With her penchant for oversize sunglasses, sky-high heels and on-trend baubles, it’s understandable that the Accessories Council Excellence Awards named Nicole Richie its 2011 ‘Influencer of the Year.’

Less expected is the House of Harlow designer’s laid-back attitude toward personal style: “It’s not that deep for me,” she confesses to WWD. “It’s whatever I feel comfortable in at that time.”

A seasoned businesswoman, Richie’s first concern is the consumer. “To me, success isn’t measured by dollar signs,” she explains. “It’s really about paying attention to feedback and talking to my customer.”

And with an empire that includes jewelry, footwear, sunglasses and handbags, Richie refuses to expand for expansion’s sake. “With everything I do, I want to make sure that I take the time and make each category the best that it can be,” she continues. “I tend to move very slowly and I do that on purpose so that I can make sure that everything that I design really is the best version of what it is.”

But has the influencer always had a handle on personal style? “When I was a little girl, my mom used to always get us matching dresses for everything—so I was wearing the poufy skirt version of whatever my mom was wearing,” she laughs before adding, “I had the worst, hairiest eyebrows and a big afro.”

Doesn’t she know the bold brow is back?

–Justine Harman

FIENDING FOR FOOTWEAR? SHOP STARS’ HOTTEST FALL SHOES!

We knew Hollywood’s A-listers were lighting up the Venice Film Festival, but apparently, the stars on hand are truly megawatt. That would at least explain the reasoning behind Madonna‘s red carpet accessory: glittery, cat-eye sunglasses.

On Thursday, we spotted the Material Girl wearing red frames with her butterfly-embellished gown at the premiere of her directorial project, W.E. She then switched up the style, opting for a metallic pair Friday night at Gucci’s Women in Cinema awards, also held in the charming Italian city. On both occasions, she completed her look with bright red lipstick and voluminous hair.

We know she has stunning eyes, but we have to admit we kind of love the lenses, too. Tell us: What do you think of Madonna’s sunglasses?

STARS LIGHT UP THE VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

Their Kardashian Kollection is available in Sears stores soon, so Kourtney, Kim and Khloé are still hard at work promoting the line of clothes, lingerie and accessories. The sisters recently sat down with ELLE to talk about their second collection, which joins their K-Dash by Kardashian line for QVC.

“We wanted a line that was tangible and felt Sears was a good match,” Kim tells the magazine. Adds Kourtney, “I think the QVC collection is a bit more casual. And in the new Kardashian Kollection, we also have lingerie, shoes, bags and jewelry.”

The girls — who say they were quite hands-on in the design process — packed the line with classic pieces like skirts, dresses, blazers and tanks, all cut to fit “real” women. “Usually when I buy clothes off the rack, I need to have them adjusted,” Kim admits. “So for this collection, we made sure each dress had an hourglass shape. We also used stretchy fabrics; the pieces have lots of stretch and hold so that you feel secure.” Plan to see lots of colors and patterns in the looks, too, from hunter green and blush to Khloé’s favorite, leopard print.

Check out the clip above to go behind the scenes at the campaign shoot, run by photographer Annie Leibovitz, and visit sears.com to shop the Kardashian Kollection.

Startraks; Courtesy Dualstar (2); Courtesy Tom Ford Beauty; Courtesy By Terry

From frugal finds to investment pieces, there is a surprising method to Mary-Kate Olsen‘s styling madness: restraint! Revealing to WhoWhatWear.com that she prefers refined basics to offset bolder choices, the more eclectic Olsen calls a $29.99 tee from her StyleMint collection “an essential wardrobe staple.” And while she praises the “intricate, metallic detail” of a Chanel pre-fall look, it’s a streamlined carryall from The Row that she dubs “Chic. Period.”

Equally restrained are her beauty picks, which include Tom Ford’s Black Orchid perfume for “hints of sandalwood and patchouli” and By Terry Rose Balm for that perfect pout. And when a look demands that hint of edge, Olsen reaches for Elizabeth & James’s $155 “Lafayette” frames. As she insists, “The shape flatters the face.”

