Nicole Richie’s Zazou Pointed-Toe Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Derby Flats

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We’ve always considered Nicole Richie to be not only fashion-forward but also always ahead of the game.

Sure, she wasn’t exactly the most stylish when she started in the business (early seasons of The Simple Life, anyone?), but soon after, the celebrity socialite pretty much bloomed and turned into a swan.

Nicole Richie's style has evolved and matured over the yearsNicole Richie’s style has evolved and matured over the years

Today, Nicole is not just a TV personality but a fashion designer and a book author as well. And while her style has evolved and matured over the years, it still has that rocker-bohemian vibe we’ve come to know as her signature.

From the super chic street looks to the always-on-point red carpet moments, Nicole has proven that she is worthy to be called a trendsetter.

Nicole Richie's long-sleeve turtleneck dress from Jean Paul GaultierNicole Richie’s long-sleeve turtleneck dress from Jean Paul Gaultier

However, the fashion-savvy style star may have done a slight misstep last Tuesday night when she hosted the opening of Nordstrom at the Americana at Brand mall in Glendale, California.

For the event, Nicole took a risk with her outfit by mixing two busy pieces — a long-sleeve turtleneck dress from Jean Paul Gaultier painted with wild botanical print and a pair of catty oxfords.

Nicole Richie in a Jean Paul Gaultier printed dress paired with leopard-print oxfords for the opening of Nordstrom at Americana at Brand mall in Glendale on September 17, 2013Nicole Richie in a Jean Paul Gaultier printed dress paired with leopard-print oxfords for the opening of Nordstrom at Americana at Brand mall in Glendale on September 17, 2013

Now, we ask you, what are your thoughts on the combo? Do you think she nailed this one or not? Did Nicole Richie just commit a major fail?

We know that mixing prints is a fabulous way to hype up a look, but what was she thinking when she slipped into those lace-ups? We get it; busy-on-busy sometimes works, but classic ankle-strap sandals in leopard print would have been the more suitable choice.

Do you agree? Or are you among the few who actually think this combination rocks? Would you wear it if you were Nicole?

Now that we’ve put those leopard-print oxfords in the hot seat, why not talk about them a little further?

They’re from Christian Louboutin — the Zazou calf-hair Derby shoes with pointed toes and leopard print. Actually, these lace-ups don’t look bad at all. They’re the perfect fashion statement for, say, an all-black or all-white outfit.

Zazou Pointed-Toe Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Derby Flats, $995

Christian Louboutin Zazou Pointed-Toe Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Derby Flats

Christian Louboutin Zazou Pointed-Toe Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Derby Flats

Christian Louboutin Zazou Pointed-Toe Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Derby Flats

Would you like a pair? The Zazou may look masculine, but with the pointed silhouette and 1.5-inch-tall heels, these Derby shoes are far from unsexy.

Here’s the dress if you’re interested:

Jean Paul Gaultier Winter Garden Dress, $495

Jean Paul Gaultier Winter Garden Dress

Credit: SIPA / FayesVision / WENN