In a world where “basic black” seems to be the accepted norm for all things fashion, it’s nice to see a little burst of color every now and then. No one knows this more than designer Lisa Perry — a child of the 60s and lover of all things mod. Her inspirations run the gamut from fresh flowers to geometric blocks, and they come alive in clothing and accessories that are whimsical, vibrant and unmistakably modern. Launched in 2007, Perry’s namesake line includes clothing for women and children (think printed knit dresses and tailored jackets), in addition to accessories and home collections.

Perry was raised in Chicago, but graduated with a degree in Textile Technology from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. A collector of art and vintage knick-knacks, Perry’s fun and funky personality is infused into her designs, which feature clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, off-set by a punch of color or pattern. Perry’s clothes not only add a little color to your wardrobe, but also a dash of style as well.

We asked Perry to take part in our exclusive online series about “things that never go out of style.” Here is her top ten list:

1. A handwritten note
2. An A-line dress
3. The Beatles’ music
4. A Hermes bag
5. Le Corbusier furniture
6. A smile
7. Cotton candy
8. Sending flowers
9. Levi’s
10. Paris in the springtime

Perry’s collections are available at Barneys New York and Colette (Paris), as well as in her flagship store on Madison Avenue. Find out more about Perry at www.lisaperrystyle.com.