The Life Simplifier I Wish I'd Found Sooner
I'm curating a signature everything
We make roughly 35,000 decisions a day—most of them so small we don’t even register making them. What to wear, what to eat for breakfast, which coffee to order, what toothpaste to buy. Individually, these choices feel insignificant. Collectively, they drain our mental energy before we’ve even started the meaningful work of the day.
I’ve found that practicing the One Thing Rule—choosing one high-quality version of something instead of cycling through five mediocre ones—has so many benefits, from saving a ridiculous amount of money to genuinely enjoying the things I do invest in.
Recently, I decided to take the concept a step further with the idea of curating a signature everything; removing decision fatigue wherever I can.
Here’s where I’m at so far, and I’d love your suggestions for other ways of extending this idea further:
Signature Uniform
For nearly a decade I’ve worn some version of jeans and a white top, and it has truly simplified getting dressed. I’m currently exploring the next iteration of this uniform, which I hope will also last me a decade plus (more on this soon).
Signature Bag
About five years ago, I picked one brand I truly loved (Celine) and have invested in three sizes: a small crossbody for evenings and errands, a mid-size for weekends, a large tote for workdays with my laptop. Small, medium, large — a complete system that works together, elevates any outfit, and is built to last a lifetime. Note: I bought two of these for a fraction of the price via a consignment shop.
Signature Socks
Stay with me. I have stopped believing in specialty socks — sport, dress, no-show, cozy. I now have one cotton crew for any and every occasion. Bonus - no more mismatched socks.
Signature Sleepwear
I’ve spent approximately my entire lifetime in search of good sleepwear and have landed on a few sets from The Great. The best part is most of them double as blouses or casual sets for everyday wear.
Signature Scent
I’ve been wearing the same classic perfume since middle school. I’d share, but I’m pretty sure it contains every ingredient we’re now supposed to avoid. I also love having a signature candle for the home. For the past few years I’ve been loving this one, which lasts for ages and smells like a spa.
Signature Drink
I barely drink, but when I do end up at a bar or nice restaurant, I used to get stressed about what to order and often ended up with a cocktail that tasted like cough syrup. Now it’s a vodka gimlet with fresh lime juice for me. I order it anytime I’m in the mood for something other than my other go-to (sparkling water with lemon)—no menu consultation required (which is great because suddenly my eyesight is terrible).
Signature Coffee Order
One go-to order that works at any cafe, eliminating the daily decision tree. Since I’m one of the only people on the planet who doesn’t care for coffee or tea, it’s an iced matcha with oat milk for me every time (I know, I know, but this is normal in California).
Signature Tea
If you’ve read my first book, Minimalista, you know I’m somewhat incredulous about the sheer volume of tea most people own. As a non-tea drinker, I do like to stock up for guests (I’m not totally heartless!). Based on my brother’s recommendations (he’s a tea aficionado), I’ve chosen a single caffeinated and non-caffeinated version (two small boxes total). I’d share, but I’m worried you’ll all buy more tea.
Signature Place
I know this sounds odd, but having a signature place for special occasions, birthday celebrations, and hosting out-of-towners has been such a life hack for me. I became a member at Scribe Winery a few years ago because of the food, dreamy location, and incredible hospitality. Spending afternoons there with our closest friends and family has made our lives so much richer and removed decision fatigue when we want to gather. The seasonal wine delivery also makes for a great signature sip, and I love to gift a bottle with a big silk ribbon tied around it. Signature gift!
Signature Breakfast
My friend Laura eats the same simple, nourishing meal every morning—no brain power required before coffee. I don’t have this down yet, but I aspire to!
Signature Pen
For the analog moments—one reliable writing tool you always reach for. I own two pens, both ballpoint, both free from a restaurant I love in LA.
Signature Workout
One form of movement you genuinely enjoy and return to consistently, rather than bouncing between trends. For years I loved doing a walking loop in my neighborhood, but now I’m all-in on CorePower Yoga (free guest pass here), which I do 3-4 times a week religiously.
Signature Hosting Menu
One foolproof meal you can make with your eyes closed when people come over. You all know cooking is not my strong suit, but I can make a killer blondie sundae with sea salt and vanilla bean ice cream—my signature dessert for every dinner party!
Signature Gift
A thoughtful go-to for birthdays, hostess gifts, or celebrations—something you know people love. I love a consumable gift and typically alternate between a bottle of rosé and this beautifully packaged heritage olive oil from Flamingo Estate. Love having a few on hand to prevent the last minute scramble.
I get the concern—won't this get boring? But the goal isn't to make your life repetitive or without color or variety. It's to make the basics effortless so you can spend your mental energy on the things you care about most.
When you stop deliberating over the small stuff, you free up space to make your life interesting and dynamic in the ways that count—pursuing meaningful work, deepening relationships, trying new experiences, taking creative risks.
The signature everything approach isn't about restricting your choices; it's about reserving your decision-making power for the decisions that deserve it.
READER PROMPT: Do you have a signature something? I'd love to hear what you've streamlined in your own life—whether it's a signature lipstick shade or the same walking route every morning. Share in the comments!
Listening: How to Heal and Thrive in Challenging Times on The Edit Your Life podcast with Christine Koh in conversation with Dr Suzan Song - Listen Here
Watching: Alysa Liu’s gold medal performance in women’s figure skating on repeat - her joy is contagious! Watch it here.
Fewer Better Faves: I wear this sleep shirt in public as a blouse, the best clean lip gloss ever, fancy hot chocolate, so excited to read Cazzie David’s new collection of essays.
1:1 Business Mentoring: No-fluff strategy and support to help you tackle your large and small goals. Get support here
My Signature Online Course: Learn how to edit, organize, and elevate your home like a pro. To the course
Curated Product Recs: My fewer better faves for your home, life, and wardrobe. To the recs
I Wrote Some Books: Actionable strategies to clear clutter, get organized, & elevate your home and life. To the books
This is especially key with kids because kids thrive on routine and it's often the adults in their lives who are insisting on variety under the guide of 'doing it for the kids.'
We go to the same playground almost every day, same breakfast every morning, one bakery for Saturday morning croissants, and one museum membership in a city with dozens of them. There is obviously some flex here or there but we are largely remarkable consistent.
I laughed out loud at the “I’d share, but I’m afraid you’ll buy more tea”. My husband buys a new tea every time he goes to the store I swear 😅