Ode To Olive

Ode To Olive Why olive is currently my favorite neutral There's nothing I find more thrilling than helping people develop their signature style. At my initial assessment with a client, I ask one of the most basic questions—“What are some of your favorite colors [to wear]?” No one has ever said olive! It's no secret that the verdant hue doesn't have the most glamorous reputation. Admittedly, my first word associations with the color were, army, “Oyl” (as in Popeye's skinny girlfriend) and turtle. Albeit, I have a feeling the mossy tone will emerge to become an essential color this autumn. Try using olive as a substitute for your more familiar neutrals to give your wardrobe a lift. Knock all those little black dresses out of the water at your next cocktail party in an exquisite sequined mini. I just love a dress that makes an equally amazing entrance and exit. If you prefer smaller doses, olive also makes an excellent garnish. A great satchel is the perfect anchor for fall and winter 08's jewel tones, namely berries. Shoes in the tone also make an impact! I adore these utilitarian but sweet mary-janes; they will add striking contrast to a key fall trend-ruffles! The gorgeous L.A.M.B. sandals look great paired with just about anything and come in three collectable colors. The zipper details are really stunning, aren't they? Pair them with black tights and a tailored coat in chillier months. I'm such a fan of Michael Kors' winter boot collections. I invest in a pair every year, and these will do double duty navigating the city comfortably in snow and rain. The best thing about these boots is how cozy they are! You won't want to take them off all season long. So that is my ode to olive, I hope you will give the color a chance and invest in smart pieces that will enhance your existing wardrobe. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is you can start with smaller pieces to compliment existing pieces in your closet. Why I like it: It's green without the naïveté. It's softer than black, warmer than gray and has a bit more personality than brown. What to look for: Women-Unique detailing and feminine nuances make the color feel modern and chic. Military influences are a given with this shade so look for subtle references to avoid looking like you're wearing a costume. What to look for: Men-Unexpected textures such as mohair and treated leathers. Try an olive fedora on for size or pair a chunky knit sweater with rich browns for an updated look. Avoid head to toe olive unless you're enlisted.

1)Graeme Black-Woven Detail Frock Coat- $2,654 (Was $6,635 ) (2)L.A.M.B.-Nayuta T Strap Sandals in Olive-$374 (3)Devi Kroell Classic Long Metallic Python Hobo-$2,690 (4)BCBGirls-Chloe Satin Mary-Jane in Hummus-$ 114 (5)Goorin Brothers-Palmer Plaid Stroller Fedora Hat-$35 [Men] (6) Topshop-Cornelli Hotpants with gold detail-$55 (7)Top Shop-Knitted Ladderweave Scarf-$30 (8)Carolina Amato-Opera-Length Leather Gloves with silk lining-$165 (Was $285) (9)Foley + Corinna-Glazed Jet Setter Jr Tote in Olive-$528 (10)KORS Michael Kors- Olive Altitude Cuff Boot-$440 (11)Public School-Olive Baldwin Jacket-$469 (Was $670) [Men] (12)Antik Batik-Dinah Sequin Dress-$ 595 Runway Photos: Michael Kors and 3.1 Philip Lim Fall 2008 provided by Imaxtree.com