Scorpio: Oct. 23-Nov. 22

Styleascope is a lighthearted horoscope that puts a spotlight on local fashion. Believe it or not, Zodiac signs say a lot about a person. They speak to an individual's strengths, weaknesses, romantic attractions, values, desires and ... fashion sense? Yep! The stars can serve as a personal stylist, too. No sign is alike, so your wardrobes shouldn't be either. My aim is to blend fashion and the cosmos by providing a guide to show you what's in store at local boutiques (and why your sign is telling you to wear it). Instead of the runway, I'll use the stars as my guide. So, what's your sign?

Name: Alejandro Torio
Birthday: Nov. 11
Occupation: Owner and marketing director of 5Church
Do you read your horoscope? "Yes, the New York Post Page Six horoscopes. I also read ex-girlfriends' horoscopes to see if we would ever re-align." [laughs]

Anna Wintour, Calvin Klein, Kelly Cutrone, and Alexa Chung have more than fashion in common. The reputable style icons all fall under the same zodiac sign. The Scorpio is a strong and determined sign, which translates into a confident sense of style. As leaders, the Scorpio always dresses to reflect his/her role. Usually, you’ll catch the crab sporting polished and professional wear. In some ways guarded and mysterious, the Scorpio is drawn to dark colors like black and burgundy. Because of their typical ability to lead others and be in command, Scorpios buy only the best and have a deep desire for luxury in every sense.

All items found at Revolve Upscale Men's Consignment, 1222 East Blvd.

Shirt: Monarchy, $21.99
Trench coat: Theory, $149.99
Shoes: Zegna Couture, $150
Scarf: Hugo Boss, $29.99

You might not believe a classically trained chef with a degree in women’s studies and studio art would be the founder of a local nail polish subscription company. But behind every working girl is a million dollar idea waiting to materialize.

Tulane graduate L.T. Niosi had not even untied her apron before she was offered a job in New York City working for online media outlets like Food Network and Four Seasons Magazine. A dreamer disenchanted with a downtown life doing menial tasks like HTML coding, Niosi decided to take life by the reins, with a good manicure that is, and build her own startup. In May, she called it quits with her old life and by August the first shipment of her new brand, Pistol Polish, arrived at the doorsteps of eager subscribers.

It all started with a cup of coffee and a New York Times article on a phenomenon known as the “Lipstick Push." In short, the concept argues that the cosmetic industry is one of few that continues to boom during an economic downturn. Something clicked, and Niosi knew right away that she was on to something. One thing lead to another and now the Northern transplant is living in her favorite city in the South, putting the lipstick push to test.

It makes sense, she says. “Women will still treat themselves to a lipstick or polish, even if they’re watching their spending, because it’s a quick and inexpensive boost.”

Virgo: (Aug. 23- Sept. 22)

Styleascope is a lighthearted horoscope that puts a spotlight on local fashion. Believe it or not, Zodiac signs say a lot about a person. They speak to an individual's strengths, weaknesses, romantic attractions, values, desires and ... fashion sense? Yep! The stars can serve as a personal stylist, too. No sign is alike, so your wardrobes shouldn't be either. My aim is to blend fashion and the cosmos by providing a guide to show you what's in store at local boutiques (and why your sign is telling you to wear it). Instead of the runway, I'll use the stars as my guide. So, what's your sign?

Name: Katherine Cabanillas
Birthday: Sept. 1
Age: 22
Do you read your horoscope? “Sometimes, I used to read the MSN ones every day and they would freak me out. It’s crazy how related horoscopes can be to real life.”

The Virgo inherited its virginal aura from Astraea, the Greek goddess of innocence. Similarly, this earth sign is dominated by purity and honesty. It’s rare for a Virgo to be found behind a malicious or defiant act. Seemingly shy, Virgos simply tend to be grounded and perceptive, always observing and taking notes of their surroundings. You can always depend on the Virgo to keep calm and maintain clarity in any situation. Fashionably, the sign is drawn to elegant and detailed pieces. As far as fit, they usually stick with a tailored look to portray their analytical and practical qualities. They rarely opt for flashy or risque outfits and prefer classic designs. When it comes to color, a Virgo will most likely wear neutral colors like dark brown, navy blue and cream. Virgos keep a simple and neat closet and will never take a fashion risk. They’re not a fan of trends and are always faithful to their own sense of style. (Source: www.glo.com)

All pieces from Vivian B, 3100 N. Davidson St.

