MADI Featured on SecondHandSpice Blog

One of our very own, Bailey Sharp, flagship store intimates stylist, featured MADI on her personal blog SecondHandSpice. We love Bailey and are grateful she chose to feature us and wanted to share her blog with all of you!
Reblog:
Be sure to check out Bailey's blog SecondHandSpice to see her original blog post on us, and her many others! And, like she said, go check her out at our flagship store!
June 07, 2016 — Anna Tedder

Kendra Scott at MADI Apparel!

We invite everyone to join us Saturday June 11th from 12 to 3 p.m. at our KC flagship store at 1659 Summit, KCMO.  We're hosting a special gifting themed Pop-Up featuring Kendra Scott, Ocean and Sea, Indigo Wild and of course, MADI Apparel for this month's Second Saturdaze in the Westside!

MADI Apparel at 1659 Summit
Indigo Wild's "Zum Bar"- Photo: Amazon.com
Ocean and Sea Tee- Photo: oceanandsea.com
Kendra Scott Earrings- Photo: kendrascott.com
Enjoy complimentary mimosas + Thou Mayest coffee + Kendra Scott raffle!

- Bring + sign in two friends AND/OR purchase any MADI item and your name will be entered into raffle to win one of 3 Kendra Scott jewelry pieces!
- 20% of Kendra Scott sales will benefit MADI's next international drop-off in Ecuador late June
- Specials by local brands Indigo Wild and Ocean and Sea

Want to come early for more Saturday fun?  We are having our second Pilates class at MADI with Thrive Pilates at 10 a.m.  Then head next door to Westside Local and recieve 15% off your brunch (with purchase of Pilates ticket)!

We hope to see you all for some mimosas, coffee and shopping!
Here are some pictures from past events at our store:

Outfit of the Week: Ladies Who Lunch

The weather has finally warmed up and we couldn't be happier! That means it's time to get out there and lunch with the ladies! This outfit is perfect for sitting on a patio under an umbrella, sipping tea and chatting with your gal pals!
We're starting with The Kyle-Black Classic Boyshort underwear and layering over them an adorable green summer dress. We're accessorizing with a pair of lace-up espadrille wedge sandals and a matching bucket bag. We're finishing off the outfit with a howlite gemstone choker and a pair of arrowhead stud earrings.
Where to find this #MADIstyle:
-Dress: Shop Hearts
-Shoes: Vince Camuto
-Bag: Last Call
-Necklace: Rory Ashton
-Earrings: Francesca's
May 13, 2016 — Anna Tedder

Outfit of the Week: Sunny Day Dreams

This week we are featuring our Ivory Sybil Sleep Top! (And of course a pair of our MADI underwear!) This outfit is perfect to enjoy the warm sunny days that have finally decided to show their face! This outfit is perfect for a walk through the park, sitting outside, window shopping, a picnic, or just about anything It's perfect for anything because it's comfortable and cute!
We're starting with The Kaydee- Wide Lace Brazilian underwear and over top of them putting a pair of cuffed denim shorts. On top, we're putting on our Sybil Sleep Top in Ivory, and tucking it in the shorts just a little! We're accessorizing with a tan cross-body purse and a pair of complimentary lace-up gladiator sandals. We're finishing the outfit with a layered gold necklace and a simple stack of gold bangles! 
Where to find this #MADIstyle:
Shorts: Macy's
Purse: Fossil
Shoes: Nordstrom
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Bracelets: Ross-Simons

Panama Drop-Off Donation!

Executive Director of our non-profit arm MADI Donations - Lindsey - was on a MADI underwear drop-off in Panama in early April!  Here's an update on our mission and partnership in Panama:
Lindsey saw a great need throughout Panama and the comarca home to the Ngobe Bugle Tribe - for women's underwear. It's a luxury item most western women take for granted. 
MADI Donations partnered with companies 4Love (a clothing company that focuses on women empowering women) and Sowing Seeds of Love (a non-profit Lindsay started in Panama that empowers indigenous women, children and orphans through education, team sports and teaching different trade skills.)  Lindsey has established great credibility within these communities as she has been living and empowering these individuals for 4+ years. She knew exactly where to travel to bring these amazing undies to women!  
The donation drop-off consisted of a 2+ hour drive into the comarca followed by a two hour hike up the mountains to distribute undies. They were blessed with passing out 120 pairs in the comarca. With each pair of underwear, the drop-off team also added a note letting the women know they are beautiful and loved. At first, the women were a bit timid and smirked about the undies but when Lindsey talked to them, made jokes and let the women choose the style of undies they liked the best, the whole donation drop-off team watched these women light up!  Love and joy filled the air.
 
