Ciao! Or I should I say Hola! Happy Latinx Heritage Month! Although I celebrate my culture all year round, this month I am extra about it. Living in Miami I have definitely been able to celebrate my Latina culture and practice my Spanish. When I volunteered in Puerto Rico I was also very inspired my the architecture of old san Juan, the vibrant colors and the fashion. I bought some clothing there, as well as Spanish inspired accessories in Miami from independent businesses, that I have been able to combine with my own wardrobe. I decided to create a post celebrating my culture with Spanish and Puerto Rican inspired looks.
This outfit is inspired by traditional outfits worn by Bomba and Plena Dancers. La Bomba and La Plena are traditional folk dances native to Puerto Rico. I love these dresses and have always wanted to learn these dances. I bought this top when I was in Puerto Rico and this skirt from a Hispanic designer on Etsy. The female dancers usually wear head scarves so I added this one I bought from a local Hispanic owned store here in Miami. I added the pink espadrilles for a pop of color and a flower in my hair like the plena women wear. What I love about this look is that I am able to celebrate my culture in a modern, everyday look.
Outfit Credits: Top: Puerto Rico, Skirt: Cotton Flower Clothing on Etsy, Shoes: Vince Camuto, Flower: Unique Vintage, Hair Scarf: Bayside Marketplace Miami
With this short sleeve top (I also bought in Puerto Rico) I get more of a peasant, island girl feel, especially with the flower in my hair. This is another one of my favorite tops I can wear with the rest of my wardrobe.
Outfit Credits: Top: Puerto Rico, Skirt: Cotton Flower Clothing on Etsy, Shoes: Vince Camuto, Flower: Unique Vintage, Hair Scarf: Bayside Marketplace Miami
Speaking of Bomba and Plena I was finally able to get a traditional Bomba/Plena skirt from a female owned Puerto Rican business called Bombazo wear. I love the how the skirt moves and reveals the pink underneath when I move it. Its the perfect skirt for dancing but its pretty long and heavy so maybe not the best for walking around… Still I added a ink peasant top to match with my headscarf to enhance the Bomba feel.
Outfit Credits: Top and Flower: Unique Vintage, Skirt: Bombazo Wear, Earrings: Amazon, Shoes: Vince Camuto, Hair Scarf: Bayside Marketplace Miami
Of course I had to add a female empowerment t-shirt! This t-shirt is from a fellow Latina small business owner called Atabey designs on Etsy. I always love supporting small female owned businesses. This makes the look more causal and wearable for everyday. I also love the shirt and skirt look! And check out my name earrings from amazon!
Outfit Credits: Top: Atabey designs on Etsy, Skirt: Bombazo Wear, Earrings: Amazon, Flower: Unique Vintage, Shoes: Vince Camuto
I switched out the skirt with a pair of jeans just to show how I can wear any of these tops with the rest of my wardrobe and still get a modern spanish look.
Outfit Credits: Top: Puerto Rico, Jeans: Mikino (Miami), Shoes: Vince Camuto, Flower: Unique Vintage, Hair Scarf (Bayside Market place Miami)
These pictures are probably some of my favorites. I added this fan I bought in Spain to enhance that Spanish/Puerto Rican feel. This look reminds me of a vintage 1950s style Caribbean look. This mural in the design district in Jungle Plaza was perfect to add to the Caribbean feel. So do I look like a flirty Latina?
Outfit Credits: Top: Puerto Rico, Jeans: Unique Vintage and flower, Bracelets: Coach, Fan: Spain, Shoes: Vince Camuto
Of course I had to add a Boricua (nickname for Puerto Ricans) also from Etsy. For me this is a Tshirt and jeans look and I always love to elevate it with a maxi skirt!
Outfit Credits: T-shirt: Merch Queen Shop on Etsy, Jeans: Mikino, Skirt: Cotton Flower Clothing on Etsy, Shoes: Vince Camuto, Flower: Unique Vintage
I also got this T-shirt that says Puertoricanismia (extremely Puerto Rican even though I’m only half haha). I found it at stitch lab which if you saw from my last post is a shop that showcases Latin American designers. What’s great is that they had shirts for other cultures (Columbianisima, Mexicanisima etc.)
Outfit Credits: T-shirt: Stitch Lab, Jeans: Mikino, Skirt: Cotton Flower Clothing on Etsy, Shoes: Vince Camuto, Flower: Unique Vintage
I hope you enjoyed this post. I loved being able to dress up and share y Puerto Rican Culture. I think I want to do a post with fashion inspired by my the Italian side of my culture next!
Ciao, (or Adios)
Cristina
Chronicles of Cristina 