Style - Gift Selection

December is here and where has the year gone. Coming into our 3^rd year at Madia & Matilda, things have definitely changed and developed, moving in to the New Year; Christmas festivities has got us feeling all nostalgic. With the present of new chapter, brings our thoughts to our gift guide, from our curated selection.  We want to share our favourite selection of gift ideas with you.

"Tis the season to be jolly", and what better way of celebrating with family and friends than with this flattering dress is just what every girl needs, wear it with a necklace and clutch bag

The Fahra & Sapphire dress is made from sustainable materials, made in Britain

Shop the look 

 Saphire - Gathered Strap Dress                                       Fahra - Velvet Dress

Keepwood have a great range of sunglasses for those who are seeking some winter sun. We’ve picked our must-have sunglasses for the winter.

Handcrafted Beach wood glasses

Keepwood -  Handcrafted Beach wood glasses, their mission is to handcraft glasses without environmental impact of traditional eyewear.  

Maja necklace 

These two necklaces are hand crafted, from our new curated brand – Mara – necklace a British Jewellery label hand crafted in  

Just because we love a charm bracelet, this perfect chic accessory is for a conscious style lover.

Daphne necklace - Maja necklace - Foxglove Bracelet

Foxglove Bracelet

Shop Unique and sustainable and handcrafted items here

Not sure what to get that special someone, our gift vouchers are a great way to tell them you care, especially for those fashion/ethical conscious, shopaholics

£25  -  £50  -  £75  -  £100

If you have any questions about our gift vouchers email, info@madiamatilda.co.uk

Wild Flower and Lavender

Candles to keep that feel good moment or to set the family festivities a light, feefee and lolly bee candles are made in Britain, with soy wax, a natural and organic candle

Check out the link above

If you have a dress that you just love, which could come out or one more dance, you can always book in with our alterations service. For further information take a look here

To shop any of the items in the gift guide, visit madiamatilda.co.uk. Now all there is left, is relaxing with some mulled wine and mince pies

Wishing you a very special Christmas

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

e::  info@madiamatilda.co.uk       w::  www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

Shop Unique - Brand Feature - Preux

Madia & Matilda curated selection of brands, SHop UNique features brands who share our passion and ethos. We interviewed Jil Saluck founder & designer of Preux

Madia & Matilda interviewed Jil Saluck on her luxury

  USA crafted bags. Find out more below.

Can you tell me a little more about the brand:
Preux handbags are designed by Jill Raymond Saluck using custom dyed and printed leathers, and are hand manufactured in NYC an Minnesota.  Without the need for excess embellishments or logos, the brand represents refined and personal style. The leather tones are up to the minute but go beyond the trends. The versatility of the collections offer a plethora of different pairing options, whether you are dressing for a night on the town or for a day at the office. Luxury leather combined with modern, minimalist structure makes Preux handbags a timeless addition to any 

wardrobe.


How you make your bags:

The leather is custom printed in Italy, then shipped to the U.S. where the bags are hand manufactured at a leather handbag factory from my samples.

What they are made from? components? why did you chose this material:

The bags are made from printed and foiled Italian leathers that I chose for their unique look and durability.  All hardware is hidden in the interior of each bag to give it a minimalist streamlined look.

What inspires you:

I'm inspired by interesting textures and subtle mixtures of color.  I like to start designing a handbag by exploring different patterns and textures, then choosing colors.

Where do you make the your bags:

My handbags are all made in one of two factories- one in Brooklyn, NY and one in Minneapolis, MN.  I work very closely with the artisans to ensure that each product meets my specifications, and if there is an issues we make changes until we get it right.

Where you would wear your bags too:

Preux handbags can be worn virtually anywhere.  There is a style for any outing imaginable; the Gala clutch for elegant or formal affairs, the Girls Nite shoulder pouch for casual evenings out, the Pavement Pounder crossbody for busy days of multitasking, and the Lunch Meeting tote for every day, or even as a beach or pool bag.

Favourite place to relax:

My favorite place to relax is the beach- I always bring my tote because it keeps my phone safe from sand and water!

In the future what styles do you plan to make next?

In the future I plan to add a backpack style to the mix.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

e::  info@madiamatilda.co.uk       w::  www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

Style - Party season

Chrismas with M & M

Shop Unique - Brand Feature - C.Nicol

Madia & Matilda curated selection of brands, SHop UNique features brands who share our passion and ethos. We interviewed Cathleen Nicol founder & designer of C.Nicol

                                 Madia & Matilda interviewed Cathleen Nicol on her luxury
                                            sustainable bags. Find out more below.



 Can you tell me a little more about the brand? 

C.Nicol is a contemporary, luxury British accessories brand led by Scotland-born founder and designer, Cathleen Nicol.

C.Nicol bags offer clean clean, functional shapes and use colour and textured materials to bring something unique to the finished look of each bag. Most of the components used are sourced from the UK and every bag is cut and sewn in London.

