BE
W I N TH W EN W EX .U T I ST SSU YL E – E U LO .C G O O NT M O
FALL, 2011 ISSUE $6.99 ONLINE/DIGITAL
STOP STARING! I’M TOO WHAT?
DO WE LET OTHERS DEFINE WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE DO IN LIFE?
ON THE RISE
With King Charles: Chicago Footworking Goes Global
Me, Myself and I A Perfect Combination Style? By Selah
IN THE SPOT WITH MISS ERIKA OF FRENCH VENDETTE COUTURE
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
PLEASE NOT THE BOX! “Never letting anyone define my worth,” not with their words and not by their standards. I created uStyleu, for us, the confident, the stylish, the fashionably bold. Some wanted us to be “Anti Something” when in all reality, uStyleu represents “Pro Anything” when it comes to individual fashion and expression. We realize that no one is perfect, so in our journey to self improvement, there’s nothing wrong with looking FLY, right? uStyleu.Mag was the topic of quite a few blogs out there. Some thought I was too young to run a magazine, stating I should concentrate on being a kid. I say to that, Not the Box again. No one can put us in a box of a certain size because of our age. I’m having the time of my life meeting and learning about new people! I do appreciate however, everyone who thought uStyleu was relevant for thought and discussion. My “thank youz” to uStyleu’s new creative fashion directors, Erika Degraffinreaidt and Lorene Skipper. These two incredibly talented and creative ladies helped uStyleu bring our bold statements to life in fashion spreads. Bravo to them for deciphering my psychedelic visions and turning them into hot fashion works of art! From the coordination of photographers to make up, wardrobe and site location, they made it all happen. Thank you to MLM Ministries. You heard about uStyleu and without even meeting me, you sent your support. Thank you for sponsoring this Fall Issue. My hope is to get this magazine to the same level so we can too support young visionaries just like you did. Thank you MLM! Jet/Ebony, thank you for opening up your arms to me and for your encouragement. Mitzi Miller, you gave me that big sister talk that I needed. Ms. Cynthia thank you for the lift off. Vonn,…thank you (love, kisses, hugs).
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fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
Special shouts out to my auntie Kim. She’s my heart and if she didn’t know, now she knows. My Supportive Family, My God. Thank you!
Chloe Graham Editor-and-Chief, uStyleu.Mag
ON THE COVER Tim Newson & Zelimir Lalusic Fashion Designer for Tim: Jasmine Mitchell Contact Info: jasminemitchell@live.com and www.facebook.com/jasminemitchell Tim’s Hair: Tanika McBee Mocha City Café, Matteson Illinois www.mochacitybeautylounge.com Email: purpasionhaircare@gmail.com Salon: 708-833-8389 Model Zelimir Lalusic is wearing cardigan hooded sweater by wfeifei227 at his store can be found at www.dhgate.com Photography by: Stanley Que Strike a Pose Photography stanleyqphd@gmail.com
Contents | fall
Table of Contents: 4 STYLE? 5 BEING TYLER 6-7 STOP STARING 9 IN THE SPOT 10 ME, MYSELF AND I 11 AUTUMN COLORS 12-13 ON THE RISE 14 TIM 15 ZELIMER 16 I’M MY OWN CUP OF TEA 18-19 FALL ISSUE MIX
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uStyleu Advertisers
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Zelimer
15 16 Ustyleu Mag Staff
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Maxines 257 Lincoln Mall Dr Matteson, IL 60443 (708) 503-6293 Variables Face and Body Place www.variablesfacenbody.com 708-898-2740 Iridescent Salon www.iridescentsalon.com 773-253-8509 KazRik Productions www.kazrikproductions.com Eloquence: Rhythm & Renaissance www.usiku.net PPL Legal Services 773-550-6803 Mocha City Beauty Lounge mochacitybeautylounge.com 708-833-8389 To Die For Cupcakes www.todieforcupcakes.com 773-949-0488 Natalie Jill Photography www.nataliejillphotography.com Our Online Advertisers at uStyleu.com Finishline Old Navy Hot Topics Heels Adobe Metro Style Banana Republic
Editor in Chief chloe graham Creative Fashion Director lorene skippeR Creative Fashion Director Erika Degraffinreaidt New Ad Media Manager Kim Smith
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Public Relations/Media Big Red Head Ideas, Inc. Advisor/Mentor Maudlyne Ihejirika fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
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Style? My Style is Unusual. My style is Free Spirit. My Style is Sassy and Classy. My style is me. My Style loves makeup, but loves natural beauty. My Style is blessed. My Style is colorful and cute, but subdued. My style is me. My Style shows some skin, but embraces the 50’s era. My Style is normal, but not typical. My Style is dance, my style is taken. My Style is Determined, Ambitious, and Successful.