–Justine Harman

CHECK OUT OTHER STAR STYLE FAVES IN ‘I REALLY LOVE MY …’

Kelly Bensimon may have become best known for her issues with the other ladies on The Real Housewives of New York City, but it’s not the only thing she gets asked about. “Ever since I wore my Bottega Veneta sunglasses last season … everyone went crazy over what I was wearing,” Bensimon told PEOPLE at the SOLSTICE Sunglass Boutique Summer Soiree in N.Y.C. on Tuesday night. “So I kind of became a sunglasses fanatic.” But while her designer specs made a splash on TV, the former model said she likes to change things up in real life. “I mix. I have two different personalities. On the one hand I like Ray-Bans with sweatbands, gold, very chic. And then I also like to be covered up, put my baseball cap on … and go get ice cream with my kids. So then I like something more like Carreras or Tom Fords, something a little bit more substantial.” Bensimon’s other obsession as of late is her new book, due out in January, entitled I Can Make You Hot. She explained, “the premise of the book is eating well, living well, and having a good time. If you’re not smiling, something’s wrong.” –Reporting by Sydney Berger

SEE ALL THE HOTTEST TRENDS FOR SUMMER HERE!

When summer temps soar, designer Rachel Roy knows how to keep her cool! Counting lightweight basics and statement jewels among her must-haves, the exotic beauty relies on a few select items to beat the heat. “My favorite for the summer is the Indian Oil Hair Serum,” she tells FASHIONetc.com of KeSARI’s jasmine-scented frizz fighter. Once her tresses are tamed, she then reaches for funky extras, singling out Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects nail polish strips as a fun (and affordable!) way to add a pop of color. But while her digits dazzle, Roy’s look is understated; she highlights a neutral Rachel Roy tunic dress and Roger Vivier shades as perfect everyday attire. “I live in my sunglasses,” she says. “The Roger Vivier design is simple, elegant and functional.” And the finishing touch: a one-of-a-kind statement ring from Turkish jeweler, Sevan Bicakci. Tell us: How do you plan on keeping cool this summer? –Justine Harman

CHECK OUT MORE CELEB STYLE MUST HAVES IN ‘STARS’ HOTTEST SUMMER TRENDS’

SHOP CELEB STYLE IN ‘YOU ASKED, WE FOUND’

Nicole Richie knows a thing or two about fashion; she’s the head of her own mini fashion empire and we just love her breezy street style. So when we spoke to her recently at Nordstrom Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Calif., we had to ask, “What should every girl have this summer?” Richie, who says she designs for “a multitasking woman that likes to have fun with fashion but wears it with ease at the same time,” offered up her top summer must-haves in reply:

The perfect bag. “I would say a good, big beach-bag,” says Richie. “I love the big Goyard bags.” And when it comes to purses, the designer knows a thing or two. Of her upcoming handbag line, she shares, “We have a lot of clutches and different styles … some fun leathers and skins.”

Sweet shades. A great pair of sunglasses is a necessity for the California girl. “I’m wearing my House of Harlow Chelsea ones a lot right now,” she says. “They’re big, huge, huge frames. Those have been really fun, so I’ve been wearing them a lot lately.” To pick the perfect pair of sunglasses, the fashionista says that “it’s important to know what’s good on your face.”

Good tunes. “My iPod is what I need always,” she emphasizes. “I always need my summer playlist.” The designer admits one accessory she lacks is a case for her most important gadget. “I don’t have a cute iPod case … maybe that should be the next step, designing iPod cases,” she jokes.

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Summer scarves. Richie is known for her boho-chic style, so it’s no surprise she’s a fan of scarves. “I have headscarves with me all the time just because I’m at the beach and sometimes just can’t do my hair,” she says. “So it’s easy for me to just throw on a headscarf.”

Sense of self. And Richie’s most important fashion tip? “I would say to just be yourself and know your body and know what looks good on you and what doesn’t,” she advises. “Don’t always just follow trends. Stay true to yourself.”

