Quoteworthy: Oscar de la Renta 1932-2014

"I always say this: live, love, and laugh. A huge mistake we make is forgetting that one day we will die. We think that we are going to live forever. I always say life is like a little garden. There is a time to plant, then a time you have to weed. Just think about people you've deeply cared for. And then think of the people you wish you'd spent more time with. Or about the things you had loved and whether you'd given enough time to them."
-Oscar de la Renta




And here are just a few of my favorite creations in recent years from the legendary designer himself.

Amy Adams at The Oscars.

Jessica Alba at The Golden Globes.

Allison Williams at The Emmys.

Now Playing: "Southern Sun" by Boy and Bear

Sun in Aries, March 21 - April 20

I've often viewed the stereotypical Aries as someone with an overwhelming amount of passion and fire within. One of my earliest crushes from childhood was an Aries- strong, warm, friendly and outgoing. He made my heart race faster than anyone had ever done before.

A good friend whom I lost at a young age was also an Aries male. Always the life of the party and so well loved by everyone he knew.

These days, I work alongside a number of Aries women and have witnessed that they share similarities that may be attributed to their natal chart placement. Independent, spirited and generally well-liked, this is a sign of the Zodiac that is very often in a leadership position.

If you look to someone for advice or at the top of their field, an Aries may likely be there. As I worked on this post, it occurred to me that I quite like the Rams. As an Aquarius, the Air-Fire pairing is rather unstoppable.

Those with Sun in Aries or strong Aries placement in their chart may possess the following characteristics:

• Courageous
• Generous
• Friendly
• Optimistic
• Strong
• Devoted
• Romantic
• Moody
• Short-tempered
• Complimentary
• Hard-working
• Popular
• Curious
• Impatient
• Talented
• Funny
• Self-involved
• Athletic
• Goal-Oriented
• Leaders
• Quick-Witted
• Sneaky
• Energetic
• Selfish
• Confident
• Adventurous
• Impulsive
• Abrupt
• Dynamic
• Pioneering
• Direct
• Hot
• Assertive
• Hurtful
• Protective
• Competitive
• Brave
• Restless
• Untruthful
• Arrogant
• Headstrong
• Lively
• Spontaneous
• Egotistical
• Aggressive
• Successful
• Bold
• Sexual
• Memorable
• Tempestuous
• Fiery
• Stubborn
• Confrontational
• Responsible
• Attractive
• Independent
• Sporty
• Domineering
• Passionate

Famous people with Sun in Aries':

• Lady Gaga
• Mariah Carey
• Fergie
• Celine Dion
• Vincent van Gogh
• Bach
• Kristen Stewart
• Kourtney Kardashian
• Shannen Doherty
• Jennie Garth
• Jenna Jameson
• Emma Watson
• Heath Ledger
• Russell Crowe
• Marlon Brando
• Robert Downey Jr.
• Victoria Beckham
• Keira Knightley
• Matthew Broderick
• Sarah Jessica Parker
• Sarah Michelle Gellar
• Melissa Joan Hart
• Jennifer Garner
• Reese Witherspoon
• Linda Goodman
• Charles Baudelaire
• Michael Fassbender
• Serge Gainsbourg
• Quentin Tarantino
• James Franco
• Elton John
• Steve McQueen
• Alessandra Ambrosio
• Miranda Kerr
• Maria Sharapova
• Kate Hudson
• Alec Badwin
• Eddie Murphy
• Jackie Chan
• Pharrell Williams
• Hugh Hefner
• Leona Lewis
• Diana Ross
• Norah Jones
• Steven Tyler
• Jesse McCartney
• Amanda Bynes
• Patricia Arquette
• Adrien Brody
• Vince Vaughn
• Conan O'Brien
• David Letterman
• Ashely Judd
• Elle MacPherson
• Eric Clapton
• Edie Sedgwick
• Claire Danes
• Cynthia Nixon
• Christopher Walken
• Bette Davis
• Jayne Mansfield
• Joan Crawford
• Emma Thompson
• Paris Jackson
• Mandy Moore
• Warren Beatty
• Thomas Jefferson
• J.P. Morgan
• Anton LaVey
• Maya Angelou
• Marcia Cross
• Robin Wright
• Dennis Quaid
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
• Keri Russell
• Princess Eugenie of York
• Jamie Lynn Spears
• Kevin Federline
• Peyton Manning
• Harry Houdini
• David Blaine
• Suri Cruise
• Julian Lennon
• Aretha Franklin
• Jessie J
• Leighton Meester
• Zach Braff
• Julia Stiles
• Gregory Peck
• Dodi Fayed
• Susan Boyle
• William Shatner
• Alyson Hannigan
• Paul Rudd
• Marvin Gaye
• Al Gore
• Akon
• Francis Ford Coppola
• Billie Holiday
• Joss Stone
• Rosie O'Donnell
• Doris Day
• Jennifer Grey
• Elizabeth Montgomery
• Vivienne Westwood
• Michael Pitt
• Vincent Gallo

Now Playing: "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele
*Doesn't get more Aries-sounding than this!

