To be sure...

Not only is green going to be the hottest colour to be sporting this winter, it is in stores in time to make a statement with on St Patrick's Day. We find out a bit about the wearing of the green...

St. Patrick's Day in Ireland became a minor religious holiday in 1903 usually celebrated with a big family meal, but that was about it; in fact until the seventies it was law that pubs be closed on March 17th.

As a result many historians believe Saint Patrick's Day as we know it today was basically invented in America by Irish-Americans, holding parades as far back as 1762 to reconnect with their Irish roots. Sometime in the 19th century, St Paddy's Day parades in the US flourished and wearing the colour green became a customary show of commitment to the Emerald Isle and the shamrock.

Today St. Patrick's Day parades, packed pubs and green silliness has invaded Ireland and everywhere around the world with full force - but if it gives you an opportunity to dress in green, have fun and raise a pint, why not get into the spirit? Green is a fantastic colour: it brightens up your complexion and counteracts any redness in the skin from too many lazy summer days sitting outside, glass in hand.

Green is also very calming and brings to mind thoughts of purity, cleanliness and freshness. Green looks good on most skin tones but (like most colours) looks even more fabulous with a summer tan. Keep your other colours in your outfit neutral to prevent looking like a walking bon bon.

Guys can add colour to the top half by way of a bold lime tee - try the Smarter Tee by Doosh (pictured above 3rd fron the left) for a quick supportive effort with no fuss. If it's a bit chilly, throw on an olive coloured hoody from Trix & Dandy (far right above) to keep yourself toasty. Wearing colour shows that you're confident, secure and can take control of things - however, men should limit green to their top or bottom half lest they end up being asked repeatedly to do a Kermit the Frog impersonation.

Ladies try the forest green knit coat from Silverdale by Andrea Moore (above far left). A coat in a bright colour is the perfect accessory for the colder months, as you can throw it on over your dark work clothes and it'll put you in a good mood, no matter the weather.

A great alternative is to go for a cropped jacket like that of Ooby Ryn's Soviet Jacket in mint (second from left above), for the hyper-sophisticated woman. ......Whatever you wear make sure it gives praise to Paddy and his fellow Irishmen and lift your glass high, Laddy!

For local stockists or more information, visit:
www.doosh.co.nz (where you can buy online)
www.silverdalebyandreamoore.co.nz
www.trixanddandy.com (where you can buy online)
www.oobyryn.com