READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Pisces

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.

Wearing moonstone can improve your love life. It can bring a new partner into your life, or heal relationships torn by quarrels or misunderstandings. These powers correspond to Pisces magical ability to conjure up romance and glamour and to soothe away disturbing feelings. The ethereal misty nature of Pisces qualifies this sign as one of the shape shifters of the zodiac and indeed wearing moonstone can help you literally change your shape! (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

The twelfth and last sign of the zodiac is represented by two fishes, tied to one another although swimming in opposite directions. The two fishes in water symbolize conflicting currents of emotion and hidden depths.

The constellation of Pisces has been known as Two Fishes as long ago as 2000 B.C. The Babylonian name for this constellation, Kun has been translated as the Tails (of the fishes). Kun is also known as The Band or The Leash (the string that connects the two fishes). Tied to this leash were two fish goddesses, Anunitum and Simmah, who represented the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

In Greek mythology the Two Fishes are associated with the story of Venus and Cupid.  Great and terrible monster named Typhon had a hundred dragon heads, eyes that shot fire, and a voice that was a combination of hissing snakes, bellowing bulls, and roaring lions.

One day Venus (goddess of love and beauty) and her son Cupid were walking along the Euphrates River when Typhon suddenly appeared. His hundred heads flicked dark tongues and eyes flashed fire. Typhon was intent on the goddess’s and her son’s destruction. Terrified and unable to flee, Venus called on her father Jupiter for help. Jupiter quickly changed Venus and Cupid into two fishes, and they jumped into the river and escaped. Another version of this story is that two brave fishes leapt out of the water to rescue Venus and Cupid and carry them off on their backs through the river to safety. As a reward, Minerva (the virgin goddess) placed the two fishes among the stars, where they became the constellation of Pisces.

READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Aquarius

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.

Aquarians tend to get so absorbed in their projects they've over the years gained the reputation of being the mad scientists or absent minded professors of the zodiac. The protective powers of the aquamarine can keep the Aquarian out of dangers way as he or she wanders around lost in thought. (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

The eleventh sign of the zodiac has as its symbol the Water Bearer, a human figure carrying a jar or receptacle from which water pours out in a stream.

The symbol of the Water Bearer goes back to both Egyptian and Babylonian religion. In Egypt the Water Bearer was the god Hap, the personification of the river Nile. Hap carried two vases of water, which represented both the South and North Nile, and was considered the sustainer of life. All living things would die without the waters of Hap.

In Greek literature the constellation of Aquarius was called the Water Pourer, and is sometimes thought to represent the god Jupiter, who at a command caused the waters to pour from heaven. It also commemorates Deucalion, the only man to come through the Great Flood unharmed.

At the beginning of creation, gods and humanity lived in harmony during an era called the Golden Age. The earth produced food without people having to till the soil; the waters flowed with wine and honey. Then Pandora opened her box of evils, and plagues and sickness of the mind and body were released on Earth.

The great god Jupiter looked down and decided to rid the world of people and create a new race worthier of life. With the help of his brother Neptune, Jupiter covered the earth with water. Only two people were saved, Deucalion and his wife Pyrrha, who were both just and pious and who worshipped the gods faithfully. They took refuge on Mount Parnassus and when Jupiter saw them he remembered their exemplary lives. He caused the waters to recede and earth to dry up. Then Deucalion and Pyrrha were commanded to cast the bones of their mother behind them. Deucalion interpreted “the bones of his mother” to mean the stones of the earth, and he and Pyrrha began to pick up stones and cast them behind themselves as they walked. These stones slowly turned into human beings; the ones Deucalion threw became men, and the stones Pyrrha threw became women. Thus, Deucalion became the father of a new race of mankind.

READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Capricorn

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.

Capricorn has a hidden joyous and even bawdy side that revels in the changing of the seasons, the cycles of life and the wealth of the good earth. The amethyst has the ability to relieve hangovers and alcoholism, and this reflects Capricorn's sober side. The key to understading Capricorn is to focus on its rulership of the cycles of time and its demand, consistent with the properties of the amethyst, for moderation in everything - even moderation in moderation, as Capricorn's occasional dips into the well of ecstacy confirm. it complementes their sign. (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

The tenth sign of the zodiac is represented by the Goat, a sure-footed animal who scales the heights by taking advantage of every foothold.

