Why We Love: Olivia & Owen

A chic line of toddler playwear, characters not included

The word “toddler” has many associations, and the term “elegant” is typically not included in the batch. The same truism applies to the clothing designated for this age group, the racket of which often competes with the child that’s wearing it.  There simply aren’t enough options for occasions that don’t call for jeans or dressing up, but to which Thomas & Friends are not invited.

New York real estate developer Christina Lari had the same problem when it came to dressing her daughter Olivia for the evenings they spent at home—a time that she, like most busy moms, considered imperative to reconnecting after a long day apart. So, in true power mom form, she created her own line for such occasions.

The result is Olivia & Owen, a luxe brand of playwear that harkens to the delicate fabrics and subtle hues in which you first swaddled your little one. Lari sourced Pima cotton for the line, and drew inspiration from the easy yet detailed pieces her mother brought back from a recent trip to Europe. Wide-legged pants and tuxedo tops remind us of the garments worn by well-to-do children of decades past, while embroidered hearts and fire trucks maintain a sense of playfulness. For a more personalized approach, the garments can be monogrammed.

We love the idea of comfortable yet stylish toddlers when we get home from work to entertain guests or spend a lazy day indoors. The line is far more Mary Poppins than it is Mike the Knight, but we like to keep our children’s wear chic—and our guest list exclusive. —Laura Carroll