Women often say that you can tell what the man is like by the shoes he wears, but what about women? As women the world over change their shoes almost as often as they do their underwear, it's virtually impossible to know who is in the heels. Because many ladies are dedicated followers of vogue they tend to wear what the fashion industry dictates rather than what they really feel comfortable and secure in. Men, on the other hand, tend to be more practical and opt for such attributes as quality, comfort, and support in a shoe.

But there are those that say it's still very possible to know the woman behind the shoes and that it just takes a little more practice to read than it does with men. Some of you will remember the movie staring Tom Hanks called Forest Gump. There's once scene where he says "Mama always said you could tell an awful lot about a person by the kind of shoes they wear."

I'm not going to write in detail here about reading a lady's personality by her shoes, but just as a taster many women have multiple shoe personalities although the favorite is usually is a high heel, and it's this style which indicates strength, status and sex appeal.

Why Are Shoes So Important To Women? Now there's a good question, but I think you would be better off asking a woman as she is more qualified to answer. Don't expect a logical response though, as when I asked the same question to my wife (who has 16 pairs of shoes at the time of writing), she went on the defensive and said it was a daft question and not worthy of a reply!

In the Philippines, shortly after the Marcos regime was overthrown in 1986, opposition forces found Imelda Marcos had one thousand and sixty pairs of quality designer shoes in her personal collection at the presidential palace. I tell you something now, if we had the space in our house, and money was no object, my wife would have a collection to compete with Imelda's, which would be closely followed by branded handbags. Don't you just love them! Women that is!

Statistically, an average lady will aim to have a new pair of womens shoes every 3-6 months. Compare this with the average man and it's not difficult to see that this is extreme. Okay, so a typical women's shoe with a heel may wear out quicker than sturdy flat options, but I think woman should not be wearing heels all day every day anyway. High heels are extremely bad for the feet in the long term and can lead to all sorts of foot related problems later on in life, but you can't tell them anything!

We all like our girls to look like women and women's shoes are part of the female identity, but come on girls, give the purse strings a break and have less quantity and more quality in your collection. And STOP changing your minds so often and stick with a style and design that suits you. I have an Italian hand made pair of mans dress shoes that are still going strong some 16 years later. Timeless, comfortable, supportive quality, that keep my feet protected as a shoe should do. What does that tell you gals about me?

There are a number of different handbags available, but the most popular ones are leather handbags. These handbags have a number of benefits that draw people to them. Not only do they hold up well, but they come in a lot of different styles, types, and colors. With so much variety anyone can find handbags of leather that match their personality.

Some of the most beloved benefits of buying leather handbags include the durability of the handbags, the attractiveness, and the variety. Leather is a very strong material that will not tear or fall apart as easily as most other handbag materials. It is a reliable material that will last you for years to come. Leather handbags have a great appeal. Whether the leather is made to be shiny or a little rugged, you can find a wonderful looking handbag that speaks to you. There are so many possibilities when it comes to leather handbags, because the leather can be dyed any color, can contain jewels, comes in both formal and informal designs, and has the ability to be very eye-catching.

If you are unsure what type of handbags to purchase, it helps to do a little research. First, start taking note of the handbags that the people around you are carrying. That way you are able to see how the handbags go with each person's style. Also, look in magazines at Hollywood stars and models to get an idea of what is most fashionable. Most magazines that feature stars will not only show formal leather handbags, but also some more casual styles.

Once you get an idea of what kind of leather handbags look the most interesting to you, start searching online. There are tons of websites that sell leather handbags. By looking online you can scroll through thousands of handbags quickly, so that you are able to select the perfect handbags to match your personal style. I recommend that you look for a casual leather handbag and a formal handbag. You may even want to select some in different colors to go with different outfits. If you decide to go with colors other than traditional black and brown, note that to be fashion-forward you do not want the color of your handbag to match the color of your outfit exactly. For example, current fashion says that if you are wearing green and brown, throw in something like a pink handbag to add more color and interest to your outfit.

Diane Winter is the webmaster of http://www.womenshandbagideas.com, a website specializes in sharing tips and ideas on handbags for women.

Winter in LA? At least for one night, it didn’t seem so. Despite the unusual 45 degrees in the star studded city, stars chose fashion over warmth at this year’s Golden Globe Awards. It was a night of red carpet glamour from white flowing gowns, metallics, glitz, and Greek goddesses to, of course, the classic black. Jewelry was understated and limited to the basics – large diamond rings, accented bracelets, and hoop earrings - so that, in the end, the fabulous gowns stood out even more. We saw lots of white and sexy backs dominating the evening, making it the new it style.

