This mix is also good inspiration for this year's Halloween themed photoshoot. Remember the Michael Myers shoot we did last year?

Here's a small selection of songs that will hopefully get you in the July mood. Listen to it by hitting play above or clicking here.
1. July Flame -- Laura Veirs
2. Old Old Fashioned -- Frightened Rabbit
3. Blood -- The Middle East
4. Togther -- The XX
5. Sacrilege -- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
6. Shock Me -- Alex Winston
7. Crinan Wood -- Alexi Murdoch
8. Suburban War -- Arcade Fire
9. Summer Mood -- Best Coast
10. Let's Get Out Of This Country -- Camera Obscura
11. Modern Nature -- Sondre Lerche
12. Ballad of The Golden Hour -- Widowspeak
13. Fallen Empires -- Snow Patrol
14. Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want -- The Smiths
15. Don't Upset The Rhythm --The Noisettes
16. Summersong -- The Decemberists
17. The Thread -- Shovel & Rope
18. Small Fry -- Artie Shaw

Ah April, full of promises and hope. Here's a mix I made you with some songs that hold some of April's optimism. You can listen to it by listening above or clicking here. Enjoy.
1. Medicine - Alex Winston
2. Flowers In Your Hair - The Lumineers
3. Let's Get Out Of This Country - Camera Obscura
4. No Cars Go - Arcade Fire
5. Hang Me Up To Dry - Cold War Kids
6. Papillon - Editors
7. Nightcall - Kavinsky & Lovefoxxx
8. Lay Down In The Tall Grass - Timber Timbre
9. Lemonworld - The National
10. Boys Wanna Be Her - Peaches
11. Bratty B - Best Coast
12. A Well Respected Man - The Kinks
13. Strange - Chelsey Scott
14. I Will Possess Your Heart - Death Cab For Cutie
15. Aphrodisiac - Bow Wow Wow
16. Dirty Paws - Of Monsters and Men
17. Portions For Foxes - Rilo Kiley
18. Coquet Coquette - Of Montreal
19. New Slang - The Shins
20. Come In Please - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

This outfit was heavily influenced by too many viewings of this music video. Every outfit in that video is pretty much perfect and it inspired me to bring out a vintage coat I hadn't worn all winter and unearth my leopard print shoes. I have this problem with music (and music videos I suppose) where I just fall in love with a CD or somg and listen to them on repeat. I'll play one CD every time I'm at my computer or in my car for a couple of weeks straight until I'm sick of it. It's hard for me to find balance; when I enjoy something like that I tend to get a bit addicted. There's this thing about songs, similar to certain books or merely passages in books, where they just resonate. They fit perfectly with what you're feeling in that moment and playing them in the background while you check e-mails or drive through traffic makes things seem better and more poignant. And why would you give up that feeling when you can hit repeat?

I've been hanging out in a lot of theaters and backstage areas for the past couple of weeks and while the setting and sitting is getting monotonous the music hasn't yet. It's really interesting to observe the change from practice to performance and hear a piece together. Also, so many of the instruments are new to me and the musical arrangements as well. This is the group I'm chaperoning, for anyone who's curious in getting a taste of their music. That performance really doesn't compare to some of their best moments or just hearing the kids mess around during breaks. These pictures were snapped quickly in the back of a theater while the group rehearsed--it's been hectic fitting blogging in between chaperoning. We're with the students from the early morning until late at night, eating meals together and everything--there's no time off until they're in bed at night; which is why it's good they're such a wonderful group to be around!

Recently I started girl crushing on the lovely Marguerite (even her name is dreamy). It was a necessary progression then to get to know her better through one of my interviews. As many of you know: I like to make my interviews a little different, so instead of asking typical questions I had her plan a dream party.