In ancient times, the Goat was depicted as part goat and part fish, with its front half the goat and its back half the fish. In many old drawings and engravings you will see the Goat pictures with a fish tail, and in some astrology books Capricorn is known as the Sea-Goat.

The Sea-Goat in the Babylonian religion was a great and revered god named Ea, who brought learning and culture to the people of Mesopotamia. In the valley of Mesopotamia, irrigation of land and crops came primarily from the flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Because of this, people believed there was an ocean. Every day he came out of the underground sea to dispense his wisdom, and every night he returned there.

By the time of Greek and Roman culture, Capricorn had become associated with the god Pan, a sporting and lusty creature who ruled over woodlands and fields, flocks and shepherds. Pan was a man from the waist up and goat from the waist down. He had goat ears, and goat horns.

Pan was fond of music and was famous for playing the pipes. His shepherd’s pipe, called a syrinx, was actually a nymph who had rejected his sexual advances. Pan turned her into a musical instrument, saying that if he could not have her one way she would be his in a new guise.

In time, Pan became known as the god of Nature. Certain qualities of Pan’s—sexuality, impudence, a love of nature—have become part of the character of Capricorn.

READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Sagittarius

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.

The sign of Sagittarius stands for the power of positive thinking, and the topaz succeeds in warding off the hazards of negativity of mind and body. Sagittarius is associated with the temperance card of the tarot. Both the sign, the card and the topaz, channel healing powers that relieve ailments such as athritis, rheumatism and strains on the immune system. (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac, is depicted as an Archer, but the Archer is not an ordinary man drawing a bow. He is a centaur, that mythological creature who is half man and half horse. Sagittarius is the only astrological sign to have both a human and animal representation.

The constellation of Sagittarius, however, is not just any centaur. It is the great and wise Chiron, a son of the titan-god Saturn. Chiron was a friend and confidant of both gods and men. The gods taught Chiron the arts of medicine, hunting and riding, music, and prophesy. In turn, Chiron himself became a renowned teacher. Among his famous pupils were Achilles, Jason, Castor, and Pollux, and Hercules.

One day, while the great Hercules was hunting a dangerous boar, he accidently struck Chiron in the knee with a poisonous shaft. Chiron suffered the agony of dying, but because he was immortal he could not die. Hercules promised to find death to release him. On his journey Hercules came across poor Prometheus, chained throughout eternity to a rock where an eagle tore at his liver. The supreme god Jupiter had put a curse on Prometheus: his torture would last until someone of his own free will consented to suffer in his place. The dying Chiron took Prometheus’s place. Thus, the curse was fulfilled. Chiron was allowed to die, and Prometheus was set free by Hercules.

After Chiron’s death Jupiter rewarded his noble character by placing the heroic centaur among the stars, and he became the constellation Sagittarius. 

READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Scorpio

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.

The opal bears rejuvenating and beauty enhancing powers too. Wear opals to bring out your inner beauty and to enhance psychic an intuitive perception, as just as Scorpionic energies enhance one's access to hidden potentials and buried treasure, opals can enhance one's ability to uncover hidden sources of wealth and personal power. (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

The eighth sign of the zodiac is represented by the Scorpion, a poisonous creature that can paralyze its victims with the sting of its tail.

The sign of Scorpio suffers from its association with the scorpion, since its symbol is often hated and feared. The scorpion, however, was not always reviled. In ancient Egypt it was deified in the form of Selket, the scorpion-goddess. Selket was the protectress of the dead, and she is often seen on walls of tombs with her winds spread out in a protective gesture.

The classical myth of the Scorpion begins with the death of Orion, a beautiful young giant and a great hunter who was the son of Neptune (god of the Sea). Tales of Orion’s prowess, strength, and manliness are legend. The story of his death is related in many versions. One is that Eos, goddess of the dawn, fell in love with him and carried him away with her. Diana, the moon-goddess, became jealous that Eos should take a mortal lover and commanded a scorpion to kill Orion.

Another version is that Orion tried to rape Diana, and she brought a giant scorpion out of the earth that stung Orion to death.

