Fans of WHBM may know our head designer, Danielle Konotop - official title VP of Design for White House Black Market. But for those of you who are new to the brand she's more than a designer, she's a creative powerhouse. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil she earned a degree in visual communications and fine arts, then started her own business creating boutique collections in Bali, Indonesia.

After moving to the US she studied fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Following graduations, Danielle spent more than 15 years in the denim industry in LA as a head designer, creating collections, launching brands and start-ups where she established her profound expertise.

This is the first of a monthly series for you to learn more about Danielle, her inspiration and influences, as well as her personal picks.

Danielle's Must-Have Pieces for January

Mock Neck Stripe Pullover

"I love this black and white striped sweater. It's always been a fashion staple for years, even Chanel did it in the 1920s. Our Mock Neck Stripe Pullover takes the classic black and white stripe and plays with size and form in a sweater that’s on trend, but always in style."

High-Rise Mariner Wide Leg Jean

"This high-rise jeans have perfectly placed sailor buttons that created a feminine silhouette. It's part of the ongoing mariner trend and works especially well with the mock neck stripe sweater I chose."

WHBM® Studio Blazer

"You can’t go wrong incorporating our new WHBM® Studio Blazer in one of the season’s hottest colors, sergeant. It’s a fabulous jacket and it’s the first time we’re doing our iconic Studio in our luxe stretch fabric so it’s super comfortable. It's a perfect piece for the busy woman who is traveling, and she wants to pack a blazer, you can scrunch this whole jacket inside your suitcase and it's not going to get all wrinkled, because it's knit. It’s a great piece for your spring wardrobe and it’s such a staple you can wear now or years from now."

WHBM® Jolie Button Straight Lux Stretch Pant

"This lux stretch pant matches the Studio jacket, and that's what I want to wear because you can wear the pants with a chunky sweater because it's so cold in most of the country or you can use this whole ensemble as your tailoring look to start thinking about your spring update to your wardrobe."