Dear Reader, last week we asked you to illuminate us on your
favorite shoe style and why. This week we are delving into the what
the contents of your handbag says about you.

So tell us what's in your handbag and what it says about you.

What do the contents of Couture's handbag say about us? We travel often and like to capture the little moments (hence the notebook and camera), we are always prepared for inclimate weather conditions (the wrap); we understand the essentials - make-up for touch ups, car keys (how else would be get to and from), hair spray for the fly-aways; that we love a little bit of technology - yes the latest iPhone (feel free to wretch now); we like to be seen but more importantly, to see (eyeglasses), smelling good is always important (thank goodness for pocket-sized products); and finally that we love a little bit of couture, hence the handbag (Gucci) itself and the card case (Goyard).

Last week we gave you the scoop on one of the hottest parties of the New York fashion season, but we would be remiss in our Couture duties if we did not fill you in on what was hot. This, of course, is of special interest, as our very own Couture carries the hot fashion item spotted. Actress Zoe Saldana, dressed in a black skimmer leg length suit, was sporting the mega high heeled Piercing Pump 3 in black while in attendance of the DSquared He Wood + She Wood fragrance launch party on September 10 in NYC. Ms. Saldana worked the room in her uber high heels with nary a care, giving the paparazzi plenty of photo opportunities and a fabulous fashion stare.

Might we offer you a cup of fabulous espresso hues for fall? We’re talking rich java, cappuccino, mocha, chocolate enriched coffee, toffee and deep, deep milk-tinged espresso. Perfect with cuffed jeans and a simple tee or a little sassy with a cream pencil skirt and sky high heels. Our picks: MICHAEL Michael Kors' luggage-hued Lattington large leather satchel, Moschino's chocolate brown quilted multi-handle shoulder bag, Cole Haan's deep chesnut brown saddle shoulder zip and Giuseppe Zanotti's cognac-hued brown patent leather shoulder bag.

The avid music loving Frida Giannini, Creative Director for Gucci, has tapped Lil' Ms. Sunshine, Rihanna, to be the spokesmodel for their fall advertisement highlighting its collaboration with UNICEF (United Nation’s Children’s Fund).

The ads were shot by the in-demand husband and wife team, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, in Paris, with the ads slated to premiere in December issues of fashion magazines. “So when we decided to dedicate a full ad campaign, more than just creating products, to really come out and show our commitment to UNICEF, we wanted someone with a strong personality,” Giannini said post-photoshoot, during her interview with WWD.

And of course we all know well, unless you have been living somewhere in the universe where fashion does not matter, that Rihanna loves rocking Gucci. She wore the emerald green criss-cross neckline gown with plunging back belted to the “A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF” benefit, a patterned belted mini at the Kids' Choice Awards and has been photographed all over the world carrying countless Gucci handbags styles.

So it would seem that this match, cemented after Rihanna’s rendition of Umbrella at the Malawi fund-raiser, is a match made in heaven, and a very worthy cause will benefit from the union.

Ladies, the shoe baton has been passed, Christian Louboutin is officially the current shoe God usurping the long standing Mr. Manolo. As reported by the New York-based Luxury Institute, Louboutin shoes are the most sought-after shoe brand of 2008. This is not news to the true fashionista because she already knows, covets and collects them without any shame or remorse at the $800-plus sticker price. But to others who feel that a brand must advertise (which Christian does not), must be mentioned in hot shows or movies (think Sex And The City, where he was not mentioned) or be on every ‘It’ starlet (rare) to be a hit, this must come as a huge surprise. What is it that draws so many to this brand? Could it be the draw of the red sole, which is distinguishable from any other shoe whether a woman is striding down a city block, sitting in a restaurant with her legs crossed or getting in and out of her Maybach? Is it the exquisite craftsmanship, the sky high heels or the many varied styles that could make you spend every paycheck on a pair? I’m not sure what it is for other individuals, but for me, my pulse quickens the moment I see the sole. For many that is both the draw and the deterrent, because what happens once the sole is worn out? Well, if you are like I am, you find the cobbler who will replace the sole with a red one, of course.

Ralph Lauren — born Ralph Ruben Lifshitz from the Bronx, New York — before he became famous and had a flagship in a historic mansion on 72nd Street and Madison Avenue, had a powerful fashion vision that he would one day be the guardian of the all-American dream. To him that dream involved, relaxed elegance, lush locales and polo ponies, apparent by the Polo horse and rider logo he is now known for. But before Ralph entered into the fashion industry he pursued a degree in business science (how better to know how to run one’s business?) as well as served his country with stint in the army. Clearly these steps were a wise decision towards cementing his future in fashion as we know it today. Lauren, who did not have any formal fashion design training, is a perfect example of the American dream: with confidence, will power, persistence and business saavy, one can achieve anything.

From the tiny tie shop first opened in 1967 to the multi-tiered empire of today, the chic, preppy look has evolved into complementary sportswear, casual wear, luxury lifestyle and home furnishings business that is still an American favorite. His shoes for men and women continue to be considered classics are always on the favorite must-have list of Couture. The Ralph Lauren Collection Ranna and Abbie for women and the Ralph Lauren Collection Garson and Danilo for men are to die for. Find these shoes, along with the rest of his collection, on Couture.Zappos.com.