Guest Blog: Kristen Kohl Fashion Tips

In August, we'll be featuring a series of guest blogs from some of our favorite Blueprint partners. Up first, tips from our favorite New York stylist (she'll work remotely for all you Chicago moms to be)!

Kristen is a New York City based style expert who has developed a loyal following through her vast experiences styling photo shoots for fashion magazines and conducting wardrobe makeovers for personal clients. Her tips are below - I've already been on line searching for JUST the right fedora!

- Wallis

1) Trove Tkees
With names like Glosses, Shadows, and Highlighters, Trove Tkees aren't just any ordinary sandals. Think of them as the fancy flip flop equivalent to your Havianas! Offered in every shade of the rainbow and cool finishes such as patent and metallic, these leather sandals are casual yet glamourous. They compliment any skin tone. They elongate legs. They have a cushioned footbed and rubber soles. They retail for $48. You will never want to take them off. Trust me. Fingers crossed this means Uggs' better looking cousin isn't far behind. Now THAT would be a perfect world.

2) Maxi skirts
Most moms-to-be have utilized the maxi dress for years. They require very little thought, and they are comfortable yet flattering. They can even accommodate an expanding belly. In 2011, we welcomed the maxi skirt. Mommies everywhere rejoice! It has all of the benefits of the maxi dress, but with the added convenience of a separate. The majority of them even have elastic waistbands - it's as if they were made for pregnancies and an Olsen said, "Hey this actually looks great on everybody! I'm going to start wearing them, all of the time!" For instant, of the moment style, all you need is a great-fitting black maxi skirt in cotton jersey (Shopbop.com has tons) to pair with a white tee and your new uniform has arrived. Mix it up with a printed version when you're feeling adventurous. Still unsure of how to wear this look - Google “Jessica Alba maxi skirt” and problem solved!

3) Belts
I've recently noticed a rising popularity in belts among moms-to-be. As a huge belt fan, I'm all for wearing them during your pregnancy either low-slung or above your bump to pull together any outfit. You are probably best off buying elastic belts to give you room to grow, or go for braided, woven styles that are very of-the-moment. The beauty of those being the lack of belt holes (not to mention braided belts are a great alternative to boring old leather).

4) Hats
This is not so obvious. But I'm telling you, go get yourself a cool hat, and you'll instantly feel pretty and polished. No one will ever have to know the last time you washed your hair was.....well....you can't remember exactly. But that's beside the point. There are plenty of options out there - fedora, panama, floppy, wide brim - all of which are flattering, styish, and current. Have fun with it, and feel good knowing you are doubling up on you sun protection at the same time.


5) Gym clothes
When in doubt, work it out! One of my little secrets when I just do not feel like putting together and outfit in the morning is to throw on workout clothes and go about my day. No one will ever know whether you intend to hit the gym or not. Today, tomorrow, next week, ever! Alternatively, it's assumed that you already got in a workout – even better! In order to really pull this off, you'll need to dress the part. Your husband's oversized tee and black faded leggings won't suffice ladies (you know who you are). Some of my personal favorites are Under Armour's Heatgear Capris. They are lightweight enough to survive the August heat and who knew pants for $34.99 could make legs look this incredible. Pair with a loose-fitted racerback tank by Splendid and voila! there you have it.