Sarah Palin's $150,000 Wardrobe Malfunction?

Sarah Palin, small-town hockey mom and everywoman? More like Sarah Palin, pampered princess. Jeanne Cummings at Politico reports that the RNC’s monthly financial disclosure reports reveal that the Republican National Committee has spent tens of thousands of dollars on the vice presidential candidate's wardrobe and accessories since she was nominated, including $150,000 in September alone.

So it seems you can take the girl out of the beauty pageant, but you can’t take the beauty pageant out of the girl.

Palin's clothes came from retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York, and expenses included nearly $5,000 for hair and makeup. Maybe this is actually her one-woman economic stimulus plan. Lord knows the retail sector needs it.

Still, voters must find it unfathomable for Palin, who has been presented as a woman “like us,” to spend that kind of money on clothes in these difficult financial times, to see her speaking so passionately about Joe the Plumber while plumbing campaign coffers for Valentino jackets and pencil skirts. And yet, they’ve eaten it up, tittering on chat sites about Palin’s Kawasaki eyeglass frames and her Naughty Monkey red peep-toe pumps. (See our earlier take on Gov. Palin's style here.)

Palin’s spokewoman is saying this is much ado about nothing, that we should be talking about more important issues. But can you imagine the outcry if it were revealed that Hilary Clinton’s rainbow of pantsuits was paid for by campaign contributions? Or if college kids’ $50 checks to the Biden/Obama campaign were putting those men in $5,000 custom suits? (Obama’s suits are by Hart Schaffner Marx out of Chicago, and cost in the $1,500 range.)

In Palin’s defense, being a woman in the public eye has its own kind of pressures. And it’s unlikely she has been stepping off the campaign trail to join the ladies who lunch for shopping sprees at Neimans. Instead, she is probably working with a wardrobe stylist, who brings her things to try on and choose from. But the issue of clothing and hair expenses has always been a land mine for politicians (John Edwards' $400 haircuts), and someone should have been sensitive to that.

You also have to wonder how it feels, as a woman, to have everyone know that you really have been dressed up and trotted out like a beauty queen for the American public to wag their tongues at. Caribou Barbie indeed.

-- Booth Moore, Los Angeles Times Fashion Critic

Photo: Republican VP candidate, Gov. Sarah Palin at a campaign rally in Carson, California on October 4, 2008. Michael Robinson Chavez/Los Angeles Times.

Comments

[Franky]

Its funny that the Socialist Palin is complaining about someone else being a Socialist! Does she even know what the word means!? Alaska is by far the most Socialist state in the nation.

...and now even her clothes are state issued!

STOP STEALING OUR MONEY, PORKBARREL PALIN!

[cindi]

to tommy g:

Please read or watch the news before saying things that have already been addressed IN THE NEWS. Rupert Murdoch had to RETRACT HIS STORY about Michelle Obama ordering Iranian caviar and lobster at the Waldorf Astoria because she DIDN'T EVEN STAY THERE. Please do us all a favor and at least try to pretend to be smarter than SARAH. It should be easy....my kid can do it without pretending.

[Jackie]

So, the point of the story is the SOURCE of the funds used to pay for the clothes, not the fact that they were expensive? Campaign finance, that narrow and twisty path...

[Terry]

I don't care what the GOP spends on their candidates' clothing. If I had donated to the GOP though, I'd be steamed. I guess Sarah's mukluks weren't stylish enough to appeal to the church ladies among us. Next they'll be serving crepes at potlucks instead of jello fingers.

Boy howdy though, all this crap is sure entertaining.

[Democrat]

You republicans made a huge issue of John Edwards haircut prices, but when the tables are turned you act like you care about the "real issues". You people will say or do anything to remain ignorant.

[TIna]

TreEpin, obviously you have a bit of a problem with your reading skills. You said "Now. Turn about being FAIR play, if you remember what that is. How much does Barry Obama pay for his suites? Sarah Palin is the most qualifies person in the race and she is being treated like crap. Ask youself two questions:
1. Would she be treated the way if she was a man?
and
2. Why is the democrat party so affraid for this lady?"

The article told you what Barry Obama paid for his suits $1500.00 and it is not on the taxpayer's dime. Sarah Palin is qualified? To do what? Shoot moose? Bilk the taxpayers out of money? Would she be treat this way if she were a man? No, she would be treated worse (remember Edwards $400.00 haircuts?) Why is the democrat pary so afraid of this lady? Because she is George W. Bush with lipstick!

[Eric Ayers]

Wow! That is a lot of money for clothes. That is about 3 years salary of the average worker at my job.

