Back To Work - Staple Styles

As September draws near, we are planning outfits for the longevity, of this autumn winter season and many more to come. We’ve compiled a list of our top ten garments for back to work.

All of the pieces are from our shop MadiaMatilda.co.uk, sustainably and ethically sourced to make you look fabulous at work.

We'll start with a staple favourite - Keira, one best seller that is great all year round. 

Click here to purchase.

Ellen Trousers

A black pair of trousers is always a workwear staple. This particular pair is constructed from polyester making them a solid investment for smart and seamless dressing. Paired with a light blouse for a autumnal look, or layer a shirt and jumper for a cosy winter look.

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Victoria Blazer

This soft tweed blazer is an ideal item for smartening up any outfit and suitable for any time of year – from chilly summer evenings to autumn/winter layering. The perfect blazer to add colour and texture to your usual shirt and trousers combo.

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This smart shirt Caleigh is an effortless piece to spruce up your work wardrobe. With its classic pin stripe, made from premium cotton this top features a collar, cuff and a button down front. Pair with any trousers or skirts – perfect for the office.

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New in to the site, Marcella this skirt is idea for work and play as you could wear this skirt for a bite to eat and drinks with friends after work. 

Coming Soon (Watch this Space)

Our Anastasia sheer linen blouse is the perfect piece to transition in to the autumn. Featuring a frill neckline and a short button cuff, 3 quarter sleeves. It’s an idea piece to style this winter – layered with a structured coat; you’ll be going back to work in style.

Click here to purchase.

This jersey skirt - Leanne, paired with  Anastaia  Blouse would make a  great coord! Or style as seen here on the wonderful Dani! With a v-neck is great to wear for both casual days and workwear. Or you could, paired with a colourful pair of trousers or a blazer, this jersey basic is ideal for layering with your more stand-out pieces.

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The perfect blouse to see you through the entire year – our Leila blouse is ideal for layering this winter. The wrap style is on the scene, but with this classic style you can't go wrong. Alternatively, you could also pair it with a Blazer and our Annie trousers for a smart casual look.(we may have along sleeve version coming soon, watch this space!) As seen on blogger @julya.roberta_

Click here to purchase.

This classic spot print blouse, will see you through any type of day at work and make you look effortlessly put together. Worn with a vest top underneath, this sheer top features a skater style skirt and a racer back, the perfect item for all year round wear.

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These fitted cropped trousers are an effortless work outfit. Dressed up with our Melisa blouse and some strappy heels for a glam office look or black block heels and a smart blazer for a more formal outfit.

Click here to purchase.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

International Women's Day 2019 - Women We Love

For International Women's Day, this year we have compiled a list of influential women that we love. 

Emma Watson 

British actor Emma Watson was appointed UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in July 2014. Watson dedicates her efforts towards the empowerment of young women and girls, and will serve as an advocate for the UN Women’s "HeForShe" campaign in promoting gender equality.



Stacey Dooley

Since 2009, Dooley has made social-issue-themed television documentaries for BBC Three concerning child labour and women in developing countries. Dooley has produce many documentaries and TV shows highlighting the impacts of ‘fast fashion’ and investigating the working conditions people endure in foreign countries to produce garments for companies such as H&M.


Clara Amfo

Clara is a regular presenter on the Radio 1 weekday schedule, she has interviewed the biggest names in the music industry, and presented from some of the most prestigious music festivals and awards ceremonies. Amfo aims to help women have the confidence to break through into the media industry as she was influenced by Lauryn Hill from a young age, a rare example at the time of a dark-skinned black woman whose talent was able to reach a large audience.

Lucy Siegle

Ethical living journalist, Lucy Siegle currently writes for the Guardian covering a range of topics from fashion and the environment to finance and food. Siegle has also recently published a book titled ‘Turning the tide on plastic’, that hopes to end the plastic pandemic and provide tips for long-lasting action.


Helen Clarkson

CEO of The Climate Group, Helen Clarkson, works internationally with leading businesses, states and regions to deliver a world of net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Experienced in the marketing and business industry, she ensures that sustainability is at the forefront of business strategies worldwide.


Kate Brandt

Kate Brandt is the current Google Sustainability Officer, leading Google’s worldwide operations, products and supply chain. Sustainability and cyclical economy are key to Brandt’s work, with her efforts being recognised by Obama in 2014 when he appointed her to serve as the Federal Environmental Executive. 

