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.

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}