The Problem With Online Shopping

Image from: Retviews

With lockdown restrictions still going strong everywhere around the world and clothing stores being closed more and more people are turning to online shopping. It can be a whole lot of fun - you get to buy clothes without ever getting up from the couch and dream of where you'll be wearing them once we're free to travel again. However, many do not realise the massive impact their orders have on the environment. Your new pair of jeans or a cute bag play a part in the huge amount of plastic and leftover fabrics that end up in the ocean and landfills. Each online order has to be properly packaged in order for it to not get damaged during shipping. For that the easiest option for brands is to use plastic. Now imagine hundreds of thousands of orders from shoppers all over the world, each of them being sent out in plastic packaging. Not to mention the leftover fabrics that are thrown out instead of being used for new items! At Madia & Matilda we always work to become more environmentally friendly - from using recycled packaging to offering the option of carbon neutral delivery. We also use sustainable fibers in our clothing and make sure that all leftover fabrics get reused. Every step of our clothing making process is thoroughly thought about! Check out our collections and help out the environment!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Easy to follow lockdown challenge

 

Whilst we are in lockdown, why not follow a challenge with us to keep yourself feeling entertained and organised?

Here is our 5 task challenge!

              Set yourself 5 tasks you wish to complete, they can be anything and there is no pressure.

Some of our ideas..

1. Clean out that wardrobe...

We have all been there, the cluttered wardrobe is no secret, set yourself a task to throw out the old and bring in the new! It is oddly satisfying to sort your clothes out in colours, seasons or however you wish to be organised. Also, buying the same hanger for all your clothes looks great.

2.  Switch socials for podcasts

We can all become consumed with social media to the point where it distracts us from our daily goals. We suggest trying the 1 hour free social media morning when you wake up, looking at a blue screen on your phone as soon as you wake up is not only bad for your health but also distracts you from your daily routine. Try waking up and listening to a podcast that interests you, this allows you to complete your daily tasks but also learn new things. You can find podcasts on Spotify and Youtube for inspiration.

3. Write yourself a letter

Dear future me... 

Give yourself some advice, anything you want to get off your chest, any thoughts and feelings and also future desires and goals. It is really healthy to express your emotions through literature and is a great excerise if you are feeling down.

4. Cooking!

Did you know that baking and cooking are actually forms of artistic meditation? Meditation does not have to be your stereotypical sit down in silence expression. Cooking allows your mind to focus and lets you be rid of outside thoughts. Even if it is not your thing (it certainly was not mine at first) challenge yourself! Find something you have always wanted to try and keep at it until you perfect it to your liking. Focus on creating rather than stressing. 

5. Pamper pamper pamper

Face food masks, self manicure and a hot bubble bath always go down a treat. How about challenge yourself to let go and give yourself some self-love? We will be!

Images from: https://pixabay.com/images/search/wardrobe/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

8 social media accounts to follow

 

Since the global pandemic, the digital world has become used more over the last few months than ever before. Popular social media apps such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are booming. We thought since we are all on social media at the moment, we have come up with some great sustainable accounts that you can follow and browse their useful content. 

Instagram: 

@besmacc 

Besma is a lifestyle blogger who is inspired by sustainable fashion and living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. She shares great posts about sustainable brands and tips.

@mrspress

Clare Press is the first sustainability editor at Vogue magazine and always has sustainable fashion go to's and information that is useful for eco-friendly fashion.

@Dominiquedrakeford 

Dominique is known for her blog series and sustainable style and culture which she promotes and explores on her Instagram page.

Twitter: 

@sustaincities

Sustainable Cities Collective is a sustainable community for leaders of urban and metropolitan areas, providing resources for people who connected to sustainable development.

@greenbiztweets

Green Biz tweets are known for being a Twitter account that is based on green ideas and shares these with the public to inspire and educate.

@sustainbrands

Sustainable Brands focus on tweeting about inspiring brands to lean towards sustainability to encourage an eco-friendly future in fashion and lifestyle.

TikTok:

Tik Tok has become increasingly popular since the global pandemic came about, it is a quick and easy way to access social media posts.

