Cheltenham

It's the home of world-famous horse racing tracks, a well-established Fashion Week, a superb Fashion Academy, and the Food and Drink Festival. There is just so much to do in Cheltenham, and it doesn't stop there! Cheltenham Literature Festival is opening soon and will be running from the 6th to the 15th of October. Cheltenham has something for everyone, whether you're a foodie, a book lover, a trendsetter, or a mixture of all three.

http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature/

Madia & Matilda visit Cheltenham often enough to be able to confidently recommend some great spots, for example Huffkins, a contemporary "Bakery and Tearoom" with a relaxed atmosphere. Another place well worth a visit would be All Bar One, a tasteful pre-drinks venue also offering delicious bites to eat.

Cavendish House for a spot of retail therapy. 

For anybody into sewing, Cheltenham’s World of Fabrics is an Aladdin's cave of sartorial possibility.

World Of Fabrics, 28 Albion Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 2LP, United Kingdom

Wholefoods is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds on the Gallagher Retail Park, this store offers a vast range of high quality natural foods, as well as beauty and health products

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/cheltenham

http://www.bostonteaparty.co.uk/

Great scenic views, a thriving shopping centre, the lido and some of the most tasteful restaurants and cafes and also only a stones throw away from Madia & Matilda.  http://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/

 Sincerely Madia & Matilda

New In This Autumn  

Pick up some seasonal style staples and accessories for this Bank Holiday 

Whether you're chasing the sunset, celebrating with friends at a festival, or planning a sunny getaway, we've got a few style ideas and destinations... 

This stunning rose gold bar necklace was hand-crafted by artisan jewellery-making company Lily Flo. The contemporary design makes the necklace perfect for any occasion, from day events to evening events. In a nutshell, this is your Bank Holiday statement piece!

If you've never been to Three Cliffs Bay, don't leave it any longer! This glorious, tucked away beach is a delightful combo of the rugged Welsh coast and a golden stretch of sunny sand (if you catch it in good weather). Pack a picnic, prosecco, a few dogs and a wetsuit, and enjoy a Bank Holiday treat. 

  Sincerely, Madia & Matilda

Home - Ed Sewing Classes

#Foodie - Veggie Noodles With Tomato-basil sauce

We all love a home cooked pasta dish, therefore with our new inspired meal ideas Madia & Matilda have prepared a dish we can all enjoy. 

Ingredients

1/2 tbsp (7 ml) olive oil

4   garlic cloves, pressed 
1 onion chopped up 

2 pkg (10.5 oz/595 g each) grape or cherry tomatoes

1 cup (250 ml) unsalted vegetable stock, chicken stock or chicken broth

1   large aubergine (eggplant for our American friends) , unpeeled

2 medium courgette

2 medium yellow squash

3/4 oz (20 g) fresh basil leaves, snipped

1/2 tsp (2 ml) each salt and black pepper

Directions:

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat for 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Add pressed garlic and chopped onion; cook for about 30 seconds. 

Add tomatoes and chicken stock. Cover; bring to a boil over a high heat.  

Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 6-8 minutes or until tomatoes burst. Gently squeeze any whole tomatoes with Tongs. Using grater or veggitable stripper grate vegetables into long strips, avoiding seeds. Stir vegetables into tomato mixture. Cook, uncovered, 3-6 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally. Finally stir in basil, salt and pepper. 

You will make enough, for 6 servings, enjoy.

Tips:

For variety, stir in any of the following in Step 4. 
• Fresh baby spinach • Cannellini beans or for our non vegan friends - Diced cooked chicken, Italian sausage.


                     Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Shop Unique - Brands Feature - Lily Flo Jewellery

Madia & Matilda curated selection of brands, SHop UNique features our independent designers and brand who share our passion and ethos for ethical fashion, jewellery and products. We interviewed Diana Sherling founder & designer of Lily Flo Jewellery 

1. Can you tell us a little more about the brand?

I grew up in a family who loved art and travel, but it was the art of the Ancient worlds of Greece and Rome that really captured my heart and soul all through school and university culminating in lecturing at the British Museum. Much of my aesthetic is inspired by the art of the ancient world. However, it was my career in luxury advertising as a global strategist for some of the worlds largest advertising agencies that helped shape my sense of style and fashion. I believe in the power of great style, in contemporary twists on timeless style, and how jewellery is essential to finish a modern and elegant wardrobe. I started Lily Flo Jewellery in 2015, frustrated that I couldn’t find the jewellery I desired, ignited my passion for designing and making, learning traditional jewellery skills with a modern take

2.How do you make your jewellery?

Passionate as much about design as much as craft, I learnt metal smithing and gemstone setting at the University of Arts London, but I designs from the heart and everything is made in my studio in London. I love to experiment, curious about creating new shapes and designs through my love of mixing traditional techniques with the innovation of creating new shapes. I have always had a passion for colour, and often select the colour palette first before choosing the gemstones. When I do, I am particularly drawn to the symbolic and empowering nature of gemstones, often playing with the contrasts of rough and finessed, precious and industrial. All the jewellery is made in our studio in London. We believes in authenticity and honesty throughout the supply chain, materials and working practices and be ensuring that everything is made under her meticulous eye.

