To know me is to know that I love ALL THINGS, Kate Spade. She brought us the epic black and white, eat cake for breakfast, classy work bags, and whimsical dresses and clutches most of us girly girls have grown to love throughout the years. Her designs gave us the ability to tap into our inner little girl while maintaining a chic and classy profile. My office decor screams Kate Spade, my closets are home to several Kate Spade signature pieces. In fact, the purse I’m carrying today is a work appropriate Kate Spade bag. Without ever knowing her, she became a part of me.
So to say that I was saddened to learn of her passing today is an understatement. I was even further taken aback to learn that her death was by alleged suicide. It was a reminder that even when it seems someone has it all, they may be struggling mentally. It was a reminder to check in with family members, friends, and co-workers who may appear fine. Because sometimes, I’m doing fine, really means I’m dying on the inside, I feel lost and confused, I’m afraid of all of these feelings I’m feeling that I don’t know how to express. I may hurt myself.
I encourage each of us to practice engaging with our loved ones and friends, with deeper more authentic conversations, to go beyond their I’m “fines”, and really ask and be prepared to listen when they express to us how they are really feeling deep down inside. I know that we’re all busy with jobs, school, our own personal struggles, and just life itself at times can feel so overwhelming, but we have a responsibility to look out for each other. To be there for each other, and sometimes to ask those really personal questions when we see or feel that something just isn’t right.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH), Suicide is one of the leading cause of death in the United States. The effects of suicide go beyond the person who acts to take his or her life: it can have a lasting effect on family, friends, and communities.
My sincere condolences go out to Kate Spades, husband, daughter, and family; as well as to each of you who have lost a loved one due to suicide. Today I encourage you to check on your loved ones, and not with just surface level are you okay? Be intentional about their well being and yours too.
Protect Your Pretty,
Gigi
If You Know Someone in Crisis: Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1–800–273–TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to everyone. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1–800–799–4889. All calls are confidential. The Crisis Text Line is another resource available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text “HOME” to 741741.
Pretty Is A Lifestyle 