Offering further proof that it's all about the bag and the shoes, the 11th annual Accessories Council Excellence (ACE) Awards gala drew a crush of fashion A-listers—not to mention the dolled-up likes of Lucy Liu, Heidi Klum, and Kerry Washington—to Cipriani on Monday night. Presenting Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren with the Retailer of the Year award, Jessica Simpson dispensed some of her trademark ditzy blonde musings. "Why are the doors at Macy's so hard to get through?" she wondered. "I always need to ask for someone's help." Rocking his blue 'do and a man clutch, Designer of the Year Marc Jacobs shared his own deep thoughts. "Now I really understand why women love bags," he said, showing off his Prada dopp kit. "It's so wonderful to carry your belongings in an object that feels and looks attractive."

Nearby, at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, Glamour hosted its Women of the Year Awards. Among the evening's honorees were Jennifer Garner (the Icon Next Door), Elizabeth Edwards (the Role Model), and Donna Karan (the Style Force). Stephen Colbert presented House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with the Special Recognition Award. "Many have asked me why, given the fact that she's publicly advised members of the House of Representatives not to go on my show, I would honor Nancy Pelosi," he began. "Because she made history this year? Because she's three heartbeats away from the presidency? No. I'm here tonight because I love glamour. I love it."

Meanwhile, accolades for literary greats were doled out at the New York Public Library's tenth anniversary Lions Gala. Carolina Herrera, Amanda Hearst, Lauren Bush, and co-chairs Oscar and Annette de la Renta were among the attendees who cheered as John Hope Franklin, Jhumpa Lahiri, Martin Scorsese, and Tom Stoppard were all honored. No word on whether Scorsese or Stoppard was carrying a tote.

— Evelyn Crowley (ACE Awards) and staff