By Selah Hair by: Christel of Iridescent Salon The Essence of Beauty & Style www.iridescentsalon.com 9308 S. HALSTED STREET CHICAGO, IL 60620 773-253-8509 Make up by:Variables Face and Body Place www.variablesfacenbody.com 708-898-2740 Photography by: Chloe Graham contact@ustyleu.com Model is wearing: Black party dress, feather and rhinestone strappy sandals and feathered head piece by Maxines 257 Lincoln Mall Dr Matteson, IL 60443 (708) 503-6293 4
fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
Tyler just likes being‌ Well Tyler Featuring Tyler wearing what Tyler wants to wear Photography by: Chloe Graham contact@ustyleu.com
fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
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C ! G N I R A T S P STO
Learn to
love be
differences yond our
Make up by: Erika Jarvis Creative Soul Entertainment creativesoul_ent@yahoo.com www.myspace.com/miss_sole 773-807-3810 Model Stats: Taylor J. Martin, Midwest Actor/Model/Voice Artist: The collected, confident, conservative, professional – Contact at talormartintalent@gmail.com Model wearing: Lorene Skipper Tailored Suit lorene_skipper@yahoo.com lorene.skipper@my.iadtchicago.edu Model: Neidra Jay neidra@yahoo.com 312-399-4461 Model wearing: Carmen Renee carmen.carlisle@yahoo.com 773-331-6540 Photography by: Jaren Green greejar@gmail.com Contact us to sponsor a photoshoot at contact@ustyleu.com
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fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
Sponsored
O D S R O L O
by Big Red
Head Ideas
N
N’T HAVE TO CORDINATE ANYMORE!
fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
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l e d l o e m d a o el e m b ! d a n o e o t e m b t d a s o n i e t u l b n o r o o w t t o o r o t t o b ort r I ’ m to sh sma I’m t o o o o m ’ t I m
.. .I’
Model: Mickietha does her own thing and has her own unique style. She currently works for Chicago Radio Station WGCI and hosts a popular blog at www.divadenradio.blogspot.com/ Hair Stylist: Tammy Mocha City Beauty Lounge Contact Info: 708-965-0085 www.mochacitybeautylounge.com Tam1377@yahoo.com Photography by: Stanley Que Strike a Pose Photography stanleyqphd@gmail.com
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fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
s s i M
erika
pictured: Miss Erika
In the Spot
With Miss Erika by Kimyra Lattimore
T
Wearing: Van Dang Contact Info: vandangcollection@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/VanDangCollection Photos by: Andre Johnson www.Freakofstyle/wordpress.com
here’s an old adage out there to “do what you say and say what you mean”. Miss Erika of French Vendette Couture emulates that saying in her daily strive to embrace her love and passion for fashion in a way that perhaps some will never understand, but they will unquestionably admire.
to enjoy and celebrate with her the art and love for fashion.
French Vendette introduced the Fall/Winter line of their Infinity Scarves for both men and women between the ages of 18 to 65 who are not only into fashion, but LIVE for fashion! “We create garments that exude the love and passion that we put into the products. The products are all handmade, so no garment is exact. This factor gives the garments beauty as well as the enhancement of confidence, says Erika.
