Russian dress-code

Although all people on our planet are on practicaly the same fashion conditions, peoples' clothes all over the world differ. So this time I'll tell you about how people are used to dress in Russia.

So in spite of the fact the daily fashion in Russia is much alike the States or UK fashion, you can notice that there are some differences in the way people dress. At first sight it can seem unusual, but there are some basic rules to adjust to these differences easily.

The first thing that is really easy to notice is the way Russian ladies are dressed. However it may seem strange and unlike the woman in States and European countries are dressed, don’t let that intimidate you. This style is absolutely typical for a Russian bride to wear high heels on a regular basis, to wear dresses and look polished and perfect even if she is simply going to a store. Most women here work and coming to office automatically implies wearing dressy clothes. You will also see many of them wear jeans, which is acceptable casual attire for men as well (as everywhere in the world I guess :-)).

Of course, it's a common knowledge that most women can spend HOURS in front of the mirror getting ready for a date, clothing choice before a big event is not any less nerve racking for men. If you are taking a Russian bride for a first date, we would strongly recommend to get dressed up – it's a simple logic that a perfectly looking girl would like to spend her time with the guy who looks good as well. A man in a suit is always an attractive sight, however if you are not big on wearing suits, slacks and shirt will be just fine.

Also your choice of attire will depend on where you are going. For people in Russia and the other FSU countries going to a restaurant is not an every-day occasion, so it implies something special. If you are planning to attend an establishment like that, your best bet is to go dressy. If you are going to a night club - pants or jeans with a button-up shirt will be just fine. If you are planning a day time outing, feel free to go as casual as you like (jeans, shorts and t-shirts are fair game).

Many people often worry about clothing when traveling to the FSU in the fall and winter. It is difficult to give one-fits all advice, because the temperatures in the cold season will vary from region to region. You can check the weather forecast in advance as well as ask the person you are visiting or one of our agents for specifics before leaving your home country, but if you take a very warm coat and several heavy sweater, you won't miss at this point :-).

Some guys do the following: they bring a light jacket and a heavy sweater just for the time of travel, and purchase the rest of the clothing once they arrive to their destination. You won’t spend as much on your clothes in Russia or Ukraine as you will at home, and you can always leave some of it if your luggage gets too heavy or if don’t have any use for the purchased items back at home. If you budget has room for such an alternative, you may find this option more convenient in terms of having a lighter luggage and leaving more room for gifts and souvenirs for your Russian bride.

If you decide to shop for clothes, you will find plenty of boutiques and stores to visit. However, if you are looking for a good deal, you can always take a trip to an open air market (these are very popular in the FSU countries). Wherever you decide to look for clothes, take extra caution to examine the items for quality, it would not be out of place.

Also, keep in mind that it is not common for people in the FSU countries to use a washer and dryer cycle, as common in the US, for example. Many clothes you will find (especially winter items) might have hand wash only, no dryer instructions. So, if you plan on buying something you would like to wear after returning home, take an extra look at clothing care instructions.

So I guess, I've revealed the most important points of how to dress in Russia. I hope these would be useful for you, guys, while you are searching for your dream!

Discount Fetish

We have all experienced the rush of adrenalin associated with the realization that we are about to buy something that has been discounted. Our culture cherishes the notion of a discount via a sale or clearance. The quality of the merchandise or service is seemingly no match for the price. Coupons flow from every crevice of our mailboxes and newspapers. Our names and addresses are sold and resold to advertisers with a panderer’s delight. Consequently we find ourselves fishing through a stack of .10 cent tuna fish coupons to get to the real mail. Or are the coupons the real mail? We are, ostensibly, in the holds of a discount fetish.

An analysis of our current state of discount addiction is in order. In recent years more and more discount exclusive businesses have surfaced. How many of you have been to a .99 cent store? They represent what could be referred to as the extreme of our discount culture. Costume necklaces, stale bread and off brands litter the aisles where disciples of discount peruse. How many of us have been caught in the .99 cent trap? Radio and television remind us that we must take advantage of all things .99 cents. Hamburgers and tacos are at the top of this list as the toxic mix of food and discounts are rehabilitated as good and desirable. Our conditioned state is affected by the mere mention of a sale, by the idea of getting a superior deal.

As technology advances, our culture adapts. Online businesses are using discounts to attract customers. Emails have replaced coupon flyers. Discounts now tantalize us from our desktops. Clothes, jewelry and music are some of the more popular categories for the taking, as it were. Customer information is traded, bought and sold like commodities. After all, a good email list combined with the claim of massive discounts can generate a windfall of cash for a struggling business. 25% off, 50%, 1000%, do we really know the difference? The smart shopper will not trust the salesman’s claims. Instead they will do their homework and comparison shop. But many of us don’t have the time or inclination to do so. We would rather trust the retailer as we expect not to be lied to as a common courtesy of doing business.

The idea of a society developing a discount fetish is certainly not new or necessarily bad. The .99 cent store may serve those who are in dire straits economically. Competition for customers keeps discounts rolling and brings prices down, generally. Consumerism remains high stimulating business, which in turn benefits our national economy. It can be argued that a discount fetish is conceivably a healthy development. So why not embrace this side of ourselves. It can be stated that it is our duty as loyal participants in this nation to clutch our coupons and raise them high, while continuing to search for the next good deal.