The Cosmic Fashionista

Planetary trend-tracking . . .

Perplexed as you stand before the sale rack? Whipsawed by an unfathomable indecision?

Relax – it is a cosmic conspiracy, but nothing you can’t handle.

In fact, the stellar trends are positively balmy this month. You will ultimately triumph – and in style!

The outer you should reflect the inner (and totally fabulous) you. Or the best "you" you’re aspiring to be.

Trends this month favour going within for a little creative daydreaming. Aim to pinpoint what truly makes you happy. And know May will be an action-packed month.

April begins with the Sun in Aries, sign of the Warrior Woman, corporate and private. Get your inner warrior in gear. Dare to dream of a new you. Start saving for a makeover. Kick any bad diet or exercise habits to the curb.

When the pace starts to become too fast, stop and smell the daffodils! Change is in the air, but it’s just germinating. Let nature take it’s course, and don’t try to push too hard too fast.

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

How Fickle the Finger of Fate

A Yod – what ancient astrologers called the "finger of fate" prevails most of the month. It’s not as ominous as it sounds! Usually nothing happens at all (Of course, much depends on where it falls in your own chart).

The general caution is that some sort of inner adjustment is necessary before we can go after our big life goals. If you feel blocked, take a look at where you’re trying to force the issue. Re-focus on the side of greater cooperation and contributing to the greater good. (Try it, it works!)

Have a Good Trine

Sometimes the planets align exactly as they should. On April 20, three make a big triangle in the sky, forming what is called a Grand Trine. It’s one of the most favorable configurations going.

The Good Luck Troika: The Sun will be in Taurus, a sign fond of the good life with an unerring eye for refined, understated style. Saturn continues its stay in Virgo, giving us the inner urge to perfect ourselves and be sensible about wellness.

Both soften the effects of Pluto in Capricorn, while providing us with practical outlets for that planet’s deep inner urgings. And they are deep: Pluto is all about issues of power versus empowerment, dealings with people in authority (like bosses), and personal transformation.

Under the trine, it’s a great time to start a new business or project, ask for a raise. Just make sure you have a plan that makes sense.

Where’s Venus?

As planets circle the solar system, each passes through a zodiac sign. It tends to ‘wear’ the energy of that sign. And reflect our own inner what-to-wear urge!

The month begins with Venus in the sign of the Fish. Being a water sign, Pisces brings a flow to the current esthetic.

The sign of the mystic, the dreamer, the artist, Pisces is largely behind the spring trends towards gossamer fabrics and lingerie looks. With an affinity for the sea, you might also be drawn to one of the many nautical looks.

On April 6, Venus slips into something Aries. As arbiter of style, this dynamic sign means the season’s vibrant color palette will feel just right. Color is energy, is life, and the first sign of the zodiac believes in affirming same with no ambiguities. We’re also more confident in our style choices, and not afraid to strut our stuff. Or to assert a certain sexiness.

Style strategies:

Make uncertainty your ally. Try on a frilly frock, pop art print, or whatever takes you out of your comfort zone and into unfamiliar style territory.

But in case you stray too far, only shop at stores with good return policies! That way, you can indulge your impulse, but take back the items that ultimately just won’t work.

FIRE
Aries: Lavish and luscious are your watchwords! Go on the prowl for a new romance from April 6 on. You could find something steady and sustaining by the 20th. Dazzle the higher-ups late in the month, but don’t rely on looks alone.
Leo:  You’re ready to call it quits, in love and life. Hang tight; the New Moon April 5 brings a breakthrough and perhaps a needed break. But it’s the full moon on the 20th shines alight on your ambitions. Be careful what you ask for on the professional front, because you’ll most likely get it!
Sagittarius: Your house of love affairs gets the most play until the 20th. Just watch yur famous bluntness, or you may alienate a likely prospect. It’s a creative cycle that favors looking good while spending less. And late in the month the way out of a financial dilemma appears.

WATER
Cancer: You’re all dressed up with many places to go mid-month when Mars in Cancer aligns with Uranus, the planet of electric connections. Prepare to shed the shrinking violet persona. By April 20 sensual pleasures top your wish list. After which the good times roll on.
Scorpio: Time to freshen up the routine. A new diet or exercise regime, a skill-building course – it would all be good now. Get ready to make your move on the Full Moon April 20. Partnerships new and old are favored. Why not join forces and conquer?
Pisces: That oversized dose of ambition looks great on you, and works in your favor. Channel your charm towards financial or romantic gain. Around April 20 your love life will be far from boring. Admirers will be many, and all will appreciate your style.

AIR
Gemini: This is the month when you generally lighten up. Why not? Your blithe spirit may pall around the 5th, though, when a power struggle looms. Getting your health and appearance spiffed up will preoccupy you most of the month. By the 20th, the ways and means suddenly appear.
Libra: Your love life is in for some fiery moments. The more intimate side of things definitely will heat up, and in a way that pleases you both. By the time the Full Moon arrives April 20, you crave more authority. Consider some power dressing, like a sharp new suit, to make them take notice.
Aquarius: You’re on the prowl for bargains, and your social life is also on the upswing through mid-month. Scout for an agent or a new address, sign up for training or a personal-interest course, and always, always dress the part. In professional or home-related matters, you could hit it big around April 20.

EARTH
Taurus:  Both Venus and the Sun are in your house of secrets as of April 5. Keep your nose clean and your options open. Solid ground is within sight, in fact a favourable turnaround is due by April 20. That’s when you should make your birthday wishes, aiming for the stars.
Virgo: You’re in no mood for frivolity as the month begins. It’s intimacy you crave now, and you’ll most likely get some one-on-one action around the New Moon April 5. New investments or income-boosting options also appear. April 20 could find you in the catbird seat. Get ready to warble a happy tune.
Capricorn:  Take time to enjoy your successes and strategize. Mostly it’s a busy and social month, which may invovle some schedule juggling. Developments around April 20 will be significant. Your heart’s desire can be yours, just make to focus on more than the material.

Style - it's elemental!

The zodiac signs are divided into four elements. Each of which has a very different style.

The Fire signs – Aries, Leo and Sagittarius – tend to have the most exotic, dramatic or overtly sensual approach to appearance and dressing.
The Earth signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn tend to be, as the name suggests, more ragmatic, with practical considerations paramount.
Water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are more emotion-driven, and tend to adorn themselves more to please others.
And the Air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are more socially oriented and focussed on the trends.