"...There is no finish line with depression, anxiety, or any other sort of mental illness. We're on this path, and the path is constantly changing. Sometimes it's flat and well-marked, and we can see all the way to the horizon. Other times, it's so heavily shrouded in fog and mist, we can't even see past our fingertips and we need someone to show us where the path is." This beautifully written quote is by someone who was recently playing a round of Magic: The Gathering with actor Wil Wheaton, as fully described in one of Wheaton's latest posts.  I know, you're thinking, what the hell is up with this nerdy stuff? Putting it simply, for all the doctors and specialists we talk to about mental illness and its daily struggles, the most comfort we receive is so often from a fellow sufferer. I am one of the many who struggle with depression and anxiety, and I offer hope and encouragement to others that they are not alone in this daily fight, and they are in very good, esteemed company.  
  

I apologize for the maudlin post, but I looked at the date, August 19th, and I think it will be a while before it can be just another day in summer.  It was a year ago, to the day, that we said goodbye to our sweet, darling pup, Indy. As sad a day as it was, it was one of the most special days we could have hoped for -- we made it a Day of All the Favorite Things. We took her to her favorite places, she ate whatever she wanted, she saw as many of her favorite people as possible, and when it was time to say goodbye, she never left our arms, quietly passing away in our home, in her own bed.

Well, if you're going to throw flowers at my feet, they may as well be decorating some fabulous heels.  At least that's what the voice said in my Magpie-Mind as I was looking through all the wonderful springtime-fresh fashions starting to emerge. While I'm less able to wear such beautiful but impractical high heels, a girl can still dream and admire the color and over-the-top embellishment on shoes like these. These gorgeous heels range from the wearable to the WOW. 

I wouldn't say I'm particularly drawn to pastel/Easter hues, but it got me thinking -- why not wear such light, subtle hues in the dark days of winter?  What makes a look so stylish is an understanding of opposites -- wearing a layered summer dress for winter, a tough moto jacket and boots with a feminine skirt or dress. I daresay pastel colors can almost be called rebellious when worn in winter -- oh the scandal!

No, it's not Valentine's Day (yet) but here's to ringing in the new year with luck and prosperity - paint the town RED.  A powerful, bold color, red is also associated with good fortune in Chinese tradition. It wards off bad spirits and it's associated with celebrations of great joy. So for the first post of the new year, the Magpie says, ring it in with red. 

I have a love/hate relationship with Pumpkin Spice -- it doesn't help that it's become an unstoppable craze, starting to inundate the senses as early as August. I allow myself one pumpkin spice latte for the fall season (OK, maybe two), and it must be within the months of October through November, AND THAT'S IT. So for the rest of the non-pumpkin spice latte days, I would like to suggest ways to celebrate pumpkin spice in an everyday, visually flattering way, that doesn't make you smell like an air freshener. 

Fear not, Summerlings, it's not Labor Day yet! This Bird has never got with the program over that old fashion of rule of "no wearing white after Labor Day." And no one else follows this either, it's just a common turn-of-phrase nowadays. But it got me thinking about why white is so lovely for summer, and how touches of gold can make a look ladylike, crisp, and dancing along the edge of preppy-sweet. 

Summer Onwards! Have you made the seasonal switch to full Summer Mode? Unlike winter's chill, where we're piling on every scrap of clothing we own, summer is the opposite -- minimalism is the way to go, with light, comfortable clothing. The focus should be on the items that aren't subject to fit or size -- mainly, our skin and its protection from that great burning orb in the sky. Skincare is the priority for summer -- keep sunscreen handy, a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, sunglasses to ward off glare, and a slouchy, casual bag to fit all the fun stuff you'll want to tote around, from beach party to picnic BBQ.

This Birdy is having a beach party in her bird-brain and you're all invited. Can you not tell how totally in Vacation Mode my mind is right now?! And I have no fabulous sandy beach-filled vacation plans in my future, so just call it a Mood of Summer Aquamarine Blues. Of all the summery colors, the liquid-blue, almost minty hue of Aqua makes me long for clear blue ocean waters.

