Ukrainian Brands on the Beach

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 Iā€™m a control freak.Ā 

As part of the wedding plan – thereā€™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.

Didnā€™t really have to twist anyoneā€™s arm, to be honestā€¦ Single rule was to not bring penis hats, penis games or ā€œsame penis for lifeā€ 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.

OVERTHESEA & Ruslan Baginskiy

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.

The Reality

Itā€™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 donā€™t have the luxury to even ponder about normal lifeā€¦ but millions do) has to be complemented with action. Action through information sharing, donations, volunteering, etc. Action thatā€™s going to even the scales with your having a peaceful morning coffee.

You can find 6 organizations and links to donate here.