3.What is the jewellery made from? Components?

Why did you choose this material? Our fine jewellery uses Eco Gold and Silver sourced from the best in Hatton Garden, the Diamond Jewellery centre of London. Eco Gold and Silver is high quality recycled gold and silver without human or environmental impact. Its the most green you can get. We source our gemstones and diamonds directly from India, where every stone is cut and faceted by hand from rough, using contemporary cuts. They are sourced from small businesses who we have personal, long term and trusting relationships with us to not only does ensure quality, but we feel passionately about businesses helping each other. Whilst gemstones are responsibly sourced and our diamonds are sourced through suppliers that adhere to the Kimberley Process and the World Diamond Council's System of Warranties, preventing the distribution of conflict diamonds both in rough, cut and polished stones.

4.What inspires you?

I often visit galleries and museums in London and around the world. I love ancient and modern art milling through the British Museum or the V&A, fine portraiture of Klimt and Rembrandt as well as weird sculptures at the Serpentine and lighting installations. I love colour, texture and form, but art that is imbedded in culture and has something to say. I read a lot of biographies and autobiograhies of artists and designers, fascinated as much about Georgia O’Keefe as Tracey Emin, Diane von Furstenberg and Coco Chanel. I am currently reading Vidal Sassoons Biography which is fascinating.

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

Everything is made in our studio in London. I design everything and make everything as far as possible using traditional silver and goldsmithing techniques. Sustainable and responsible production is at the very heart of the brand and the ethos of why I made the brand into what it is today. I see many other British jewellery brands either outsource the manufacture abroad often to China and Thailand where large factories make the pieces at the lowest price, faceless workers, unsure conditions, all for the lowest possible retail price. It just didn’t feel ethical, honest, right for me. I wanted to create a brand that is ethical, credible, pure, loved for the designs as much as the people who make them. Passionate about more than just the product, but people and the environment. A brand that can live and evolve and I felt the only way to do this was to be true and have a long term view of every part of the design and creation process. For me that means made in London. It means using ethical and responsible materials, metals and gemstones as far as I possibly can. Our metals come from Hatton Garden to ensure quality. It means reusing and limiting the waste of the actual making and supporting small businesses through packaging, retouching everything. I am a born and bred Londoner. I have lived and worked in London my whole life. I love London and never tire of it. So being a British Designer is very important to me and I aspire to represent British as a top British Jeweller one day.

6.Where you would you wear your jewellery?

I specifically design jewellery that can be ageless, timeless, occasion-less. It is designed to wear all the time to feel strong...personal symbols of independence and freedom. ‘I bought this for myself, I wear it because I earned it, it makes me happy..’

7.Favourite place to relax?

I love being by the water… ideally the sea, on a boat swimming.. I’m a massive gym bunny and love jogging in Hampstead Heath..

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

I’m working on extending my fine jewellery collections, for the International Jewellery Show in London in September 2017. Named Stardust it will feature droplets of multi coloured Sapphires, Tourmalines and Diamonds in delicate and dainty shapes, like waterfall chandelier earrings, multi-layered necklaces and bracelets, soft to wear, falling on the contours of the body, smooth and delicate.

9. What do you think about sustainability and how does it impact your business?

I have built my business around being sustainable and responsible. It’s very much a conscious decision to build it to be ethical from the ground up. It’s easier to do it this way than have a business and then change as much as possible to be ethical and responsible. It’s part of everything who we are and what we do. We are all about being good, honest and responsible from the products we make, the partners we choose to sell with, our suppliers and our customers. We believe that there is a massive trend in consumer’s behaviour to be better educated and more knowledgeable about who, what and how products are made. So although they are little treats and beautiful pieces that uplift and simply make women happy, it is genuinely a vital part that they can feel reassured and comfortable that they were made honourably too.

10. What do you like about collaborating with Madia & Matilda?

There aren’t many retailers that genuinely put sustainability and responsibility at the heart of the business. Without a question, great product comes first. Beautiful fabrics, exceptional cut and shapes, insightful and inspiring colours and fabrics, but heart and soul means a great deal. Shalize created her business with that at the heart, she is a great designer.. Yet she has given herself the added challenge of making her products sustainable. We know there is a great deal of wastage and fast fashion has helped augment the issues of sustainability, but Shalize has quietly and confidently addressed them from within and produces on trend, key essential pieces, well priced with a soul.

To shop now, you can find Lily Flo on our Shop Unique selection or under accessories on madiamatilda.co.uk or in-store in our boutique.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Good Read

Madia & Matilda’s spotlight book- ‘The Curated Closet: Discover Your Personal Style and Build Your Dream Wardrobe’ by Anuscka Rees

Think spring cleaning should be left until actual spring? Think again! It’s always the right time to de-clutter, change your diet or pick up that new hobby that you’ve wanted to explore.

There’s a consciousness here at Madia & Matilda about reducing waste; finding innovative ways to use up even the tiniest swatch of fabric. This way of thinking does mean that we have to be clever about how we store and work with materials. For most, this mentality is prevalent in our personal lives too. As a consumer, this book brings focus to how we approach fashion and in particular, waste form day to day.

