Mischa Barton

After a string of high-profile relationships – including her split from Rooney frontman Taylor Locke last month – Mischa Barton says she likes being a free agent.

“I’m not used to being single but it’s really nice,” Barton, 22, told PEOPLE at the Arcade boutique opening in Los Angeles on Thursday.

“It’s great, actually,” adds the former O.C. actress, who’s set to launch a line of high-end headbands.

In fact, Barton has advice for other single girls.

“Just embrace it,” she says. “It’s important to breathe for a minute.”