Pippa Vosper, fashion editor, stylist and founder of MaternallyChic.com chats to StyleNest.

With a successful career as a fashion editor and stylist, and no less than five impressive i-D magazine covers under her belt, Pippa Vosper knows a thing or two about fashion. Recently pregnant, Pippa took it upon herself to launch her own website, MaternallyChic.com. Showing women how to work the season’s trends and how to wear high fashion from Balmain to Balenciaga with a bump; MaternallyChic is the must-read maternity blog for fashion savvy mums-to-be. We caught up with Pippa to hear how the pregnancy is going and to steal some top tips on how to dress when you’ve got a little one on the way. 

Congratulations on your pregnancy! You’ve recently launched MaternallyChic.com since finding out the exciting news, tell us about that and how the idea came about.  

I have always wanted to launch my own site, but with fashion bloggers already saturating the market I knew my blog would have to be something unique. With my expanding bump, showing how to still wear collections such as Givenchy and Balmain was the perfect way for me to stand apart from the other fashion and maternity blogs.

You’ve worked as a fashion stylist for 10 years. Did you always know you wanted to work in fashion?

I started out working in advertising and although I loved working in that industry, I realised that I had no desire to be an art director. I left the ad world and was fortunate enough to join Claudia Schiffer’s team as her PA. I met some amazing people though the role and on leaving moved to New York to embark on a career as a fashion stylist.

What have been the highlights of your career so far?

Without question the five i-D covers I have styled. i-D was always a magazine that I wanted to work for so the covers mean so much to me. Working on each one was such an incredible experience.

Have you had any thoughts on how you’ll juggle the work/life balance when baby comes?

Fortunately with the launch of MaternallyChic.com I can work from home on the site, so when I am feeling utterly exhausted I can just sleep (the baby’s schedule permitting of course). As the site is related to all things maternity and motherhood, the meetings I take will hopefully be more than accommodating if there is a baby in tow. I see anything as possible, so when it’s time to return to my job as a fashion editor, I am confident all will work out as it should with my baby, MaternallyChic and my fashion shoots.

Describe your style.

Before my pregnancy, I would have said ‘minimal and predominantly black’ – I have an impossibly large collection of plain black cashmere sweaters and leather leggings. But since my shape started to change, I forced myself to incorporate colour and find that I actually enjoy wearing more vibrant tones. It will be interesting to see whether I revert to my minimalistic approach to clothing following the arrival of my baby.

Do you have a failsafe look for when you’ve only got moments to get ready?

A little black dress and killer heels. I invested in a number of classic black dresses, from Chanel to Martin Margiela – perfect for when I’ve got an event to go to and less than half an hour to get ready.

What are your three favourite fashion brands?

Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and Celine.

Working in fashion you must have built up a rather enviable wardrobe. Do you have an absolute favourite piece that you could never part with?

The piece I could never part with is a black boucle Chanel jacket with silk lapels. It’s almost Le Smoking style, but less masculine in shape. I bought this jacket on a whim in New York and am surprised at just how many outfits it works with – it looks particularly amazing over a long evening gown.

What are your top tips for dressing whilst pregnant?

A tight top under a high-waisted skirt is a failsafe, classic look. I have found that buying the skirt one or two sizes larger than you would usually wear, then having the waistband sitting above your bump allows for much needed comfort. Post-pregnancy, get the skirt altered to fit your size so  you don’t feel as though the skirt was a redundant buy.

Maxi dresses can also be very chic but you must ensure that the top half of the dress is either fitted or in a stretch fabric with a looser fit under the chest, allowing the dress to fall perfectly over your bump.  The more fitted the shape at the top, the more defined the overall shape will be and prevent you from looking like a terrible frump. A maxi dress that flows directly from the top is a huge no-no for anyone over two months pregnant.

Has your beauty regime changed at all since becoming pregnant?

I have always looked after my skin, but now I pay even more attention to my facial skincare regime and am certainly more thorough with the application of body moisturisers.

Any top tips for getting ready when you’ve only got five minutes to spare?

Wear simple, classic clothes, apply mascara and always ensure your hair looks presentable. It’s true what they say about your hair shaping your face and in my opinion it shapes your entire look. If you need to dash, then spray dry shampoo (Percy & Reed is particularly good) in the front and tie it in a loose bun if it’s long, or brushed back if it’s a shorter style.

With baby on the way, have you been scouting out any amazing kids brands?

Before my pregnancy I was utterly clueless about anything relating to childrenswear, but fortunately I have wonderful friends with children who have guided me to brands such as Bonpoint, Marie-Chantal and Caramel for clothing and Moulin Roty for the most adorable toys.

Are you off on holiday this year? Any tips on how to look and feel great on the beach whilst pregnant? 

I am heading to a friend’s boat on the Amalfi coast, my last holiday before the airlines will no longer allow me to board a flight. I recently had a swimsuit made by Karla Colletto and it is truly the best holiday investment I could have made, as they shape the suit to your requirements. Another key piece that I will have with me is a silk kaftan, perfect for when you’re not feeling at your most confident, but still want to look chic.

With wedding season in full swing, can you give our readers any advice on dressing up with a bump?

I would say a maxi dress is the perfect style for a wedding in any climate. Opt for a bright colour if you are feeling great, or darker tones with bold gold jewellery if it’s a tricky time and you are feeling less than amazing.

Finally, do you think your little one will follow in your fashion footsteps one day?

I am thinking tennis champion over fashion! There are quite a few years to go, so let’s just see.