I was very sad to hear the news last week that Swiss surrealist artist H.R. Giger had passed away, at age 74. His most well-known work is his character design of the creature in 1979's Alien, as well as album covers for artists from Debbie Harry to Danzig. I admit to having an obsessive love of his work ever since high school, but instead of showing an endless parade of his vividly gorgeous and macabre work, I'd like to present a stunning look at the work of British fashion designer Georgia Hardinge, whose 2013 Spring/Summer line had pieces influenced by Giger's amazing work.

This Birdy has to admit, a quick wardrobe change and easy choices are the new thing for me, when trying to get out the door. I love complex layering and thinking of new, interesting ways to pair pieces, but lately I find myself relying on the one piece wonder: the dress. 

Do not attempt to adjust your screen -- the hemlines are going every which way, and this Birdy likes it.  Asymmetrical hems aren't anything new, but I'm noticing the trend of dramatically cut, layered hemlines that keep your eye moving around. It's typically on minimalist, modern pieces, and it has such an understated, smart elegance that I'm really liking, especially for spring. Consider it an alternative if you can't quite get on the pastel or floral bandwagon.   

I'm seeing the signs of spring, and it's definitely giving my wardrobe Spring Fever.  Even if I'm still bundling up in the mornings, I'm in the Mood to look at flowy dresses, watercolor floral prints and light, dewy colors. These pretty things might be covered in winter coats for a little bit longer, but it's Springtime, dammit.  

Is it possible to wear your heart on your sleeve (or anywhere else) all year round? As you know, Valentine's Day is this week, although we've been inundated with heart-shaped Everything since January. Is there a way to celebrate the love without everything looking like a heart-shaped mess? The Magpie is here to save the day with some sweet, smart heart-themed jewelry that makes you feel like a Valentine 365 days a year.

Is it a rule that pink is only the realm of princesses? The Magpie would like to clear up this misconception, because you can totally rock a light, dusky rose and not feel like you're a headliner in the Easter Parade. A light rose hue isn't just for Sunday School dresses and minding your manners -- Rose can Rock.

Hear that rumble in the distance? It's the Year of the Horse, galloping towards us! Even if you don't celebrate Lunar New Year/Chinese New Year (which is this week), it's still fun to read what your astrological sign is on the paper placemats in so many Chinese restaurants. It's the Year of the Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014), which is quite an elegant and strong symbol to put you in a fashionable Mood. If it's your year, extra lucky wishes to you, and for the rest of us, there's no reason we can't celebrate in style and wear a brilliant crimson hue, to keep the bad luck away!

That Old Black Magic

Halloween is nearly here! It puts this Birdy in a spellbound Mood, thinking of gothic looks and dramatic statement accessories. Witches and spellcraft seems to be the supernatural trend these days, so I thought, what would a stylish, modern day gal who dabbles in the Black Arts wear? Only the best, of course.

Season of InBetween

I'm starting to feel that slight chill in the air, and yet still able to wear shorts and flip-flops on warm afternoons - tis the season of InBetween. Not quite fall yet, and summer continues to linger, we're at the point where we don't want to mothball our warm weather clothes, but you don't want to haul out the wool coat, either. What to do? Light layers and celebrate those favorite summery pieces for their last, precious wearings for the year.

too cool for school

Ever wish you could jump into a time machine... that isn't a hot tub or a DeLorian? I remember going back to school shopping and picking out new clothes, which was always fun, but the stuff I loved getting best was the supplies -- new backpack, a snazzy new pencil box, cool folders printed with favorite characters or animals, and of course the all-important Trapper Keeper. Clothes were changed out every day, but these were the things you brought every day to school. They were the grade school equivalent of a coat of arms that you rocked, day in and day out. Times have changed, but if I were going back to school and wanted to accessorize like a boss, these are my too-cool-for-school ultimate finds.

romper room

Is anyone ever too old for a one-piece romper? This Old Bird admits that the first time the one-piece/pant suit/romper trend started to make its way back around, my Fashion Spidey Sense was tingling in the category of: Danger, Miss Birdy, DANGER! Mostly because the earlier versions of this one-piece dressing look looked too cookie-cutter 70s throwback or the romper stylings that should have been on a schoolgirl. But, like all things, styles evolve, as do opinions. So this Bird is saying YES to Shorteralls!