Quoteworthy

"At that instant he saw, in one blaze of light, an image of unutterable conviction, the reason why the artist works and lives and has his being--the reward he seeks--the only reward he really cares about, without which there is nothing. It is to snare the spirits of mankind in nets of magic, to make his life prevail through his creation, to wreak the vision of his life, the rude and painful substance of his own experience, into the congruence of blazing and enchanted images that are themselves the core of life, the essential pattern whence all other things proceed, the kernel of eternity."
-Thomas Wolfe 1900-1938












Now Playing: "(At) The End (of a Rainbow)" by Earl Grant

Sun in Sagittarius, November 22 - December 21

I have Saturn and Uranus placed in Sag. While I don't generally pay too much attention to the outer planets, I'm an Aquarius Sun. Being that Aquarius is co-ruled by Saturn and Uranus, I do have a powerful Sagittarius connection in that regard. My Jupiter (which rules Sagittarius) is also in my Sun sign of Aquarius. A bit confusing but lots of ties back to Sagittarius.

My Dad is a Sagittarius as was as my beloved childhood dog and some of my best friends from college. Next to Libras, I've always found Sagittarius to be one of the most popular signs of the zodiac. You can always count on them to be fun-loving, full of energy and outgoing. They make some of the best friends you could hope to have.

Those who have Sun in Sagittarius or strong Sag placement in their chart may possess these personal attributes:

• Social
• Powerful
• Strong
• Outgoing
• Hot
• Fun
• Energetic
• Willful
• Longevity
• Athletic
• Upbeat
• Lucky
• Gregarious
• Optimistic
• Courageous
• Inventive
• Warm
• Restless
• Adventurous
• Impatient
• Flirty
• Partiers
• Popular
• Well-liked
• Friendly
• Truthful
• Honest
• Loyal
• Spirited
• Enthusiastic
• Arrogant
• Blunt
• Prideful
• Perfectionists
• Creative
• Headstrong
• Travelers
• Playful
• Intellectual
• Frank
• Free
• Reliable
• Hardworking
• Philosophical
• Tireless
• Successful
• Vain
• Artistic
• Superficial
• Sporty
• Generous
• Funny
• Fearless
• Independent
• Confident
• Scattered
• Nomadic
• Flaky
• Curious
• Inquisitive
• Real

Famous Sun in Sagittarius':

• Brad Pitt
• Jim Morrison
• Jimi Hendrix
• Taylor Swift
• Miley Cyrus
• Britney Spears
• Christina Aguilera
• Nicki Minaj
• Alyssa Milano
• Scarlett Johansson
• Bruce Lee
• Jay-Z
• Beethoven
• Steven Spielberg
• Woody Allen
• Frank Sinatra
• Daryl Hannah
• John F. Kennedy, Jr.
• Caroline Kennedy
• Jake Gyllenhaal
• Katie Holmes
• Tyra Banks
• Tina Turner
• Ted Bundy
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Keith Richards
• Jane Birkin
• Jane Fonda
• Vanessa Hudgens
• Pope Francis
• Walt Disney
• Julianne Moore
• Jane Austen
• Anna Nicole Smith
• John Malkovich
• Ben Stiller
• Katherine Heigl
• Amanda Seyfried
• Ozzy Osbourne
• Kaley Cuoco
• Kiefer Sutherland
• Jeff Bridges
• Frank Zappa
• Billy Idol
• Nikki Sixx
• Christina Applegate
• Julie Delpy
• Mark Twain
• Jon Stewart
• Sarah Silverman
• Ray Liotta
• Bette Midler
• Marisa Tomei
• Ann Coulter
• Andrew Carnegie
• John Kerry
• Ed Harris
• Joe Dimaggio
• Steve Buscemi
• Ashley Benson
• Little Richard
• Donny Osmond
• Larry Bird
• Mos Def
• Kathryn Bigelow
• Bill Hicks

Now Playing: "Everlasting Light" by The Black Keys

*Sagittarius type of song.