[Coroq]

We heard screaming outrage for months when somebody reported that Sen. Edwards spent $400 on a haircut. Then it's reported the RNC spent $150K in 1 month for Gov. Palin's clothes, who the RNC has been working hard to package to us as Jane-6-pack-hockey-mom-just-like-you since introducing her to the nation, and suddenly the only thing that should matter about politicians is their stance on the issues? Errrm, ok.

But note that the story about Michelle Obama and some Iranian caviar, or whatever the heck the fantasy was supposed to be, was debunked and finally retracted by the originator.

Yes, Sen Biden recently stated that we have now have 2 wars going on and a major financial crisis and the thinks another crisis will come up within 6 months of 20 JAN. If you think "nothing was said" about that statement, please post some pix of that rock you're living under, I'm sure it's lovely :)

[bebo]

Their getting ready to trot out Marcus the tailor

[John]

Why is improving personal appear that bad. I'm sure Obama has spent that on himself easily (but i can't confirm that) I do know that obama has 75m dollar jet which had an american flag on it, but he spent 10's of thousands of dollars to repaint it with is hope logo.... campaigns waste more money than anything on this planet, i don't understand why this is a big deal.

-j

[PW]

riveting "journalism"...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Way to address the real issues. Typical youtube generation bs. But don't worry, your going to get exactly what you've been asking for...so save your pennies. -Your going to need them.

[tax payer]

O. F##k. I am a tax payer.

[Joe the outsider]

This is pork for wardrobe!!

[Jose]

Sarah is so much the average person. We all shop at Wal-Mart and Nieman Marcus. A hockey mom all decked out in a $5,000 dress is still a BIMBO.
It has to be so embarassing to Republicans to have to think about voting for an old, mean guy who knows nothing about economics ( by his admission ) who chose probably the least qualified running mate possible who embarasses him every time she she opens her mouth.

[Pomme]

Morons, you are missing the Repub point. Of course Sariah Plain is good economics. New clothes every 5 minutes (like Marie Antoinette) is great for the clothing industry and NEW York sweat shops where workers are paid $50/hour, right John-the-pres-wannabee, (Victoria's Secret eat your heart out, but that too, will follow) New yamaguchi eyeglasses will help the eyewear industry (too bad that is mostly in Japan and Chine).

[Linda]

Ahhh, rabid Republicans! Just love'em...they just don't get the point....country in financial crises and this bimbo is spending on clothes what would take me 5 years to earn. Asleep at the switch...just like after Bush 1..

[Richard]

Not too many people I know spend $1,500 on a suit. News on the Obama campaign is meant to make him look wonderful, with anything negative glossed over and blamed on someone else.

Isn't it sweet that he went to see his sick grandmother? Isn't she the one he referred to as "a typical white woman"?

Biden comes out to warn us of impending doom, which is hardly covered, and the media waste our time destroying Joe the Plumber and Palin's character?

Why does the media want Obama to be elected anyway?

[cloud9ine]

"What is wrong with looking your best?"

Nothing, as long as you pay for it.

When you charge the state for living in your own house, and you use RNC's money, which is donated by Americans, to clothe your family with designer wear, iit is a big deal. I am sure you'd feel differently if you donated money to the RNC and they used it to buy stuff for the new princess and her family.

[Justin]

This is a left wing article, it is sad that the media is picking sides. Their job is to bring facts to the table of both parties and let the readers/viewers make their own judgment.

And what does a fashion critic have to do with a political race? Sad LA Times, I knew Fox and MSNBC were polluted left wingers but getting to LA Times is just demeaning.

This has nothing to do with economics, in fact it is what the government wanted to happen, the spending of money to circulate business. The complete opposite of what this author who only knows fashion said, LA Times, please do not have fashion experts judging politics. And come to the table with a non-bias view!

[Joe the outsider]

This is pork for wardrobe!!

[Scott]

She needed the new clothes. They had to burn all her old things for fear of them being contamintaed by "witches"....

[meg]

I am a liberal. I would like to say to all the posters here who routinely call liberals 'idiots' that I am growing really wearing of it. I'd be so happy to have a conversation with you about our philosophies and this country's future, but I am not an idiot, or a socialist, or whatever the epithet-of-the-day is now. We need to pull ourselves together.

[Meno]

I think some commenters here (from both sides of the spectrum) miss the point of the article entirely. Yes, Palin spending that much on clothing makes her "out of touch" with the majority, but, this kind of spending is still justified, since she IS after all running for the next-in-line-for-president office (which is a rather powerful position in her place behind Mr. Over 9000-page-health-statement). What makes this important, and yes, newsworthy, is that she is not spending her OWN money (which she can do by all means), but that given to her by the masses. That money was NOT given to her (the RNC, actually) to spend on clothing, but to further the donor's interests in government. And, even though I am not at all a republican, I can definitely imagine how I would feel if the money I spent in hopes of one day prohibiting/promoting [insert conservative issue here] being spent on ribbons and glitter for our "Caribou Barbie."