After Orion’s death, Jupiter placed both Orion and the Scorpion among the stars. They each became a constellation. Orion, with his golden armor and sword in hand, is one of the brightest and most spectacular constellations in the heavens on a winter night. But when the Scorpion, who was placed in the zodiac, rises in summer, the brilliance of Orion fade

READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Libra

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.

The sapphire's soothing energies correspond to Libra's ability to promote peace love and harmony. The wearer of a sapphire enjoys enhanced perception of others feelings, concerns and needs, and this awareness increases Libra's ability to compromise and mediate conflicts, as Libra abhors disharmony of any kind in human relationships. The sapphire channels the healing power of love to improve sympathy and faithfulness between partners in intimate relationships. (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

Libra is the seventh astrological sign and the only one to have a symbol that is neither animal nor human. The Scales represent balance and justice harmony and equilibrium.

                Like the previous sign, Virgo, Libra is associated with the harvest, for in ancient times grains and crops were weighted on scales after they were harvested. The Scales also have a more profound symbolism. They are the scales of judgment for the dead, where souls were weighted.

                In Egyptian religion the scales of judgment were the sole province of the god Anubis, Conductor of Souls. Anubis, who had the head of a jackal, guided the dead through the underworld and made sure they were weighted fairly. He was the master of the balance (the scale). There is in existence a painting, called the Papyrus of Ani, dated around 1500 B.C., that shows a judgment scene. Anubis is crouching by a large scale weighing the heart of a dead person. In one bowl of the scale rests the heart ; in the other bowl Truth sits, symbolized by a feather. In this depiction, the scale is equally balanced. In Egyptian religion, the dead heart (or soul) had to be in harmony with Truth before it could pass into the afterlife.

                The Scales have also long been associated with the concept of justice and the law. We have all seen statues of the embodiment of justice. She is a woman who is blindfolded and who holds the scale in her hands. The Scales are the symbol of impartiality, of rendering to each person his or her rightful due.

                In Greek mythology justice was represented by the goddess Themis, mother of Astraea (see Virgo). Themis and her daughter Astraea are the constellation of Libra and Virgo, who shine side by side in the firmament. The legend is that when the human race finally reaches its Golden Age, Themis (symbolizing justice) and her daughter (symbolizing innocence) will return to Earth.

READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Virgo

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.

Traditionally identified as Virgo's birthstone, the sardonyx promotes clear expression, healthy marital relationships and a positive state of mind. Because the sardonyx is a fire stone - ruled by the planet of Mars and associated with the warrior god of the same name - the assignment of this birthstone to Virgo raises problems. Virgo is an earth sign ruled by Mercury and associated with Mercury the god of communication. (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac and the second sign to have a human representation rather than an animal one. Virgo is often depicted as a young woman holding a sheaf of wheat, for the constellation of Virgo has always been associated with the harvest. Babylonians called the constellation The Furrow, and it was represented by a corn goddess. The most prominent star in Virgo is named Spica, meaning Ear of Corn.

The legend of Virgo is found in the Greek myth of Creation. The story goes that before men or animals lived on Earth, a race of giants, called titans, ruled the world. Two titan brothers, Prometheus and Epimetheus, were given the task of creating human beings and animals—wings to one kind, claws to another, etc. He was so generous that when it came time to dispense something to mankind, he had nothing left to give, so he asked Prometheus for help. Prometheus went into heaven and came back with the gift of fire. This made man superior to other species, for with fire he could keep warm, make tools, and eventually develop commerce and science.

Jupiter, chief of gods, became so angry at the gods’ secret of fire being given to man that he bound Prometheus to rock on Mount Caucasus where an eagle constantly tore at his liver, though never entirely consuming it. He also sent a curse to Earth, brought by the first woman. Her name was Pandora, meaning “a gift of all the gods.”

Pandora brought with her a box, which she was told never to open. One day, seized with curiosity, she lifted the lid of the box. Out sprang terrible plagues to haunt mankind forever after: sickness and death for the body; anger, envy, and revenge for the mind. At the bottom of the box lay the one thing that had not escaped –hope.

During the terrible times that followed, the gods deserted Earth one by one and went to live in heaven. The very last to leave was Astraea, goddess of innocence and purity. After leaving the Earth, Astraea was placed among the stars and became the constellation of Virgo. The legend is that one day the Golden Age will come again, and Astraea (Virgo) will return to Earth.

READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Leo

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.

The energies of the ruby correspond beautifully to the best qualities of proud Leo the lion, and those familiar with the tarot cards will recognise the image of the lion in the strength card. No animal is as protective of it brood as the mighty but loyal lion. Think of a lioness with her cubs!! Similarly the ruby brings both physical protection and spiritual strength to its wearer. (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

Leo, fifth sign of the zodiac, is represented by the Lion, king of beasts. Traditionally, the mythology of the Lion is based on the story of Hercules and the Nemean Lion.

Hercules was the son of the great god Jupiter and the mortal woman Alcmean. Jupiter’s wife Juno, understandably jealous of Jupiter’s numerous love affairs, set herself against Hercules from the time he was a baby. When he was a young man Hercules was compelled to embark on twelve heroic and desperate undertakings, known as the Twelve Labors of Hercules.

The first Labor was to go to the valley of Nemea and there kill the savage and fearless Nemean lion. The skin of this lion could not be hurt by the weapons of man. Stone, iron, and bronze simply bounced off his pelt. Hercules tried to kill the lion with arrows, but they just fell away from the lion’s side. Finally Hercules wrestled with the lion barehanded. Because he possessed such great strength, he managed to get a grip around the lion’s neck and strangle him to death. In the process, the lion bit off Hercules’s finger, which by any measure would seem to indicate he got off lightly.

After he killed the beast, Hercules skinned the magical pelt. From the skin, Hercules made himself a breastplate, and from the lion’s jaw he formed a helmet. This new armor was to prove very valuable during his subsequent Labors.

The constellation of Leo is said to commemorate the bravery of combat between Hercules and the magnificent Namean Lion.

READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Cancer

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.

Pearls generate a protective nurturing and maternal energy. Their promotion of love and marital happiness corresponds to the inclusion of pearls in traditional bridal wear, in strands worn on the neck or wrist, in earrings, on the tiara or bridal cap, and on the dress itself. Lovers of water and aquatic recreation by and large, Cancerians will appreciate the South Pacific tradition of wearing or carrying a pearl to ward off shark attacks. (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

The fourth sign of the zodiac is symbolized by the Crab, a water creature that is also capable of walking on land. We know that the crab symbol was placed in the zodiac some five hundred years before Christ. The Chaldeans gave it the name of Cancer, or Crab, because the crab’s backward or oblique movement appeared to represent the Sun’s movement upon reaching this sign. When the Sun reaches the sign of Cancer (around June 21) it seems to remain stationary for few days. The Sun’s entry into Cancer begins the summer solstice;  the very word solstice signifies “the Sun standing still.”

In Egypt, the constellation was called Stars of the Water and was represented by two turtles. (This may have been because the constellation was seen at dawn when the Nile was at its lowest; Nile turtles were rather plentiful at that time of year.) Many astrologers think that Cancer the Crab is a melding of the Egyptian turtles and a Babylonian water creature called Allul, which was apparently a kind of tortoise. All three water creatures—turtles, tortoise, and crab—are similar in important ways. They resemble each other in form, and all are hard-shelled and move slowly (like the Sun’s movement on entering Cancer).

According to Greek legend, Cancer is the giant crab that attacked the foot of Hercules while he was engaged in battle with the monstrous nine-headed serpent Hydra. Hercules, son of the god Jupiter and a mortal woman Alcmena, had been sent to twelve difficult and heroic undertakings, known as the Twelve Labors of Hercules. One of Hercules’s Labors was to slay the evil serpent Hydra. Hercules was having his hands full as the crab attacked, for every time Hercules cut off one of Hydra’s heads, two more grew in its place.

The crab’s attack on Hercules was instigated by Juno, Jupiter’s jealous wife, who was set on Hercules’s destruction. Unfortunately, the giant crab’s attack sealed its own doom, for Hercules crushed it before proceeding to dispatch the Hydra.

However, legend has it that Juno was grateful for the crab’s attempt to carry out her orders. As a reward for its obedience and sacrifice, she placed the crab’s figure in the heavens along with other heroic symbols.

READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Gemini

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.

