How much did Laura Bush, Cindy McCain's convention outfits cost?

One of the persistent criticisms of Democrat Barack Obama is that the senator is an elitist.

But Republicans represent the working people.

So how to explain Republican first lady Laura Bush and Republican would-be first lady Cindy McCain’s outfits Tuesday night?

Vanity Fair wisely had its fashion department price it out. And it's a doozy!

Laura Bush's ensemble

Oscar de la Renta suit: $2,500
Stuart Weitzman heels: $325
Pearl stud earrings: $600–$1,500
Total: Between $3,425 and $4,325

Cindy McCain's wardrobe

Oscar de la Renta dress: $3,000
Chanel J12 White Ceramic Watch: $4,500
Three-carat diamond earrings: $280,000
Four-strand pearl necklace: $11,000–$25,000
Shoes, designer unknown: $600

Total: Between $299,100 and $313,100.

That seems a bit elitist to me! How about you?

Photo: Getty Images

Comments

[Jk]

Hipocritical republicans, how come they believe all of their own lies...???

For the last 8 years, the have destroyed the country, open your eyes...

[tomk]

The Republican definition of "elitist" refers to those who are smarter and better educated, like Barack Obama, and not stupider and richer, like themselves.

[lisa]

One can only hope that these are 'personal 'expenses and not charged to the' business ' accounts that are exempt from IRS taxation.

[Mike]

What kind of 12 year old mentality writing is this? Isn't your writing style somewhat elitist? The old saying "clothes don't make the man" fits here. Same goes for women, "clothes don't make the woman". It's the person inside that counts, who cares what's outside. These women would look good in burlap bags. Or is it that you hate yourself that much that you have to slam others?

[Max]

What about the pin that Mrs. McCain was wearing??

[David]

Great point Elizabeth! Looks like the eyewear Sarah Palin is sporting isn't very "small town America" either. I bet most people would love to spend $375-$700...on gas and food!

[Jennifer]

How can they say how much Mrs. McCain's shoes cost if they don't even know the designer? More importantly, did Vanity Fair say how much they spent on the RNC Vanity Fair party they hosted? I bet that number is a doozy too! Google it...the party Vanity Fair hosted was pretty elitist itself.

[Jennifer]

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Democratic politicians' wifes hardly scrimp. As for the $375-700 "gas and food" comment, why not get the money from Barack Obama. Male politicians' suits aren't exactly cheap. Been to Brooks Brothers recently? And they're low end by these guys' standards.

[Linsey]

How, exactly, does one arrive at a figure of $600 for "shoes, designer unknown"? And, furthermore, how do we know that either of the earrings are the real deal? Couldn't they just as well be faux? Just because the suit is designer, doesn't mean everything else is...

[Maria]

Wouldn't that be hilarious if it was Avon jewelry? They have a white ceramic style watch very similar to the Chanel J12. http://shop.avon.com/shop/search.asp?find_spec=ceramicwatch&departmentsearch vs. http://www.bacario.com/Details.asp?ProductID=6339
And no I don't sell Avon.

[Real American Mom]

How petty & hypocritical your words are! Do you criticize the "elitist" clothing and accessories that the wealthy Hollywood Obama supporters wear? Did you bitterly scrutinize Michelle Obama's and Jill Biden's outfits that they wore at their convention? Or do you just "overlook" their elitism because of the acknowledged vacuousness of Hollywood and obvious intolerance and hatred for those with whom you disagree?

Do you realize how foolish it sounds for an adult to jealously criticize someone's clothing? Those of us in real America see you for who you really are - an angry, unfulfilled and shallow child. It's obvious that you realize that Obama is going to lose the election.

And evidently, you're not informed nor intelligent enough to engage in a dialogue about conservative politics, so you attacked the clothing of two politicians' wives!

How pitiful you are, Miss Snead.

[LJM]

Thank god they have good taste in clothing. I could care less what any politician is wearing so long as they are doing the job they were sent to Washington to do. Just another example of a lame, unnecessary story. And you call yourself a journalist?

[SallyV]

Where was the break-down on Michelle Obama's clothes and jewelry? I doubt if she bought her convention outfits at Walmart.

[Former Caifornian]

Looks like the repugnant hit squad s are out of the cages again. but then, smacking the beer heiress for dressing well is kinda pointless since she can practically afford to buy GI John and Alaskan Barbie their way into the white house. Since they were both wearing de la Renta, I bet that was planned. They looked quite nice. Too bad all the women who can't afford such nice things have to show their teeth when challenged on it though.

[sjd]

Amazing... I'm sure everyone would like to wear clothes that make us look great and why chastize them for that?

It's business. Look at the men's suits - You have to dress success and I'm sure if they were up there in off the rack clothing the tabloids will be saying the same!

[D Ortego]

The point was not what they paid for the outfits, but that they are calling others elitist, while they are the ones with the power and money who think that anything that they do is right and what others do is wrong. They are making fun of others while they have less education and experience than their opponents, so they can appeal to naive voters.

[Mini]

Cindy McCain reminds me of Disney's Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmatians in that turned up collar outfit.

[pam]

you must wish you could wear this, where is Obama wife cost of her outfit.

[J Flores]

Miss Snead, you have quite a biography for someone that passes judgment on candidates wives. I am surprised that you didn't praise them for their style, considering that's the pathetic profession you have undertaken.

[Victoria]

Hate is a liberal quality...remember, they embraces socialism and mediocrity. Hmmmm....why not talk about how much Barack's stage cost - that was ridiculous!

[Kelly]

For anyone referring to Cindy McCain's shoes, they are by Taryn Rose. They are called the Cali and retail for $475.

[gary zuber]

The earings could not cost $280,000. Tiffany's best diamonds would be about $28,000.

This looks like a deliberate attempt to smear.

[Kimberly]

Actually, the earrings could be expensive- 3carats in each ear? That could be 200K. But who cares- Cindy McCain has her own money. Tax payers didn't pay for her earrings. Oprah wears huge earrings and no one comments on that as she is out campaigning for Obama. This argument is silly

[Kimberly]

Actually, the earrings could be expensive- 3carats in each ear? That could be 200K. But who cares- Cindy McCain has her own money. Tax payers didn't pay for her earrings. Oprah wears huge earrings and no one comments on that as she is out campaigning for Obama. This argument is silly

[Alina]

Why is it that the republicans are critizized? The liberals are never asked why they wore a certain outfit. All those liberals on the red carpet should be ashamed of themselves for spending so much money on their designer dresses and suits.