[wow08]

since sarah is every woman', 'hockey mom', etc....how about dressing as 'every woman' does....shop at penny's or k-mart.....i am sure there are clothes there that would resonate with voters IF THEY REALLY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ECONOMY. those that can spend that kind of money on clothes/hair are NOT suffering in this economy. period.

[gina]

I have no idea why this is such a big shock or even an issue. Yeah, I suppose it's disturbing to those who donated to the campaign thinking they were paying for boots on the ground or advertising, but Gov. Palin was picked at least partially because of her 10,000 watt smile. We expect our candidates to present themselves a certain way, and we are especially shallow about women's fashion on candidates and potential first ladies. Just look at all the "pantsuit" comments and jokes endured by Sen. Clinton! Thankfully she was a great sport about it. If Gov. Palin was wearing fashions affordable to the actual voters it would make more sense, sure, but the GOP know their base votes for pie-in-the-sky possibilities, not good sense. They want to believe they can be and have what the haves have and the have-nots probably never will have - particularly if they keep voting Republican. If Gov. Pailin wasn't a fashion plate, that would spoil the illusion. She says she is one of us, and when someone with Prada shoes says they are one of us it makes us feel pretty good about ourselves. Its the truth that hurts.

[Sean]

I think she should spend her own money on her clothing. Why should the bill go to anyone but her? I understand that she is trying to portray a certain image for the GOP. But when I joined the Marines they made me pay for all the uniforms I was issued. This seems like she is using her position to benefit herself.

[mjtimber]

I don't disagree that this is meaningless blather. But I'm guessing many of the same people complaining about the LA Times fashion police talking about fashion (fancy that), are the same ones that rail about effete liberals like Edwards getting $400 haircuts. If you don't want to read about fashion, don't visit a blog written by fashion writers. Why would they write about Obama's "socialism" here? Duh.

[bebo]

Maybe their getting ready to trot out "Marcus the tailor"

[Coroq]

BTW, this appears to be a blog about fashion and style. Why are some people posting like this fashion blog is claiming to be some bastion of journalistic integrity, working hard to uncover the most pressing issues of the day? It's a fashion blog :) get over it.

[Skippy]

Fine investigative journalism here. Spent some time getting this block buster didn't you?

By the way he singswith frogs the wealthiest 1 - 5 % control that much of the wealth because they can afford to invest their money and let it make more money. Most of us are busy paying to live day to day and are unable to invest. When you have extra cash and can invest it then you make even more money. These people do not get extra wealthy by hoarding it, they get extra money by investing it. That is what produces new jobs. See that slob of a boss you work for invested money so you could have a job. Bastard.

[dorothy]

Actually, that's not racist GEAH.

Oprah's designer Maria Pinto DID in fact donate many pieces of couture clothing to Michelle Obama. So, I guess she doesn't have to go buy stuff herself.

(btw It's on the record in the Wall Street Journal and People.)

[ghislaine adams]

Caribou Barbie...........perfect

[Chase]

Lady Patriot 1776,
Just like you liberal idiots to blame everyone else because you or someone you know is down on their luck. The fact that your sister is about to lose everything could not have anything to do with decisions she has made, but rather must be the result of Sarah Palin spening money on her wardrobe. I can't believe how lazy this country has become. You would rather vote for a socialist who will hand feed you what he decides you deserve than have to get up off your lazy *ss and get a freakin job!!!!!!!!!

[dlerh]

apparently, cabela's doesn't sell the kinda gear she'll need on her trip to dc. this actually proves her hockey-mom persona. she showed up on the trail, and some high-brows were like "oh, no she di-int" and gave her a queer eye makeover. no scandal here. move on.

[Jose]

Why should I care that the Bimbo spent $150,000 of OUR MONEY? Get it? No these people are not out of touch, they're average Americans who are enthralled with Joe the Plumber. Wonder how long he could pay for health care with the money wasted on the Bimbo? Think about it.

[Pommee]

" " What I am offended at is AIG using MY money to have a $400k company event. I want the executives to return MY money. I had to bail out you idiots that put your company at financial risk. I say you are not allowed to waste my money to celebrate your incompetence." "

Well Inverset137, that is how it works. Big business hadnouts are always spent in lavish ways by the few rich. What did you expect? The execs go into the byways and highways and distribute the money "to the poor" Which planet did you come from? Evere heard of Reagonomics and trickle down? Well in reality any trickle down is by accident and the stream is very very small indeed. That's what we have had during the past 3 Republican administrations.

[jesse meredith]

funny how republicans always whine about media bias when there particular canidate is losing, but when it comes to some piece of nasty republican lie (al la Swiftboat) you never hear a thing about any kind of bias. What I found particularly funny was the polls of FAUX news viewers whom said that mccain had won the debate by 83% to obamas 22% lololol, talking about a bias.