Dress: Garcia, $130
Bracelets: $26

Remember, a couple of weeks ago we told you about the Green Jeans Consignment Stylist Contest? Well, yesterday was the big day and we were there for all of the VIP fun!

Christine Nelson, Marguerite Rupar and Whitney Hamlin came out to show off their styling skills and pulled together three awesome looks in under the allotted time of one hour. The "battle" was intense, and although all of the ladies did a fantastic job, only one could be the winner.

• Carla Jarrett

All in the name of charity, yesterday's VIP event seemed to bring out the best in everyone. In fact, Rupar mentioned that she would "donate her earrings to Dress for Success Charlotte" if she won. So who IS the winner? Announced on the Green Jeans Consignment Facebook page earlier today, Marguerite Rupar takes home the gold. Well ... it's actually a blue ribbon, but it's a first place win nonetheless. Congratulations, Marguerite!

• Carla Jarrett

There are so many great items available for sale from clothing to shoes, handbags and accessories, and the official sale opened to the public today at 9 a.m. You can shop the Green Jeans Consignment sale at the Queens Sports Complex (2229 Tyvola Road) until 8 p.m. this evening, Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, (which is 50 percent off all discounted items), from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing's Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow therealtstrong on Twitter.

Leo (July 24- August 23)

Styleascope is a lighthearted horoscope that puts a spotlight on local fashion. Believe it or not, Zodiac signs say a lot about a person. They speak to an individual's strengths, weaknesses, romantic attractions, values, desires and ... fashion sense? Yep! The stars can serve as a personal stylist, too. No sign is alike, so your wardrobes shouldn't be either. My aim is to blend fashion and the cosmos by providing a guide to show you what's in store at local boutiques (and why your sign is telling you to wear it). Instead of the runway, I'll use the stars as my guide. So, what's your sign?

Name: Julie Unkiewicz
Birthday: Aug. 18
Age: 22
Do you read your horoscope? “Although I’m not a firm believer, I find myself checking my horoscope daily via twitter and magazines at the check out line. It’s such a thrill to stumble upon a 'reading' that sounds all too familiar. I also love the advice they give!”

Like a leader of the pack, the lion is courageous, driven and bold. Leos feel best when they’re in charge, and they’re notorious for using their power to make risky fashion choices. A Leo will often wear something that no other sign would dare to think about. It’s no wonder then, that Leos are inevitably drawn to animal prints. As a fire sign, Leos suit warm colors like hues of orange, yellow and gold best. The more sophisticated and seductive, the better. You’ll always find a Leo wearing sleek statement pieces as well as lots of gold jewelry. Leos get their burning sense of energy, individuality and creativity from their ruling planet, the sun. As the center of the universe, the Leo craves to be in the spotlight. Some say this is this perfect breeding ground for egotism, yet most Leo’s just possess a natural air of magnetism that simply causes others to gravitate towards them. Whether it’s through fashion or otherwise, the Leo exudes warmth, confidence and sophistication in any situation.

All items found at Fresh, 813 Providence Road.

Harper earrings: $28
Heather Hawkins ostrich leg bangle: $99
Sylvia Benson necklace: $144
Heather Hawkins bag: $248
Charlene Kay Stalactite ring: $129
Alice and Trixie top: $254
Citizens cropped skinny jeans: $178

Cancer (June 21-July 21)

Styleascope is a lighthearted horoscope that puts a spotlight on local fashion. Believe it or not, Zodiac signs say a lot about a person. They speak to an individual's strengths, weaknesses, romantic attractions, values, desires and ... fashion sense? Yep! The stars can serve as a personal stylist, too. No sign is alike, so your wardrobes shouldn't be either. My aim is to blend fashion and the cosmos by providing a guide to show you what's in store at local boutiques (and why your sign is telling you to wear it). Instead of the runway, I'll use the stars as my guide. So, what's your sign?

Name: Amy Ingraham
Birthday: July 14
Age: 23
Do you read your horoscope? “I don’t go out of my way to read it ... My mom had my whole star chart made for me by an astrologist when I was a baby but none of the 'life events' have ever come true. I guess if it's written in the stars, I’ll rewrite it."