Bestie is one of the few bloggers that I read when I first started blogging and I still read now (it's been more than four years). I really admire her eclectic style--she wears mixed prints, trousers, difficult lengths, etc, all with apparent ease. Since we've been bumping into each other onlin for so long it was about time I interviewed her.
What type of party is it?
A hat party!
Who’s invited?
Emma Watson, Marc Jacobs, Vincent van Gogh, Buffy Summers, Ellen DeGeneres, Chuck Palahniuk, Ryan Gosling, Tavi Gevinson, the cast of FRIENDS, Jack Kerouac, Elle Fanning, Sylvia Plath, Dr. Gregory House, Zooey Deschanel, my best friends, my sister Sam, and of course you, Rebecca.
Where does it take place?
In the glass pyramid at the Louvre, starting at twilight and lasting well through the night.
What are you serving?
Everything that is good and French.
Who would get to sit next to you?
On my right is van Gogh, because how often does one get to invite him to a quirky little hat party and chat with him? Not too often, I imagine. And on my left I’d like Rebecca to sit because I will probably get too nervous to talk to van Gogh and I’ll need someone eloquent to translate all my gibberish.
What is the theme?
“Fashion Through The Ages”, where everyone has to come in an outfit from their favorite era, and of course they must wear a hat to represent it, too!
Is there a special playlist or entertainment?
A smattering of songs from all types of genres, including classical, indie, pop, jazz and some good ol’ broadway show tunes. Guests will then be treated to a special Bon Iver performance, as well as an encore of Heart Of Gold by wunderkind Tavi.
Are there any party favors?
The guests can choose to receive either a painting or a small sculpture of themselves, done right there at the party. And a box of French macarons, of course.
What are the hot topics of the evening?
Fashion, art, literature, music, and Ryan Gosling’s abs.
Who is the most likely to get drunk and dance on the table?
Chandler Bing. I don’t know if he actually will get drunk, but I’d love to see him get up on the table and do his famous spazzy dance. Of course we know Ellen would eventually join him, whence I assume Dr. House will roll his eyes and pop a pill.
Who is last to leave?
Marc Jacobs, to sketch me a fabulous new dress which he has volunteered to make for me. He’s sweet like that.
For more visit The Capricious Club.

One of my favorite blogs to read lately is Yours Truly. I love her playful poses and interesting color combinations. She's a seriously stylish Brit and I asked her to plan a little dream dinner party.
What type of party is it?
It's a 'Decades' themed dinner party. I couldn't decide which decade to theme it on, as they all have such appealing styles, so I thought to combine them all! The roaring 20's, the fabulous 50's, the swinging 60's and the psychedelic 70's!
Who's invited?
Tempting as it is to invite along famous dead celebrities or modern day icons of mine, I don't think I'd have quite as much fun than if I were to invite along a rabble of my own friends!
Where does it take place?
It would be great to have a dinner party in a village hall! Not only do you have space for all of your guests but there would be plenty of room left for a makeshift dance floor, for post dinner shape-throwing! Plus you could decorate the hall with fantastic retro prom decorations, like balloons and rosettes and streamers.
What are you serving?
For starters it would be fun to have some sort of 1970's themed fondue, as it's a great ice breaker getting everyone dipping! Perhaps 1920's cold cuts, potatoes and salad for mains, and black forest gateau for dessert! Chocolate and cherries? My ultimate favourite! Perfect!
Who would get to sit next to you?
My boyfriend, because he'd keep me laughing all night (I know I know...pass the bucket!)
What is the theme or what is everyone wearing?
Well quite a lot of my friends are into the 70's right now, so I imagine there would be a lot of paisley, cheesecloth, velvet and flares! A few of us would probably wear 50's style circle skirts or 60's mini dresses too as those are the decades we're currently obsessing over...
Is there special entertainment?
Well during dinner, an entertaining playlist featuring the best of our decades would have to be playing. Including a lot of 'Easy Listening' 'Motown' and '60's Pop'
After dinner it would be great to have blues band we know get up play some music for us to dance to! There's nothing better than having a boogie with friends!
We could also play a few games, as it would seem rude not to in a village hall! Perhaps 'Who Am I?' Where somebody else sticks the name of a famous person on your forehead and you have to guess who you are...
Are there any party favors?
Oh wow! I haven't been to a party with favours since I was about 7! Perhaps everyone gets to take a generous wedge of the gateau home with them, and a copy of the playlist from that evening?
What are the hot topics of the evening?
Probably a lot of chit chat about music, bands, clothing, films, places to go...we don't really gossip to be honest!
Who is the most likely to get drunk and dance on the table?
Well all are welcome to get inebriated, but could they please dance on the dance floor NOT the table...I don't want my mismatched crockery to get broken!
Who is the last to leave?
Probably my boyfriend and I! Someone has to clear up so that the Brownies of the village have somewhere to convene tomorrow night...
For more visit Yours Truly!