[cindi]

I also must add that this is a BLOG. A place where people express their OPINION. Booth Moore is a FASHION CRITIC for the LA Times, and this BLOG is where he expresses his opinions. BLOG and OPINION are not synonymus with JOURNALISM. Please note the difference.

[Charles]

And if she didnt look good, the media would be making fun of her clothes...

I love the "in September alone" as if that is just another month for her in the public eye.

I dont know about you.. but this isnt journalism this is idiocy!

[gns100]

I think it's a potential issue, in that she doesn't appear to be looking at the price tag of these "hand outs". If she is careless with the RNCs money, how will she be with the taxpayers money (from the Alaska records, maybe we already know). I'm not saying Obama is any better; in fact I'd like to see that side of the story (how much money has been used to "suit" him up).

[Deb]

Palin professes to be just like us - middle income. Spending that amount of money on her family is not unthinkable if she weren't portraying herself as the everyday American. The everyday American doesn't shop at Saks or Neiman Marcus. It's another example of saying one thing and doing another. Why was she shopping big corporate American rather than shopping at small biz? She professes to love small business - it's the heart of america - the foundation... blah blah blah

It's just another example of the elitism she criticizes. My teen calls her a poser.

[jimmy]

Your left wing cheerleading newspaper for Obama is close to winning on election day. I hope you guys are proud. Maybe then you can let up on bashing Palin and actually look at the socialist and closet communist that Obama seems to be. As for Biden all I can say is I hope Obama stay healthy with that guy as the number two. He's got his foot in his mouth every time he opens it. But you and the rest of the cheerleading left constantly gives Mr. Plagiarism a pass. You call youselves journalists?

Jimmy

[S.M.]

The story in this non story is that Palin is a puppet. She wears what she's told to wear, does what she is told to do, and says what she is told to say. I actually feel sorry for her, because the McCain campaign has really transformed her into someone who is not authentic. I personally think she is going through an identity crises; which has be questioning her MAVERICK capabilities. Then again, I have to wonder who is really using who. Is McCain using her, or is she using McCain.

[Bobby OKeefe]

Oh boy! I think we should resurrect Michael Dukakis since he wore $99 suits he bought at Filene's Basement, and he took the train there too!

How about a real issue, how is Obama going to spend $600,000,000.00 on this campaign and yet think he understands what it is like to be middle class in America.

[Carol]

...and even if she gave all $150k to Joe the Plumber, Joe would still be better off under Obama's tax plan.

Palin and the GOP are the new Icons of Government Waste.

[cbiz]

Woah, big suprise that the media is once again bashing the McCain campaign. We will never see an article like this about Obama.
I would much rather have my campaign contribution go toward my candidate looking good than get a President in office who will raise my taxes to pay for welfare and other government programs who reward laziness.
As a woman I think sometimes I would be better off if I quit my job, had four babies by different daddies, and lived off the government for the rest of my life. Free health care, monthly check, and food stamps.....life would be good. This kind of enablement will only get worse under a radical left Presidency.
Rich get richer and poor get poorer??? Only if you keep enabling them both with government funded programs = Obama's "Hope" campaign.
Nobama.
and don't get me started on his voting record on abortions. disgusting. He doesn't represent me or the other 75% of church-going Americans.

[Mrs. Rebecca Dachenhaus]

All I want Mrs. Palin to do is help run the country. Not be a fashion model.

This is a very smart woman. Ladies where is your support for this confident and real person.

If I have to wear garage sale items to be a stay at home mom and living within my husbands means...that's being responsible with money.

Live with in your means and our country wouldn't be in this mess.

If our country lived within it's means and stopped taking from it's people, we wouldn't be in this mess.

If Mrs. Palin can afford these outfits SHE likes and are comfortable to her...If these outfits are not out of the costs of her means or her husbands...then she is being responsible.

Yes, we can all see where others money could be put to better use...at this point just make sure you are doing what is right with your own finances.

I would ask Mrs. Palin to make sure no more taxes are put on the families with < 100,000 a year and make sure taxes are not raised to pay for a wardrobe she would wear that I will never be able to afford.

[pholkiephred]

The Repuglicans would be better off giving that money to Joe the Plumber. Sarah would look better without the clothes; then she could go around telling us all what a regular trailer trash mommy looks like after a hard days work. Anyone who is actually considering voting for McCain or Palin at this point either isn't paying attention or has a FoxNews Jones.

[mark]

Just goes to show, you really can put lipstick (or clothes) on a pig and it's still a pig!

Oink, Baby, Oink!!!

[steve]

Bill Shaw... "Idiots you are"? Why are you talking like Yoda? I thought you were moving out of your mom's basement 5 years ago...