Nicole Richie to launch House of Harlow 1960 handbag collection for Spring 2011

Of all the celeb-designed lines, one we actually like is Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow 1960. The jewelry line, which debuted first, was full of art-deco style, vintage, boho-chic pieces that were both pretty and reasonably priced. Recently, House of Harlow launched its footwear line – another hit with everything from chunky heels to comfy mocassins, alongside sunglasses. Next on the plate are House of Harlow handbags. It’s the logical next step for Richie’s successful brand. Reportedly, the House of Harlow 1960 handbag collection will consist of 40-50 handbag styles with a range of prices between $295 and $595, and will launch in spring 2011. There are no images yet, but Rick Cytrynbaum, co-founder of Majestic Mills (which produces House of Harlow 1960 accessories and Richie’s clothing line Winter Kate), told Women’s Wear Daily: “If you look at the clothing and you look at the footwear, you get an idea of what the bags are going to be!” I can tell you one thing - I will be waiting “with breath that is bated”!

Photo by Donato Sardella via WWD

Haute to shop: Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 footwear collection

While we refuse to ever wear a pair of Jessica Simpson’s shoes (we don’t care how darn cute they are - they’re still ’made’ by Jessica Simpson!) we’ll certainly step into some of Nicole Richie’s shoes.

Her jewelry line, House of Harlow 1960, had us swooning when it first debuted. Now, under the same label is a line of shoes set to debut this spring. If you love Richie’s boho-glam style, you’ll love this collection. The line has the same aesthetic as the jewelry line - an artsy, bohemian feel with geometric, tribal and art-deco detailing on all of the looks. Highlights from the line include chunky fish-scale peep-toe platforms, beaded moccasins, towering platform shoes with whipstitched, tribal detail on the heels, Navajo-inspired flats and stiletto sandals, and flat laser cutout booties. All the pieces would look great with any spring look.

What’s your take? Will you be buying House of Harlow 1960 footwear?

Buy at shopbop.com and Singer 22.

Nicole Richie to launch contemporary womenswear line

According to Women’s Wear Daily, Nicole Richie is set to launch her new contemporary women’s clothing line called Winter Kate, taking after her daughter Harlow’s two middle names.

The 37-piece line, which will hit stores in February, will be available in Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ron Herman, Intermix and Kitson.

Richie said: “It feels as though I’ve always been working on this collection, but officially I started putting it together in early 2009. I’ve wanted to design a clothing collection for a very long time.”

Her collection includes mostly tops, vests and bed jackets in colorful vintage-inspired silk, crepe and chiffon, alongside long slip dresses, asymmetrical short dresses, tunics and a kimono-sleeve maxidress. Richie drew inspiration from her wardrobe, as well as from her favorite animals, including peacocks and other birds.

“I probably wear the same two pairs of jeans every day as the background to a fabulous top,” she said. “Bed jackets are a staple of my wardrobe because they are a gorgeous way to give jeans and a white T-shirt a completely different look.”

Prices range from $35 (wholesale) for a camisole, to $110 for a long kimono dress, and up to $598 for leather pieces.

“Fashion should be accessible,” Richie continued. “That was my philosophy when designing House of Harlow 1960 and it remains my philosophy for Winter Kate.”

We confess – we loved her House of Harlow 1960 jewelry line - but does she have the design chops to churn out a full women’s collection? And will you be buying?

Photo via WWD

Who rocked it hotter: Rihanna and Paris Hilton face off with the Alexander Wang Corset dress

It’s a woman’s worst nightmare to spot another woman wearing the same dress as you. But when you’re Alexander Wang, and all the girls want your dresses, it’s bound to happen. Rihanna and Paris Hilton both rocked the nude/blushy pink and black Alexander Wang Corset Dress over the past week – Rihanna while in New York City, leaving Kanye West’s apartment and headed out to dinner and Paris for her taping of The Late Show with David Letterman.

Here are the details of the dress:

The stuff fetishes are made of, this two-tone strapless dress features a corset-style bodice and ruched gauze skirt overlay. Velvet trim at padded underwire cups and velvet banding at waist. Boning and seam detail at bodice. Hidden side zip. Lined.

* 26″ long, measured from center back.
* Fabrication: Mesh.
* Shell: 85% nylon/15% elastane.
* Trim: 82% rayon/18% silk.
* Skirt overlay: 100% wool.
* Lining: 100% silk.
* Dry clean.
* Imported.
* $795

Rihanna accessorized her look with her ever-present pompadour hairstyle, her silver metallic “Razza” Tote by Spanish handbag brand Erva, and black Jil Sander Angled Platform Pumps.

Paris wore it with on-again/off-again BFF Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow Plated Resin Necklace in black, two diamond rings and the YSL Tribtoo Platform Pumps.

Who rocked it hotter?

Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow Jewelry Fits the Bill for Spring

What’s coveted this Spring? Chunky jewelry. Especially statement-making necklaces a la Michelle Obama. But most of us aren’t attending presidential galas and throwing White House dinners everyday, so a too-chunky necklace can look out of place. But in the immortal words of Goldilocks, there’s a necklace that’s just right, and priced right.

The House of Harlow Plated Resin Necklace ($135) is equal parts statement-making and everyday chic. The necklace is made of 14K plated gold with black resin geometric plates. Designed by Nicole Richie (yes, daughter of Lionel, on-again off-again BFF of Paris), House of Harlow jewelry (named after her daughter) has a vintage 60’s vibe touched with Egyptian and Aztec influences.

Finally, we’ve found a celebrity designer who’s designs are worth wearing…

Shop House of Harlow at Pink Mascara