Tell us: What are your summer must-haves? –Jessica Wedemeyer
SEE SUMMER-READY STARS IN ‘BEACH PATROL: SPRING BREAK’

When it comes to the fashion industry, Nicole Richie has her bases covered. The former reality star’s burgeoning fashion empire already includes ready-to-wear, jewelry, eyewear and footwear lines, and the designer plans to launch a line of handbags this fall. “It’s important for me to give each one its own identity and really focus on what I want that specific collection to mean,” she told PEOPLE at Nordstrom Fashion Island in Newport Beach while promoting the arrival of her Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960 footwear collections to Nordstrom stores. “My main goal for this particular collection — and for all the footwear that I design — is I want the shoes to look great but be comfortable at the same time,” she said. “No matter how high the heels are within the collection, they’re all very, very easy to walk in, which is something that’s extremely important to me.” The collection features wedges, a favorite of the designer’s, and peep-toe pumps in diversified colors and styles. “I’m a girl, and I love shoes,” she said of her decision to begin designing footwear. “Who doesn’t want to make exactly what you want?” –Jessica Wedemeyer

SEE MORE HOT STAR STYLE IN ‘WOULD YOU WEAR THESE TRENDS?’

Gwen Stefani has a rocker-girl style sensibility that leaves even the most committed fashion fan baffled. How in the world does she always look so put together? Along with her self-admitted vanity (“I love the visual,” she explains), the key to her trademark looks lies in her get-noticed choices. “Vivienne Westwood is one of my all-time favorite designers,” the stylista says to WhoWhatWear, referencing a raw-hemmed plaid jumper (above) from the label’s spring collection. Of celeb-adored Persol shades, Stefani is partial to vintage versions of their timeless frames. And to add a punky punch to any outfit, she recommends a finishing touch from Noir, like their $285 Bugle Bead Collar necklace (above). And of course, edgy accessories from her L.A.M.B. collection always fit the bill. Highlights include the $325 Kapono wedge sandal and a range of leopard handbags. “I love animal prints, you will always find one in my collections,” Stefani assures. To top it all off, the L’Oreal Paris spokeswoman puckers up with the brand’s Infallible Le Rouge lip color, a Stefani signature that her husband Gavin Rossdale “loves.” One question remains: are you bold enough to wear all of her selections at the same time? –Justine Harman

SHOP MORE SEASONAL STAR STYLE IN ‘SPRING’S SIZZLING TRENDS’

When it comes to fashion, Nicole Richie knows what she likes and what she doesn’t. And when it comes to accessories, she says there are a few essentials that can make or break a look. The stylish star tells teenvogue.com that sunglasses are a vital part of completing any ensemble. “I view them as fun masks to accessorize your face,” say Richie, who admits to owning more than 200 pairs. “But in my defense,” she says, laughing, “I make sunglasses, so I have to research-shop, and I own every pair I’ve ever designed.” And even when she’s putting together a simple look like basic jeans and a T-shirt (her go-to outfit), the Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960 designer says, “you change the look with accessories. And by accessories, I mean sunglasses, head scarves, shoes, bed jackets.” But just because she’s a fashion guru doesn’t mean she will wear anything to look trendy. “Comfort takes precedence for me,” she says, showing off her killer high heels as proof. “These are superhigh, but because they have a built-in platform, they don’t feel like it. I am not that girl who can do superarched heels,” she says. “All the shoes I design have a cushion and a platform.”  Sunglasses and comfy heels? We can handle that. Tell us: What’s your most important accessory? –Kim Peiffer

SEE WHAT ELSE STARS CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF IN ‘I REALLY LOVE MY…’

