Nicole Richie for Macy's Impulse

 

Nicole Richie for Macy's first set of key pieces. 

By Laura Medina

You know you are in the throes of fashion week when you attend a show, first thing in the morning, say around 8:30 in the morning, so you can get the fresh pickings.

That is how it was today, the official in-store debut of Nicole Richie's limited edition collection for Macy's Impulse.

Following in Target's and H&M's footsteps, Macy is now collaborating with haute couture designers, such as Karl Lagerfeld or the rising celebrity fashion designer with a hip but loyal following, say Nicole Richie.

Amanda Garrigus, E!'s fashion correspondent and expert, graciously played host and provided easy to digest style notes for the groggy but eager fashion press.

She provided background on how Nicole is deeply influenced by the romantic hippie/rock vibe of the late Sixties and the Seventies, particularly her pop/rock musical upbringing, as Lionel Richie's daughter.

Relying on chiffon and light-weight rayon and cotton, Amanda noted how the asymmetrical hem of the dresses leave a trail of fabric, a whiff.

There were leather shoulder yokes and patch pockets and plackets on sheer chiffon blouses, think of them as the upscale version of Target's limited edition designer blouses. 

She provided proper blazers to make her bohemian blouses office-appropriate, helping the young upstart fashionista stretch out her budget.  The blazers also grounded the waify, floating gypsy look.

Don't forget, this Beverly Hills child spend her formative years on the Sunset Strip, so the rock n' roll black leather, studded look was evident here but refined by maturity.

The stylista press was aiming for that black leather sheath dress with stud insets and the matching stretch faux leather studded legging.

Because this is essentially Winter Harlow for the masses, there was less ornamentation, more print, to keep the prices under $100.  Her beloved turquoise peacock print and paisley prints were all on her favored chiffon, mostly saved for those dresses with the asymmetrical hem.  Those dresses were heavy on the peekaboo drawstring neck line.

This rockin' Boho collection is Nicole Richie's gift to all her fans who want to dress like her and now, can afford to.