2015 is C.Nicol’s first year in business and we now have stockists in the UK and Middle East. In 2016 we will have a presence in the Far East too.

How do you make your bags?

It starts with a sketch, then a paper prototype and then we fine-tune the pattern pieces. A leather sample is produced and when we are happy with it, we go into full production at the factory in London.

 What are the bags made from? Components? Why did you choose this material?

The first collection of bags was made from British leather and Scottish salmon skin. I often wondered what happened to all the skins from the salmon used for the food industry in Scotland and after some time, I found a supplier that sourced their skins for dyeing from Scottish and Irish organic salmon farms.

 The second collection was made from British leather and some French goatskin and I source most of my metal fittings from a shop in London. The goatskin has a beautiful iridescent finish and texture. The British leather has a lovely grain and is firm but pliable which is what I was really looking for.

The leather tanneries where we source our skins all have pretty robust environmental practices and policies. A large amount of water is used in the tanning process and so using companies that we environmentally conscious in their day to day practice in terms of economical water usage and limitation to damage on the environment was important.

The lining for each collection is designed by a different British artist or illustrator and is printed in London on a silky monroe satin fabric.

What inspires you? 

I find inspiration in everything. Inspiration for the theme of my collections comes mostly from different aspects of nature. In terms of design and functionality of my bags, inspiration comes from watching how women hold and carry their bags – I love people watching!

Where do you make the product and what does sustainability or making a quality British product mean to you?

Every C.Nicol bags are made in a small factory in Hackney, London. For me, producing in the UK means quality, reliability and support for the economy of my home country. It also enables a level of communication throughout the production period that I may not be able to achieve if I partnered with a factory overseas.

Where you would you wear your bags to?

I wear my bags shopping at the weekend, to work meetings and also to go out with my girlfriends at night. I feel the collection has a variety of styles and colours that suit most occasions.

Favourite place to relax?

At home with my children at the weekend.

In the future what styles do you plan to make next?

We have a large tote bag and another style of clutch bag in the plans for summer 2016.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

e::  info@madiamatilda.co.uk       w::  www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

Idyllic Nailsworth

Nailsworth

An area renowned for its award winning restaurants, cafes, boutiques and idyllic views. The beautiful scenic town of Nailsworth, set in the heart of the Cotswold's, near where we currently reside.

We have  assembled our list of favourite places to visit.

The Canteen.

Situated in the heart of Nailsworth, but out of the way of the hustle and bustle, The Canteen is perfect for a quick getaway. From cappuccinos to an array of various treats (it’s a must to sample one those) to healthy salads, The Canteen offers it all. Located next to Domestic Science, you can have a catch up with friends then have a little peak at the amazing nik naks and furniture you will find in Domestic Science.

 For more information visit http://thecanteennailsworth.co.uk

Domestic Science.

If you’re looking for something a little different, vintage furnishings for your home or for a birthday, anniversary or a gift then Domestic Science can offer all this. If you are stuck for ideas, what you think you may never find may well be in there. Even things you didn’t even know about that existed (happened to me…). They are also a stockist of the Annie Sloane Chalk Paint for any budding DIY’ers out there.

For more information visit https://domscihome.wordpress.com

Williams Food Hall.

 Williams Food Hall dates back to 1975 by William and Rae Beeston and is responsible for putting Nailsworth on the map for foodies like myself, even Jack Straw said ‘I’ve been told I must stop by William’s Kitchen’ Offering fresh fish, delicatessen, restaurant and catering, William’s does it all, and does it well. Now owned by Ed and Helen Playne since 2014, it really is a must see if you are passing through Nailsworth.

For more information visit http://www.williamsfoodhall.co.uk

The Old Fleece.

 As part of The Food Club which offers membership and discount on selected Cotswolds pubs. The Old Fleece is a charming 250-year old coaching inn, located between Stroud and Nailsworth was built ‘in the heyday of the Stroud wool industry’. Attentive staff, great hearty food and amazing cookies, a visit is a must (also ideally situated opposite Madia & Matilda…) To find out more about how you can join The Food Club, visit www.food-club.co.uk and

http://www.food-club.com/pubs/the-old-fleece/

Hobbs House Bakery.

A family business established back in the 1920’s, Hobbs House is always busy and when you go inside, you will understand why! There award-winning bread is all baked fresh and can even be delivered to your door. They offer a fabulous breakfast and lunchtime menu, in their café, upstairs. For afterwards, you must pick up a treat either it be a brownie or bakewell tart, they offer some very tasty treats it is quite hard to walk by empty handed. To top it offer they offer a range of courses, visit www.hobbshousebakery.co.uk for more info.

Woodchester Mansion.

 Woodchester Mansion is totally unique; this is because it is unfinished. However a walk around the ground unveils hundreds of years of history and it really is a great place for a family walk or for dog walkers. You can choose how long you walk for and each walk will take you past various attractions. Each season is so different so whenever you walk is always magical. In  1750 Frederick Prince of Wales stayed there and in 1788 King George III visited.

