Wear the Uki Outfit and Heads Turn

 My work uniform is simple, yet dull. To add some pizzazz, I wore my traditional Ukrainian costume to work. I haven’t worn it since elementary school. I knew it would make heads turn, especially since it made some guy driving do a 90-degree head turn and laugh! The second I put on my babushka (head scarf), which is like a star on top of a Christmas tree (it’s not complete without it), I thought this guy was going to crash with his reaction! He kept staring and laughing! From there on, I knew that the Uki outfit would be a hit!

I am wearing a babushka, which indicates that I am taken! But that does not stop the men from pursuing this Uke.

After receiving such positive feedback, I should wear it out more often! It’s really intricate and it is so in for the spring season! The top is embroidered by hand. For the sake of the Flower Show that I worked, I wore my flowery skirt (it is meant to be worn if for Uki girls under 12 years old).

As I walked into the expo, I felt all eyes on me. I thought people would laugh at me. Contrary to my assumption, people were actually very accepting— and complimenting! In my multicultural experiment, I felt like a foreigner trying to make money in an American-dominated setting. I did not feel judged and I was treated fairly. So many people came up to me, saying that they are Uki or that they know that my outfit is Ukrainian! It felt good to have strangers identify with my ethnicity. I didn't realize there are so many Ukes! Ukes unite!

Of course, there are the old men that I always get at expos. I did not think they would find me attractive. I am covered! Wearing a babushka means that a woman is married. But that did not stop theelds. One vendor would go out of his way to walk past me. There is a much quicker way to get to his booth, but he just wants to admire the Uki outfit. I was trying on some crazy hats and he wanted me to buy this oversized, teal hat because the rim was wavy and it somehow matched the ruffles on my blouse. He is an artist, so he can make those strange connections. I thought it was hideous and I would never wear that in public. Plus, it was way too big for my round loaf of bread-sized head. It’s a distinct feature of being Uki.

Another eld encounter was a British man who actually works in my town (small world). On the first day of the show, I caught him staring at me a lot. On the second day, he comes over and starts saying outrageous things with sexual innuendos. Nice to meet you, too. Perhaps the Brits just cut the crap and get on with it. He looked good for his age. That silver hair with a dark gray patch was hot. I liked looking into his blue eyes in order to avoid staring at his nasty teeth. Why do most foreigners have nasty teeth? Teeth are the first thing that I notice. If someone has nasty teeth, I will not talk to them.

Back to the eld. I was distracted by his teeth. He loved my Uki outfit and said it’s sexy. His hands would always make his way to my arm. He can’t keep his hands to himself! I guess there is no such thing as personal space in Britain. He also said some lewd jokes in that sexy British accent. I love a man with an accent (just not Asian or Indian).

The best eld encounter was caught on tape! I brought my Flip camera with me to document moments like these. This weirdo started talking nonsense to me about some mop, bed sheets, or maybe it was a grill. He was saying how cute and funny I am…the same things that I hear from every elder. He ended up giving me his business card. I will call him…to prank!

I still do not understand what it is about me that attracts the OMC. What makes them think that they have a chance with me? I wore the babushka. I am married!

Keepin’ it real,

   Realist

Ladies, get a catalog to buy a Uki blouse from Yevshan. It is a must-have in every woman's wardrobe!

Uki dancing! I am a single woman here, sans babushka. Sexy. ;)

I am signing off with some verbal and nonverbal responses of people's reactions toward my Uki outfit.

* "I love your outfit."

* "What the hell is that?"

* "You look like an illegal alien."

* "You have a Ukrainian face."

* "Ukrainian?"

* "Babushka!"

* "I love your Ukrainian...."

* "How do you say 'no thank you' in Ukrainian?"

* "I love you girls (woman hugs us). You're a mess (to me). You girls are so cute." (This vendor loves our personality and that we are always happy).

* Head nod.

* Double takes.

* Smiles.

* "What costume are you wearing? Why are you wearing that (babushka)?"

* "I like your outfit."

* "Russian?"

* "I like your shirt. It's beautiful."

* "Nice Polish girl." (There is a difference!)

* "You look like a Ukrainian."

* "Are you from PA? Amish?"

* "You look nice."

* "You should have told me you were going to wear those flowers. I would have brought me watering can." (In British accent by an eld.)

* "Ukrainian girls!"

* "What outfit is this?"

* "Don't tell me, this is Ukrainian! Is this a Ukrainian company?"

* "This is very pretty."

* "When you dress in Uki, heads turn!"

* "Hey sexy." (In British accent by an eld. Ew!)

* "All dressed up and nowhere to go."

* "Where is your Vodka?" (In British accent by an eld.)

* "You need a loaf of bread under one arms and a potato under the other." (In British accent by an eld.)