Specifically the wearer of green agate is thought to enjoy enhanced eyesight - a property that corresponds to the well known sparkle in a Gemini's eyes. In addition to its life lengthening healing powers, moss agate brings abundant treasure in the forms of flourishing gardens, material wealth and joyous friendships. Communicative Gemini tends to have sensitive nerves easily strained by information overload. Blue lace agate worn in jewellery or hand held, helps Gemini shed the tensions of every day life and maintain serenity at home and in relationships. (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

Gemini is the sign of the Twins. It is the third sign of the zodiac and the first to have a human rather than an animal symbol.

The myth of the Twins, like that of the previous sign Taurus, also involves Jupiter and his eye for a pretty face. In this story, the object of his affections is a beautiful woman, Leda, married to Tyndareus, king of Sparta. The lustful god of Jupiter, apparently unwilling to try the bull ploy twice (see Taurus), changed himself into the form of a magnificent sawn. Details of the encounter are a bit sketchy, but he did manage to seduce Leda while disguised as a swan.

From this remarkable union, Leda bore two eggs. The story goes that one of the eggs was the offspring of Jupiter, and that the other was the offspring of Leda’s mortal husband. The two eggs produced four children: two brothers, Castor and Pollux, and two sisters, Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. It is unclear exactly whom Jupiter sired. Some versions of the tale say that Castor and Pollux were his immortal offspring. Others have Castor and Helen as Jupiter’s children.

In either case, the twin brothers Castor and Pollux grew up strong and stalwart and inseparable. Castor became famous for his skill as a horse tamer; Pollux was renowned as a superb boxer. When they were young men they joined Jason and his Argonauts on their expedition to find the Golden Fleece. During a storm at sea, two stars appeared over the heads of the twins and the storm miraculously ended. Because of that incident, Castor and Pollux are considered the patron saints of travelers at sea. (During storms at sea, these lights are still seen twinkling at the top of ships’ masts and other tall spires. They are caused by the discharge of electricity. The legend is that if two lights are seen, the storm will cease; if only one appears, the storm will grow worse.)

The twin brothers are described as high-spirited young men. Unfortunately, during a battle Castor met his death. Pollux was inconsolable. At last he went to his father Jupiter to beg him to bring Castor back to life. In turn, Pollux volunteered to give up his own life as ransom.

Jupiter rewarded the brothers’ great love and attachment to each other by placing them in the sky as stars. There they shine in the constellation of Gemini, side by side throughout the ages.

READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Taurus

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.

It has been said that wearing emeralds eases breathing, clarifies eyesight and thought patterns and improves communication, so if you're applying for a loan, asking for a rise or on the search for a soul mate - wear an emerald! Sultry sensual Taurus has a healthy appetite for the material pleasures of the earth. Good food, good wine and of course good loving. (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

The second sign of the zodiac is represented by the Bull, an animal that is both fierce and gentle and has always symbolized strength and sexuality.

The myth of the Bull beings with Jupiter, supreme god of ancient Greece, ruler of heaven, of lesser gods, and men. Jupiter had a strong romantic streak, and had numerous love affairs, wives, and mistresses. One such love affair concerns the beautiful Princess Europa, daughter of the King of Phoenicia.

Europa led a very sheltered existence in her father’s palace and knew nothing of the world outside. One night she had a prophetic dream in which a strange woman held out her arms to Europa and said, “I shall bring you to Jupiter, for your destiny has appointed you his beloved.”

Sure enough, that day when Europa and a group of young maidens went out to pick roses and hyacinths in a meadow by the sea, Jupiter saw her and was thunderstruck by her beauty. There and then her determined to have her.

Jupiter knew that an innocent young girl like Europa would run from him if he showed himself in his own godlike image, so he transformed himself into a Bull. He became not an ordinary bull, but a magnificent white Bull with jewel-like horns and silver crescent moon in the middle of his forehead.

Europa was fascinated by the beautiful, gentle Bull, and began to caress him. Finally she climbed onto his back. That was just what Jupiter wanted. He sprang into the air and carried her away to the island of Crete. There, he changed himself back to his true likeness and declared his love for Europa. Under the boughs of a large tree, he and Europa became lovers.

Not long afterward Venus, the goddess of love, appeared to Europa to confess that she was the strange women in the dream. From now on, Venus told her, the continent to which Jupiter had taken her would be known as Europe.