For the full history, visit www.woodchestermansion.org.uk/History

Mother Goose

 Wool and craft emporium, specialising in craft supplies, kits for knitting, crochet, sewing, needle felting and peg dolls. An abundance of yarns, felting wool, felt, doll, squares of materials, buttons, and ribbons. 

If you share a passion for hand craft you can find it all here, in 10a Market Street, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire http://www.mothergooseonline.co.uk/contact-us.html

Herringbone

 The refined and stylish Herringbone fabric shop, has carefully curated a collection of stylish fabrics, all arranged with colour palette set to inspire. Dressmaking patterns & quality haberdashery. Including small independant branded products and trims; such as Merchant & Mills, By Hand London, Colette, Sew Liberated, Sew Over It, Salme, Liesl + co, Grainline Studio, DIY Couture & Oliver+s.

For those sewing bees, Herringbone is the place to visit for all sewing needs.

http://herringboneshop.co.uk/

This is just a few of the wonders which the little town of Nailsworth, has to offer. With so much more to be discovered, why not find out for yourself.


Green Spirit Organic Fruit and Veg shop

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

5 key sustainable looks for this summer.

Today we thought we would pick out, our 5 key sustainable looks for this summer.

1)  The sheen on the navy boxy top with a slight copper coloured undertone marries well with the pleated pastel candy striped midlength skirt, with knee length slits up the sides for that summer airy feel.  Excellent for a walk in the park or a day shopping with the girls, the skirts blue and white will pick up on the vibrant blue of a summer sky complete with fluffy white clouds. Perfect for an English summers day.

2) A tapered culoutte for this seasons summer trend has come our way paired with a muted coloured gathered crop in floral. Recycled from vintage curtains, ideally paired with a wide brimmed summer hat to keep your bare strapless shoulders safe, and some chunky tan sandles for that on trend 70’s vibe. Less, hold the socks!

 3) For a more shaped sturdy aesthetic on top, this cherry red crop most suites an A-C cup, but more sizes can look good too. The hews on the upcycled patches, on the inside of the pockets, pick up the deep cherry colour of the stiff cotton top. Excellent colours for complimenting for a tan or darker skin, proving perfect for that holiday in the sun.

4) This high necked rose petal top has been synched in by this sky blue corduroy upcycled mini skirt . a sweet 16 pastel look for the retro 90’s teen. The shimmering panels on both sides of this top have ‘Clueless’ written all over it. Strut your stuff in those middy heels in town or that party, don’t forget that pink bubble gum ladies!

5) Mint green summer queen, this outfit is flirty fun and playful with its loose shorts and lavender blue flowers print. Its an outfit for the slightly can’t-quite-sit-still type, however with a French chic aesthetic with the slight shimmer and sheen as you walk down in the summer sun. Paired with cotton white socks and a vintage leather satchel take this summer by storm and be free sweet summer queen.

All these items and more available on Madia & Matilda - see website below.

Written by Ella Clifton Gould & Shalize Nicholas
Photography - Lucy Rooney 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

e::  info@madiamatilda.co.uk       w::  www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

Style with Conscience

Our sustainable clothing label, was asked to join the Green Organisation to present the Awards for this year’s event; held at the Empire Casino for the Green Apple Awards. Showing our Resort 16 collection on our team of beautiful models. 

An awards, which recognize the hard work and dedication to green and environmental causes or business schemes.

The Green Apple Environment Awards were launched in 1994 by The Green Organisation and have become well established as one of the most popular environmental campaigns in the world. Their awards are now in their twenty-second year and well established as one of the major environmental recognition schemes, both in the UK and internationally.

In addition to this we have opened a pop up shop in Strouds merrywalks shopping center, starting out as a one month appearance but then extended into two. Not only do we stock Madia & Matilda clothing we also believe in sporting local businesses an enterprises, such as Kastali bespoke storage solutions, Nicola cook handbags, haberdashery and twist lampshades and Sheri's attic antics. Everything is made to order with an alteration service along side, in keeping with our ecofriendly ethos - making your unloved garments loved. Pop in and find us on the highstreet.

37 kingstreet,
Stroud
GL5 3DA

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

e::  info@madiamatilda.co.uk       w::  www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

Beyond Indulgence - London Chelsea - Belgrave - Knightsbridge

Visits to London, sees us in Chelsea at an exclusive members only club Grace the epitome of calm tranquility and well-being. 

http://www.gracebelgravia.com/

  

   

 A stones throw away is the Chelsea Flower show
near Sloane square and the Saatchi Gallery. For those who like a arts and culture.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-Chelsea-Flower-Show

http://www.saatchigallery.com/

Then cross town at Buckingham Palace a worthwhile visit, if you'd like the real tourist trip.


https://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-Chelsea-Flower-Show



Sincerely Madia & Matilda