What type of party is it?

Laetitia is the lovely lady behind the blog Mademoiselle Robot, which is a bit of pastel wonderland of style and inspiration. She also creates wonderful videos that run the gamut from instructions on how to braid your bangs, to a hilarious example of what it would be like if mean anonymous commenters came up to you in real life. In order to get to know the lady behind the blog some more, I asked her to plan a little fictitious party for us and wound up with a gathering of pugs and kittens!

What type of party is it?
Just a simple get together.

Who's invited?
Five of my closest friends, 10 pug puppies and lots and lots of kittens. Oh and a Pacarana.
And dreamboats.

Where does it take place?
I don't really go out that much anymore so it would have to be a party at my house. Of course, since I am allowed some poetic license, my house would be ten times bigger and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and also in the middle of a forest.
What are you serving?
I am known amongst my friends as the Quiche Master General, so some delicious quiche but also lots of other savoury treats and chocolate. For some reason at the moment I have wild cravings for chocolate...

Who would get to sit next to you (and why)?
I would like a pug puppy on one side and 2 kittens on the other side. I love animals, so an animal party sounds pretty good right now.
What is the theme or what is everyone wearing?
There is no theme, but if everyone could show up wearing animal costumes, that'd be pretty good. Not animal suits in a sexy Furry convention sense, I am thinking about Kigurumis.

Is there a special play list? Entertainment?
I made a playlist for a friend's music blog the other day, it is really Spring inspired and soft, so I'd play it I suppose. You can download it here.
As for entertainment, I think if some of the animals could have a little song and dance, that would be perfect.
Are there any party favors?
No, I would like to keep it simple!

What are the hot topics of the evening?
Pugs not drugs!
Who is the last to leave?
Hmmm... I think Maurice the Burmese kitten would be the last to leave.
Who is the most likely to get drunk and dance on the table?
Maybe me, although I don't drink a lot, but dancing on the table, why not.

For more visit Mademoiselle Robot.

When I was thinking of who I would like to interview next for my blog style posts, I thought immediately of Dapper Kid. His blog has been on my favorites list basically since I stumbled across it. He runs a thoroughly informative and enjoyable blog to read. I always step away from his topical posts feeling as if I either learned something, or was at least forced to think a little, while his image posts are a delight for the eyes. When I requested a little interview he kindly planned not one, but two dream parties that sound both easygoing and poetic...
What type of party is it?I am something of a tea aficionado in truth, so it would be a tea party. However what the details of the party would entail, would depend solely on the type of tea being served.
So, tell us about a tea...If I was to make the decision of Darjeeling, I would have to go with the first flush crop. It is harvested after the Spring rains, and has a gentle and exquisitely delicate flavour. If that was the case, the party would be held at the same time, towards the end of March and beginning of April. I would serve it at a breakfast, around 10am, in a Victorian townhouse where myself and a few friends will have slept following a fun night out. The Spring sun would illuminate the high walled drawing room, and the cedar wood in the wrought iron fireplace would spread a wonderfully aromatic smell in the room, in essence to mirror the aromatic nature of the tea. As Darjeeling has a slight fruity taste, I would place apple blossom and peach flowers in vases around the drawing room, which would also provide and suitably Spring atmosphere.
And another tea party would be like..?If I was to opt for, say, Orange Pekoe Nilgiri tea, the setting would be quite different. It would be a dusk on a late summer's day. We would have dined with a fine meal and retired into a lounge, with glass doors opening out onto a fine lawn with pink roses. The garden would face the setting sun, and the soft brushstrokes of pale pink and orange light would softly caress us as we sat and talked. We would indeed be seated, with the doors ajar, and a number of printed silk cushions scattered low on the floor for us all. There would be Polaroid cameras left on the low wooden centre table, for us to pick up and photograph each other or the scenery.
How does Orange Pekoe Nilgiri affect the setting?The tea itself is deeply aromatic and fragrant, and as such to set the the sensory environment, there would be orange and clove scented candles burning near the open doors, for the dusk wind to gently sweep in towards us. The tea would be served in a fine glass Moroccan tea set, with gold leaf detail. To match the intense flavour, I would serve with it dark chocolate, the slightly bitter aftertaste making a perfect accompaniment to the tea.
Where is the Darjeeling tea party located?We would be seated leisurely on an aged leather sofa with wool blankets and two comfortable armchairs, or, if preferred on cushions by the fire or in the window bays. On a dark wooden coffee table I would have placed a few colourful Sharpie markers, and I would have a white canvas sofa to one side waiting to be drawn upon and decorated by us all. I am quite the sentimental type, so that would be a wonderful memory for years to come.
What is the style of the setting?The tea itself would be served in a fine, powder blue and dusty pink, chintz china tea set. On two silver platters would be traditional English tea cakes, with fruit peel, slightly toasted and waiting to be buttered. I would not serve anything too heavy, lest the delicacy of the tea be overpowered. We would therefore talk in the light of the morning sun, whilst possibly listening to the likes of Chopin on a gramophone. I would chose instrumental music, so as not to distract our conversation with any lyrics, plus the gramophone would give a warm sound as opposed to an iPod.

