Phoenix

A friend of mine recently described me as "more of  an Alternative girl." That assessment really couldn't have been more accurate. From a very young age, I just have really taken to alternative and indie music. As early as elementary school, my father and I used to drive to my violin lessons listening to music from bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, Ben Folds, Ani Difranco, and Air. I like to say that I have an "indie soul."

No other alternative band speaks to this indie soul more than Phoenix does. I've said on many occasions that if I were to hire a group to compose the soundtrack to my life, I would hire Phoenix.

Phoenix is an alternative rock band from Versailles, France. Their cool, poppy, upbeat melodies jell perfectly with frontman Thomas Mars' dreamy lead vocals. This band is what I like to call certified cool: they've gotten nods of approval from the TV show (and alternative music mecca) Gossip Girl and the ultra-cool Sofia Coppola, who used some of Phoenix's music in her film Somewhere (Note: Phoenix's lead singer Thomas Mars is also Coppola's baby daddy. That's got to be one cool child).

I imagine Phoenix's muse to be a super cool French chick who would wear all the outfits above and look effortlessly chic. I've compiled a collection that I think is reminescent of France and Phoenix's cool sound.

1. Phoenix's first album United is amazing. I've spent many nights dancing to their song "If I Ever Feel Better" in my apartment. You should also check out their latest album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (See: Lizstomania, Lasso, and Girlfriend).

2. This super cute dress reminds me of a piece I bought at a thrift store years ago and later sold. I wish I still had it! It feels really French to me, and I'm adoring the box bows on these cute black flats!

 Aidan Heritage Dress In Citrus, Sosie, $46; Bow Abigail Shoes, Oasis, $62

3. This is something I'd definitely wear. A frilly dress with a cutesy print (like polka dots) paired with an edgy leather jacket is super unexpected and stylish. Throw in a bright colored flat and you'll be ready for brunch, a concert, or whatever life throws your way.

Black Biker Jacket, Dorothy Perkins, $75; Milkshake Things Up Dress, Modcloth, $89.99; Pave the Way Flat In Yellow, Modcloth, $39.99

4. This adorable jumper is easy to throw on for a trip to the park, a barbecue, or even a movie date!

Big Bird Playsuit, Topshop, $84; Vibrant Blue Ballet Pumps, Topshop, $16; Alba Neon Orange Clutch, Mimi Boutique, $44.75


If you've never heard of Phoenix, take a listen here:

Pheonix x "If I Ever Feel Better"

What did you think of the band? Does my collection remind you of the music at all? Leave me a comment below!