“I’m inspired by Dolce & Gabbana by their way of incorporating sexiness in a very chic and classic way. What their designs tell me is they are not only making garments to sell, they are making garments to last!” Erika added.
According to Erika, “I am very proud to say that I’ve taken each of my talents in designing, merchandising, styling and marketing and made them my own. I can’t stress enough to say that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. It’s all about utilizing the tools that you have to make the impossible, possible.” French Vendette is for the world
Everyone has someone or a few “someones” who inspires them. One designer that stands out most to Erika is Issey Miyake. According to Erika, Miyake’s use of art within his garments makes them a full blown wearable master piece.
Everyday people inspire Erika. A person who strives toward their dreams, eating, sleeping, breathing and living their passions keeps her focused and driven to continue. Definitely expect to see the “EDGE” defined as Every, Design, Guarantees, and Essence in all things coming out of French Vendette Couture. Look out for the fashion spread in the winter uStyleu Magazine. fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
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Enjoy being you – Ad Sponsored by Jamal Angel Catering Leather & Lace Dress - Van Dang Contact Info: vandangcollection@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/VanDangCollection Make up by: Michelle Smith michellesmith257@gmail.com Model: Johari Wilson johariwilson@yahoo.com Photography by: Natalie Jill Photography www.nataliejillphtography.com 10
fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
SPEAK OUT ON USTYLEU.COM BLOG
Photography by Natalie Jill Photography www.nataliejillphotography.com Model: Alex Woulve
Autumn Colors
Van Dang
vandangcollection@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/VanDangCollection fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
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TSHIRT BY ILL COUTURE www.illcouture.com Photography by: Chloe Graham contact@ustyleu.com
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fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
go to www.ustyleu.com to comment on king charles
“The Sky is the
limit, and the limit is what you make it.” King Charles
On The
Rise Who is King Charles? By Lindsey Wright
W
ell it’s not enough to say that King Charles is a talented entertainer. Not only does he footwork but he also sings, raps, and acts. Growing up, he was surrounded by music. He’s been dancing since he could walk. He has worked with many artists, such as Missy Elliot, Eve, Ciara, the legendary Madonna, and many more. He is also featured in a new film entitled “Dance Fu,” directed by Cedric the Entertainer and starring Kel Mitchell. Even though his life seems like anything but boring, when working with such big and talented artists, he seems to keep himself well grounded. When we asked him how he keeps himself so humble, he said… “I stay grounded by keeping my city, and where I came from in the forefront of my mind…If it wasn’t for where I came from…I would be nothing.” When asked about his heroes, he wasn’t hesitant to put God and his family first. “God first and foremost, my father, my mom, my step-father…” His heroes also include Lupe Fiasco, and Flash. There’s no doubt that his life has been extraordinary. Some people live for the opportunities that he’s had. He seems to completely understand and appreciate that. When asked about working with Madonna, he had nothing but great things to say.
go party…She was a good friend too…” He goes on to say, “One good thing I could say, included in all the other good things that I could say about Madonna, would be that she brought people from all over the world on tour with her, whether they were background workers, people just fixin’ the stage, personal assistants, bodyguards, the dancers. Everyone was a different nationality, different culture, different religion, different everything. So what that did was that opened everybody’s eyes, and made people curious.” Charles doesn’t get complacent. He keeps it moving. From his featured film, “Dance Fu,” and the many mix tapes he produces, to being a host on a popular radio show on Ustream every Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm central, from Los Angeles. King Charles and his crew, FootworKingz, have turned something that used to be only known in Chicago into something so much more. He’s talented, dedicated, and hardworking. “Success to me is, being positive, having an actual positive goal, not letting anybody stop you, keeping God in your corner, going forward,” he said. “Me personally, I don’t believe in quitting, giving up, and certain things not being possible. My motto is ‘The Sky is the limit, and the limit is what you make it.”
“For me, it was a life changing experience. Before I started working with Madonna, the way I dressed was different. The way I thought about people was slightly different. My interest in certain things was different. Working with Madonna, it grew me up, because she plays a lot of roles. She’s not just one role. She plays the boss role, of course. She plays the mother role. You know, to all of us she was like a mother, and that’s how she acted. She never really wanted to put the pressure on the line all of the time. ‘Ya know, half of the time after each show she would tell us to all get dressed so we could
Sign up for an upcoming live video chats with Sky. Go to ustyleu.com/contact fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
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TIM
Student and Musician. Plays the lead guitar and drums. He has performed at the Chicago Blues Fest and occasionally performs sound checks noted artists like The Zapp Band and the Bar-Kays. He received life changing advice from The Ohio Players famed guitarist Sugarfoot who told him to “Bring it.”
Tim’s Hair: Tanika McBee Mocha City Café, Matteson Illinois www.mochacitybeautylounge.com Email: purpasionhaircare@gmail.com Salon: 708-833-8389 Fashion Designer: Jasmine Mitchell Contact Info: jasminemitchell@live.com and www.facebook.com/jasminemitchell Photography by: Stanley Que Strike a Pose Photography stanleyqphd@gmail.com
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fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
Photography by: Stanley Que Strike a Pose Photograpy stanleyqphd@gmail.com
ZELIMIR
Zelimir is an energetic, creative aspiring model. View His Portfolio at www.zelimirlalusic.com. For modeling appointments, contact Zelimir at zelimironline@gmail.com fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
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I’m my own cup of tea Designer and Model: Kayla Katz Karma Klothes at 773 816 4769 or on Facebook www.facebook.com/kaykatz11 Photography by: Jaren Green greejar@gmail.com
Paisley silk peasant top matched with a forest green corduroy mini skirt embellished with bronze buttons.
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fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
Printed black and white long sleeved off the shoulder dress with a black fringe hem and waist belt.
Green vintage button up collard shirt with black buttons and black flower print facing on the inside.
Burgundy stretch knit dress with a scoop neck and waist seam.
Our Ads Are Masterpieces! Let uStyleu Mag create a unique Photo Spread and make your bold statement come to life! Say it all in a Fashion Spread Photo Spread Sponsor (One Page): $150.00 Photo Spread Sponsor (Two Pages): $300.00 Magazine Issue Sponsor: $500.00
2011 General Rates Print Magazine Full Page Inner: $125.00 Magazine Full Page Back: $150.00 Magazine 1/2 Page: $75.00 “Our Advertisers� Side Column (Text Only 2-line ad): ONLY $25.00 Hurry for the Winter Issue (Limited Space Available!)
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Biz Lunch "stop h t i w chloe
"i'm too" photoshoot
FALL ISSUE MIX fall issue meet and greet covershoot – chloe and zee clowning cool limo shot - KEKE BEING TOO CUTE!
Cover Photo Shoot
Cover Shoot Tim and Miss Erika
Horsing Around 18
fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
Fall Cover Photoshoot
s
model " g n i star
Style? Photoshoot at Maxines Thanks Ms. Brenda!
What's so funny Johari?
Mocha City in the House! Chloe with Tanika and Tammy Selah getting glammed at Variables Face & Body Place Jaren and Kayla at the Meet and Greet
Tyler getting all political on us fall 2011 Issue | uStyleu.com
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info@ mochacitybeautylounge.com
WHERE ELSE can you get your hair and nails done topped off with a facial, some lashes, and a massage all under one roof. Enjoy these services before or after a meal and top it off with a delicious dessert and coffee. What we have isn’t just for the ladies. Our atmosphere is inviting to both men and women. We have a team of 2 barbers, 12 stylists, 2 esthetic ians, 1 nail tech, and 1 massage therapist.
www.mochacitybeautylounge.com