@acteevism 

Megan McSherry is known for being one of the first sustainable TikTokers, she advocates for change and works in sustainable campaigns, she uses her platform to educate people on how to become conscious consumers.

@stan

Tristan Detwiler utilises his platform to talk about and promote upcycling of clothing, sharing his story, and inspiring others.

Pinterest boards to follow

Restitchstance 

They show where to shop for eco & ethical fashion, educating readers on what fast fashion is and what fair trade and ethical clothing means for us as consumers.

Splendid Moon | All About Sustainability 

They show us where to buy sustainable kitchen and home products, working on getting rid of plastic and harmful materials in the house.

Going Zero Waste: eco-friendly lifestyle tips, recipes, and DIYs 

This board is great for giving general, daily life, and sustainable living tips such as what you should stop buying and begin making and products that have zero waste to buy and use in your home. 

Images from: https://pixabay.com/images/search/tik%20tok/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

3 tips to style a blazer

Blazers are the latest trend, there is so many ways you can style them. From dressy to casual, winter to summer, we are here to give you our favourite 3 tips for a stunning blazer look!

1. Casual combo 

Style your blazer with denim jeans, any type of jeans will look great. To make it look casual but smart you can add a white tee styled with a chunky necklace, our Ella necklace would look ideal. 

2.  Dressy

Switch it up to evening wear by changing those denim jeans to black jeans, paired with a polo neck for winter and a cami top for summer, such as our Ashley Lace Vest Top. 

3. A summer accessory 

Try a linen blazer that is a pastel colour to wear over your summer dress or skirt, it is the perfect summertime accessory and makes any look slightly more dressy for the season. 

Images from: https://pixabay.com/images/search/summer%20dress/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

All things Galentine's day

Yes, we are all aware of the famous celebratory day of love, Valentine's day, but have you heard of Galentine's day?! It may be our new favourite 'fake' holiday! A play on the name Valentine's to celebrate our favourite 'gals'. 

Whether you are celebrating Valentine's or not, have a little think about Galentine's, which speaks all self-love, showering your female friends with love and support. It promotes all things girl power, a day where we can indulge and love ourselves and celebrate the amazing women surrounding and blessing our lives. 

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Galentine's, and that's the beauty of it. So join us on the 13th of Feb, put on your favourite movie, order in your delicious takeout, grab a glass of wine and sit back! Dedicate the day to things you enjoy doing, and if we cannot meet with our girlfriends because of COVID why not host a zoom quiz meeting? 

What is so wrong with treating yourself to flowers and chocolates? We love the idea! Maybe you have wanted to dedicate some self-care time, a nice pamper or skincare routine will do the trick. There may be a gift you want to purchase for yourself, which you can find plenty of on our website.

Are you curious of how this fabulous holiday came about? It happened around ten years ago, in 2010, and it was actually created by the fictional character Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation. The episode is called "Galentine's day" where she gathers a group of her friends for a brunch, and ever since then women have loved this idea, a no-pressure, fun, and feel-good holiday with no gimmicks. 

Images from: pixabay.com

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Lilly - Pleated Skirt

 

Lilly Pleated Skirt in Cream

The Lilly Pleated Skirt is a must-have for the New Year. It comes in cream, pink, or black. The chiffon material gives a lightweight and comfortable feel to the skirt, perfect to wear casually or for an event. 

Lilly Pleated Skirt in Pink

You can create an instant winter look with a high neck jumper and tights, or you can make the skirt fancy with a blouse and heels. Its diversity and versatility makes it ideal for all occasions. The Lilly Pleated Skirt can be worn in all weather and is a staple piece for any outfit. 

Lilly Pleated Skirt in Black

The Lilly Pleated Skirt is also a great gift to purchase for friends and family who are looking for clothing to be used all year round. Now that the second lockdown has come to a finish, it is the perfect time to start filling your wardrobe with sustainable items that will last.

Images from: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

 

Want to show your loved one how much they mean to you this Valentine's Day? We at Madia & Matilda have some great options for a special gift that they'll definitely love!

1. Jemma - Cowl Neck Dress

Perfect for a Valentine's Day evening dinner.

