My friend Jane in middle school once gave herself a chola make-over. She totally pulled it off. So does Stevie Ryan. This is because if you had contact with cholas growing up, with a little effort you could turn yourself into one, too –- as many "gueras" do in real life. The chola style and attitude is that distinct and recognizable.
With her 2007 video for "Luxurious," add Gwen Stefani, who grew up in Orange County. Her California Chicana, directed by Sophie Muller, is uncanny. She even shows us her chancla at the end. That’s bold. In the codes of the classical barrio, taking off your chancla is basically saying, ‘You wanna fight?'
* Previously, "It's your homegirl up in here ..."