Lady Gaga is taking “Paparazzi” to the next level, unveiling her long-awaited Grey Label line of photo products for Polaroid at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Jan. 6. After being named the brand’s creative director at last year’s showcase, the pop icon spent much of 2010 developing some high-tech digital functions for Polaroid’s instant photography. Dressed in a plunging, corseted black suit and fingertip-length veil, Gaga helped model her Grey Label products, including LCD-screen sunglasses that instantly display images taken with their built-in camera! “I consider myself to be a visionary, not just a songwriter and singer. I am an artist,” the star, who is no stranger to statement-making sunglasses, said of the new line in a release. Her favorite item? “I’m most excited about the printer,” she gushed of the GL10 instant mobile printer, which syncs wirelessly with mobile phones to allow users to print off their cell snapshots. “Your images will no longer die a death on your cell phone or digital camera.” The printer will hit stores in May 2011 and retail for $150, while the other Grey Label products will be released later in the year. –Alex Apatoff

SEE SOME OF GAGA’s MOST OUTRAGEOUS ENSEMBLES IN LADY GAGA’S 25 WACKIEST LOOKS!

Nicole Richie may be known for her frequent hair changes and pending marital status to longtime beau Joel Madden, but these days, the 29-year-old mother of two is making fashion a very serious priority. The actress and former reality star is gearing up to add bags and sunglasses to her Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960 collections for spring and fall 2011 and is setting even bigger goals, including a possible cosmetics line, for the future, reports WWD. “I have been traveling all over the world, meeting with buyers, doing appearances and meeting my customers to get their feedback,” she tells the publication. “Now I feel I know them very well, and have been designing for them.” That includes a “more outrageous the better mentality,” which she will apply to jewelry and maybe even her new line of handbags. It’s also a style mantra that the star has embodied when it comes to her ever-changing hairstyles. “The fun part is experimenting with different looks. A month ago I had long dark hair and then I chopped it all off and bleached it blonde,” she says. “That’s what fashion is all about.” To read the complete interview, visit WWD.com. –Jessie Goldberg
SHOP ALL THE LATEST STAR LOOKS IN WINTER’S HOTTEST TRENDS!

Frazer Harrison/Getty

With her coveted dresses, chic accessories and on-trend denim line, Victoria Beckham is quickly becoming a defining force in the fashion world—but there are some trends that you’ll never see her embrace. “I do not like these big shoulders,” she reveals to WWD. And just in case we needed a reminder that her midriff-baring Spice Girls days are long behind her? “I’m slightly freaked out by cropped tops. I think when you get above the age of about seven, you should not do that.” And with a loyal fan base that includes A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz and Iman, it’s clear that Posh is doing more than a few things right. But instead of resting on her recent style successes, the self-described perfectionist is instead busy planning the future of her fashion label. “I would love to have e-commerce. That’s something that I’m really researching, doing my homework [on],” she tells WWD “Having my own store would be great,” she says. “Would it be London? Would it be New York? I don’t know. New York sounds quite fabulous.” –Jessie Goldberg

VOTE ON ALL THE LATEST STARS’ STYLES IN LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS!

We all know that accessories can instantly bring any outfit from mediocre to miraculous, which is why Project Runway superstar and star favorite designer Christian Siriano has launched Sendthetrend.com. The accessories-only website offers jewelry, sunglasses and scarves that vary in style but not price, with every item costing just $29.95! First, shoppers take a quick style quiz and after their purchase, they will receive personalized product recommendations on the first of every month. With free registration and shipping, snazzing up your outfit has never been so seamless!

Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic

Mary J. Blige is famous for her voice, but the nine-time Grammy Award winner has another passion—sunglasses. “I have probably 1000 pairs of sunglasses,” Blige said at the Annual Gotham Magazine Gala on Thursday. “If you look back at my history you’ll see me with glasses, lots of shades from Chanel to Christian Dior to Gucci.” The singer recently debuted a new line of eyewear called Melodies by MJB, which she is promoting while on tour. “Sunglasses are an extension of me, just like the fragrance I did is an extension of me,” she says. “I only do things that I know, that I’ve done for years.” And though the singer loves shades, she doesn’t want any for the holidays. “I don’t want anybody to give me gifts,” Blige says. “I’m really not gonna be big on gifts this year. I’m gonna give gifts, but … it’s a hard time to try to get something out of people right now.” — Nadine Shabeeb