• Jackie Rodney

The Cancer is definitely a feeler — possessing impressive intuition and strong emotions. Known for their big hearts, compassion and sensitive nature, Cancerians are also often prone to having mood swings.The crab can wake up introverted and shy yet by the end of the day, could be the life of the party. Fashionably, Cancers are known to literally wear their hearts on their sleeve. Thus, Cancerian fashion is forever changing. But more often than usual, the loyal Cancer will stick to their traditional style. In correlation with their traits, women Cancerians are drawn to feminine silhouettes with lots of soft detail. They also tend to stick to soft colors like silver, pearl white, cream and pastels. Because of their sentimental nature, they favor clothes that tell a story. If an article or accessory is vintage or handmade, it’s all the better in a Cancer’s eyes. Silver is the Cancer's metal, whereas pearls are their sunstones.

All pieces found at Lotus, 1111 Metropolitan Ave Suite 140

Blouse: $76
Shorts: $78
Shoes: $66
Earrings: $38
Bracelets: $46

Maybe I've been looking at Pinterest for too long, or maybe I'm inspired by my recent consignment finds, but I'm feeling crafty.

Keeping in the spirit of my recent consignment craze, I meandered on into the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store in Matthews to see what hidden treasures I could transform. And what do ya know, the right side of my brain kicked in to high gear, and instead of seeing broken chairs, battered bookshelves and busted windowpanes, I felt a DIY comin' on.

Item #1: White Bookcase

Makeover 1: You see a bookcase, I see a mini bar. Tomato, tomahto.
I understand: you need a way to make your drinking habit look classy and understated. My suggestion is spray painting the entire bookcase black, because everyone knows black makes anything instantly chic. And smaller.

Deconstruct a little and move things around. Try removing the top shelf and placing a mirror against the back wall, filling the void and creating depth. This new large shelf can be a place to display your bottles (or your empty bottles, so you can pretend to do something artsy with those, too.) Choose a patterned fabric to make a small curtain to cover the bottom shelf, where you can hide supplies and essentials. The two middle shelves are the perfect place to display your glassware on serving trays, or line the shelf with patterned scarves. Or your shot glass collection. Whatever.

Makeover 2: There's a desk under all that junk...
Don't read enough books to fill your bookcase (or your head?) Turn it into a desk. If you remove a low shelf, you can add a sheet of wood to stick out and attach two table legs to the underside. You'll have a new surface sticking out of your shelf, and a new place to pile crap on top of. For step-by-step instructions, check out this link.

Yesterday I was absentmindedly flipping through a rack of clothes, not paying much attention to what I was passing up but waiting for something to catch my eye. And then I saw it.

Amidst the designer consignment clothes stood out a pair of marigold yellow and hot pink pants. With puppy faces all over it. Oh, and better yet - they were men's pants. If Lisa Frank and Lilly Pulitzer joined forces, this would be thegloriously loud, delightfully tacky result.

This and other treasures await you at the JLC Wearhouse in Plaza Midwood.

What's so special about the JLC Wearhouse, you say? Been there, done that. You've probably passed it dozens of times since it's right off of Central Avenue. Or maybe you've even been there, filling your closet with designer items for less.

I'm bringing this issue to light because it's something we need to talk about. We can't keep avoiding it like this.

The Instagram photo app is easily the best thing to happen to my amateur photo skills. Suddenly, the most mundane objects become stylish works of art with the addition of one of dozens of filters to choose from. Snap a pic, add a filter, and feel like a pro. The only thing I need worry about is a witty caption and appropriate tag.

So what happens when you search the tag #charotte or #CLT on Instagram? My search revealed a series of snapshots ranging from nostalgic Charlotte Hornets gear to nighttime peeks from the rooftops of buildings, looking down on our glittering city.

• http://statigr.am/solojared

Half of the fun of going out for dinner and drinks is dressing up, am I right ladies? I decided to translate some of my favorite spots into outfits to match the vibe and décor of the place, so you can slip in seamlessly. Caution, these outfits just might have you "spillin while you sippin."

• Outfit created via polyvore.com

Osso Restaurant & Lounge: Known to everyone from here on out as the place where Emily and Ryan from The Bachelorette had their first date. Aside from that, Osso has a luxe vibe that warrants a glass of wine to accompany the sophisticated Italian menu. You'll feel as classy as your Chianti in a draped dress and snakeskin clutch. The best accessory is obviously the glass in your hand though, daahling.

Enso Asian Bistro: The EpiCentre location means you'll see and be seen when dining at this Asian-inspired restaurant. The drinks should be as strong as your sex appeal in a fitted floral dress as you dine on handcrafted sushi.