MADI undies were also distributed to teenage girls and workers at both orphanages (that our partnered organization Sowing Seeds of Love supports) as well as to all the women of 4Love, their daughters, sisters, sister in laws, aunts, etc..! 
This was Lindsey's first donation drop-off since she became part of our team as Executive Director in February!  In her words "I can't wait to see what the future has in store for MADI Donations and the trips we will embark on to provide women with the joy of undies!"  
Two extra fun facts: 
The women couldn't believe the underwear was made out of Bamboo, they were fascinated by that. 
They loved the black briefs (The Bonnie style) and black lace pairs (The Kaydee style).

The Women Behind The Underwear

Each MADI style is named after individual women who’ve made a difference in the life of our founder and who symbolize the kind of impact MADI can make in the world! Keep reading to learn about how each style got it's name!

From Hayley, MADI’s founder:

I wanted the women buying MADI intimates to picture their mom, sister, best friend, etc. receiving the donated pair.  This was a CRUCIAL element in our development - not only is the name of our intimates line a woman's name (MADI - also spelling out Make a Difference Intimates) - but our styles are named after women as well.  I wanted the women receiving the donations to matter - to have a name.

These important women in my life even inspired the creative process behind designing the garment shapes.  I'm a woman - and I know what women wear and don't wear.  We stick to the styles we know and love - it's usually pretty black and white - but this answer certainly isn't the same across the board for every woman.  For example, some women only wear briefs. Some only wear thongs.  So, I designed clean-cut styles that women feel sexy in and feel comfortable wearing most often.  I wanted to steer clear from trendy styles and fabrics or loud colors that lose their flavor after a year or so.  MADI intimates are simple, luxurious basics that women constantly search their drawers for.  

During the design process, I pictured the loved one who inspired the style name.  I let the design flow from her personality - what makes her unique to the world?  How can an undergarment style embody the essence of her soul?

 

 

The Bonnie

First, I started with my Grandma, Bonnie.  (I call her Gaga, but that wouldn't make for a very nice panty name :) ! )

The brief reminded me of her - because it's CLASSIC.  Briefs will never go out of style - even young women find them most comfy.  When I think of my grandma I think of comfort, ever-present, and always in-style :).

About the style:

Buy The Bonnie HERE

 

Bonnie is well rounded in life and on your body.  High-rise fit with a retro look, flattering every womanly curve.

 

 

 

The Mimi

Mimi is what I call my other Grandma.  She's always around and has never let me down!  This makes me think of the bikini style.  It's modest in the back and doesn't ride - you know she will always stay with you :).

About the style:

Buy The Mimi HERE

Mimi's got your back in everyday life (literally) with full coverage bottoms and a chic, clean front. 

 

 

 

The Kyle

Kyle is my best friend since 4th grade.  She has a gender fluid name and is always up for anything.  The origin of the classic boyshort stemmed from boxers - a low-rise fit with a wide band.  We made it a cheekier cut though - why?  Because we're girls and want to feel sexy!

About the style:

Buy The Kyle HERE

Kyle is the girl-next-door.  Comfy coverage with a classic fit.

 

 

 

The Pamela

Pamela is my wonderful mom.  She is the most genuine person I know - but also is a major "boss chic" with sass.  This style is inspired by the Brazilian swimwear bikini style.  I drew this one up living in a small beach town in Florida.  It reminded me of my mom - sweet and cute all around but spicy when you least expect it!

About the style:

Buy The Pamela HERE

Pamela is sweet with a little bit of spice.  Feminine, soft and sexy with moderate bottom coverage.

