Kiev was once known as the Mother of Russian Cities and was the second most important city in the former USSR. In 1917, after the Ukrainian National Republic declared independence from the Russian Empire, Kiev became its capital. And from 1921 onwards Kiev was an important city of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, and, from 1934, its capital. It is now the capital of the independent nation of Ukraine. During all of this complicated and at times tragic history, Kievan ladies embroidered.
When I think of Ukrainian embroidery, I think of beautiful and colorful stylized floral motifs. What a joyful addition to a summer wardrobe! So I was a touch disappointed with J.Crew's monochromatic "inspiration," but thought it might be worth trying on anyway. Disappointment no. 1: It was too short to belt, too short to blouse gracefully if tucked in. Disappointment no. 2: Price point. Frankly, for this kind of money, I expect a garment to do more for me than just hang there. I'm surprised to learn that it sold out "instantly," and I suspect that it may do the same appear/disappearing/popback "only a few smaller sizes in some of the stores" to "00 to 14" on the web routine that I observed in the Case of the Jeweled Jardin Jacket of recent memory.
Nevertheless, still entranced by having something light and floaty and embroidered this summer, I did a fast google search for "embroidered Ukrainian blouses" and found a bunch at this link:
http://vyshyvanka.com/Embroidery/Womens-Blouse/Ukrainian-Embroidered-Womens-Chiffon-Blouse-S-Wb208
I think the cut of the J.Crew version is more stylish (these look short, too), and have NO idea how the sizing runs on these imports (although J.Crew sizing can often be mysterious, too), but at the lower price, you wouldn't feel terrible if you got tired of it.