Among the most popular designers throughout the evening was the always-glamorous Marchesa, being the choice of both Sienna Miller and Jennifer Lopez. J. Lo looked bedazzling in a Greek inspired black frock with a gold-embroidered low back, while Sienna Miller looked simply astounding in a white long train metallic-embellished gown. The much debated Scandinavian-like braided hairdo of Sienna Miller matched well with her looks, although her make up could have accentuated her features and her golden tan a little better.

Once again, Chanel Couture simply proved to be timeless. Surprise, anyone?! Penelope Cruz’s Chanel Couture black gown was accentuated by lacy frills and emphasized her strong features, and made her seem even more exotic than she actually is. Eva Longoria, in a ravishing navy Ungaro dress, simply proved that you don’t have to be the stereotype 5’7” and above to be the center of attention, and that petites are equally, if not even more, attention-worthy!

Among our favorites was Angelina Jolie, who looked simply divine in a strapless St. John charcoal-gray gown. The sleek updo and beautiful make up (which only consists of the basics), matched well with her dress, although her best accessory for the night was, without a doubt, Brad Pitt. Our only objection – tattoos! To all the fashionistas out there, please do not have your arms and shoulders tattooed, when you are planning on going to the Golden Globes in a charcoal strapless dress! It is for your (and our) own good.

It is worth mentioning Jennifer Hudson. She not only stole the night away with her Cinderella success in Dreamgirls, but she also looked lovely in a navy v-neck Vera Wang. Among the other newcomers was Emily Blunt, the notorious first assistant in every fashionista’s must-see The Devil Wears Prada. The new starlet took away from her vicious image in the movie, and created a more soft and natural look in an eggshell-colored Hervé Léger gown. Jessica Biel also showed off her toned physic in a shimmering silver beaded Valentino gown. There was just one ops! – Hilary Swank wore the same dress to a Vanity Fair’s Oscar party in 2004!

Once again, our favorite desperate housewives simply proved that 40’s the new 20. Felicity Huffman looked extremely elegant in a high-waist emerald green halter Ellie Saab dress. Teri Hatcher also looked a far cry from her casual jeans and T-shirt character in a white draped-back long dress.

And now turning to our little fashionistas, our Little Miss Sunshine Abigail Breslin looked just lovely in a blue chiffon dress complemented with a jewel-shaped clutch, proving her star potential even at such an early age.

This year’s Golden Globe Award ceremony saw an unusually small number of faux pas compared to last year. Apparently, it was a lesson well learned for Drew Barrymore, who went from last year’s ill-fitting bra-less deep green Gucci dress, to a fabulous look in a beautiful pale pink gown by John Galliano for Christian Dior. However, not all celebrities learned from their previous mistakes. We have definitely seen Cameron Diaz looking better than last night. Her raven looks in a tiered Valentino gown, red lipstick, and black hair, were simply too much of an extravaganza. Sad to say, we are somewhat disappointed from the always fabulously-dressed Beyoncé. Although her Ellie Saab sequined gown complemented and accentuated her famous curves, it was simply over the top even for our golden Dreamgirl. Her beauty and sophistication comes out best in more simple, yet, elegant designs. The same applies to Jennifer Love Hewitt in the golden-brownish Georges Chakra gown, which simply took away from her natural beauty.

In just one night, the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards saw an unmatched glamour and beauty, which would simply be hard to top during our next fashion extravaganza, the Annual Academy Awards at the end of February. But let’s be serious – Hollywood celebrities are always able to surprise us and to surpass their latest fashions, thus making us even more curious and full of anticipation to see their upcoming choices at the Oscars!

Every season fashion forward individuals seek the newest trends. Unfortunately, many run out and purchase “all” the hottest pieces of the moment. But seasonal must haves change perennially. So rather than reinventing one’s personal style and purging an entire wardrobe every few months it is much easier and more sensible to purchase key pieces. This season the best way to achieve a fresh contemporary look is to incorporate some of our Spring 2007 must haves!

Hair: Lovely Long Locks!

This Spring one of the most important must haves is a great hair. Stylists suggest growing out short hair dos, trading in ultra glam Mohawks and blowing out highly styled locks. An outfit can have all the right pieces but an outdated hair cut can destroy the best look. So to reiterate, Spring hair should look natural, effortless and be less fussy or edgy. Long feminine wispy curls are one great way to go. Many designers such as Betsy Johnson and Laura Poretzky for Abaeté incorporated longer hair styles during their Spring runway shows for New York’s Olympus Fashion Week.