 

 

 

The Diana

Diana is my other best friend from 4th grade.  She's outspoken and knows how to express exactly what she wants!  Her hair even inspired this style.  Her long, wavy locks remind me of the fluid, feminine floral pattern in the wide lace band.

About the style:

Buy The Diana HERE

Diana isn't afraid to be different – she radiates beauty and confidence.  Ultra cheeky bottom with a floral wide lace band

 

 

 

The Kaydee

The Kaydee was named after my college sorority, Kappa Delta.  I learned a lot of confidence in this life stage - I also had a lot of fun with my sisters, creating memories that will last forever.  This style (our now most popular style) was designed with confidence and flair.  This one is a guys' favorite! :)

About the style:

Buy The Kaydee HERE

The Kaydee is confident and sassy.  Cheeky bottom coverage with a flirty floral wide lace band.

 

 

 

The Sybil

The Sybil sleep top was named after my first cousin.  She's bold and loud, but is somehow soft and cuddly at the same time.  The design behind this top was to be a garment you never want to take off.  And this is literally a possibility as the top was designed to be worn for bed and outerwear over jeans or shorts!

About the style:

Buy The Sybil HERE

Sybil is bold and mysterious.  She's comfortable in her own skin.

Outfit of the Week: Mother's Day Brunch

Mother's Day is right around the corner and for most of us that means brunching with the woman of the hour! This outfit is perfect for a brunch because it's Springy, so you won't be too hot, it's loose and airy, so you can eat all you want, and it's totally in style!
For starters, we chose The Bonnie- Ivory High-Rise Retro Brief, and are layering over them an adorable blue denim dress. We're pairing this dress with a simple pair of brown wedges and accessorizing with all gold jewelry. We're pairing delicate gold earrings with a short chain necklace, a layered ring and a stack of special Mother's Day Alex and Ani bracelets.

 

 

 

 

Where to find this #MADIstyle:

-Dress: Shop Hearts

-Shoes: Macy's

-Earrings: Anthroplogie

-Necklace: Kendra Scott

-Ring: Ross-Simons

-Bracelets: Alex and Ani

Outfit of the Week: Afternoon Picnic

This week, we're getting outdoors with this outfit for an afternoon picnic! It's finally warming up and what better way to enjoy these perfect Spring days than with a lunch outdoors? This outfit is fashionable yet simple and perfect for an afternoon outside!
We're starting with The Kaydee- Ivory Wide Lace Brazilian Underwear and putting over top of them a pair of regular wash jeggings. Up top, we're keeping it simple with a white scoop neck t-shirt. We're accessorizing with a small brown leather cross-body bag and brown leather heels. We're finishing the outfit off with a gold statement necklace and cuff, and a pair of delicate gold studs.
Where to find this #MADIstyle:
-Top: H & M
-Bottoms: American Eagle
-Purse: Nordstrom
-Shoes: Target
-Necklace: Stella & Dot
-Bracelet: Layla Grayce
-Earrings: Kendra Scott

Join Us For Our Pop-Up Pilates Collaboration!

Join Thrive Pilates & Movement Studio for a series of Pop-Up Pilates with MADI at Thrive Pilates & Movement Studio! ALL proceeds from this event will be used for MADI to donate underwear to sexual assault survivors in Kansas City & MADI will be giving a way a FREE sleep top to one lucky winner!
The first class is this Sunday, April 24th from 8pm to 9pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door! Please bring your own mat and water. To pre-enroll go to thrivepilateskc.com.


April 24 Pillow Pilates 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Join us for an evening Pilates practice to prepare your mind and body for a great night's sleep. Each participant will receive one luxurious, bamboo MADI Apparel sleep top and MADI's non-profit will donate a pair of underwear to a woman in repair.

June 11 Panty Pilates 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
This class will be designed for the female body. Lauren Thompson, owner of Thrive Pilates, has specialized training in working with women's fitness and will utilize her knowledge to develop a series that strengthens and lengthens in unique ways that are healthful for the female body. Each participant will receive a pair of fast-wicking, soft bamboo MADI undies, which happen to be perfect for a pilates workout! MADI's non-profit will also donate a pair of underwear to a woman in repair. Additionally, guests will receive a discount on brunch for June 11th at Westside Local.

