Former Simple Life star Nicole Richie’s family isn’t all that’s expanding.  Following the success of her line of headbands and jewelry, the second time mom-to-be has inked a deal to design a footwear line.

Partnering with Modern Vintage shoes and Earnest Sewn jeans, Richie will add a line of around 20 shoe styles to her House of Harlow 1960 label for spring of 2010.

Says business partner Rick Cytrynbaum, Richie will have creative control at every level of the design process. “Nicole is designing everything herself,” he says. “She’s totally devoted to this, and we’re creating a whole lifestyle around her aesthetic and what is true to her.”

Richie tends to favor a 60s and 60s boho vibe, courtesy of “I Die!” stylist Rachel Zoe, so I assume her footwear will embody a certain hippie chicness that is currently very in vogue. 

According to Zappos, Modern Vintage:

“Privately-held European footwear and accessories company, Modern Vintage, was first introduced in spring of 2003. Modern Vintage shoes have since become the choice for fashion-forward women that desire modern and original design, fit and comfort, and the superior craftsmanship and innovation associated with European brands.

Filling a need in the market, Modern Vintage offers premium footwear that is accessible to upwardly mobile and fashionable women. Modern Vintage shoes range from chic flats to sultry pumps and boots. The Modern Vintage collections of daringly stylish women’s shoes have been featured in fashion magazines and on the feet of many celebrities.”

The looks available on the site at first glance seem very “European,” meaning clean, simple lines, with a hint of under-stated architectural edginess.

Here a few of my favorite MV looks:

 ’Diva,’ now $164 was $264

‘Beleza,’ $299

‘Bonita,’ $299

The styles are very reminiscent of Pierre Hardy designs, no?

Weigh in: Are you excited about Nicole’s shoe line? What do you think of celebrity shoe lines in general?

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