Meet Vancouver-Based Swimwear Designer - Julia Church

For over a year now we have been following the unfolding of an inspiring concept that is Nettle's Tale Swimwear Inc. The message is simple: Don't just accept yourself, but sincerely love yourself. Vancouver-based designer, Julia Church, hopes to empower woman via her line of swimsuits, thoughtfully designed to accommodate the diverse range of body types that women actually have.

As you can imagine, we were more than thrilled at the opportunity to have a personal fitting with the woman behind the Magic Bottoms.

Julia Church (left) with Melanie Hull (centre) of MH Jewellery. Just a short year after the launch of Nettle's Tale, Julia and Melanie have co-opened a boutique, Neighbourhood  Quality Goods on Main Street, Vancouver.

We had a fantastic chat with the young and vibrant entrepreneur. She's bright, energetic and super easy to talk to. Oh and so witty! Here's the lowdown:

Instagram or Facebook?

instagram

Saturday night or Sunday Morning?

Saturday night! 

(mischievous grin)

What items can be found on you at all times?

A well-fitting bra, of course!

Oh you good, Julia!

What word makes you cringe?

Obnoxious.

What smell do you love?

Bohemian Body Butter from Harlow Skin Co. available at Neighbourhood!

Yumm! We'll take one too, please.

What did you last take a photo of?

The new shop, of course!

The new shop: Neighbourhood, is a light and airy space that brings Julia's love for
fashion and the Pacific Northwest together with Melanie's Scandinavian heritage.

Julia fitted us with, not one but two versatile, maternity friendly bikini sets. More on that to come!

In the shop, Julia and Melanie plan to feature a new selection of West Coast makers each month.

See the amazing pieces that Julia picked out for me here! 

Must Have Pieces In Trimester Two À La Hazel & Jools

It's all about comfort, stretch and longevity in the second trimester (Read about First Trimester Basics here). My wardrobe needs to keep up with my rapidly evolving shape and it's time to invest in those key pieces that will carry me through my pregnancy and hopefully into nursing. I turned to lifestyle women's wear and maternity specialist, Hazel & Jools, to set me up.

A Vancouver staple for over 30 years, Hazel & Jools has built their business around comfort, function and fashion that is made to last. Their in-house line is all about thoughtful production, designed by owner, Susan Heyes, and manufactured in Vancouver with the finest fabrics sourced from local suppliers. In her business, Susan is laser-focused on offering an exceptional quality product with best in-class, personal service.

Entrepreneur, Maternity Specialist and all-round Mom-spiration,
Susan Heyes.

Susan and I had a lovely coffee-chat before my whirlwind fitting. Here's a little bit more about her:

Muse? 

My daughter (Julia of 'Hazel and Jools').

Facebook or Instagram? 

instagram

What items can be found on you at all times?

Gold heart ring I had made when Julia was born.

What word makes you cringe? 

Frumpy.

Advice to young women?

Take the risk of failure, or success and try something. Take your idea and go for it. If you don't succeed you will have learned a lot in the process. That is not failure.

And here are some of my fab finds from Hazel and Jools, perfect for your second trimester and beyond:

Hazel & Jools Swing Tank.

Stripes are always a good idea this time of year! Hazel & Jools tanks, designed in-house and manufactured in Vancouver are designed to complement your new curves. Not forgetting function, the neckline is built for easy pull-down nursing after baby arrives. Hazel & Jools is also your go-to destination for designer maternity denim in Vancouver. Their selection includes popular brands like Citizens of Humanity, Paige and Noppies.

Au Fait Mama Nurture T-Shirt.
Hazel & Jools Lavish Bamboo Leggings.

Eager to hop on a jet while you still can? For most of us, trimester two is the perfect time for a vacay.
A star among the many local labels carried at Hazel & Jools, Au Fait Mama specializes in breastfeeding apparel. The soft bamboo jersey, of the Nurture T-shirt (shown above) stretches with your bump and the pull-down neckline makes for the simplest and most discrete nursing top.
'Lavish' is not an overstatement when describing Hazel & Jools made in-house leggings. The luxurious fabric is so comfy, you'll forget that you're not in your pj's.

Finally, (and most importantly) let's not forget the underpinnings!

Hazel and Jools Lavish Bamboo Shorts.

The absolute softest & breathable shorty, from the Lavish Bamboo collection. Worn over or under bump; a must-have beneath your summer dresses. Our only complaint is that it isn't made in nude and white (yet!).

Cake Lingerie Croissant Smoothing Seamfree Flexi-wire Nursing Bra.

Such great shape and control with this bra. Purposeful design is evident in every beautiful detail of this bra. It will become your go-to t-shirt bra. 

Read more about What To Look For In Maternity Intimates here.