Want to attend both classes? Get the 'Complete Set' for a discounted rate of $27.
We can't wait to see you there!
April 19, 2016 — Anna Tedder

Outfit of the Week: Sunny Shopping Spree

Sunny days are finally here! That means it's time to get back out and enjoy some window shopping (and some real shopping)! This outfit is perfect for just that! Enjoy this sunny weather with your girlfriends or maybe even your man!
We're starting with The Diana- Ivory Wide Lace Thong and topping it with an adorable white sundress. We're accessorizing with a small tan cross-body bag and a pair of tan sandals. We're finishing the outfit with a long pendant necklace with a turquoise accent and a simple pair of gold earrings.
Where to find this #MADIstyle:
-Dress: TopShop
-Shoes: Tory Burch
-Purse: Gucci
-Earrings: Eddie Borgo
-Necklace: Stella & Dot

Sexual Assault Awareness Month- Survivor Story

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so we reached out to one survivor to share a bit of her story with all of us, and here it is:

I think we all have an idea in our minds of what a perpetrator looks like; he's a scruffy, dirty, "creepy" man who hangs out in alleyways and drives a van--that, of course, has no windows. Part of this mentality is that we like to think we can tell just by looking at someone whether or not they are dangerous. We like to think if we know what to look out for, and if we know how to be safe, nothing bad will happen to us. Ahh, if only, if only...

This false image of perpetrators played a big role in keeping me quiet after I was raped on a date on November 14, 2009. After it happened, I was confused and so angry. I was embarrassed and blamed myself entirely for not having recognized a rapist even when standing face to face. When I considered coming forward, I thought to myself, "Who is going to believe a guy as successful, handsome and charming is capable of raping someone? And who is going to believe someone would rape someone on a date?" He doesn't fit the image society has of a perpetrator, or even my image of a perpetrator, and that terrified me. The fear of not being believed overshadowed my desire to be heard or validated. Never having felt more lost and alone, I kept it to myself.

My healing was full of hiccups. I made a lot of bad choices, and in between those bad choices was courage to keep pushing forward--despite all the "two steps forward- one step back" progress. The journey was painful, and trying, and beautiful--and mine. Every victim and survivor is going to heal in their own way. What they need and deserve from the people around them is patience, validation, sensitivity, and empowerment. They deserve for us as a community to stand up and say, "We believe you. It wasn't your fault." It's not a pretty subject. People don't like to think about how often it happens and they certainly don't want to talk about it. It's awkward. But survivors aren't going to feel comfortable coming forward when we as a community are terrified to talk about something that happens every day.

My story went public for the first time for MADI Apparel's #HerSuperPower campaign.

Since then, I've been public speaking all over Kansas City and making short, educational videos on YouTube to help raise awareness.

I wasn't ready to have a voice for quite some time, but now that I do, I hope I'm able to be a voice for the voiceless. I hope the world hears me and chooses to treat survivors with compassion instead of criticism. I pray my voice reaches all the men and women who have been impacted by sexual violence, either directly or indirectly, and it motivates them to keep faith. I pray they hear me when I say, "It may not seem like it now, but I promise healing is possible. You too, can feel whole again."

-Geony Rucker

geonyrucker.com

 

Like Geony said, she was featured in our MADI #HerSuperPower campaign, to watch the full video, check it out HERE.
To hear Geony's full story, check out THIS video.
To see some of Geony's other video's check out her YouTube channel HERE.
We are SO grateful Geony was willing to share her story with not only us, but all of you.

MADI at Spring Bazaar in East Bottoms

This coming Friday, April 15th, MADI will be participating in the Badass Bitches Edition of the next East Bottoms Bazaar! This edition will be featuring other female-led businesses like MADI, and we are so excited to be there with them!
The event will be from 6pm-9pm and will be featuring us (MADI Apparel), Wunderhub Vintage, Gilded Jewelry Haus, Sandlot Goods, Wood + Wick Candles, Happy Habitat Photo Bed and Cuban Street Food by Chef Rachel Rinas and of course, beer generously donated by Boulevard Beer.
One of the best parts of the event is that it is totally free to attend!
If you're in the area, we really hope to see you out there!
April 10, 2016 — Anna Tedder