Quoteworthy

"No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness."
-Aristotle
















Now Watching: The Pens Game (It's Intermission!)

Quoteworthy

“For these beings, fall is ever the normal season, the only weather, there be no choice beyond. Where do they come from? The dust. Where do they go? The grave. Does blood stir their veins? No: the night wind. What ticks in their head? The worm. What speaks from their mouth? The toad. What sees from their eye? The snake. What hears with their ear? The abyss between the stars. They sift the human storm for souls, eat flesh of reason, fill tombs with sinners. They frenzy forth.... Such are the autumn people.” 
-Ray Bradbury 1920-2012











Now Playing: "I Summon You" by Spoon

Missed Connections: Colors and Effects Edition

Sometimes you stumble upon the most poetic bits of lit on Missed Connections. No snark this time. Only love.









Now Playing: "Alaskans" by Volcano Choir
*I miss you.

Happy Independence Day!

"The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." 
-Benjamin Franklin

n

Now Playing: "One Headlight" by The Wallflowers
*Duh

Quoteworthy

"Life is only a dream and we are the imagination of ourselves."
-Bill Hicks 1961-1994














Now Playing: "Can't Pretend" by Tom Odell

Go Deep: Jack White & Conan O'Brien

"I often think that society is missing out on something right now; to think that anger and hostility are things that are in the violent realm of emotions- that they're all completely one hundred percent bad and should be avoided at all costs. I don't think that's true at all."
-Jack White



I found this conversation to be very enlightening. As a Catholic (albeit with strong Spiritualist beliefs and an open mind to all paths), I could relate to Jack and Conan's perspectives. I find Jack White to be one of the most intelligent people in the music industry. He has such a brilliant mind. I long to have and keep people like this in my life. Thought-provoking conversations with good friends (or total strangers) are vital.










Now Playing: "Lookin' Back on '99" by Daughn Gibson

25 Random Things... That Inspire Me

1. The night time. I've always been naturally nocturnal. I get all my energy and creativity after midnight. I'm the eternal night owl.
2. Music. Silence is deafening. I'm usually listening to something. Everything from classical to oldies to alternative rock to hip hop.
3. People watching. Creeping it real. I like to observe.
4. Movies/TV.
5. Art/Photography.
6. Pittsburgh. Home.
7. Books/Magazines/Literature.
8. The Internet.
9. Dreams. Daydreams. Thoughts (walks, the shower...).
10. Travel.
11. Disappointment/Heartache.
12. Astrology/Tarot/The Occult.
13. Thrift shops/Antiques/Objects with a past.
14. Houses/Cars/Clothes... Material things.
15. Animals.
16. Quotes.
17. Makeup/Beauty.
18. Family and friends.
19. Coast to Coast AM. Talk radio when it gets weird.
20. Love.
21. Nature/Weather/Seasons.
22. Holidays.
23. The Moon.
24. Memories/The Past.
25. The Future.











Now Playing: "Blinding" by Florence + The Machine

Quoteworthy: Joan Rivers

"I succeeded by saying what everyone else is thinking."


Happy 80th birthday to one of the funniest souls this world has seen. Have a sense of humor? Joan is an inspiration to women everywhere. Never quite understood her? Check out her documentary or read her books.
















Now Playing: "Hang Me Up To Dry" by Cold War Kids

Steal the Look: Courtney Kerr

"Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation."
-Oscar Wilde


I'm all for having your own sense of style. It's not very creative to get your entire look from someone else's closet. But every once in awhile, you get inspired but what you see on another person. Sometimes it's okay to borrow concepts. We all can't be the first or most original all of the time (or any of the time for that matter).

Courtney Kerr's style blog is a fun read. I really like this look she recently put together:

1. ASOS Floral Print Blazer. I would suggest getting this piece. The colors are beautiful and the price isn't too outrageous. But I'm sure you could find something similar at the mall. Thrift stores often have great printed jackets.

2. Square Sunglasses. The bigger the better. Courtney's are Chanel. If you can find some with similar chain detailing, you're set. I'm not a fan of spending a lot of money on sunglasses because I have bad luck in that department. Stolen, lost, broken, quickly go out of style, easy to find similar ones... too many reasons to pass on that expenditure. In my experience, cheapies are just as good, if not better.

3. Pink Lipstick. Courtney's sporting Nars Yu. Lipstick is something I never hesitate to throw money at but if you're tighter with spending in this area, Cover Girl Spellbound offers a similar look and it's excellent quality.

