Over the past few years I’ve become much more conscious of what I buy and what I actually need. I found that even with a wardrobe full of clothes I was still missing some timeless pieces so I was thrilled when Irish designer Niamh O’Neill reached out and asked me to collaborate with her. Our capsule collection is now available online on her website and on Arnotts.ie and I wanted to share the work behind the creation.

I kept thinking ‘what do I want to wear?’ in a timeless and season-less way. We’ve all had those days or nights where you’re getting ready and nothing feels just right. I had that at the forefront of my mind and imagined my dream pieces. The perfect top to dress up jeans, the ideal mini dress that had sleeves so I didn’t need to worry about a cardigan to cover my shoulders and a glamorous dress that also felt comfortable and showed just the right amount of skin.

Holly White, Niamh O'Neill, Sustainable style, Timeless design, Organic Cotton, recycled polyester, glamorous sustainable clothing

As it’s a capsule collection comprising of only four pieces I have to say I love them all equally but of course in different circumstances. Simple design factors like on the mini dress being able to button it up a little higher on the neckline, or undo, bridges the gap between a day to nighttime vibe which I think is clever and fun. The wrap tops show just the right amount of skin in a very comfortable way and the fabric is stunning and they capture that casual elegance I think we all aspire to but can be difficult to achieve. Lastly the longer dress is basically my dream dress I’ve been searching for all my life - the length and sleeves make it comfortable but it’s also incredibly glamorous.

Niamh was at the forefront of the production elements of the collection. For me I always keep in mind that the most sustainable clothing is that which can be worn time and time again and therefore I wanted pieces that were suitable for all seasons - it’s just about adding layers. The shorter dress is stunning in the day maybe dressed down with sneakers or sandals, but can also be dressed up with a heel at night, and coming into colder months layering on tights and adding a chunky knit or blazer takes it into Winter effortlessly. These are pieces that will work hard in your wardrobe and stand the test of time stylishly.

A capsule wardrobe is built on reliable basics that can be elevated when required to meet the occasion. The tops are designed to be worn with jeans either casually with flats or trainers but simply adding a heel and possibly pulling it down a little lower on your shoulders dresses it up instantly. Add a little highlight to your collar bones and it’s an elegant and glamorous look.

With both dresses they can be worn with bare legs and heels at night or in Summer, whenever it chooses to come, or else layered over tights, and kept practical with an ankle boot and chunky knit.

What I love is that every element is considered and delivery boxes are made from a minimum of 90% recycled material and fully recyclable. Packing paper is made from recycled paper and printed with water based inks. Lastly bio mailing bags are made from natural resin and are ‘OK Compost!’ certified.

Fabrics used include Naia which is a cellulosic yarn produced from sustainably sourced wood, pine and eucalyptus and is FSC certified, as well as PET- which is recycled clear plastic bottles and recycled polyester and organic cotton.

I really hope you love this collection as much as me. Please note it is a limited collection so if you have your eye on a certain piece you can shop it here now.

Hair and Make Up - Leonard Daly. Images- shot in The Merrion Hotel by Doreen Kilfeather.