I think this is their new spring line, which is a washed leather. Melinda told me about a bag in the mustard color, which is new. Maybe that's why the price difference? Oh, and if it is the new washed, it's calfskin. The calfskin on the kalehandbags.com is higher as well even on their fall 06 line.
I would-I happened to buy my Kale Tate when they had them 40% off at their website-but their quality and leather is excellent and I LOVE this handbag! I bought the smaller size Tate, not the grande-and it's plenty big. I have had so many compliments on it-I got it in the beautiful green shade. Watch for them to put them on sale-or when I hear from Melinda-I will post this online!