How To (Accidentally) Look Like A Hooker In Iraq

Spot the problems...
Spot the problems…

Fun fact: there are three major problems with this photo – and two minor ones (which you can’t see). So there I was, in Baghdad, feeling all sorts of appropriately dressed in my Jil Sander for Uniqlo dress. I mean, come one – look at it. It’s black, long, and when I saw it on the rack I immediately thought, “Oooooh, perfect for Iraq!” and “Burkha chic has come to the States, who knew?” It’s not like I was gonna buy it for a hot NYC summer except to possibly throw it over my head in the morning to walk the dog. After all, it was semi shapeless and although it was really comfy and made of thin (yet not see through) cotton, it made me look like I could be pregnant. Which, if I was pregnant, that’d be okay. BUT I’M NOT.

So, I thought yeah – Iraq. Awesome. It’s roomy, will breathe, and adheres to strict Muslim dictates, right? Wrong.

Problem:

1. My ankles and lower legs are showing.

2. my wrists are out.

3. I forgot to cover my head

Less noticeable issues are: 1. In a stiff wind (and there were a few) the dress blew up, ala Marilyn Monroe over a city grate.

and 2. under the white scarf is a deep slit down the neck – in a country where clavicle is pay per view.

Lesson learned.