October 25th 2008: Fashion

Let’s talk fashion. Ukranian women are very fashionable. This Fall, the outfit of choice seems to be short skirts or tight jeans with hose (of so many colors and styles it’s amazing) finished with boots. Now, some women do this look very stylishly and tastefully; others, not as much. Still- women everywhere are in hose and boots. Now, the average Ukranian household income is about $300 a month; so how do they afford to keep up with the latest styles? The answer? Pleather. It is everywhere- purses, boots, and jackets. And it’s an affliction that does not discriminate age- it affects the young, the middle-aged, and the old. Now, I finally know what Arun meant when he said all the women here had “shiny purses.” Pleather abounds; so much so, that it makes you wonder if you ought to retire that Coach purse and obtain a large shiny pleather bag for yourself. Of course, good sense prevails. Still, isn’t that what fashion is all about? You see what’s around you; and if it’s pleather, then suddently, THAT is what you must have. Don’t hold your breath, I don’t plan on getting myself a red pleather coat and some knee-high red pleather boots with sheer black panty hose. But knowing that Arun is all about fads, I’m just hoping he doesn’t come home with some.