The No. 1 Request I Get From Clients. This week, I ended up down a morbid rabbit hole.

I started googling the top environmental disasters of 2024 and what’s happened so far in 2025 (I wouldn’t recommend it, to be honest).

It’s heartbreaking to read about what’s going on, especially in LA. My heart goes out to everyone affected by those crises. If you want to help, here’s a link to donate: LA Strong.

And it’s not just LA—there’s the earthquake in Nepal, the flooding and landslides in Java…

…and it’s only January.

One thing I’m alway conscious of, is the fashion industry’s impact. We know it accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions. It’s a huge contributor to environmental damage, and it’s one of the biggest challenges of our time.

Now, when it comes to this newsletter, my goal is simple.

I know we’re not going to stop shopping altogether— it’s a tool I use to help my clients feel more confident, organised, and excited about what they wear.

But my real aim is to help you shop with more intention. I want you to understand your style better so you can shop in a way that feels thoughtful, mindful, and targeted.

I know you want that, too.

The number 1 request I get from new clients is …

… to create a capsule wardrobe.

That means they want a more minimal collection of pieces that can mix and match easily.

It’s about buying less but buying better—so you can dress without feeling overwhelmed or stressed about your choices.

With all that’s happening in LA, it’s made me think more deeply about what wardrobe staples really mean. Those items that, if you had to start fresh, you’d buy to create a wardrobe that’s functional, versatile, and importantly still reflects your personal style.

Designers are finally catching on to this need. You would have heard terms like ‘foundations’ or ‘fundamentals’. Now, many brands have collections that focus on these essential pieces for building a wardrobe you’ll actually wear—something purposeful but still stylish.

Here’s a list of brands I recommend for creating a wardrobe that functions seamlessly:

High Street & Mid-Range:

• COS,
• H&M Premium Selection,
• Arket,
• Massimo Dutti,
• Jigsaw,
• Me + Em,
• Club Monaco,
• Navygrey

Designer:

• Theory,
• Max Mara,
• Tibi,
• Nili Lotan,
• Alex Eagle,
• Toteme,
• The Row,
• Frankie Shop,
• Vince,
• Joseph,
• Anine Bing

And Net-a-Porter has an edited section called “Wardrobe Staples.”

So, if I had to start from scratch, here’s what I’d buy…

Wishing you a great (and safe) week ahead.

Penny

P.S. January is the perfect time to take stock of those items you actually build your outfits around. And we know that buying these types of items can be challenging… but we know how so book your call here.