Nicole Richie on Career, Motherhood and Fashion

Fashion icon, philanthropist and in my opinion one of the funniest to ever do it, Nicole Richie is probably every girl’s go to girl for fashion, beauty and life advice. But really have you seen ‘Candidly Nicole’? The woman gives the most authentic advice about growing up, dating and most important, rapping and raising chickens. But on a more serious note, Nicole is the epitome of a phenomenal businesswoman. Juggling motherhood, a successful jewelry and clothing line, House of Harlow and House of Harlow 1960, television shows, speaking engagements and her newest project Pearl xChange, an inaugural conference bringing women from all walks of life together, Nicole manages to keep it all together while remaining posh at all times #goals. Anyone who truly knows me knows that I’ve admired Nicole’s evolution for years so I decided to chat with the lovely quirky queen herself about fashion and everything else in between.

Q: First off, congrats on all the success of your projects from Pearl xChange, House of Harlow 1960 and my favorite “Candidly Nicole” which is hilarious and my absolute guilty pleasure. How do you prioritize to make sure each project is properly executed all while being a mommy?

A: Being a mother always comes first. I also work with an amazing team of people who have worked with me for over 10 years. I could, by no means, do it alone. There are times I’m needed in two different places at once, so you do what you can. The excitement is in the journey, not just how fast I can get everything done, so I enjoy every step.

Q: As the creative director of House of Harlow 1960 what key components did you research prior to taking on this role from a creative and business perspective?

A: I am extremely lucky to be surrounded by a tight knit circle of girlfriends who happen to be very successful entrepreneurs and businesswomen. I often go to them for advice.

Q: What are your go to spring pieces at the moment from the collection?

A: I’m wearing a lot of the jersey/ nude colored knit pieces from the HOHxREVOLVE collection. Each of them are wardrobe staples to build an outfit around. I’m also wearing a lot of the sweaters because it’s still chilly in LA. I am especially loving the two tone off the shoulder Adrienne sweater right now.

Q: You are a fashion icon hands down. I still can’t get over your look from the 2013 Met Gala. How do you keep your look continuously evolving while staying true to your original aesthetic?

A: I find that as I evolve, my style and taste does as well. That’s the fun part of fashion. Fashion truly is a form of art. Understanding that I can feel so strongly about one thing, and look at it in a completely different way a year later is so cool to me. My eye changes. My perspective changes. It changes with life.

Q: Outside of fashion, what are some of your hobbies and things that inspire you?

A: Gardening (duh), piano, hip hop dancing, and rapping.

Q: I love the concept of Pearl xChange , empowering women and self care are very important especially in today’s society. What inspired that?

A: My support system has always consisted of my closest girlfriends. We are each others biggest supporters. It has always been this way. It was important for me to create a space for women to not only support each other but to share our knowledge and connect.

Q: You’ve also worked with Create and Cultivate speaking at the last conference in my hometown Atlanta. What solid advice do you share with young entrepreneurs or women in general that are pursuing creative endeavors?

A:Never stop working on your craft. Always take an opportunity to grow and learn from people around you.

Q: Any future collaborations with House of Harlow 1960?

A: Stay tuned!

Q: Favorite thing about New York?

A: Hmm. Well, I’m an LA girl. I can appreciate the energy and liveliness of New York, but at the end of the day, I want to be home on the West Coast.

Q: Italian food or Thai?

A: Thai.