I would love to find out how much correlation exists between high heels and purses, or at least the (mostly female) attachment to them, Louise. Women (at least the ones I talk to) love or loath high heels; same with the purses/pockets question. But it could be biased by the lack of enthusiasm in the middle ground — comments of “meh, whatever” tend not to be memorable.

And then there’s the trans male writer on Prism & Pen, who presents totally as male but confesses that sometimes he really, really misses high heels. (No mention of purses, though. Of course, guys can get away with “courier bags” or the like.)