Accessories: From Bling Bling to Shimmering!

Once your hair has been updated you can add just a little glam with crystal encrusted barrettes, gold hair clips and patent leather headbands. These hair accessories will adorn the locks of fashion gurus everywhere this season!

Additionally, gold tones gained a little steam this Fall and will be everywhere in the Spring. Expect to see the stylish and fabulous sporting modern gold jewelry. Renowned New York jewelry designer Donna Distefano’s “Madison & 67th” wrist cuff in 18 karat gold, silver and sapphire is a definite must have! The “Madison & 67th” wrist cuff is bold, striking and can be worn as a stand alone piece.

Also, long layered gold necklaces will be ubiquitous this season. These necklaces work well in the board room or a dimly lit dining room. Juicy Couture’s Multilayer “Sparrow” Necklace is a great find! Paired with tailored trousers or a sheath dress this layered gold necklace will jazz up sedated separates. Expect to see Hollywood’s starlets wearing layered gold necklaces to red carpet events and the hottest parties.

Spring Shoes: Unfortunately we only have two feet!

It would be so simple if we could choose just one great pair of shoes for the Spring. Let’s face it, it’s impossible! Platform high heels, ballerina flats and pumps with animal prints are all Spring must haves!

Platforms heels in patent leather will be sexy and edgy, need we say more? Try Cole Haan’s “Blanca Air Sandal” this pair is beautiful, versatile and an overall great pick. Platform heels are great for work or evening wear.

Ballerina flats are another Spring favorite. They will be available in every shade and texture. Sam Edelman’s “Carrie” in snake embossed leather is truly a perfect creation. “Faye” from Payless is also stylish and a steal. Both the “Carrie” or “Faye” ballerina flats can be paired with jeans, cargo pants and will dress up casual outfits.

Lastly, pumps with animal prints are great accent pieces and can be worn with a conservative dress or glam up a pair of jeans. Charles David’s “Panini” or “Thrill” are both sophisticated yet naughty and will bring out the saucy minx in us all this Spring.

Ultimately, we don’t suggest depleting your checking account in order to incorporate all of the aforementioned Spring 2007 must haves. Instead, we advise selecting the trends that best fit your personality. Consider the pieces you currently own and then determine which style will add that extra spice. Once you’ve done that, run out, shop till you drop and look fabulous this Spring!

Known by its signature DB canvas, the Dooney & Bourke has been around for a while. However, it is only in recent years that Dooney & Bourke has made a major comeback. With its fun, whimsical hearts design and bright colors of the canvas itself, Dooney & Bourke purses has become a favorite among the young and hip.

Because of the success of these colorfully designed handbags, Dooney purses adorned with the Dooney name in fun, scribble-style crayon text, the company has churned out a few more designs. For example, the Bumblebee style utilizes a cartoon bee accessorizing the letter “D”. It will soon become a favorite among the high school and college crowds.

But in the last few seasons, Dooney & Bourke has been steadily bringing out some of the more sophisticated DB canvas handbags in much more subtle and muted tones. And the younger crowd who embraced the whimiscal and colorful Dooney purses have become fans of the newer look, perhaps as they become a little older.

Dooney & Bourke handbags bring out the classy and sophisticated looks with updated purse designs. Even hobo bags by Dooney have a high-end look of lines and textures, slouches and taut, and crescent and half-crescent. Dooney & Bourke tote bags are very trendy and totally unboring with smart lines. Layer it with the signature DB or the quilted DB and the look is young, fresh and feminine.

The less-adorned Dooney & Bourke purses have also made a mark. The plain leather look of Dooney & Bourke’s purses in the past have made a major comeback. Plain black or brown leather purses have embossed Dooney & Bourke emblems or metal name plates. These purses can be found in the hobo, sack and tote, updated to represent today’s hip fashions. Even crocodile prints in eccentric colors like blue and red have hit the Dooney & Bourke purse scene, complete with metal DB plates.

The tote and satchel purses have become a favorite among the Dooney & Bourke handbag designs. You can easily find these with the signature DB canvas in fun colors, like white and pink, and muted tones like khaki and gray. As of late, Dooney & Bourke has become a purse maker for both the young and old with its extremely versatile styling and its assortment of colors and prints.

Fairly priced between $100 and $300 for most styles, the Dooney & Bourke handbag is affordable, making it easy for anyone to own. Dooney & Bourke products can be found in finer department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom.