Stainless Steel Straws and Saving the Planet!

Editor's Choice: 

Yeah, we've gone and done it, again. A brand new article with loads of easy, feel-good ways to make your home more eco-friendly. Access our new post here!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

8 Things I Hate About... Packing Badly For My Summer Holidays

8 Things You Need to Pack This Summer

Let's get real here my friends. Everybody, I repeat everybody, is familiar with that feeling you get when you're abroad, or even just 10 miles from home, and you realise you forgot something very important indeed. Now for some that's your favourite undies (or, shock-horror, any undies); it could be the framed pic of your cats, or your phone charger. We consulted with the M&M team to compile a list of 10 things you should never leave behind...

Liv wears our Gwen jumpsuit... In Cuba!

1   Mains adapter, 'cos like, duh, if you forget that you're not going to be impressed with yourself. Alternatively, leave it behind and let your phone die. Then just lie back and relish the feeling of being unreachable, just for a little while.

2   Shampoo, conditioner and soap bars. Stay squeaky clean and smelling great with these no-plastic travel toiletries and not for getting a handy perfume travel set.

3   Sunblock. Forgetting this baby is no joke, especially if you're a pale specimen.

Coffee in Cuba!

4   Antibacterial wipes or a good face cloth, because you never know when you'll run into an ill-maintained toilet. Also good for wiping yourself after you spill ice cream down your top. 

5   Small padlock in case you need to put something in a locker at your accommodation. 

6   Microfibre travel towel. Dries quickly and packs away small, too!

Lovely Liv is wearing our Mel dress in peach

7   A Kindle or similar, for quiet moments while travelling, or for those lazy beach afternoons.

8   Some sassy, versatile outfits for sunset dinners, city wanderings and veranda gatherings. How about checking out the SS18 collection on our website? One of our curated brands, BBoheme, also make the most gorgeous, sunny sandals. 

If we've forgotten anything, drop us a message and let us know. Happy holidays!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

What's On This Bank Holiday Weekend?

Where Will Bank Holiday Weekend Take You?

That's right, lads 'n' lasses: it's bank holiday weekend from the 4th to the 7th. While some people will be hurling themselves into the car at 6pm on Friday to speed off for a mini-break away, others will be oiling up the barbie and putting their feet up in the garden. Whichever you choose, take a quick look at our lil' list of some really cool stuff that's 

happening around the country this weekend. 

The Cotswolds

Close to home for us, the Cotswolds really come alive in the sunshine (especially with a cool glass of beer in hand). The Prince Albert pub in Rodborough are holding their 11th annual beer and music festival this weekend, offering "32 of the finest handpicked beers from across the country", plus gorgeous food from the Jamaica Inn Kitchen pop-up, and a lovely selection of equally delectable local music acts. 

Photo courtesy of University of Hull

Hull
The UK's City of Culture has a huge amount to offer in terms of stuff to do (as you'd expect). This weekend you can indulge your curious side with exhibitions on everything from Light and Colour at Studio Eleven, a collection of pieces centered around glass and its sculptural qualities, to the Hull Skateboard Festival at several different locations across the city. Another place worth checking out is the fruit market on Humber st, with lots of eclectic vintage shops and restaurants. 

Photo courtesy of The Telegraph

London
Deciding what to do when you hit London can be difficult. Luckily we've done some digging for you, so no stress! Here are a few ideas to contemplate while sipping a glass of something cold in your back yard...

Fashioned From Nature: an exhibition hosted by the V&A
Described as being "about the future of fashion – and the planet" by TimeOut, this awe-inspiring collection pulls together examples of nature in fashion from the 17th century to the present day. The V&A is famous for it's world-class events, and if you have even a passing interest in fashion, this sounds like one you wouldn't want to miss. Find out more here.

New Cross and Deptford Free Film Festival 
Catch a selection of quirky films from all genres in a number of venues across London. The event is running from Friday to Sunday, so grab a blanket and head over! More info here.

KERB Does Alchemy
The Southbank Centre becomes home to a whole world of vibrant and spicy cuisine from India to Afghanistan. The event will host 29 traders, all cooking with a huge range of flavours and styles. If you think you can handle the heat, head over there now! We were especially taken with the mention of "pistachio butter orange glaze donuts". Count us in! More here.


What will YOU do with your extended weekend of freedom? Enjoy your May bank holiday!





Sincerely Madia & Matilda

We've Been Nominated For A Muddy Awards

https://glos.muddystilettos.co.uk/vote/womens-store/



Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Fashion Revolution Week - Meet The Team

Discover Madia & Matilda at the Ethical Fashion & Lifestyle PopUp. 

                We will be showcasing our collections at 

               39 Pepper Street, London, E14 9RP, UK.

Madia & Matilda is designed and produced in the beautiful Cotswolds by Shalize Nicholas. Shalize graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University after working within the industry for retailers and designers, such as Mary Katrantzou in Paris, Tesco's and Littlewoods. 