D’Andre Michael

Mary J. Blige has one Real Love when it comes to accessories: her sunglasses! And starting today, fans can emulate the Grammy-winner’s paparazzi-ready look with Melodies by MJB shades. “Sunglasses have always been a part of my life,” Blige exclusively tells PEOPLE. “I had to do my own line.” Inspired by “everything from the old Bond Girls to Jackie O,” the debut collection retails between $150 and $250 – featuring four styles in twenty color options! – representing different facets of the artist’s life: Showtime, Red Carpet, Incognito and The MJ’s. “Different styles tell a different story, create a different look,” explains the musical icon, who admits to owning more than 50 pairs herself. After record-breaking fragrance sales, a popular charitable designer collaboration, as well as stars like Naomi Campbell and Oprah Winfrey already rocking Melodies by MJB, we’re sure Mary’s signature shades will also become a multi-platinum success! Pick up your own pair at Nordstrom.com today. –-Hana Choi

Andrew H. Walker/Getty

If there’s one thing Rachel Bilson is well-versed in, it’s looking and feeling fabulous, and now the style-savvy actress is giving her fellow fashionistas a chance to as well. Bilson took a break from the front row during New York Fashion Week to announce Sunglass Hut’s Full Time Fabulous contest, which will allow one fashionable finalist the opportunity to land a year-long gig as a style blogger for SunglassHut.com. “I think it’s something that is really fun for people who are into fashion,” said Bilson, who serves as the brand’s style director. “They can write about it and explore and experience the world and share it with others who share the same passion. It would be a pretty cool job,” she told reporters at N.Y.C.’s Lincoln Center. The lucky winner, who has to submit a 60-second video explaining why they are the perfect candidate, will report on fashion happenings from New York to Paris—and if you think this is an unpaid internship, think again! From a $100,000 annual salary and a fully-furnished Manhattan apartment to a shopping allowance and free jet-setting expenses, rest assured your status will signify social media royalty. Make your submissions beginning this Friday, Oct. 1 to Oct. 27 at SunglassHut.com/Fabulous and outshine the competition with your impeccable style. For more details on becoming Full Time Fabulous, visit FullTimeFabulous.com. –Jessie Goldberg

Fame

She may have become famous for being one-fifth of the Spice Girls, but Victoria Beckham is winning major kudos for going out on her own as as designer. With her creations already loved by some of Hollywood’s hottest stars, the announcement of her 2010 British Fashion Award Nomination — heard by fellow fashionistas including Sienna Miller at the London nomination party — appears to be the next well-deserved step in Posh’s burgeoning fashion career. The red carpet regular was so excited about the prestigious nod that she took to her new Twitter account shortly after hearing the news, writing, “So honoured to be nominated for designer brand of the year from the British Fashion Council!!!!in love and light x VB x.” Having designed everything from her signature sheath dresses and denim to sunglasses and even Range Rovers, Victoria has quickly become well-versed in the world of fashion. And although the competition is steep, joining the likes of well-respected designers like Mulberry, Burberry and Pringle of Scotland as her competition in the Designer Brand category, we are confident that Posh will be victorious at the December 7 awards. –Jessie Goldberg

When we asked trendsetting stars like Heidi Klum, Kelly Ripa, and Whitney Port which fashion trends they’d like to resurrect, a common theme was detected amongst the crowd: Anything ’80s! And while Amanda Seyfried and Miranda Kerr want the return of high-waisted jeans, Jada Pinkett Smith and Kendra Wilkinson are longing for ultra teased hair! The only star who isn’t sharing the ’80s blues? Betty White! “I’m a little tired of jeans,” the funny lady says. Watch the PEOPLE TV video to hear what other trends your favorite stars are itching to bring back. Tell us: Which fashion trend do you want to make a comeback? –Jessie Goldberg