Taking advantage of a day away from her busy schedule, Nicole Richie was spotted shopping at the Century City Mall yesterday (October 26).

The “Simple Life” starlet seemed annoyed with the paparazzi to the point that she asked some security guards to remove the shutterbugs from the area. She looked cute and casual in a black top with a white shirt overtop, dark wash jeans, and sandals.

And it sounds like Miss Richie is looking into expanding her brood by way of adoption, according to a source close to the actress.

"Nicole is seriously looking into it and asking a lot of questions about adopting. Nicole has been visiting Beyond Shelter in Los Angeles two or three times a week and spends a couple of hours with homeless children. She loves being around them."

However, the source also mentioned that Richie’s boyfriend/babydaddy Joel Madden isn’t yet on board with the whole plan. "I don't know how keen her boyfriend is on the idea. Still Nicole is determined."

Gossip Girls

Enjoy the pictures of Nicole Richie out at the Century City Mall yesterday (October 26).