Set apart from the 'fast-fashion' industry, Madia & Matilda's chief objective is to create using zero waste ethics. Unfortunately, the fact that most fashion retailers view wearing the same clothes more than once as 'uncool' has negative effects on the environment. Clothes put into landfill create waste which takes years to biodegrade. We at Madia & Matilda oppose the rule that fashion is transient and disposable, and aim to produce garments with the lowest environmental impact possible.

What we are doing differently

Our brand was born from a wish to contribute positively to the idea of “slow fashion”. This view of fashion emphasises the importance of respect for the planet and the sources of the materials we use to make our garments. We hand-make all our clothes and have the greatest respect both for our workers and the materials we use. The clothes are made from recycled fabrics which might normally be thrown away. Some garments are up-cycled: transformed from old or unwanted garments to beautiful new ones. 

We also offer an alterations service in our shop, mending and adjusting customers’ worn and torn clothes to give them a new lease of life. 

Our clothes are intended to be timeless pieces to add to the customer’s existing wardrobe. In this way we like to think of our business as a kind of antidote to the rigid seasons-based fashion industry we are urged to subscribe to on the high street today.

Check our website for a general overview of what we do and to stay updated on our press releases. www.madiamatilda.co.uk

Opportunities 

Madia and Matilda provide opportunities for local and young people, encouraging them to gain experience. We work with universities and local colleges and initiatives, bringing production back to Britain. 

All our packaging is biodegradable and we recycle where ever possible.

Free registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kitty-ferreira-friends-ethic…to be kept up to date with in store events, from swishing to workshops.

Connect with our in store seamstress for repair, mend and alterations and details on each brand will follow shortly:) #whomademyclothes#fashionrevolution

QUIZ! Finding Your Personal Style

Simple As ABC? 

A few people out there have it all figured out: career, culinary prowess and crazy good dress sense. But what if you don't have a built-in clothing compass? What if you're still in the land of 'Can I wear black and navy together?' Take our quiz to find out which core pieces you should invest in as building blocks to your wardrobe.

Jasmine jumpsuit... Fresh out of the studio for Spring!

Our Felicity dress... Cute and Summery!

Send us a message on our website to let us know what you think of our quiz, 

we'd love to hear your results!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Wedding Season

Bride or Groom?

It's coming up to wedding season y'all. If you've been invited to anyone's big day, you'll want to start planning what you're going to wear. But for a lot of people it isn't as simple as seeing a dress in a shop with a reasonable price tag that fits like a glove and will miraculously go perfectly with your best shoes (we wish). So you're looking at the invitation and you read...

..."dress code is black tie..."
This is pretty standard order for weddings and fairly easy to shop for. It's usually agreed that for women this translates into either a long evening dress, one that finishes just below the knee, or a cocktail dress. The key with black tie dress is to keep it fairly simple and elegant— you don't want to outshine the bride! Our Katherine dress below also comes in pale blue and soft coral, perfect for a Spring wedding!

"...morning dress please..."

Formal day dress, essentially. You should aim for smart, elegant daywear, e.g. a dress or skirt with a jacket or long coat. Again, no thigh-high hemlines! You're not heading out for a night on the town, girl. If it's going to be hot (so probably not being held in the UK), you could opt for a shawl or wrap to put over your shoulders. How about teaming our Cordelia dress with a bright shawl to add a pop of colour?

"...please dress smart-casual..."

This can be a tricky one. If in doubt, always check with the organisers exactly what this means. However, if you know what the venue is and who the couple are, it shouldn't be too difficult to figure something out. Our Minnie skirt would work really well with a light blouse or shirt and jacket. The gorgeous yellow-mustard colour is perfect for any occasion. 

"...casual/themed dress..."
This can seem ambiguous but it all depends on whose guest you are! If the people walking down the isle are the 'go big or go home' type, feel free to get a bit adventurous, while taking care not to appear too formal. Have some fun with it, let loose! Make sure you read the invitation carefully and ask around to see what other people will be wearing. Our Abbie dress can be dressed up or down, depending on what the occasion calls for.

General things to remember

• You're not the bride: don't go for colours that are too loud or clashing that might make you the centre of attention by accident.
• Choose styles that are semi-conservative and respectful: if you're wearing a short dress with a massive slit down the side, eyebrows may be raised.
• Don't wear white! That's the bride's colour. In the case of two grooms, double check with the organisers.
• Have fun! Weddings are all about celebrating love, so feel free to dress like it!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Care of Cotton

25% OFF - 5 Years in the Making

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Care for Silk

Here is how to care for your silk garments

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Easter 2018: The Food Edit (No Chocolate Here!)

For all you peeps who like to do something special to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus/chocolate bunnies, this is for you! Of course, there's the good ol' Egg Hunt (who's dressing up as Mr Bunny this year?), a family walk, or church. Whatever Easter looks like for you, you can't beat a bite to eat with the Fam. We've got some ideas to kick things off. 

Places to Eat
The Cotswolds are famous for the broad range of places where you can get some truly amazing, locally produced food. Here are three of our favourites:

Lavendar Bakehouse is a little teashop and cafe in Chalford, just by the canal. They source their ingredients as locally as possible and you can taste the love they put into the food! This is a lovely place for brunch or cake, or both! 

