Remember the wild, out-every-night Nicole Richie who seemed like she could drink Snooki under the beer-pong table? She was nowhere to be found last night at Bergdorf Goodman, where a mix of champagne-sipping editors and fashion-y folks were celebrating Richie's accessories line, House of Harlow 1960. Despite arriving on time without an entourage and having immaculate, '40s glam hair and makeup , there was a glorious glimpse of old-school, skinny-fierce-bitch Richie as she posed and offered multiple angles for photographers. After she was done working the cameras, we chit-chatted with the lady of the hour (over Mariah Carey's "Heartbreaker" belting thanks to DJ Cassie Coane). Among other things, we learned that the various jobs she held with her former cohort Paris Hilton on the Simple Life were nothing compared to running one's own fashion line. We also discovered that Nicole Richie loves a compliment.

How has your personal style changed since the Simple Life days? You're looking very chic tonight. 

What else? What else am I? (Playfully striking poses for us) You know, when I did Simple Life, I was in my early twenties and now I'm approaching thirty. So, I would say over the course of ten years, any girl's style is going to change. And my style is not gonna stop here. I love experimenting with fashion; I think that's what's the fun part about fashion is being able to experiment with different looks. And I am always open to change and always excited about it. 

Did you have a light bulb moment when you decided, "I must have my own line"?

I always knew that I wanted to design a collection. I also know a lot of designers and know that it really takes up your entire life. I don't take on projects until I know that I can give my whole heart to them. And then when I met with my partners, Rick and Brian, I knew that this was gonna be the perfect match and it was just time. It just came to me one day and I was like, "Okay, I'm ready." And it's been full-force. It's three times the amount of work that I thought it was going to be, but I love every step of it.

What kind of woman wears House of Harlow 1960? 

I would say she's a multitasking woman. Someone that is educated and wears different hats in her life. And wants to be fashionable yet wear clothes with ease at the same time.