Did You Hear? It’s an Olive Girl Summer

If olive girl summer had an official fragrance, this would be it. Perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena (the nose behind many Hermes scents) built Delphes around Olive Grignon Absolute — which is a rare extract from the olive tree never before used in perfumery. It feels ethereal and warm and snagged me a compliment the first time I wore it.

I'm deeply infatuated with this alternative take on the olive note that smells like a glug of peppery olive oil. A Damascus rose and olive oil accord reconstructed from a perfume literally unearthed from the ruins of Pompeii. And as a history nerd myself, I find that incredibly cool.

Named for the ancient olive groves of Sicily, Flamingo Estate pays homage to the olive with this bright, herby candle — one of their many amazing scented candles. I also believe in daytime candles and nighttime candles (I need different vibes, you know?) and this is a great day-to-night option.

This iconic Greek beauty brand sources ingredients from their own olive groves on the island of crete Crete — which is also home to the oldest olive tree in Europe and probably my favorite place in the world. Their oil-based shower oil is a fan favorite (I am among said fans) that’s great for dry skin and arid climates or anyone too lazy to apply moisturize after showering.

Los Angeles-based fine jewelry brand J.Hannah has a line of nail polishes with several olive-adjacent greens for the ultimate olive girl manicure. Use the warm neutral Eames shade for your quintessential green olive, Artichoke to emulate a meaty castelvetrano olive, or Ikebana for a purple-brown kalamata take on the olive. Or wear them all, why not.

I envision the olive girl with a wardrobe of slip dresses, and Spanish brand Bimba y Lola certainly delivers. This particular design feels like something she would throw in a tote for a post-beach cocktail quick change without worrying about wrinkles — but any of their slip dresses will capture that vibe.

Handmade in Puglia by a family-run workshop that’s been at it since 1908, these fisherman sandals feature vegetable-tanned leather, Vibram soles, and a gorgeous olive colorway. Over time, they’ll mold to your feet and develop a patina you can’t manufacture — a time requirement the olive girl respects.

Silk organza and hand-gathered ruffled lace, made in Philadelphia. The headscarf you tie on when you want to look like you’re running errands in a coastal town somewhere warmer than here.

Simple solid gold jewelry feels like the ultimate Mediterranean accessory. Originally cast from a vintage band, designer Danica Stamenic’s 14k stacking ring is an instant classic. It’s understated and elegant on its own, but layers beautifully with its meatier siblings like the Field Ring No. 2 — my current dream ring.

While scrolling Rec League (a new recommendations app), I came across this handmade ceramic dish that’s designed specifically for holding olives. Though I imagine the occasional cube of feta in the mix wouldn’t be illegal. It’s so cute and showstopping for an hors d'oeuvre display.

From one of my go-to shops in Echo Park, Bucatini’s Italian olive wood is just one of many Mediterranean imports I regularly ogle. Each board has a slightly different grain (because that’s how olive wood works) and a grooved border to catch any liquids from spilling onto the floor. If you’re local, don’t miss their fresh-baked olive fougasse — it’s perfection.

Hot take: A beautiful bottle of olive oil makes the best housewarming gift and Flamingo Estate’s EVOO deserves a special spot on the counter. A blend of three olive varieties are grown, then gently picked and pressed by a fourth-generation olive farmer every season. Drizzle it over bread, use it in dressings, or rub it into your cuticles if you feel like it — an olive girl might!

The Guardian’s top food book of 2025 from the former head of the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen that Nigella called “absolutely glorious”. Olives are part of Murad’s cooking infrastructure that ranges from Bahrain to London and I don’t think there’s a single recipe in here I don’t want to eat.

Espinaler is a Barcelona institution beloved by tinned fish aficionados. I actually stuffed a few of these cans in my luggage coming home to LA from Spain before I realized you can find them at World Market. Regardless, they’re wonderful when enjoyed as-is or added to a martini.