This season, the powers of fashion are leaving us some wiggle room for creativity. It’s not all about one look this year. Feel free to mix it up and juxtapose hard and soft. Go ahead, wear a silk dress and leather belt, hardware and painted details, delicates and roughs; we’re not doing laundry here, it doesn’t matter. Emphasize your shoulders, accent your legs with high boots, and crown your head with interesting hats. Do it all. Whether you’re the bows and lace type, leather and whips or some where in between, rock your look with passion and conviction.

The fundamentals of style for the fall and winter season are about keeping it cutting edge. The time to play it safe with your wardrobe is long gone. Take risks, experiment with silhouettes, and do something unexpected. You might even run with the crowd and add a dash of neon pink to your wardrobe. …Maybe I’ll get the sweat suit.

Thanks ELLE for the pics.

Here are a few photos of The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion, courtesy of the special exhibitions page.

Cristobal Balenciaga (French, b. Spain 1895-1972)
Day dress, 1955-56

Gianni Versace (Italian, b. 1946-1997)
Evening dress, spring/summer 1991

Bert Stern (American, b. 1929)
Twiggy in Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, March 15, 1967

We met Marquita doing a recent blog for Cut & Sewn called “A Shopper’s Diary” and fell in love. So we caught up with her to find out a little more, here’s what she had to say.

Crystal: How and when did you first get started in the industry?
Marquita: I got started in the beauty/fashion industry by just loving Fashion. I love making people look pretty. I started doing hair professionally in 2005, makeup in 2007 and making clothes for others this year. Nevertheless, before going to school for it all, I always had the passion for it and the drive to become a fashion mogul.

With so many titles, how do you do it all?
It is not hard at all. I kind of juggle them all around. For one event, a client might need me to make them a dress and do their make up and so on. I think that you have to enjoy doing it all to make it work and I absolutely love to do it all, right down to the little details.

What were some obstacles you faced starting your own company?
One of the major obstacles I am facing even now is that I do not drive. It’s really crazy because most people my age drive everywhere I just chose not to. Other than that, everything else kind of flows together because I don’t need help from a financial provider for my business.

How would you personify a Beauty MarQ client?
A Beauty MarQ client is everyone. If you need my service, I am here to help. All ages.

How do you see your career progressing in the future?
In the future, I see my career expanding. Beauty MarQ is not just a business, it’s my brand. This company is everything that I am plus more. I see my clientele growing all over the world.

And finally in keeping with tradition, if you could write anything on a t-shirt, what would it be?
LOVE LIFE (heart) LIVE FASHION

Marquita doing what she does best.

Products of Beauty MarQ.

This group of Baltimore natives hits the stores at least once or twice a week in search of stand out accessories. They say the item flying off the shelves is sunglasses. I mean, look at theirs, it’s obvious they know where the good ones are.

Harem pant, heels, scarf and fedora equals a red alert on the fashionista radar. This one puts shirts and dresses at the top of her shopping list. Compulsive shoppers know best: ankle boot sandals and harem pants are the latest rage. She might beat you to the store so, order online.

Teach a man how to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime. Teach a lady how to make her own clothes and don’t expect her to shop for more than fabric. She says shiny spandex is in and gladiators are still holding on to a never ending reign, though paying attention to trends isn’t her preferred pastime.

The next time you’re out shopping, pull out your best threads. You never know where the bloggers are lurking. Oh, and try to be nice.

Thanks SwipeLife for the in.

Ashley, mom of Teddy prefers “Poop Happens” a spoof off of a popular adult phrase. Or “I Might Barf” a warning for the rest of the world at her sons’ habit.

If you’re from Sweden and named your son Love, pronounced some cool Swedish way, you could find t-shirts everywhere like this book store browsing mom.

Sonya and her daughter Nora prefer something environmental. After all, what’s cuter than recycling toddlers? Go green!

This soon to be Mommy likes “100% Organic”, letting the world know her baby is the real deal.

 If you’re not ready for all that, try out the Harem pant. It has a similar cut but with less volume, and less bust-a-move incentive.

Silence & Noise Harem Pant

Hold or Fold?

“Often what separates entrepreneurs who make it from those who don’t is a sense of personal passion and purpose. We tend to see characteristics like drive, tenacity, passion and creativity. They tie together into the ability and willingness to do whatever it takes to make the venture successful.”

Pink Magazine got up close and personal with the Cut Crew and wanted to know, so we told ‘em.

Click here for the full article.

Pink Magazine, Spring 2009 on stands now!