I'm positively giddy over Nicole Richie's new clothing line. The former rich-kid party girl has come a long way from the striped hair extensions, tube tops and ill-fitting cutoffs of her “Simple Life” days. Her hippe-chick, hippie-chic style has evolved over the last few years, and her new collection exudes that airy vibe – flowy, Lily Pulitzer-esque tops, floaty cardigans and maxi dresses that would do Biba's Barbara Hulanicki proud. It's vintage fashionista, with a hint of earth-mama thrown in for good measure.
Richie does vintage style justice, and she does it remarkably well. (Her jewelry line is aptly named House of Harlow 1960). At the 2010 Oscars, she pulled off a 70s-esque, billowy-sleeved, backless Reem Acra number with tremendous elan, and I've enviously copied her signature side-swept bangs and mod black eyeliner more times than I can count. Most importantly, the mother of two keeps things understated and effortless, with subtle splashes of glamor. Family park outings find her in a long print dress, jean jacket, flip-flops and oversized designer shades.
Of course, there's the inevitable elephant in the room – given Richie's notoriously pin-thin figure, one might assume that anything she designs would be better suited to a diminutive size-zero frame. Fear not, retro mavens - a good deal of her designs appear to be figure-friendly for a variety of shapes. And while the pieces are not exactly cheap, they retail for much less than the average Louboutin- soaked high-fashion lines. Don't worry darlings, there is plenty of potential to splurge on a pretty top or fringed vest that easily transitions from season to season.
Find Winter Kate items at select Bloomingdale's; or, if you're like me, sadly isolated from the nearest Bloomie's, peruse the internet – just a mouse-click away from shamelessly stealing the fabulous retro style of Ms. Richie.
