KATE SPADE Handbag Review

KATE SPADE New York - Cameron candace satchel hand bag- PXRU5931

Q: Why Kate Spade?

• Because their saffiano leather is very durable

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Recommended? : Yes

• Cameron candace satchel, black used to be the signature design that rarely have discount. Currently they've changed top management and stop the signature design and move to another type of leather coated with anti scratch coating. But still this will always be one of my favorite & one of the most practical & durable handbag over time.
  
• The saffiano leather is suitable for rough usage, scratch-proof and doesn't peel like soft leather. Bought a mini version 2 years back, often use it and still in good condition. Just the mini one is not so practical if you've many things to bring.
  
• durable, classy, elegant & practical design which comes in different color. The large version has very large space & suitable to use as office bag. I've been putting all the important documents / receipts in the front compartment when we manage our new house renovation, the hard leather doesn't change shape easily and ensure the papers put in the bag are in good condition & not wrinkled . 
  
• I love practical, quality & durable bag, this is one of my favorite . If you still see this design in the market just buy. It's just an entry level affordable luxury brand but it's worth the money for day to day use. Some higher level luxury goods costs more but doesn't provide the practical durability that you need for day to day use. You need extra care for the leather during use which i don't think is practical if you just need a bag to go hawker stall for a delicious local meal. Use a more durable handbag so that you have less worry on the stain.  
  
• If there's stain, you can bring your handbag for cleaning in any outlet like Pavillion KL, Gurney Paragon, Queensbay Penang. They'll clean it with leather solution and is FOC. 

Key Features:

• Classic & functional bag
• crosshatched leather with matching trim
• book stripe printed on poly twill lining
• 14 karat gold plated hardware
• saffiano leather , tough to break/ get dirty,water-resistant & scratch-proof (more durable)
• Luggage tag bag charm with hardware accent
• Slim front pocket, 3-pocket interior.
• Rolled handles and optional, adjustable shoulder strap. Dust bag included.
• Available in varieties of colors & 3 sizes (mini, medium, large).

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Retail Boutique vs Factory Outlet:

Material Quality Difference

• Boutiques material are high-quality leather.
• Outlet material will be lighter, thinner, weaker and less durable with lower grade leather.

Price difference

• Boutique price are higher even after discount.
• Outlet can be almost half of the price

Design difference

• Boutique 14-karat gold Kate Spade charm / hardware are available. Follow standard signature design. Luggage tag bag charm with hardware accent.
• Outlet 14-karat gold Kate Spade charm / hardware are removed. Slightly different design in handles, Luggage tag bag charm without hardware accent.

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Original Price :

• (2019), RM1,850 (Original boutique) - Candace Large
•  (2017), RM1,700 (Original boutique) - Candace Mini

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Kate Spades Background:

•  American luxury fashion design house founded in 1993, headquarters in New York, United States.
• Known competitors of Michael Kors
• Company was purchased by Tapestry, Inc. formerly known as Coach.
• Luxury can be divided into levels:
  -Entry level luxury / affordable luxury: Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach
  -Moderate luxury / accessible core: Ralph Lauren
  -Premium core: Louis Vuitton, Chanel
• The categories of luxury are determined by their target demographic, product price points, scarcity and exclusivity.

-the information provided is based on personal experiences & reference materials during purchase 

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Credits :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Spade_New_York
http://static5.businessinsider.com/pyramid-of-luxury-brands-2015-3
https://www.quora.com/If-Kate-Spade-Ralph-Lauren-and-Coach-are-considered-luxury-brands-then-why-arent-their-bags-as-expensive-as-Louis-Vuitton-bags-or-Chanel-bags


Address (Penang) :
Gurney Paragon: L1.14, Gurney Paragon Mall, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town, Penang
Queensbay: 1F-78, Ground Floor, Queensbay Mall, Unit GF-76/75 (B), Lot, No. 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang

The hierarchy of luxury brands around the world, business insider.

Large & mini

After wrapping scraft to avoid all the hand sweats & avoid wear and tear to the handles

Boutique adviser will wipe before pack in box

Box for the handbag

comes with dust bag

Large candance may look very big to you but the size is very practical to use. I use it to manage all the documents during home renovation.

Able to keep all documents in good condition. For A4 paper, just fold into half.

For premium outlet , the design is slightly different at the handle and the charm. There's difference in the quality of the leather, it's made from lower grade leather and the shape of the bag doesn't hold as strong as those in boutique grade. I saw this at premium outlet, i actually like the charm. didn't buy this after i clarify the difference with boutique adviser.

The code for premium outlet grade is also different. The difference between premium outlet and boutique for Kate Spade is that, you get what you paid.