2. Amber - Lace top

3. Body & Massage Oil Collection - Beauty Giftset

So that your partner gets the pampering they deserve!

4. Phoebe - Contrast Panel Skirt

5. Prism - Clutch Bag

The perfect addition to a red or pink outfit to match the Valentine's Day vibe!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Happy Birthday Michelle Obama

 

As we celebrate Michelle Obama's birthday (17th January 1964) we thought we would take a look at the highlights of this inspirational African-American woman career. 

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama was the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, married to the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama. Michelle Obama was the first African-American First Lady in American history. 

Michelle was taking classes in her school's gifted program by the sixth grade and went on to attend Whitney M. Young Magnet High School (Illinoi's first gifted school). Michelle attended Princeton University and graduated with a degree in Sociology in 1985. Following this achievement, she went on to study law at Harvard Law School awarded in 1988. 

Michelle worked for the firm Sidley Austin in Chicago and in 1991 left her corporate law to pursue a career in public service as she worked as an assistant to Mayor Richard Daley. In 1996, Michelle joined the University of Chicago as associate dean of student services and in 2005 she was appointed vice president for community and external affairs. In 2007, Michelle attended compaign obligations during Barack's run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Most notably, Michelle has given some incredible speeches throughout her career. They have shown power and have inspired many. 

September 12th, 2012, "Every day, the people I meet inspire me, every day they make me proud, every day they remind me how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on earth."

July 25th 2016, "I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves, and I watch my daughters, two beautiful, intelligent, Black young women, playing with their dogs on the White House Lawn. And because of Hilary Clinton, my daughters, and all of our sons and daughters, now take for granted that a woman can be President of the United States."

January 13th, 2017, "Being your first lady has been the greatest honor of my life and I hope I've made you proud." "I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong. So don't be afraid. You hear me, young people? Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. Empower yourself with a good education. Then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise. Lead by example with hope; never fear."

Happy birthday Michelle, from all of us at Madia & Matilda.

Images from: https://pixabay.com/images

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Eco Fashion Event - What makes fashion eco in 2020 and beyond?

Ellen Cigarette Trouser

 

Ellen Cigarette Trousers in Black

The Ellen cigarette trouser is a slim fit trouser, featuring pockets and a fly zip fastening. They are neo-romanticism style trouser which is effortless and easy to wear both in the daytime and at night. 

Ellen Cigarette Trouser in Grey

The soft cotton material adds to the effortless style of these trousers as they are comfortable to wear. The material makes them perfect to wear for winter, working from home or in the office. They can be styled for the outdoors with our Kirsty top.

Ellen Cigarette Trouser

Available in black and grey, the trouser has a classy and sophisticated look whilst remaining comfortable and classic. 

Images from: https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

New Year's Resolutions

 

2020 has definitely been a hectic year. But the magic of a new year is that it promises change, growth and a better you. We at Madia & Matilda believe that the better you is the one that is kind to yourself, to others and especially the Earth. So for this upcoming year we have a couple of resolutions you can make to be more considerate of our planet.

1. Ditch plastic bags! Buy yourself a tote bag that you can reuse time and time again instead of getting a new plastic bag every time you go shopping - they are extremely harmful to animals and nature!

For example, get yourself the Printed Canvas bag from Madia & Matilda.

2. Raise awareness - spread your knowledge around recycling to your friends and family. You never know who you might inspire to also be better!

3. Carry a reusable water bottle.

4. Buy eco-friendly. Support the environment by supporting companies who are trying to minimize their carbon footprint.

5. Get involved and volunteer for beach and forest cleanups!

6. Say no to disposable straws and cutlery!

We hope these ideas will inspire you to spend 2021 helping the Earth in any way you can - every small contribution makes a difference!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Vegan tips for life

 

A plant-based diet and becoming a vegan are two different subjects, decide why you want to become vegan if it is for the diet or if it is for the animal welfare side. If it is a bit of both remember perfection does not exist when it comes to being a vegan. Just doing your best is what you should strive for. 

My first tip would be to go in slow. Try being a vegetarian first. Do this for a few weeks and then the transition to a full-blown vegan diet is much easier. 