Image courtesy of TripAdvisor

The Canteen is Nailsworth's quirky, yummy offering to the Cotswolds' food scene, drawing celebrity attention stars such as Liam Gallagher. The food is incredibly good and the cafe backs onto Domestic Science, a mini emporium supplying chic vintage homewares, quality office supplies and much more. 

Image courtesy of TripAdvisor

Wild Garlic is also based in Nailsworth (Naily's got it all, folks!). Jay Raynor is a big fan— need we say more? We will anyway. Chef Patron Matthew Beardshall handpicks local, seasonal ingredients with which to create his dishes. And did we mention the "locally sourced traditional roast" on the Sunday lunch menu?! (Psst! Booking recommended).

Image courtesy of TripAdvisor

If 'forking' out for a full meal isn't for you, you could ask everyone to make their favourite dish (assign some people to sweet, some to savoury, some to drinks etc.) and put on a bring and share. Something a bit different, and if you find dates like Easter stressful, 
it should take the edge off! 

Whatever you're doing on the Easter weekend, we hope you have the loveliest, yummiest time! (And good luck with the rest of Lent!)

Sincerely, Madia & Matilda

Three Cheers for Mummy!

Mother's Day 2018

With Mother's Day just around the corner on the 11th March, we have some 

last-minute gift ideas if you haven't quite got it sorted yet.  

If you're hoping to give your mum the opportunity to kick back and indulge in some serious relaxation, you couldn't do better than a gorgeous gift from Lola's Apothecary. Their Queen of Roses bath milk has won awards for its amazing scent and super calming properties, and if your mum likes to chill out in the bath this could be the one for her! 

Remember when you and your mum used to do everything together, like bake, or going to the park together? This Hettie bag, made from British tweed is a great gift to surprise your mum; whilst  you bring back those memories with a slightly lower-stress baking project, and enjoy the results with a lovely fragrant cuppa from Hoogly Tea. They do a fab Apple Strudel flavour that was basically made for those lazy baking afternoons and it comes in the sweetest little box! 

If you're looking for a beautiful, hand-crafted card to write something lovely and soppy in, think about getting a card from Coco Loves. They do a Super Mum card made from Scrabble tiles— a brilliant upcycled gift.

Shout out to all the badass mums out there — you rock!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

International Women's Day 2018

Who Run the World? (Girls and Boys Working in Harmony to Overcome the Toxic Agenda of a Capitalist Patriarchy)

Beyoncé is in the house, yo. Thursday 8th March is International Women's Day (IWD), so we're all about celebrating women. Just like any other day, really! 

Image courtesy of International Women's Day website

It's 100 years since women in Britain were given the vote by King George V on February 6th 1918. This right was afforded to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications, and these conditions were slowly lifted over time until here we are in 2018, skipping merrily to the polling station to cast our hard-earned vote.

No IWD post would be complete without mention of the formidable Suffragettes who fought with incredible bravery to secure their places as valuable and contributing members of British society. Shout out to you, Wonder Women! We tread your path with joy and pride.


Women have made huge progress in the last 100 years. Here are some highlights:

• 1922— Law of Property Act states that husband and wife will inherit property equally
• 1928— All women have voting rights equal to men's
• 1958— Life Peerages Act entitles women to sit in the House of Lords for the first time
• 1967— Abortion Act evolves, allowing doctors to perform the operation if the pregnancy was in any way dangerous. This ruling became increasingly flexible 
• 1974— the Pill becomes widely available through the NHS
• 1976— Race Relations Act makes it illegal to discriminate on grounds of race in employment and education
• 1985— Equal Pay (Amendment) Act entitles women to be paid the same as men who are doing work of equal value
• 1994— After years of serious campaigning by women's organisations, rape in marriage is recognised as a crime
• 2004— Gender Recognition Act allows transgender people to live fully and permanently in their acquired gender to gain legal recognition in that gender

Wow!

So now for a small selection of ladies who are not taking sh*t from anyone. ANYONE. 

Munroe Bergdorf

We'd be surprised if you haven't heard of this amazing woman. She's been making a lot of headlines recently, expressing her views on sexuality and gender, feminism and individuality. She's had a lot of backlash as a result, but has that shut her up? Nah. We love this article, where she talks about the L’Oréal racism scandal. 

Image courtesy of Twitter

Meghan Markle

Meghan's already incurred a lot of buzz. She's passionate about women's welfare and has been an ambassador for UN Women. She holds an extremely influential position, which could be used to do an enormous amount of good for progress in resolving women's issues. We know that so much of this progress is pushed by women everywhere, of all classes, but having someone like Meghan to represent it can be a huge asset to the effort. 

Image courtesy of Royal Central

Lucy Siegle

Lovely Lucy is championing ecological solutions to everyday, problems via her column in The Guardian (we heard she's just left, but you can still read the articles!). She's a big advocate for going plastic free and looking for more ecological sanitary and cleaning products. Lucy is pushing for conscious shopping  (just like we are) and cautious consumerism. Hear hear!

Image courtesy of The True Cost

Sincerely Madia & Matilda