Green packaging is about to become more prevalent -- and in more ways than one.

According to an article in Packaging Digest magazine, green and other earth-inspired colors will grace the packages of consumer goods hitting shelves over the next two years.  "Under the umbrella of packaging delivering a green message, . . . carbon as 'today's currency,' with earthy, natural, organic shades."

The color green is associated with nature-loving Virgo.  And with Saturn now in that sign, it means eco-consciousness is now mainstream.

And it seems like it happened overnight.  for decades environmentalists were on the fringe, desperately trying to get us all to recycle.

The second half of 2006 saw a shift in global mind set when the Moon's South Node went into Virgo, denoting a deep subconscious urge to get with the eco program.  Then in September 2007, Saturn took up the cause, which it will further until the end of 2009.

A green fashion look for spring
from the ethical fashion show, Montreal Fashion Week
Photo: Jimmy Hamelin

Star Attraction

Showing some zodiac style this Valentine’s Day just might bring more love your way

As told in my feature for Montreal's THE GAZETTE newspaper!

There’s no mistaking (or possibly resisting) the lure of allure.

Whether on the prowl for a new flame or to rekindle an old spark, feeling more attractive can help attract the kind of love you want and need. But so many trends, so many styles – how do you know which are for you?

Your zodiac sign can help you resolve those nagging what-to-wear dilemmas. And pinpoint in which of the coming season’s trends (just hitting stores) you’ll sizzle. We’ve also included the names of some celebrities of each sign who have mastered star attraction, proving the stylish lady gets (and keeps) the guy.

Read all about it here:

Charting Your Style - The Gazette (Montreal)

One of the big Sagittarian-inspired trends that will soon be on the way out: Pirates!

Sagittarius rules freewheeling types who like to make their own rules. And who can get away with things the rest of us can’t.

Beyond glamorizing and/or lusting after Johnny Depp and crew in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, music and video piracy still runs rampant. Jupiter shifted from Sagittarius to Capricorn in December. Pluto will dip a toe into that sign from January until mid-June, retreating back into Sagittarius until November. After that, it will stay in Capricorn for over a decade.

For some insight into what Jupiter in Capricorn holds, I recommend this article from About.com’s astrology guide, here.

These big shifts mean trends ruled by Sagittarius are in for one last hurrah. Jupiter has jumped ship, and Pluto will soon follow suit after more than a decade of shaping our obsessions.

Skull themes are still big in fashion heading into spring ‘08.  Few do it as fashionably as Montreal designer Renata Morales.  Here's a look from her Spring '08 collection.

Photo: Marek Wlazlo

The Matter of Gray

After more than a decade in oblivion, gray makes a comeback 

Gray has made a big comeback on fashion runways. From fall’s gunmetal and charcoal to spring-like dove, this hue remains a strong favourite throughout 2008.

But why this fascination for the color of brain cells, corporate players, aging temples and 90s minimalism? And why now?

From the Paul Hardyspring 08 collction
Photo: Marek Wlazlo

Astrology is the study of cycles, as reflected in the movement of the planets. It’s also a tool for making sense of the human psyche and resulting behaviors. And so helps divine the whys and wherefores of the trends.

In September 2007 the planet Saturn, a cosmic arbiter of fashion, slipped into something Virgo. Since ancient times that sign has been associated with quicksilver. The predominance of shades of grey reflects the affinity. As do the many muted platinum effects in fabrics and makeup.

This year Saturn has a chummy relationship with two planets trying on the sign of Capricorn for size in 2008, Jupiter and Pluto. Capricorn loves to go back to basics, and both these planets are prone to extremes. Hence the preponderance of black and white in spring collections.

Gray is Saturn’s way of tempering the extremism by striking a compromise. After all when you mix black with white, that’s what you get. Along with the assertiveness and strength of black, grey expresses understated elegance.

Our liking for the effect may have more to do with the furious pace at which we live, according to Marilyn Morley, a Montreal-based fashion director who has worked with major Canadian magazines. "Gray is a colour of a blur," she said. "And everything is happening so fast today. I think our yearning for gray is to somehow freeze-frame life, so we can get a better grip on what’s happening."

Psychologists who study color say it is a neutral, balanced shade. People who favor it generally are cool and conservative, and not prone to strong emotion. As the color of a cloudy sky, it can also denote moody types.

Heading into spring, it’s definitely time to lighten up. Light grays coordinate beautifully with pastel blue, lavender, or green, and help tone down some of the saccharine girliness. Darker gray provides a strong statement when pared with hot pink or other neon colors of the season. And don’t forget there are shades of gray, which done up in a frothy diaphanous frock, would be totally in.