Growing up I lived in a 4 family house in Jackson Heights on the corner of 77 street and Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights. I did feel as if I was living in a 90s sitcom. There was just so much going on with all the families in each floor. Space was tight and you can hear the dialogue within each family courtesy of the thin walls. Our unit was at the top floor and it was a two bed room space with a kitchen and living room.  It was my mother, my sister, myself, her brother Rommel, her youngest sister Rhea and my grandparents. It was not the biggest space and we were only there for a few years, but it was really some of the best times in my childhood.

I am really thankful I got to immediately have clothes that I saw artist were wearing in music videos. Hip-Hop would be an integral teacher in what I viewed as fashion. The countless hours I watched videos aided with the sound that complemented the style that artist expressed to represent themselves as the flyest. I took notes and carried my style that way at a young age. If you look at fashion today, in one way or another, Hip-Hop has been a major influence. I was able to always see whatever clothes Rommel or Rhea were buying or wearing. When they would get ready to leave for the morning, me and my sister were the last ones to leave the house, since the school bus picks us up. This would give me enough time to check out if I was able to wear  a certain Polo piece, or a Tommy Hilfiger crewneck, and even a Nautica jacket. I remember the brand you wore needed to be seen by the back of your neck, making you look official. I just remember that feeling of wearing an outfit that you pieced together and when your fitment was right, the garments made you feel really good about how you looked and you carried yourself a certain way because of it.

Peace & Love,

Mickie