Next tip: Try not to be an unhealthy vegan. Chips and coke can be vegan. You do not want to end up overweight with skin issues and low energy levels. Look out for replacements to get you through in the beginning. Tofu, soy, tempeh are all good protein alternatives. Check out all the recipes online. Pinterest is a good site for recipe inspiration.

You can pretty much make any of your non-vegan meals with vegan replacements or simply leaving out the non-vegan ingredients. My favorite egg replacement is chia and flaxseed mixed with a little water which goes great in cakes and bakes. Tofu scramble instead of eggs are easy and healthy.

Do not let people judge you, if you are concerned with this you do not have to announce to everyone you are vegan, you can always say you follow a plant-based diet. On the other side, it is also important to understand people who are not vegan. If there is one way to turn people off beckoning vegan, it is a vegan that does not understand or judges them. Remember this is a lifestyle, not a diet, start slow and see how your mind and body feel in the process.

Images from: https://pixabay.com

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Movies to Watch

 

As the weather turns cold for winter, and the pandemic means the majority of us will be indoors, we thought we could recommend some great movies for you to watch. Whether you are watching a film alone or with friends and family, we think you will enjoy these suggestions. With Christmas quickly approaching around the corner, what better time to snuggle up in your pyjamas with some treats and put a movie on.

Here are some of our festive recommendations which you can find on Netflix: 

• Holidate
• The Princess Switched: Switched again
• Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square
• Operation Christmas drop
• A Bad Mom's Christmas
• JingleJangle A Christmas Journey

If you do not fancy festive or just need a break inbetween for a different genre, we have some suggestions for other movies available on Netflix which are full of drama and suspense: 

• Rocks
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• Rebbecca
• Enola Holmes
• To all The Boys I've Loved Before
• 13th 
• The Queen's Gambit

Last but not least, you can not beat a classic at Christmas. Here are our recommended classic movies for this winter:

• Love Actually
• Home Alone
• The Grinch 
• Elf
• Holiday Inn
• It's a Wonderful Life
• Miracle on 34th Street
• The Holiday

Give these films a try and let us know what you think! Tag and mention us on your Instagram stories.

Images from: https://pixabay.com

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Self Care Yoga Tips

 

With the current lockdown and strict tier system in place, this is the perfect time to focus on the mind and body. With our quick yoga tips you can begin to practice self-care at home. 

Yoga can be accessible and adaptable to the individual. The practice of yoga is not just physical, it is 90% mindful. Once you begin to align both of these together you will see the true benefits. If you are a beginner you can start off with some easy breathing techniques for your mind, and some beneficial stretches for your body.

Yoga is scientifically known to boost your immune system, improving your health, which it is essential to stay fit and healthy during the current pandemic. 

Lets begin with breathing, if you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed or stressed with exterior problems such as work, take two minutes to deep breathe. Take a long inhalation, following your breathing as it circulates the body and becomes a deep exhalation. Keep following those inhales and exhales, letting the shoulders release on the exhalation and your ribs lift on the inhalation. 

You can also try counting the breath, this is a great technique if you suffer from anxiety, lets try it now. Deep breath in for the count of 1, 2, 3 seconds. Deep breath out for the count of 3, 2, 1 seconds. Continue this and concentrate on the breath, this allows you to divert your focus on your body rather than your thoughts and overworked mind. 

Now some self-care yoga stretches, if you are sat at a desk or working from home, try this.. 

Begin with a supine twist for 8 breaths on your right side, followed by 8 breaths on your left side. This should release any tension built up in the lower back. 

Stretch your arms over the chair and lift your chest tilting the head back, from here we can take a shoulder squeeze pose. 

If you can take 10 minutes out of your day in the morning or evening, it is great for the mind and body to take a childs pose followed by a cobra pose on a yoga matt. These are simple yet effective. 

Most importantly, for self-care, celebrate yourself and trust yourself. Slow down and give yourself a few minutes a day to breathe, stretch, focus on your mind, body, and health. By doing this, we can heal ourselves through yoga. Allow yourself to let go each day at a time. 

Images from: https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-panorama-dusk-nature-3084651/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda