Summer Basics

Piet Mondrian (1872-1944) was a Dutch artist and co-founder of the DeStijl movement, an art movement that began in the Netherlands which focused on a new utopian ideal of art. Mondrian simplified compositions to primary colors with black and white, and vertical and horizontal lines--the basics--to explore what he thought to be true, harmonious, and beautiful in art. 

Piet Mondrian, Broadway Boogie Woogie, 1942-43, Oil on Canvas, MoMA.

American Pop Artist, Roy Lichtenstein, (1923-1997), painted in the comic book style including text and benday dots. The primary colors and comic book paneling invite us to look further with their familiar quality.

Roy Lichtenstein, Blam, 1962, Oil on Canvas, Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut.

 Alexander Calder (1898-1976) created toys and gave miniature circus performances in Cirque Calder before he invented the mobile. It was when he visited Mondrian in 1930, that he began thinking about wire sculpture as abstract art. He was inspired by Mondrian's reduced color palette and incorporated it into his work. He put Mondrian's paintings into real motion.

Alexander Calder, The Star, 1960, Polychrome Sheet Metal and Wire, University of Kentucky Art Museum.

There's something very powerful about basic, solid colors, which got me thinking about what our day-to-day basics might be in fashion this season.

 Lo and behold, here are my thoughts:

Summer '09 Basics

American Apparel isn't the only place to find basic tees. For those of you in NYC, check out the men's section at Uniqlo for a vast array of crew neck, v-neck, 

heat tech, basics galore...

Uniqlo, $4.90

Crochet, the perforated, anything net--all very IN this summer. This trend works lovely here as it still remains basic, a nice airy, sunny yellow beanie 

with a touch of femininity. 

Gotta love Etsy for one of a kind, handcrafted goodies!

Etsy, $28

Leggings aren't going anywhere. They were seen all over NY Fashion Week's Fall '09 Ready to Wear Collections.  Pair with a tunic and go a shade lighter from the usual black leggings, a perfect outfit for those fun-filled summer nights.

Forever 21, $4.50 

Alexander Wang's forte is the tank top. He figured out the perfect construction of the tank, so that it flatters everyone. This Spring, he launched his greatly anticipated T Collection, a 12-piece line of tees, tanks, and dresses under $100. Enjoy this chartreuse slim racer back tank dress as an alternative to the maxi dress. Go from day to night by throwing on a cropped, lightweight, 3/4 sleeve black blazer to tone down the yellow, pair with black open toed ankle boots or sandals and you're ready for a night on the town.

Revolve Clothing, $90

My favorite summer necessity--Hanes A-shirt tanks in Boy sizes for a really toasty summer day--and a great layering piece for night. You can channel Gwen Stefani circa 1996 by cutting the bottom and making it a crop top. Wear this with a long, flowy skirt 

or boyish trouser pants.

Amazon (Available at Target too, in stores only), $9.99

Speaking of trouser pants... Many of you have heard about the boyfriend jean craze. Well, fashionfwd a step further with boyfriend chinos! Basically any trouser pant will do, I'm looking for navy, but just cuff the bottom loosely and wear a form fitting top for a comfy, casual, basic, yet summery-chic look.

J.Crew, $69.50

It's refreshing to see sandals without gladiator embellishments, and I was surprised to find a few at H&M. Who else thinks it's ridiculous to pay $100 dollars for something that lacks a heel and would barely last a season?! Sometimes there's just no time to line up at that great sample sale to score the perfect designer sandals, so I've found the temporary solution to this dilemma, H&M. H&M is stepping up their Divided Collection now that TopShop is such major competition. Along with it, I think we'll be seeing a lot more satisfying shoeware.

H&M, $14.90

Before I go, I wanted to share a wonderful deal my beautiful friend, citycitybangbangny, let me in on: to celebrate eye health month, Grueneyes and Optyx is offering 30% off prescription glasses and complimentary eye screenings from May 25, 2009-June 20, 2009. Enjoy!