Volume is back, and it’s reached new heights with the full skirt. Don’t be afraid, there are tame versions out there, like this GF Ferre skirt. It falls just above the knee, has pleats and looks smashing with a placketed blouse, cardigan and booties.

Florals, of all variations, were big for Fall 2008 and are still in bloom for Spring/Summer 2009. What better way to perk up an overcast fall or dreary winter day than with a lovely, flower embellished dress? We think no better way. Mix the soft with a little funky edge by pairing your floral dress with a short sleeve knitted jacket or shrug, reach for a patterned scarf knotted just so, mix in funky silver jewelry, slip on a pair of black or bordeaux colored tights, pull on a pair of edgy buckle and lace up patent leather mid-calf boots, add a decidely feminine shoulder bag and voila, pure floral fabulousness.

Couture's picks: GenerraChunky Knit Bolero Three Quarter Sleeve Jacket, French Connection Cara Empire Waist Sleeveless Floral Dress, Alexander McQueen Silk/Wool Floral and Paisley Detailed Scarf, Carlos Falchi Slim Poof Python Embossed Microfiber Shoulder Bag, Jean Paul Gaultier Pryamid Shaped Ornate Ring, Jean Paul Gaulier Opulent Pryamid Shaped Earrings, Kors Michael Kors Dual Buckle Lace Up Crinkle Patent Leather Boot

Does your little black dress need a little edge, a little toughness? Are you eager to express your Lower East Side inner goth princess? If you answered yes to one or both of these, then this H2WI is just what you need. Take said LBD, mix in easy-to-wear goth-inspired accessories, fling a soft, supple leather purse with contrasting hardware over your shoulder, slip on that requisite LBLJ (that is, litttle leather black jacket to you), add a dollop of feminine flair with an uxpected pearl bracelet and a pop of color with a pair of bright booties. Um, after that, you're good to go!

Styles featured: GF Ferre Black Multi Zip Extended Puff Sleeve Leather Jacket with Ruffle Should Seams, Moschino Black Drape Neckline Silk Dress with Shoulder Tie, Jean Paul Gaultier Antique Silver-toned Laiton with Clear Crystal Glass Maltese Cross Earrings, Jean Paul Gaultier Silver-tone Laiton Glass Bead Bracelet, Rafe New York Lambskin Rivington Leather and Tassel Detail Handbag, Jean Paul Gaultier Antique Silver-tone Brass and Marcassite Maltese Cross Ring, and L.A.M.B. Yellow Camden Peep Toe Shoe Bootie with Leather Overlay Detail.

Or so it would seem for Louis Vuitton with its latest design collaboration with film director Sofia Coppola. Hot on the heels of their extremely successful collaboration with Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons for their monogrammed leather goods in Tokyo (currently completely sold out), comes the announcement that Ms. Coppola was tapped to design a line of handbags and shoes. The products are said to be launching in Japan, Vuitton’s recent international test market, with the intention of selling worldwide. Of course Ms. Coppola is no stranger to fashion, as she is often front and center at several designer shows, in particular Marc Jacobs, the creative force behind the Vuitton label. Sofia’s choice should prove to be a very interesting one, both from her perspective and detailed eye from behind the camera, to her being a well known francophile, to her love of pretty ladylike flats. Both Sofia and her father, director Francis Ford Coppola, star in Vuitton’s ‘core values’ ad campaign. Viva la Vuitton!

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.