Age: 40
Occupation: Administration Substitute for Maumee and Oregon City Schools; lead singer of Yvonne y Fuego
For many, style is an expression of ourselves. Yvonne Ramos-Ybarra is no exception. With a knack for pulling together pieces from varied price points, she creates fashionable looks that match her warm, down-to-earth personality.
As a rising star— Best New Female Artist at the 2015 Tejano Music Awards— she embraces a sensible, stylish wardrobe. For the awards, she shined in a glamorous yet frugal ensemble: a black lace top scored at the Salvation Army paired with a skirt from the Simply Divine Boutique, both in Toledo.
How would you describe your style?
Shabby chic, I dress the way I like my house decorated: I like a little of the old mixed with a little of the new. I want it cozy and comfortable at the same time.
Do you dress differently in your personal life than when you’re performing?
Definitely. When you’re performing, there are artists who go up in just jeans and a t-shirt, that’s kind of their style. For me, I like a little bit of glam. I mix the glam with maybe a combat boot. Again, I like the comfort. I feel like a different person when I’m on stage, so I definitely want to dress for that…
Do you pick all your outfits for your performances?
I did, but actually I used a stylist [for the Tejano Music Awards]. Her name’s Vashti Coleman. She’s new, young, hip and very mature.
What are your favorite places to shop?
Thrift stores. My favorite thrift store is the Salvation Army on Stickney at Manhattan… At first I did it for my pocketbook. I was a single mom for a long time and couldn’t go to the stores and make “just because” purchases… I also shop the malls and go to the clearance racks first… I love dressing myself knowing that I didn’t have to go lavishly out of my pocket. That makes me feel good. I feel accomplished.
If you could have one style superpower, what would it be?
I wish that I could see the new [pieces] in my wardrobe every day. How many of us have a full closet, bursting with clothes, yet sometimes we get stuck on the same pieces.
