Lauren Conrad launches new maternity line

Former reality TV star Lauren Conrad is expanding her fashion empire with a new maternity line.

The former The Hills beauty, who is expecting her first child, a boy, with husband William Tell, thought it was a no-brainer to come up with a new collection for her fellow pregnant moms-to-be, but she didn't want to rush into the process.

"I was so excited to do this category, but... I wanted to wait until I felt confident designing, like I had experienced maternity as a category myself," the 31-year-old shares with People magazine. "It was really nice to go in to this while I was trying to figure out my own maternity style."

Lauren used her own maternity dressing challenges for research and set out to fill what she considers gaps in the current market.

"One of the things I really struggled with when I was shopping was that I wanted to maintain my everyday style, but I had trouble finding the types of pieces available in maternity collections," she continues.

"So I wanted to cater towards our existing customer who just happens to have a new shape, but still wants to dress in line with her style that she has had for years."

The new maternity range was created in partnership with bosses at retailer Kohl's, home to her current LC Lauren Conrad clothing and beach lines, and it launches on Wednesday (07Jun17).

Some of Lauren's own favorites from the new line include "jersey-type and off-the-shoulder" dresses, and colored jeggings, which she likes to pair with the collection's "off-the-shoulder flirty tops".

Personally, she leans towards items that show off her new curves, rather than swamp her growing figure.

She explains, "I definitely wanted things that were cinched or more body-con (conscious) because I found that I felt best in pieces that gave me a shape as opposed to more tent-like pieces."

And despite having her own stylish new fashions to model as an expectant mom, Lauren insists she's looking forward to getting her old body back.

"I miss my waist," she confesses. "I'm excited to wear high-waisted shorts and jeans again."