This adulterous love story (Jupiter was married to the goddess Juno) has a happy ending. Europa bore Jupiter three children, and Jupiter took the likeness of the Bull and placed it in the heavens. 

READing Your Style: Legends of the Zodiac - Aries

Oh joy, to the internet and how it makes life so much more convenient! I have finally found a useful purpose for Pinterest! Now, I have had a Pinterest account for a few months and it has taken me a while to take a liking to it, especially considering all the other social media platforms I already have. But this month, as I was searching for jewelry to feature for this here series on 'Jewelry for the Holidays based on Zodiac Gemstones', I found Pinterest to be a great tool as an online buying guide, especially for all my last minute gifters. What I have been able to do is create a ‘board’ for each sign of the zodiac, and based on the gemstone that correlates with each sign, I was able to scour other Pinterest boards, and ‘Pin’ jewelry that I found to be great buying options based on the gemstone I wanted to feature for each sign. Please visit and follow my Pinterest if you have one, and create on if you don’t, for I have found jewelry of all price ranges from different sources ranging from Bulgari to Etsy.com. If perhaps your “ballin’ on a budget”, I include more reasonably priced look-a-like pieces of the gemstones featured for each zodiac that are made of crystal, and even plastic. In my fashion, it’s all about the look and what your jewelry means to you, not the price! I was pleasantly surprised at how good a resource Pinterest is for shopping and selling. I say, if you are salesperson, consider Pinterest to display your product, especially if you have unique items. I can just imagine how many people want interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces, but don’t know where to go to shop for just what they want. For consumers, Pinterest is a great way to find those pieces, and for sellers, it’s a great way to market your pieces to the worldwide market.

The InMyFashion Pinterest

As I promised in my December Editor’s Letter, I hope you find the ‘Legends of the Zodiac’ stories from, ‘The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need’, as entertaining as I did. They are intended to educate and inspire more intimate and intriguing reasons for adorning oneself with such gems inspired by the zodiac. As I have always championed on #IMFblog, items worn with a certain intention make for stronger individual style, and in my fashion, the items we wear provide their own energy in the same way our personalities provide/receive energy from other people. If you think about it, it is interesting how the jewelry we wear, or see others wearing, can affect our mood. Whether it’s more of a mental process, or that gems/jewelry radiate a  certain “life energy”, there is something to be said about jewelry’s transformative qualities on our perceptions of ourselves or other wearers.   

Bravery, physical strength, sex drive, and fertile are qualities attributed to Aries, who are also known for their pioneering drive to forge new trails and rise to every challenge. Think about it, with Mars endowing them with healthy sexual vigour channelled into their powerful and energetic approach to life, no wonder the diamond associated with the element of fire, brings out the Arian personality with such egotistical overtones. (Read more from Frank Pilkington)

The first sign of the zodiac is represented by the Ram. In mythology, the Ram has always been courageous and enterprising, a lively, energetic animal able to bound over obstacles and rocky terrain.

The Story of the Ram begins in ancient Greece with a king named Athamus who ruled the province of Boetia. Athamus married a woman called Nephele, and they had two beautiful children, a son and daughter they named Phrixus and Helle.

After a time, Athamus grew tired of Nephele, and deserted her. He took a second wife, Ino, and they had two sons. Ino was a jealous and conniving woman who hated her stepchildren Phrixus and Helle, and set about plotting their deaths.

The first thing she did was convince the women of her country to roast the corn before planting it. This effectively cancelled out the crops that year. Famine swept the land. The king sent a messenger to the Oracle at Delphi to find out what caused the crop failure. Apparently, it never occurred to him to ask the women who planted the crops, but this is the sort of oversight of which some modern political leaders are also guilty.

Ino managed to bribe the king’s messenger to return from Delphi and tell the king that the crops would not grow again until the lives of his children Phrixus and Helle were sacrificed to the god Jupiter. The gullible king planned to have his son and daughter killed in order to save his people.

A quick shift now to Phrixus and Helle, who were tending their sheep. In their flock was a Ram with golden fleece. This Golden Ram had been given to their mother Nephele as a present from the god Hermes (mercury). Nephele, getting wind of what evil was afoot, begged the Ram to save her children. The Ram spoke with the voice of a man to warn Phrixus and Helle of their danger, then told them to climb onto his back. Then he flew with them across the sea.