Susan McPherson

Founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, Susan consults and invests in businesses and start-ups that have social good at their core. With 25+ years of experience in marketing, PR and sustainability communications industry, McPherson ensures that corporations and growing non-profits on how best to partner, build advocacy and drive visibility for their causes and initiatives.


Anita Roddick

Founding member of the Women’s Environmental Network and The Body Shop, Anita Roddick has been an environmental ambassador since the early 80’s. In total The Body Shop had over 700 branches, and Roddick was awarded the 1991 World Vision Award for Development Initiative. 


Dr Shakardokht Jafari

Originating from Afghanistan, Shakar is the Founder and CTO of Trueinvivo Limited, which with support from Innovate UK has developed a radiation detection system for cancer care that aims to save lives, money and offer a better quality of life to patients. In January 2018 Shakar received a prestigious Women’s award from the Afghanistan government and a recent meeting with a director could lead to a film biopic.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Random Acts of Kindness Day 2019

The impacts of fast fashion and how we can change to be kinder to the environment.

We've got 9 simple tips to help you be kinder to the environment.

1. Quality over quantity 

Cheap prices equal cheap materials. Save the environment and yourself some money by buying better quality garments. We’ve all experienced the disappointment of an item falling in holes a couple months after we’ve bought it. Fast fashion is one of the main culprits of environmental damage in the 21st century. The less we invest into fast fashion the quicker brands will improve their garment quality. 

2. Think before you throw
Whether it no longer fits, is stained or has a hole in it, think before you throw. Throwing away your unwanted clothes may not be as environmentally friendly as you first thought. Over £12 million worth of clothes are put in landfill each year in the UK alone. Before you throw, think ‘could this be fixed?’ ‘Could I sell it?’ ‘Can I donate it to a local charity?’ There are many ways clothes can be recycled before they reach the end of the line.

3. Care for your clothes 

Washing our clothes has a significant impact on the environment. 75% to 80% of the damage caused to our clothing comes from the effects of washing and drying. Washing your clothes according to the label can add to your clothes lifespan and save you money in the long run. When you wash your clothing make sure you consider what products you’re using – there are now many eco-friendly washing liquids to help you cut down on your impact on the world. 

4. Buy from sustainable brands 

Many small start-up brands are turning towards sustainability to break into the fashion industry. Admittedly, the offering form sustainable brands is still limited but the more we demand eco-fashion the more will be available. If you’re looking to shop with a sustainable eco-friendly brand, why not check out our website. All of our garments are made from end of line fabrics and upcycled items, and we also alter clothing. 

5. Bring your own bag

To reduce your plastic waste, ensure you bring your own shopping bag wherever you go. Although it may seem quick and easy to grab a plastic bag while you’re shopping, but research suggests that plastic bags release three times the greenhouse gas of reusable bags. If you want to be super eco-friendly why not buy recycled tote bags. Madia & Matilda stocks some amazing printed tote bags from British brand Graphyx which is a sustainable brand using vegetable oil based ink. 

6. Reduce your plastic use

Reducing the amount of plastic you use can have a massive, positive effect on the environment. Start today, by making easy substitutes like plastic bottles to reusable water bottles, plastic straws to paper or metal straws and reusable bags. Keep your take away tubs and Nutella jars, wash them out and use them to store bulk foods or leftovers. These simple swaps are easy to make and could help save the planet. 

7. Don’t be afraid to buy second hand or swap items

Second hand garments are not always worn out or dirty as the media would often have you believe. Second hand items can come from charity shops, websites like eBay and Facebook, or apps such as Depop or Shpock. More often than not, these clothes are hardly worn and are in very good condition. Alternatively, you could do a clothes swap organised through a local event or social media. By participating in a clothes swap you are able to get a feel of what the fabrics and styles are like before you buy. 

8. Buy British

Buying British is key to creating a sustainable shopping industry in the UK (obviously this can apply to any country you live in). Supporting local and British businesses is a great way to be kind to the world too. By buying British you are able to identify exactly where the product is produced and its components are sourced, which often leads to higher quality garments being produced. 

9. Alter and mend to get the most out of your wardrobe

A fallen hem or missing button shouldn’t mean your clothes need to be thrown away. Either learn some basic sewing skills to repair your own clothes or take them to a local tailor for a small fee. Mending or altering garments can increase their lifespan and save you money. If you buy from a clothes swap or second hand shop you can easily tailor them items to fit you and your style for little money.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

We Care: Stain Saving

We Care: Stain Saving

An average of £12.5 billion worth of clothing in thrown into landfills in the UK every year.

