[KappaKittyCat]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

The dress she's wearing is actually a Yup'ik woman's dress, and are quite common in Alaska. When I remember the spelling I'll post it for you.

ETA: Okay, it's a Kuspuk (though spelling can vary that's the most common). There's a picture of her at a blanket toss wearing the same outfit in Barrow, and it is likely it was a gift (just from my village experiences) so not wearing it, even if it is tacky to some, would be highly offensive. Same goes for any food offered, even if you're not a fan of it, which is how I have ended up eating akutaq, and that particular recipe was caribou meat, salmon, seal fat, and berries. People wear those as everyday items, or for dance performances.

Cultural lesson over.

Thanks for the explanation, VandalSquirrel! I quoted you in a Facebook debate my friends and I were having over that very same picture - the title of the conversation was "WTF is she wearing?" It also kind of explains the updo with the outfit.