinda cheapy looking. for $345 you would not expect that.

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  18. Nita StacyMarch 9, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    I actually think that your Marshall's bag is super cute. I love a straw bag for summer. I might have to go searching our Marshall's to see if I can find the same bag!

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  19. EmilyMarch 9, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    It is adorable!

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  20. ~Lavender Dreamer~March 9, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    I love yours better, too and you've given me an idea! I have bags that I would change the look of by adding a bow! I'm going to look around now! Thanks for sharing your idea! ♥

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  21. EllenMarch 9, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Sensible has never looked so cute! Spending wisely is all about making choices, isn't it and I think you made a great one! I never think of creative things like adding a bow to a simple bag, but now I think I'll go home and re-evaluate my own purses.

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  22. Annie ~ Red Roses and CrystalMarch 9, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    Brilliant and creative Janet.

    Whats that old saying 'necessity is the mother of invention' or something like that.
    As Leslie suggested, tying a different colour ribbon will brighten up many outfits.
    xx

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  23. Boxwood TerraceMarch 9, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Janet - Your bag is beautiful and I like it better than the Kate Spade bag. The handles on the KS bag are too skimpy IMO.
    Deborah

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  24. Faux FuchsiaMarch 9, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    Nice work J! The level of Industry!! It costs me $60 fill up up my tank with petrol!! I wish Gaddifi could be contained....

    Off the the dr xxxxx

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  25. megMarch 9, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    excellent improvement over the original concept. bravo!

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  26. The FallonsMarch 9, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    So cute! Love it! I have been following your blog for awhile. Found you via Slim Paley. I may just have to copy you ;)

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  27. annie@mostlovelythingsMarch 9, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    Fabulous! Love it! So smart!

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  28. tera @ elgin eco-houseMarch 9, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Clever! It's adorable.

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  29. AnonymousMarch 9, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    Oh, it is so chic. It's the 'Janet Bag', love it! ox, CW

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  30. AnonymousMarch 9, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Ohhh how sweet it is! Compliments to you! I will definitely do the same thing! Imitation is the highest form of flattery, you know... :-) Thank you always for such wonderful ideas.
    -Suzanne in Illinois

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  31. Semi ExpatMarch 9, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    Love it. Very chic and adorable. As you are. XX

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  32. AnonymousMarch 10, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    Wow, brilliant what you have done. You are going to be complimented on it every where you take it. Be sure to let us hear about it. As for me, I'm off to Marshall's, Luckily I have two stores nearby. Fingers crossed. It would look so great with my RL black and white gingham capris, that I found on-sale at Macy's, and every thing else in my closet too. I love black and white for spring/summer. Hope there is a 'Janet Bag' in my future. Thank you Janet. Best Always, Sandy

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  33. AnonymousMarch 10, 2011 at 12:26 AM

    Great idea and I love the witty blog title that goes with it!

    Jo in London

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  34. TheStylishShoeGirlMarch 10, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    I love Kate Spade and I have admired that handbag on her website, but seeing yours now, I prefer it.
    Looks fantastic! Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  35. LilacsMarch 10, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    It's been said before, but I have to say it too - I prefer yours.

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  36. nanadotesMarch 10, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    Janet, I also like yours better than Kate's! Maybe I will "copy Janet"

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  37. The Knitting InstinctMarch 10, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Love it! Can I copy your copy? :)
    Michelle

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  38. Luciane at HomeBunch.comMarch 10, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    Janet,

    It was so nice to see your comment the other day. I've been missing you, actually.

    Your blog is one of the most beautiful I know. Love it!

    Have a great day, sweetie.

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  39. The Feminist HousewifeMarch 10, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    I love your copy cat bag; and I especially love the price!!! = )

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  40. AnonymousMarch 10, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    Very cute - and CREATIVE!! I think I may even like your version of this bag better than Kate's! Thanks for the inspiration to go out and make my own!!!
    ~Christina ;-)

    http://christinaville.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  41. KelleyMarch 11, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    Janet....I crown you the New Miss Craftee Copy Cat!

    xo eklley

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  42. Judith March 11, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Oh Janet prefer your bag clever you....£6 a gallon petrol here in the UK and climbing!!
    Happy weekend. Ida

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  43. Slim PaleyMarch 11, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    I also prefer "le sac de Janet" !
    I like the big fat, smoother straw much more than the small weave on the Kate bag.
    Genius!!
    xx
    SP

    ReplyDelete
  44. WindlostMarch 12, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    Cute. You are too cool for school. I wish we could sit around and drink lattes...I would just be happy to be seen with you. :D

    xo Terri

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  45. Ocean Breezes and Country SneezesMarch 13, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    I like your version of the bag sooooo much better! And I like your price also! As they say "Imitation is the greatest form of flattery" ~ you did a great job!

    ReplyDelete
  46. pve designMarch 15, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    You really are one smart cookie! I love the way you think, priorities in order, gas money and savings in your pocketbook!
    pve

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  47. AnonymousMarch 21, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    I so want this!

    ReplyDelete
  48. AnonymousApril 18, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    That bow is the best idea I ever saw. Who would of thought. You are a fashion genius. Kate Spade doesn't have anything on you!!! Keep up with the frugal fashion.
    PS- Do you think satin ribbon will work?

    ReplyDelete

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