Over the past 5 years Nicole has transformed her image, and seemingly herself into a mother, wife, and serious business woman. Her fashion lines of apparel, maternity wear, shoes and jewelry have been a success and now comes word that she will expand her growing empire.

Slated for release in Spring 2011 is a handbag line designed entirely by Nicole, and reflective of her personal style and taste.

The line will be “very, very, very Nicole…Nicole has been really all over doing this,” according to Ricky Cytrynbaum, co-founder of the production company for Richie’s House of Harlow and Winter Kate lines, in WWD. “If you look at the clothing and you look at the footwear, you get an idea of what the bags are going to be.” {Stylelist}

The bags won’t be available until next spring (expansions into sunglasses and footwear hit stores first), but they’ll range from $295 to $595. {WWD}Even though the luxury industry is rebounding, those are price points that should do well with consumers who shop the middle, as opposed to the highest or lowest ends.

We love Nicole and think her eye for fashion is classy and chic. House of Harlow and Winter Kate have been well received, so we’re looking forward to seeing what she has in store.

Before the Gwen Stefanis and P. Diddys of today’s celebrity fashion scene, there was Amelia Earhart. This may seem like something out of left field but it’s true;  Amelia Earhart, the world-renowned woman of flight, was a working gal trying to make ends meet and fund her dreams with a fashion line.
While working as a social worker with knowledge of sewing she would design and sew her own garments out of necessity, wanting to look fashionable without spending the bucks. As her dreams of flight began to get more attention she used this talent to promote a line sold a Macy’s. Essentially she was the first celebrity to use her fame as a promotional tool for her line, and in turn the profits would fund her flight endeavors.

Most intriguing about her designs are her innovative ideas such as “separates” where women didn’t have to buy a suit in one size but could mix sizes depending on their figure, all the garments were washable and it was a reasonably priced. She understood women of her time and the clothing was a reflection of a more active lifestyle. Needless to say many of her designs incorporated elements of aviation, sometimes in a parachute cord tie or belt, even using wing bolts and nuts for buttons.

Amelia Earhart has always been a symbol of strength and tenacity, but revealing this little bit of history is a true inspiration to the capabilities and surprising success to be had in anything we put our minds to.

Read the full story {Huffington Post}

Pieces are designed to mix-and-match, with the eclectic, bohemian feel that we expect (and love!) from Richie.  We’re already itching for spring so we can dip ourselves into some cheerful vintage-inspired duds and forget about that thing called winter.

Read the full story {WWD}