Over half of Brits throw clothing away that could have been recycled or donated and many underestimate the actual number of wearable items they are binning. Many of the items that end up in landfill are thrown out simply because of a stain that didn't come out in the first wash.


Vanish produced a survey and revealed some shocking results:

Incredibly almost a third of Brits admitted to putting the item in the washing machine without any stain removal treatment. When the stain didn't come out immediately, they threw it away. A quarter never even attempted to remove the stain!

To read the full survey and for further information click here.

How many times have you spilled a drink or been splashed with oil while cooking?

It's a frustrating but inevitable part of life but it doesn't always mean the end of the line for your clothes. With some simple know-how and a little bit of science you can tackle almost any stain and restore your clothes to their former glory.

The three simple techniques that are vital to saving your garments:

1. Don't Delay
• The quicker you tackle the stain the more likely you are to save your item. Remember the longer a stain sits the harder it will be to remove!
2. Don't Rub
• Rubbing will only push the offending substance deeper into the fibers. Instead, try dabbing, blotting or scraping.
3. Stay Out of Hot Water
• Avoid hot water at all costs! Once the stain is exposed to the heat it will set into the fibers of your garment. Wash the piece in cool or warm water until the stain is completely gone. There are some exceptions to this rule though.

The Sciencey Part

Removing a stain is as simple as a little bit of chemistry. Once you know what the stain is made up of it's easy to counteract. 

Tannin stains (tea, coffee, wine or juice) - Tannin is a natural vegetable dye found in plants such as grapes. These stains can be tougher to remove if they are hot beverages or mixed with other ingredients such as cream, milk or sugar. To remove tannin stains try vinegar, an enzyme cleaner or sodium perborate (a more gentle form of bleach safe to use on clothes).

Oil and fat stains - Both vegetable and animal fat stains can be tricky to get rid of, the best thing to do is blot as much of the oil away as soon as the stain appears. Getting rid of the excess oil will stop too much of it penetrating deep into the fibers of your clothes. For the best results, try using a powered product, like cornflour, baking soda or talc, to soak it up.

Ink or blood stains - When dried, ballpoint pen ink is one of the most notorious stains to remove. Place an old towel or cloth behind the garment and blot the stain with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or even hairspray, any alcohol solvent will do the trick to dissolve the oil based stain. If the stain is caused by a roller-ball pen, the water based stain can be removed by soaking the garment in milk.

Make-up stains - Have you ever hugged someone and left your makeup on their shirt? Don't worry we've all been there at some point. Luckily it's not too difficult to remove! Using some household dish washing liquid to break down the grease. After an initial hand wash with the dish soap, wash the garment as usual and it should be as good as new.

Hopefully, with these helpful tips and tricks, you can save some of your favourite items from your wardrobe.

If you try any of them out, let us know on social media!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

More on Sustainability and the Climate

Mama Giraffe & Mama Earth

Climate Change Week is from the 9-14th of October. In view of this, we've decided to do a series of posts focussing on the climate, sustainability and local initiatives to do with these topics. Hope you enjoy reading!

The Giraffe Bit

We know why you're really here, and we don't blame you (giraffes are super cute), but here's the thing. Climate change isn't only affecting humans and trees. It has had, and will continue to have, an enormous  impact on the habits and habitats of thousands of species across the globe. I'm sure this isn't news to you (anyone else adopt a tiger or polar bear through the WWF when they were 12?) but let's get some facts.

The WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is one of the major charities aiming to improve the welfare of wildlife by: "advancing policies to fight climate change; engaging with businesses to reduce carbon emissions; and helping people and nature to adapt to a changing climate".

According to the World Animal Foundation (WAF), giraffes are being lost "at an unprecedented and alarming rate". The IUCN (the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) have classed giraffes as a "vulnerable" species (by the way, did you know there are 9 subspecies of giraffe?! Neither did we). We're using giraffes as an example (mainly because Madia & Matilda's founder Shalize Nicholas has an obsession) but there are thousands of other animals and plants in the same sticky situation as giraffes, or worse.

This list includes Sumatran tigers, orangutans, whales and many others, from all regions and taxonomic groups.

A Sumatran tiger takes a dip. How cute?!?

