Siblings

Growing up in a latino household, you don't have much of a chance to branch out and connect with other families because your own family is quite huge and over protective. Every time I wanted to play with my friends from kindergarten, there was always an excuse as to why I needed to stay home. Bonding with your family teaches you a lot of things such as your culture, family history, bad family photos and the usual familial annoyance! As I have mentioned before, my parents have been a big influence in who I am today and my fashionable (or unfashionable) choices, but there is one other person that has been a major influence in my life, my little brother.

                  

Like many other siblings, my bro and I argued, we fought over silly things and laughed at each others clumsiness but we also shared monumental moments, advice, art, music and so much more! I like to consider myself a "closet nerd," my brother, Jeffrey, introduced me to video games, Star Wars, early techie gadgets and Weird Al Yankovic. I can literally talk video games to anyone for hours, especially when it comes to RPGs (Role Playing Games). This might be hard to believe be Jeff has also inspired my love for "tomboy" fashion. Growing up I went through a phase of wearing baggy jeans, loose shirts, sneakers and pyramid belts, I cringe to think about those fashion don'ts but the experimenting helped me become the fashionista that I am today! 

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

My love for the androgynous style and mens wear inspiration stems from my ability to pair baggy cargo pants with penny loafers, suspenders worn with henley tops, short sleeved over long sleeved shirts and many more strange combinations! Of course, today it's much more refined but still influenced by my little bro. Dear readers, growing up, who were your major style influences? I'd love to hear your thoughts!