Unfortunately, as they were crossing the strait that divides Europe and Asia, Helle grew dizzt and faint and slipped off the Ram’s back. She fell into the sea and drowned. To this day, the strait into which she fell is named after her, the Hellespont.

Her brother Phrixus, however, was carried safely to the land of Colchis. This put an end to the plot of the villainous Ino, though it does not seem to have done much to relieve the famine or to have brought King Athamus to his senses.

Rather ungratefully it would seem, Phrixus killed the Golden Ran as a sacrifice to Jupiter, who in turn placed the Ram’s likeness among the stars in heaven to honor him for his heroism.

à la mode: Behind the Hedgerow

A spread I have been meaning to report on from Town & Country's 2013 September Issue is 'Behind the Hedgerow', which reminded me of one of my favorite movies directed by, Sofia Copppola, Marie Antoinette (2006). While the setting of the spread takes place in Kent, England at the Squerryes Court house, the beautiful greenery, and hedgerows are vaguely reminiscent of the maze of shrubs at Versailles in Paris. The movie, which was a visual feast, and earned  an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, has been a movie of which I have gained much sartirial inspiration and imagination from as of late for its ornate display of clothes. In my fashion, the movie, was simply a cinematic 18th century fashion show than it was about the the historics of that period of time in France; but, in my fashion, the thing that was said about Marie Antoinette and her costume, is that whether we are royalty or not, life is about being daring enough to push one's limits outside of the norm, and show that we are free to create a life for ourselves that is enjoyable for oneself, and titillating for onlookers. 

I found on YouTube a 2007 lecture from the University of Michigan by author, Caroline Weber, in which she discusses her book, 'Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution', which is an overview of the queen's excessive overdress and underdress, which contributed to her rise in political power, as well as her decline in public approval which led to her demise at the Guiotine. The Austrian-born Princess litrerally used fashion as a means to establish her own power at Versailles within the not so welcoming French society. Because of Antoinette's foreign roots, cultivating the French public's approval was difficult to gain because of her inablity to entice her husband to bed and produce an heir to the throne in the first 8 years of their union. According to Caroline Weber, Marie Anotinette was a renegade of fashion, and in my fashion she is a representation of the notion that fashion is not about following rules, it's about breaking them. More so than what she actually wore in the early part of her role as Queen, in my fashion, the French became entranced and attracted to Marie Antoinette for her valor in wearing what she wore. While it was typical of the Queens in the past to gain respect by being the bearer of children, keeping hiden behind the accomplishments of her husband, the King, Anotoinette's bold attempts to escape the constraints and conventions of the formal royal French court commanded respect in a more ostentatious manor by changing perceptions on what a Queen could look like. Her infinitely personalizable pouf gained her the most notoriety helping her to become the center of attention for the burgeoning fashion press, which our modern fashion media owes credit to her.

        

In my fashion, Marie Antoinette is perfect inspiration during this season of jewelry excess. In the royal French court, the protocol was that if you were a member of the royal family one had to look the part of a royal every minute of everyday of one's life. The idea behind it was that in order for the people to worship their King, and to recognize him as a supreme power, he needed to look more divine and more majestic than anybody else around him. This principal extended to his royal family, and every little detail of one's garb reflected one's position in the court's hierarchy. Stylist, Hannah Teare, did a fantastic job in the fashion story I feature here of depicting such a concept in modern terms. In my fashion, this is such a dreamy fashion spread that really accentuates the use of wearing opulent accessories to look of a majestic stature. Imagine walking down a busy street wearing look 5 or 9! I am sure there would be quite a few traffic jams as drivers would be awestruck by such a fanciful look. I am in love with the idea of elevating the everyday, and making life as exciting as possible, and I just wish people were more courageous in their fashionable expression to were a headpiece like that in look 4, or to go out walking the dog in a dress like that of look 2. I do realize that life does not call for us to have to wear such exaggerated looks on a daily basis, but being a person who does so, in my fashion, says to the world that you are a participant of what the times are about, and you encourage vivacious living. To me, dressing excessively is about promoting living life to the fullest despite the shortcomings and banality of everyday living.  As Helen Keller said, "Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."