The Pocahontas Factor 

How is Pocahontas relevant?!

You'd be surprised. The classic Disney flick was based on a true story and deals with topics such as colonialism, racism and displacement of indigenous people. Pretty hard core, considering its target audience! (There has been some discussion about how well Disney dealt with these complex topics, but let's leave that for another time.) 

Pocahontas vs Modern Example. A compare/contrast kinda thing. Bring it on!

Pocahontas: Sexy beast Cap'n John Smith and buddies rock up to Pocahontas's area hoping to find precious natural resources, such as gold (bling bling).

Modern Version: Some powerful organisations are seizing land that's been sacred to local tribes, sometimes for thousands of years. Their aim is to grow new crops to use as biofuels and to cut down on the use of fossil fuels. Though the search for alternatives to fossil fuels is important, it's coming at a huge price to local people.

Pocahontas: Cap'n John Smith's buddies are particularly looking forward to fighting some of the native American Indians, so that they can use the new land as they choose (maybe build a few villas, a water park, poss also some quality shopping arcades?).

Modern Version: Fighting has broken out between these large companies and the Indigenous communities over land ownership. This has resulted in devastating loss of life on both sides, and damage to the land in question.

Pocahontas: Smithie and buddies believe for a long time that they are the ones in the right. So do the Powhatan, Pocahontas's tribe. 

Modern version: Actually, the principle is the same. And it's a tough one to call (so we're not going to try). On one hand there's ancient tribal tradition around the world, and sacred lands are super important to that; on the other hand, biofuels are one real solution to battling climate change, by reducing the amount of fossil fuels we use (this includes damaging collection methods such as fracking, which also cause pollution and habitat loss). The jury (meaning us) is out. 

The Saami People and the Guarani People

The Saami people have lived and herded reindeer in parts of Scandinavia, Russia and Canada for thousands of years. The reindeer rely on a consistent climate to flourish, and the Saami people suffer alongside the animals if this is upset. In recent years the weather has been unpredictable: snow and wind patterns have gone a bit crazy, and there have been sad reports of reindeer falling through the ice. When reindeer are put at risk like this, it dramatically impacts the lives of the Saami people and their culture.

In the case of the Guarani of Brazil, some 47 000 to 51 000 people, it's actually the efforts to grow and make biofuel which is harming their community. In recent years there has been a huge displacement of the Guarani people from their ancestral lands. This has had disastrous effects on the population: the suicide rate within the communities has risen to about one per week, according to anthropologist and community leader Tonico Benites Guarani, in conversation with The Guardian. (For the full article click here). It's the result of unrest and disputes over land in Brazil which has been going on for decades. Sources say that around 95% of ancestral Guarani land has been torn from the community to make room for biofuels, sugar cane and soya plantations.

Young people from the Tupiniquim tribe, another Brazilian tribe who have fought hard to retain ancestral lands seized for the production of biofuels

I'm sure you've spotted the dilemma. In the case of the Guarani people, efforts to develop a new, renewable energy source to replace fossil fuels have caused major damage to their way of life, both psychologically and physically. There's obviously no easy solution to the problem. 

So what the heck can be done about it?

It seems like one of those problems where a balance needs to be struck: somewhere between moving forward positively, and conserving natural habitats and indigenous communities. It doesn't look like there's a magic formula for this, unfortunately (unless you have one??), but that shouldn't stop us trying. 


As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "you must be the change you wish to see in the world". 


Sincerely Madia & Matilda

COLLAB - exploringemma, Gigi's Closet & Rea Payot

As some of you may have seen already if you've been playing close attention to our Instagram and Instagram Insider page, we recently had the pleasure of collaborating with two very lovely blogger babes.

We sent out some of our fav pieces from Madia & Matilda and had the ladies style them as they desire and review them for us.

Both ladies had very different outfits sent out as both have an awesome sense of style unique to themselves.

We sent Emma our Stone Skater dress in Rose and the Ella Jersey dress in Grey. You can see how she styles them on her YouTube video here or check out her Instagram. Don't forget to follow and subscribe!

Gigi. however, got sent out two of our coolest trousers - the Zara Japanese Satin Crop and the Rachel denim dress. She also got sent our Maiike T-shirt.

See what she had to say about them on her Instagram here and don't forget to give her a follow for future updates!

Or find out which pieces Rea Payot selected here or buy online here Shop our new collection.

Have a great day!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda