Rock Your Style Report: Urban Influence

“I want a girl with extensions in her hair/ Bamboo earrings/ At least two pair/ A Fendi bag and a bad attitude/ That’s all I need to get me in a good mood” – LL Cool J

I totally agree, Mr. Cool J, sir! In fact, I would like to take a minute and pour a little Dom out for all those that forged urban/street style. It’s one of the most comfortable yet cool styles out there. Urban clothing came into the forefront with the convergence of hip hop, punk and rap music in 1970’s New York. The link between music and urban clothing can be seen in all the classic, early MTV music videos. After LL Cool J and the early style stars, the number of urban street style fashionistas later blossomed with the advent of nineties style, from artists like Fresh Price and TLC to Missy Elliot and Biggie, all spotted sporting baggy tees and bling.

Clothing design companies have spurred the “gotta have” mentality with their exclusive limited editions and partnership lines. Like my current *fav* collaboration, Fenty, between Rihanna and Puma (Fenty is Rihanna’s last name). They guarantee that you won’t be wearing last years kicks and track jackets.

Having grown up in El Paso, Texas, one other particular Urban style speaks to me because of where it originated and because of my roots. What some people might consider to be outside of their comfort zone (i.e. the style of cholos and gangsters) makes my heart flutter when I see those larger than life hoops, socks with slides, and black lip liner. What a thing of beauty that arose out of west and south Texas culture, too. Combining these two influences can truly take you next level. Don’t be afraid to find inspiration for your fall look with a few tips on how to update with this throwback.

How to cop that NEW NEW low key heat:

· Either skin tight or baggy as hell. There is no in-between.

· Accessories on accessories on accessories. The reason why I love street style so much? In order to pull it off, you have to pile it all on. Snap backs, high socks, hoops, chokers, rings, grills, bandanas, big gold watches and chains and the flyest, cleanest shoes you can find.

· Big bold branding on tees, back of track jackets and on the side of your shades. Everyone gotta know where you got it.

· Bold colors or bright whites and the blackest of blacks. Color blocking is the bomb.com.

So go for it….even in the smallest way. This style exudes confidence and swag. Not everyone can pull it off, and, honestly, I don’t even think I can. But a girl can dream…. and wear huge hoops.

Featured here are looks that Kassi Foster and I styled for Golden Bones lookbook “Ladies is pimps too” shot by Todd White.

Models: Miranda and Madeline Borrego