Through the fog of current events in Ukraine and now also heartbreaking US news taking us back a few decades – I push through planning our wedding. Step by step – opting for planning it all myself without help – because A. Budget, B. Budget, C. Also budget. Also because I’m a control freak.
As part of the wedding plan – there’s this thing we have to do – called the Bachelorette party – and I forced my girls to join me on a trip to my favorite lazy vacation spot – Turks and Caicos.
Didn’t really have to twist anyone’s arm, to be honest… Single rule was to not bring penis hats, penis games or “same penis for life” posters. Surprising with any of the above = wedding disqualification.
My suitcase was full of – you guessed it – Ukrainian brands. From Overthrsea to O.Taje to The Coat, my wardrobe is slowly turning into a blue & yellow dream, even with swimwear and summer accessories.
The swimsuit in this shoot is by Overthesea – same brand I just highlighted for an Ethical Brand Alert. Whimsical and feminine print and color palette being the obvious assets, a hidden bonus is the fit – one-piece is structured to perfection. It hugs the body like a glove with 10/10 comfort levels.
The hat is by a Ukrainian designer Ruslan Baginskiy – a world renowned artist and couture genius when it comes to headwear. RB pieces are more of an investment (mine here was $340) but the quality, style and thought-out little details are worth it. Also, very high versatility factor – straw as its main material, the hat could easily fit city looks.
It’s weird having fun when your home is on fire (US figuratively and Ukraine quite literally) – so I made a few trip rules. For every purchased cocktail during our 3 days – $20 went to the Prytula Foundation supporting military initiatives in Ukraine. Safety guilt is real, along with general helplessness – the remedy is always action. If I contribute, post, donate, rally – take strong action and volunteer my time, energy and finances – I give my all.
Another thought I recently had – or actually read all over Instagram – is that whenever possible – Ukrainians need to live happy lives.
While directly targeted for language, culture, heritage – depression would lead to destruction, while we should thrive for the opposite – for Ukrainian culture to prosper. But this normal life (again, wherever possible, I know millions of Ukrainians don’t have the luxury to even ponder about normal life… but millions do) has to be complemented with action. Action through information sharing, donations, volunteering, etc. Action that’s going to even the scales with your having a peaceful morning coffee.
You can find 6 organizations and links to donate here.
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I approach this blog as a diary – taking you on my honest sustainable fashion & lifestyle journey, with sustainability aspects I slowly adopt, struggle with and feel passionate about. I’m building INNABOSE.COM to be an informative, visual & creative resource inspiring even the smallest changes in the world.
GENERAL BLOGGING TOPICS YOU’LL FIND HERE INCLUDE
#sustainablefashion
I’m also a Ukrainian New Yorker – having strong pride and patriotism for both: my homeland 
and my current home 
. For years, I’ve been on a side mission to capture my stunning NYC and elevate the depth and beauty of my Ukrainian culture, fashion and language (some of my posts are in Ukrainian!)
February 24, 2022 – my digital space shifted to include information about russia’s war on Ukraine, the devastation and destruction my home country is dealing with and the bravery, strength and inspiring spirit they are facing it with. A large portion of my posts today highlight Ukrainian brands, fashion, culture & the strong, incredible Ukrainians making gorgeous clothes you can buy & support local businesses, economy & people fighting for freedom every day. We are also a community who donates to Ukrainian organizations found in any of my recent posts!
#standwithukraine
Inna Bose
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