What would you wear?
Outfit wise, I would go with smart casual, as is the case for breakfasts. Most likely I would opt for a light grey Harris Tweed sports coat, worn atop a small-checkered oxford shirt and deep green wool sweater. I would couple this with slim cut, flat fronted, khaki trousers, green socks and brown penny loafers. Scent wise I would opt for Dior Homme, the top notes of iris and amber give a wonderfully fresh opening, whilst when it settles into cocoa, patchouli and bergamont, it is suitably sweet for Spring or Autumn wear.
And what would you wear to the evening party?As it would be following dinner, my attire would still be rather formal, a two button, light grey wool suit. Although perhaps the jacket, with its printed red pocket square, would be laying aside me, revealing my white shirt and woven navy tie, fastened with a silver tie pin. This would be worn along with red socks and black brogues. I would also be wearing Bel Ami by Hermes, the perfect scent for Nilgiri and late summer. The strong peppery and cardamom opening would have suited the first course of our meal, and middle notes of vanilla, cedar and sandalwood would be suited to the main meal and the time as we progressed to relax and talk over tea. The final sweet notes with a hint of resin, tobacco and smoke would serve well for the setting of the sun.
Who is invited?Given that the Darjeeling tea would be served at a breakfast following a fun night out, I doubt it would be a family occasion. Indeed the idea of decorating and writing on a canvas sofa with coloured markers, would probably lend itself to having close friends present. I suppose a group of close friends would be invited over to the townhouse the previous afternoon or evening. We would talk over music and get ready for the night ahead, most likely a party elsewhere or perhaps simply just dinner at a delightful restaurant followed by a small party back at the house with other guests.
Who gets to sit next to you?I believe that a good host should make all their guests feel welcome, not just a few. I suppose that I would be seated with whom ever wished to sit with me. However I would also seek to sit with each individual as the time progressed and to talk to each. There is however an inherent danger in this, which is that the host tries to talk to all, and therefore gets only as far as simple pleasantries and only half listening to each conversation. Yet, I have never been one to keep to only one group in any social situation, I always try to talk to all and engage with everyone. Indeed if I managed to talk to all on a meaningful level throughout the breakfast or evening dinner and tea party, I would be happy.
Who is most likely to act inappropriately by the end of the party?I would like to think that nobody would act inappropriately in terms of being disrespectful. If that was indeed the case, I would certainly be sure to take the offending person into one corner and quietly explain to them the situation. However in terms of general high jinks and fun, I guess it would be an open forum.
For the breakfast tea party, I suppose someone would invariably write or draw something amusing on the sofa, or perhaps we would draw on someone still asleep at that time and take photographs.
For the evening tea party, I would like to think the cameras lying around for people to use would result in a number of amusing and memorable photographs. However in general, I would like to think the parties would be a fun and enjoyable experience for all.
What are the hot topics?
Again, I believe it depends on the guests. We would talk about anything and everything, depending on the interests of those present. Indeed I am quite comfortable in discussing any number of topics, if done so with passion. For the breakfast tea party, we would most naturally discuss the amusing events of the previous night and general gossip amongst friends. However in all the situations, we could talk about a number of issues - from the latest celebrity gossip, to fashion trends, to literature and poetry, to music, to film, to art, to cuisine and so on. After all, the best conversation is that which follows a natural course and is allowed to develop along with the current interests of the parties involved.
All pictures via Dapper Kid and for more of him be sure to visit his blog.