Read between the lines with this lovely book. As seen with our curated brands Alphabet necklace.

It’s interesting to read the similarities in both our ethos and that of the book. We aim to create timeless pieces that you can fall in love with and can wear for a long time;there’s an emphasis in the book on buying fewer clothes that you feel excited about wearing, rather than a lot of clothes because they’re on sale or in fashion. 

If reading is your bag, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is taking place on 12-28^th August. This Hettie ‘Ella’ bag is perfect for the odd book and your daily essentials if you’re going to take part.

In favour of a lighter touch of reading, we suggest browsing the twitter feed of Ethical Hour. Have a look if you want to get more involved with sustainable brands.

With a good book or some headphones in, either way you could cosy up with our new pillows, made with upcycled fabric. A worthwhile read on a quite afternoon. 

                         

                  Sincerely Madia & Matilda

#Foodie - Pea Soup

Why not choose a creamy pea soup for a delicious autumn dinner to keep you going in the middle of the week

Ingredient:

Creme fraiche (optional)

Butter

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion or spring, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley

6 cups peas, fresh or frozen

½ cup water

4 cups vegetable stock

½ cup half-and-half (optional)

½ teaspoon salt

Freshly ground pepper to taste

You will need:

Pan, a hand held Blender, Spoon

Directions:

Heat butter and oil over medium heat until the butter melts in pan. Add onion and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and thyme (or parsley); cook, stirring, until fragrant, for about 10 seconds.

Stir in peas. Add in water and the stock; bring to a lively simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook for about 1 minute.

Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Stir in half-and-half, add in salt and pepper.

Finally add in Creme fraiche (Leave out if Vegan)

Tip:

Ready  to eat in 35 m, with 3 servings, you can also make ahead of time; refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

  

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Muse of the Autumn Season

As we transition in to the autumn season, we thought we share our muses for the season; Caroline Issa, who is an fan of Madia & Matilda and our sustainable clothing ethos.

CEO and Editor of Tank, Because magazine Caroline Issa exudes classic feminine style, that the Madia & Matilda woman portrays. Always, making a statement in the front row or street style blogs, Caroline style is understated and sartorial.



We have hand selected, work style we feel Caroline Issa would approve of; to transition into the autumn season. 

1. Effortless everyday staple - Shan Blouse worn with the Phoebe skirt, in a fitted silhouette  with a contrast elasticated waist band. A great selection if you are planning on going for drinks after work.

2. A less conventional classic Work shirt - Adian has embroidered flowers or for a classic work shirt the Carrie - Chiffon Blouse as seen worn with the Eduora skirt a midi Length pleated skirt.

3.  Floral beauty - River Top a cap sleeve, pleated top; worn with a smart crop trouser Zara is perfect for running from meeting to meeting!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Edible Papaya Boats

The ultimate in fast food breakfast in a crafted edible bowl. A fresh, delicious & nutritious breakfast that just looks beautiful. Perfect for if your in a hurry or just lounging on a Sunday morning; check out our recipe below.

PAPAYA BOATS

Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS
80g mixed seeds (or Oats or granola which ever you prefer)
1 apple, grated
Splash of vanilla
Pinch of cinnamon
20g blueberrys
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
1 Papaya
Strawberries, blueberries to serve
Blackberrys
Bananas
Almonds
Coconut flakes
1 Nectarines

INSTRUCTIONS
Simply pop the oats in a bowl.
Cut the papaya in half and use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds.
Fill the papaya bowls with the muesli, oats or seeds and top with berries and all the ingredients listed with a pinch of cinnamon and your good to go!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

What to wear at a festival

Whether you are off to Glasto, Hide out or Boardmasters or somewhere further afield…

... We've got a few styles for you to stand out from the crowd; in a sustainable outfit you can wear again and again.

 Our ‘Levannah’and ‘Carly’ dresses are easily our favourite festival go-to.

With such a versatile style, the ‘Julia’ dress is easy to pack, just add your favourite accessories and of course glitter! Tip: The‘Lena’ skirt looks super with it too for increased variety; why not rock the perfect sheer vs. matt ensemble?

 In the mood for music? Check out our Summer Playlist here on Spotify. 

DIY Flower garland

You will need:

·         Scissors/a knife

·         Horticultural wire

·         Tape (preferably green washi or masking tape)

·         Dried flowers or artificial flowers

Step one

Bend the horticultural wire in a loop about 2cm larger than comfortably sits on your head to create the main structure

Step two

Arrange flowers without tape to ascertain how the final product will look. If there’s a variety in the flowers then ensure they’re evenly distributed (or not if asymmetry is your desired effect.

Step three

Begin to tape the flower stems covering each with the next flower. Where you finish will be the back of the garland.

Step 4

Add ribbons or other trimmings for more festival fun!

Aiming to crowd surf or sit on shoulders?Our ‘Jain’ playsuit offers a cool alternative to dresses, for the more adventurous side of fashion.

DON’T FORGET: Sunscreen is the best accessory with any outfit in the sun!

  Sincerely Madia & Matilda