WHO IS // POLLY HAYWARD
WHAT IS // JUST polly?:
Just Polly is a stylish maternity brand for the modern mum to be worn before, during and after pregnancy.
HOW DID // just polly COME TO BE?
The brand came about when I realized how a lot of women around me struggled and became frustrated with the lack of maternity wear options available to them. My sister would hide at weddings and strip off to breast feed; I found a friend half naked in the toilet at a wedding using a breast pump and I thought to myself surely there must be an easier way to still look fashionable and find a suitable outfit to breastfeed without having to hide somewhere and strip off! Aside from breastfeeding, family friends and work colleagues also expressed their disappointment with the lack of stylish maternity wear whilst pregnant. Refusing to go to the work Christmas party and feeling unfashionable and frumpy working day-to-day, I felt compelled to create the collection that was not only stylish and practical but that would last beyond the 9 months.
BEST THING // ABOUT BEING just polly?
Just Polly is a personal brand and everything is designed with the pregnant woman in mind. Comfort is key as well as fashionability. It is also a brand that allows you to continue wearing the pieces after pregnancy as so many people don't want to spend their money on clothes that they'll only wear for a few months. The design and fabrics are timeless so you can keep them in your wardrobe for years to come.
WHO WHAT // INSPIRES YOU?
My parents. My mum juggled four children all with two – two and a half years apart whilst working two jobs. One teaching and the other setting set up her children’s entertainment company (which she is still running at 67)! My Dad also ran his own businesses and expanded his company in a short space of time. He taught me that although the outlook can be daunting, sometimes you have to take risks. Growing up I believe your work ethos comes from people you look up to, respect and inspire you.
DESCRIBE //
YOUR FASHION STYLE: My fashion style has become simplified over the years. My wardrobe is made up of black (lots)! white, navy, grey, nude, stripes and of course a few good prints and sequins – everyone must own sequins! I don’t follow trends as much and I like to stick to plain colours and textures. I like to think my style is more Parisian than my Essex roots!
FAVOURITE //
BRANDS: Victoria Beckham, Stella Mc Cartney, Acne, Celine – in a dream world. More realistically: Cos, Zara and if I am splurging J Crew. BEAUTY PRODUCT: Clarins cooling gel to remove bags (which is needed), Chanel volume mascara - the only mascara that seems to do anything for my lashes. BOOK OR FILM: Goodfellas, Fargo, City of God, The Usual Suspects. I like a good gangster film. WAY TO RELAX: Hypnotheraphy relaxation techniques, a massage, Eastenders with my boyfriend (guilty)! HOLIDAY DESTINATION: We stayed in Uchaux in France last summer and it was beautiful. I loved the old buildings and cobbled streets
THE LAST //
TEXT YOU SENT: Please can you upload the look book images to the dropbox folder, thanks Polly – to my retoucher THING YOU ATE: Spaghetti Bolognese CALL YOU RECEIVED: From my boyfriend (asking what we’re having for dinner)! THING YOU BOUGHT: Aside from food shopping.. a black kaftan, we’re off to Ibiza soon for my best friends wedding ☺
WHAT // CAN'T YOU LIVE WITHOUT?
It may sound mushy but family & friends. OK… and my iPhone.
WHAT IS // THE BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED?
Don’t take life too seriously. What will be will be and worrying about it won’t get you anywhere.
PARENTING // fail & fabulous
I am not a parent yet.. but I am getting in some good practice with my niece & nephew. I would vote fabulous even with the teething and tantrums. Nothing else in the world matters when that little hand reaches out for yours or when they call your name. I’m looking forward to being a parent and I am under no illusion it’s going to be easy.
GUILTY PLEASURE //
Pickled onion monster munch and a cup of tea.
INSTAGRAM: @justpollylondon TWITTER: @justpollylondon FACEBOOK: facebook.com/lemondropbooks www.justpolly.co.uk