You’ve seen it. That unmistakable, perfectly symmetrical heart swinging from the shoulder of a woman who looks like she actually enjoys her mornings. Maybe it was in a vibrant "Candied Cherry" red or a soft, glittery pink that shouldn't work for a grown adult but somehow does. The kate spade heart purse isn't just a bag. It's a mood. Honestly, in a world of boring beige totes and "quiet luxury" that feels a bit too quiet, these bags are a loud, joyful rebellion.
They aren't new, either. Kate Spade New York has been leaning into the heart silhouette for years, but lately, it feels like they’re everywhere again. Is it the Y2K revival? Or maybe we’re all just tired of being serious. Whatever the reason, if you’re looking to add one to your closet, there’s actually a bit of a learning curve to picking the right one. They aren't all created equal.
The Love Shack vs. The Pitter Patter: Which One Is Actually Practical?
When people talk about the kate spade heart purse, they’re usually thinking of the Love Shack Heart Crossbody. It’s the quintessential one. It’s got that structured Saffiano PVC or leather finish that feels like it could survive a dropped latte or a sudden rainstorm without a scratch.
But then there's the Pitter Patter 3D Heart.
It’s rounder. More "3D." It’s basically a sculpture you can put your keys in. While the Love Shack is a bit flatter and sits nicely against the hip, the Pitter Patter is a statement. It’s thick. If you’re the type who carries a Kindle, a massive keychain, and three different lip glosses, the Pitter Patter might actually be your best bet because of that extra depth.
💡 You might also like: Why Every Mom and Daughter Photo You Take Actually Matters
The Love Shack, though? It’s slim. It’s for the "phone, cardholder, and a single house key" kind of day. It fits the current iPhone (the big ones too, usually), but don't expect to stuff a turkey in there.
What most people get wrong about the materials
I’ve seen people complain that some heart purses feel "plasticky." Here’s the deal: Kate Spade uses a lot of Saffiano PVC for their outlet-specific designs (like many Love Shack versions). It’s durable as heck. You can't kill it. But if you want that buttery, high-end feel, you have to hunt for the Amour 3D Heart made of lambskin. It’s night and day. One is a workhorse you can toss in the backseat; the other is a "handle with care" piece that feels like actual luxury.
Why the Kate Spade heart purse refuses to go out of style
Style cycles are fast. Like, blink-and-you-missed-the-micro-trend fast. Yet, the heart bag persists. Why?
- The "Handshake" Factor: Back in the 90s, fashion editors used to say carrying a Kate Spade was like a secret handshake between women who were "on the same page." That vibe hasn't left.
- Accessible Luxury: It’s one of the few "it" bags you can snag for under $200 if you're savvy with sales. You don't need a mortgage to look like you've got taste.
- The Dopamine Hit: It’s hard to be in a bad mood while carrying a literal heart. It's "dopamine dressing" in accessory form.
I recently saw a TikToker styling a bright red heart bag with a vintage oversized leather jacket and baggy jeans. It looked incredible. It took the "sweetness" of the bag and gave it some teeth. That’s the secret. If you wear it with a floral sundress, you look like a Valentine’s Day card. Wear it with all black or distressed denim? Now you're a style icon.
📖 Related: Sport watch water resist explained: why 50 meters doesn't mean you can dive
Buying New vs. The Resale Market Gamble
If you're looking for a kate spade heart purse right now, you have options. The 2026 Valentine’s collection just dropped items in a "Red Jam" colorway that is—chef's kiss—perfectly moody. But if you want the weird stuff, go to the secondary market.
Poshmark and Depop are gold mines for the limited editions. You can find the wicker heart bags from a few summers ago, or the ones with 3D flower embellishments. Prices are all over the place. I’ve seen some go for $85 (well-loved) and others for $400 (rare "Amour" editions).
A quick reality check on "Investment"
Let’s be real: most Kate Spade isn't an "investment" like a Birkin. It won't pay for your kid's college. But the heart shapes? They hold their value surprisingly well. Because they’re "novelty" items, they don't get dated as fast as a standard satchel. People are always looking for them.
Real-world durability: Can it handle your life?
I’ve owned a few Kate Spade pieces over the years. The zippers are usually solid. The gold-tone hardware (usually a pinmount logo) stays shiny for a long time unless you’re literally rubbing it against sandpaper.
👉 See also: Pink White Nail Studio Secrets and Why Your Manicure Isn't Lasting
The main issue with a heart-shaped bag is the zip-around closure. Because of the "V" at the top of the heart and the point at the bottom, the zipper has to navigate some tight corners.
- Pro tip: Don't overstuff it. If the bag is bulging, that zipper is going to strain at the curves, and that’s how you end up with a broken bag.
- Cleaning: For the Saffiano versions, a damp cloth is all you need. For the lambskin? Get a dedicated leather cleaner. Don't wing it.
Styling the heart: Beyond the date night
Don't save this bag for February 14th. That's boring.
Try it with a gray tracksuit. The contrast between the "lazy" clothes and the structured, whimsical bag is very "New York cool." Or, if you're heading to a wedding, use a mini heart clutch as your "something blue." Kate Spade almost always releases a light blue or "Tiffany" blue version once a year.
Honestly, the best way to wear a kate spade heart purse is to act like it’s a normal, rectangular bag. Don't overthink it. It’s a tool for carrying your stuff that just happens to be shaped like a symbol of universal love.
Next Steps for You
- Check the lining: Before you buy, always look at the interior. The "Two-Way Spade Jacquard" lining is the standard, but some special editions have "Cabana Dot" or floral patterns that make the bag feel much more special.
- Measure your phone: If you have the "Max" or "Ultra" versions of modern smartphones, double-check the dimensions of the smaller "Mini" heart purses. Some are strictly "lipstick and card" bags.
- Hunt the Outlets: If the $350 MSRP makes you wince, the Kate Spade Outlet (formerly Kate Spade Surprise) almost always has a version of the heart crossbody for under $150 during holiday weekends.