4. Little Black Dress. This look calls for something fitted. Courtney's appears to have an almost corseted sweetheart neckline. Just about any LBD would make for an excellent substitute.

5. Leather Pouch. I adore Courtney's personalized Rebecca Minkoff bag but American Apparel does a similar carry-all for $56. Better yet? They come in a ton of colors. Many places offer leather engraving. Add your own initials to capture the look.

6. Essie Fifth Avenue. This is the nail polish shown. Any red would look great but I do recommend Essie.













Now Playing: "Arizona" by Kings of Leon
*This came on the radio very early in the morning a couple weeks ago and I remembered how much I loved it.

Quoteworthy: Roger Ebert

"What I believe is that all clear-minded people should remain two things throughout their lifetimes: curious and teachable."
-Roger Ebert 1942-2013










Now Playing: "That's What's Up" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

People Watching: Street Style

Now Playing: "Breathe" by Télépopmusik
*One of my favorite songs of all time

Mercury Retrograde, I Hate You

There are few things in life that I find the word hate appropriate enough to describe; Mercury Retrograde is one of those things. For those who are unfamiliar with what it exactly means, in Astrology, the planet Mercury rules communication, travel, the mind, our thought processes... a lot of things. When it's in retrograde, life becomes quite prone to setbacks, delays, frustrations and other grievances. Many Astrologers advise people to not travel, sign contracts, start new projects or make any major purchases during this period. I can see why.

During this particular Mercury Retrograde I have personally experienced...

• My car losing fuel faster than usual
• Heavy traffic beyond normalcy, bad drivers everywhere
• Road closures due to Mother Nature (landslide)
• My Mom fractured her pelvis and was admitted into the hospital
• A phone interview for work was majorly miscommunicated
• Other work-related communication issues
• Bad hair days
• Slowness/Lethargy
• Losing two full days of sleep
• Not fully loving a song by my favorite band (never happened before but it's growing on me)
• Forgetting about daylight savings time
• Not finding anything special to gift a friend for her baby shower

& that's just the beginning. 

To the average person, this may sound completely frivolous but I stand by my beliefs. For anyone claiming that I could be suffering from some sort of self-fulfilling prophecy, I didn't even realize that Mercury Retrograde was happening until I realized Mercury Retrograde must be happening. There was no app alert or e-mail notification. I can always tell.

In my natal chart, I have Mercury placed in my eighth house which happens to be in my sun sign of Aquarius. I definitely feel its power. When Mercury is backwards, so am I. 

Now Playing: "Us and Them" by Pink Floyd

Quoteworthy

"You know what's weird? Day by day, nothing seems to change, but pretty soon... everything's different."
-Bill Watterson















Now Playing: "Thinking About You" by Frank Ocean

Quoteworthy

"Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness. And they live by what they hear. Such people become crazy... or they become legend."
-Jim Harrison














Now Playing: "Slow Show" by The National

This or That: People Edition

Urban People or Suburbanites: City!

Hipsters or Thugs: Hipsters for their events but thugs are much easier to get along with.

Amy Winehouse or Adele: Back to Black

Al Pacino or Robert De Niro: Bob

Backstreet Boys or 'NSYNC: Find out here ;) The coolest!

Theater Nerds or Jocks: Jocks!

David Letterman or Jay Leno: Letterman

Preps or Povos: Povos

Jacob or Edward: Obviously, the vampire.

Dwarfs or Gingers: As a redhead, I'm gonna go with the little people. I don't associate with my own kind.

Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz or Alice from Alice in Wonderland: Follow the yellow brick road

Jim Morrison or Kurt Cobain: Light My Fire

Republicans or Democrats: Democrats!

Cops or Robbers: Cops

Johnny Depp or Leonardo DiCaprio: Love them both but Leo

Stephenie Meyer or J.K. Rowling: Haven't read either of their works but I like J.K. in her interviews.

Ryan Gosling or Channing Tatum: This isn't even a contest. Gosling.

Left or Right Brained People: Right

Cat People or Dog People: All animal lovers but of course I especially love my shih tzu :)

Julia Roberts or Winona Ryder: Julia Roberts

Vincent van Gogh or Claude Monet: Starry Night

Frank Sinatra or Elvis: Too tough to call! Elvis was hot during his prime but I prefer Sinatra's voice.

Musicians or Actors: Musicians

Writers or Directors: Writers

New Yorkers or Southern Californians: The East Coast keeps it real.























Now Playing: "Empty Streets" by Late Night Alumni

Snapshots: 2012 Democratic National Convention

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY THE PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE.

Now Playing: "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen
*What else?