YCS Updates: Meet the YCS Team!

If you’ve been following YCS on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook then you know that we’re in the process of making a lot of new and exciting changes around here. First up, our new logo (thanks Veronica Marche) which we unveiled two weeks ago! This logo is sleek, clean, crisp and elegant (I like to think of it as our YCS version of the iconic Chanel font). It is also gender neutral.

Which gets to our next big change.

We are in the process of transitioning the YCS brand to encompass your lifestyle, not just fashion. I alluded to this in the Thirteen in ’13 post when I mentioned YCS would be doing more reader events and adding diversity in our posts. What does that mean exactly? We want YCS to touch all areas of your life – whether you’re female or male. So, we’re adding a second men’s style contributor (don’t worry, we didn’t kick Donte’ to the curb!) and a hair contributor. And, of course, we’re keeping Torrey, our make-up guru!! As we transition the brand we’ll also be updating the website (eeek!) and launching some really cool adventures!

But, before we get to all of that, let’s take a minute to get you re-acquainted with me, Torrey and Donte’ and, introduce you to our newest YCS contributors, Sara and Ean. Below, check out a bio and some fun facts about your fave (old and new) YCS contributors. Also – be sure to follow us on Instagram, as all YCS contributors will be posting from the account. That’s right – you’re totally going to get a sneak peek into how all of us show our chic all day long!  Oh, and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest and like our Facebook page as well!!

All of us are so excited about the changes at YCS and we’re so glad that you’re coming along for the journey!!!

Your Chic is Showing,

The Old Heads

Erika, Founder/Resident Fashionista

Erika, our resident fashionista and founder, thinks every hallway, sidewalk and subway platform is her runway and struts accordingly. She works in corporate America by day (and enjoys it) and practices her “smize” by night. She believes in making people feel special, writing hand-written thank-you notes, Instagram selfies and veto rights to all (OK, some, she can’t control all) Facebook photos posted of her. She loves Jay-Z, the city of London and trashy reality TV (RHOA and the Kardashians are among her faves). And, of course, she is always on the look out for anyone whose chic is showing.

1. What one word best describes you?

Bold.

2. What were you like as a kid?

Really, really, bossy. And super imaginative. Both of which I pretty much still am.

3. What is your secret fashion/make-up/hair weapon?

An expensive handbag. It’s highly likely that I’ll wear an outfit that cost $50 total with a $400 bag. A good bag will instantly upgrade any outfit.

4. What makes you laugh uncontrollably, without fail, every time?

Made-up words used in serious conversation. It’s the inner grammar snob in me. But I love it. And I will use them until my spell check is convinced it’s a real word.

5. What is your favorite food?

My dad’s cheesecake and my mom’s meatballs.

6. What is the worst advice you’ve ever received?

Have one more drink. Don’t cut your hair.

7. What 3 movies can you watch over and over and over?

Sister Act II: Back in the Habit, Forrest Gump and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. In fact, I almost missed church messing around watching Forrest Gump the other day.

8. Favorite cocktail?

Gin and tonic. Classic with a little bite. Just like me!

9. What would you do with $1 million dollars?

Pay off my mortgage, buy a BMW, put some in a trust for my niece and nephew and fund dream businesses for me, my mom and my brother. Really, a million dollars doesn’t go that far. Can I have five?

10. What are your words to live by?

“Happiness doesn’t mean everything it perfect; it means you’ve decided to see beyond the imperfections.”

“For I know the thoughts I think towards you,’ says the Lord. “Thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11

11. What is your website, twitter, instagram, pinterest, facebook, etc. (any applicable social media you’d like to share)?

You can find all things YCS to your right!!! Go ahead, follow us! I’ll wait!

Torrey, Make-Up Maven

Torrey, a.k.a., The Corporate Beauty is just that: a young beauty in corporate America with as much of an eye for numbers on a tax return or balance sheet, as the ones on a bottle of foundation at MAC. Though at one point, when it came to makeup, she had absolutely no time for that. One day she decided to experiment “just a little” and soon found herself with more lipsticks, eyeliners, blushes, and bronzers than she knew what to do with – at first. Now the Toledo, OH, native and Chicago transport runs the site, “The Corporate Beauty” and spends her free time painting faces. And when she’s not working on her day or side job you can catch her acting a fool and uploading selfies to Instagram with hashtags for days. #imathugoutchea

1. What one word best describes you?

Passionate…

2. What were you like as a kid?

Quiet, yet goofy. I was always the one that laughed hysterically at the class clown, but could never be the class clown.

3. What is your secret fashion/make-up/hair weapon?

lipstick! I’m so happy I’ve finally embraced bright lippies. It can make me feel so feminine.

4. What makes you laugh uncontrollably, without fail, every time?

People falling. Every single time.

5. What is your favorite food?

Chicken, should I be ashamed? Actually, I don’t like fried chicken because I don’t like the skin.

6. What is the worst advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t have kids or get married. I hate when people who are miserable in their situations try to deter you from relationships and kids.

7. What 3 movies can you watch over and over and over?

Any movie I like, I can watch over and over and over. I have a bad habit of doing this and memorizing the entire script.. Now sitcoms… The Bernie Mac Show, Scrubs, and Martin. I have gone DAYS watching different episodes of a single show.

8. Favorite cocktail?

Hennessy and coke… what does that say about me :-/

9. What would you do with $1 million dollars?

Pay off these student loans, buy a condo, an Audi A4, and a Louis Vuitton messenger bag. Then put whatever’s left up for later. I don’t like spending money.

