A Note from Jane
I am so excited to introduce you to Sarah and her line, Marie Oliver. We first crossed paths in Palm Beach last winter and I have been wearing their styles ever since! I love all of their prints - especially this time of year I am drawn to a bold print. Enter here to win our giveaway below - a Jane Win Coin of your choice, Chunky Chain, and $500 to shop Marie Oliver's fall collection. I hope you'll read through my interview with Sarah and check out their site. Here is my lineup of Marie Oliver favorites (including the fabulous dress you see me wearing above!).
xx Janie
Sarah! I am so excited to introduce you to our Girl Gang. First and foremost, for those that do not know you, where are you from and where did you get your start?
Thank you for having me! I was born and raised in North Carolina. My husband Peter and I both grew up in Greensboro, and both worked in finance before starting Marie Oliver. It really all started after I kept coming up empty handed when I had a specific dress in mind for an event, so I decided to create a brand that made clothes I wanted to wear inspired by the ease, sophistication, and color of our southern home roots.
You left finance for fashion. That’s quite a jump! What made you take the leap? How does your finance background play into what you do as a Founder and business owner day-to-day?
At my core, I am a creative person, and after a few years in the finance world, that itch just won out. And this has never been a hobby for me, it has been a business since the first caftan design, so in that sense I’m applying my background every day. While a lot of my work is creative, finance still comes into play, so I am always exercising both sides of my brain. A business background has been crucial to the success of the brand.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Growing up, my dad used to always say to me, “Find what you love and learn to be successful doing it.” Marie Oliver is just that!
Growing up, my dad used to always say to me, “Find what you love and learn to be successful doing it.” Marie Oliver is just that!
You have quite a #JWNeckmess! Your layers are—Aquarius Zodiac Pendant, Protect Original, and the Sun Palm Heart. What drew you to these pieces?
My husband and I are both Aquarius, so that was a no-brainer. As for Protect Original, I’ve been in a moment where I feel like I need to be better at protecting my energy, so I was drawn to that, as well as the beautiful green enamel. And the Sun Palm Heart feels tropical and like a true happy thought.
First, find your grit. It not only takes hard work—a lot of people can work hard—but it really takes grit and determination to put your feet on the floor every day. Obstacles are constantly coming, so you must wholeheartedly believe in the ‘why’ and the reason you started in the first place. Second, my mom taught me that you can be good at a lot of things, but you can't be good at all things at the same time. I’m not afraid to ask questions, or turn to experts. Stay curious, and be a sponge. As a business owner, you can never stop learning.
A few quickfire questions!
It's time to start dressing for FALL! What is your uniform?
A midi skirt and a great sweater, like our soft, nubby Ozzie, and Helga, our new silk swing skirt. I also love to pair our skirts with a silk top, like our new Gabriella pussy bow blouse. I’m such a skirt girl!
What is your favorite fall trend?
Monochromatic dressing, meaning wearing the same or similar colors head-to-toe. We have a lot of great monochromatic looks in our fall collection in beautiful colors, like our rich reds Merlot and Potion, deep Space Blue, and Rosin green.
LEAST favorite fall trend?
Clunky, chunky footwear. Those oversized shapes are just not for me.
The great debate, skinny or baggy jeans?
It all depends on proportion and what is right for your body. For me, baggy jeans are not a thing.
What are you binging right now?
Actually, I don’t watch TV! I know that’s wild to say these days…
What do you never leave home without?
My dog Linley, my phone, my work bag, and a very large cup of coffee.