10. What are your words to live by?

Be happy.

11. What is your website, twitter, instagram, pinterest, facebook, etc. (any applicable social media you’d like to share)?

Blog: www.corporatebeauty.wordpress.com

Instagram: thecorporatebeauty

Donte, Men’s Style VIP

Donte’ provides the male perspective on showing your chic and enhancing your signature style.  His blog, Visions of a V.I.P., is the ultimate guide to living the urban lifestyle.  From music and event reviews to style and general life advice, you can find a little bit of everything at his one stop shop to urban living.  Although a native of Baltimore, Maryland, he has lived in five different cities over the past eight years.  He now makes his home in Jersey City, New Jersey and makes his money at the Department of the Treasury in downtown NYC.  Always on the scene, he can teach you how to be a true V.I.P.

1. What one word best describes you?

Patient

2. What were you like as a kid?

Disciplined…and busy. My mother and grandparents always had me involved in sports and other activities that required me to be quiet and focused so that my time would be occupied. I guess whatever they were going for worked because I stayed out of trouble. I also maintain the same busy schedule as an adult.

3. What is your secret fashion/make-up/hair weapon?

Crest Toothpaste. Not only does it make your teeth white, it’s good for getting rid of those pop up pimples. (It’s supposed to be a secret though, lol)

4. What makes you laugh uncontrollably, without fail, every time?

When my friends imitate other friends.

5. What is your favorite food?

Crispy Orange Chicken

6. What is the worst advice you’ve ever received?

To step out of my comfort zone and take the lead in pursuing someone I was interested in. I got rejected not only once, but twice and then again by another person shortly after. Now it’s awkward when we are around each other and I wish I had just kept my feelings to myself.

7. What 3 movies can you watch over and over and over?

Dirty Laundry; Think Like a Man, Act Like a Lady; and Law Abiding Citizen

8. Favorite cocktail?

At home: One of my creations; Out on the Town: Vodka & Sprite

9. What would you do with $1 million dollars?

Pay off my debt; Give my mom a couple hundred-thousand; Donate some to my old church; Donate some to charity; Give some to my closest friends

10. What are your words to live by?

“The journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step” – Confucious

11. What is your website, twitter, instagram, pinterest, facebook, etc. (any applicable social media you’d like to share)?

Blog: http://visionsofavip.wordpress.com

Twitter & Instagram: mrhistorymaker

The Newbies

Ean, Men’s Style Master

1. What one word best describes you?

Extrovert

2. What were you like as a kid?

I was always the center of attention. My height had a lot to do with it.

3. What is your secret fashion/make-up/hair weapon?

Pocket Squares. Even if you have a casual look, a pocket square always gives your outfit a touch of class when wearing a sports coat.

4. What makes you laugh uncontrollably, without fail, every time?

People watching at a night club. Working as a bartender part-time you see what you normally would not when on the other side of the bar.

5. What is your favorite food?

Crab Cakes but only made in Maryland!

6. What is the worst advice you’ve ever received?

I can’t remember!

7. What 3 movies can you watch over and over and over?

Color Purple(Don’t Judge!), Kill Bill Vol. 1, and Matrix

8. Favorite cocktail?

I am firm believer or keeping your cocktails simple. My “go to” is Bacardi Limon on the rocks with a simple splash of Sprite.

9. What would you do with $1 million dollars?

First of all, I would have to donate some money to church and also to some local charities that help the community in need. With the left over money, I would create a business in which I could employ some members of the community being that the economy is so rough right now.

10. What are your words to live by?

YOLO!!! I’m just playing, but I’m a firm believer if you put positive energy out there something good always comes back!

11. What is your website, twitter, instagram, pinterest, facebook, etc. (any applicable social media you’d like to share)?

Twitter: immalaughatu83

Instagram: Im_A_Giant67 (why 67? because I’m 6’7)

Sara, Hair Goddess

Sara believes curly is a state of being, not a hair type. A quintessential nerdy girl who spends most days making the web a more usable place to be (you’re welcome), Sara is also a professional plus sized model. After years of a chemical love affair, Sara decided natural was the way to go. And since she’s being doing it long before the “natural movement,” she’s tried the gambit of hair fixes for curly and straight hair and everything in between. As a model, Sara knows a thing or two about fashion, but she’s here to help you help you have a good hair day, every day. Outside of hair and modeling, Sara spends time traveling, cooking, and being entertained by her two funny cats.

1. What one word best describes you?

(currently? tired) I’m not good at this…um…32 flavors. Does a number and a word count as one word? 🙂

2. What were you like as a kid?

A huge nerd. I still am.

3. What is your secret fashion/make-up/hair weapon?

Wedge heels, mascara, and leave in conditioner.

4. What makes you laugh uncontrollably, without fail, every time?

Cats doing just about anything on the interwebs.

5. What is your favorite food?

Ethiopian

6. What is the worst advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t apply to the University of Michigan…I did anyways. The rest is history.

7. What 3 movies can you watch over and over and over?

The Fifth Element, Kung Fu Hustle, Snatch

8. Favorite cocktail?

Mint Mojito

9. What would you do with $1 million dollars?

Pay off as many loans as possible, invest like crazy, and work part time (for the fun of it) so I could work on my young adult series.

10. What are your words to live by?

This changed for me recently: “Be so good no one can ignore you.” – Steve Martin

11. What is your website, twitter, instagram, pinterest, facebook, etc. (any applicable social media you’d like to share)?

Twitter: @Sara_Alloy

Instagram & Pinterest: CurvyConquers