Originally Posted by OtterXO (Post 1734834)

No, how much is spent on a wardrobe would not influence my voting decision. I just find it hypocritical to be saying "aw shucks I'm just middle class" and then sporting high end designer clothing (bought by the RNC) when our country is going through an economic crisis. I don't have a problem with her being "groomed" to be more presentable, particularly if that pink dress (native or not, it's not the most flattering outfit) is the type of clothing she wears in public back home. I just find the amount of money to be a little disturbing. But, one could say that about the millions being spent on TV ads as well.

Originally Posted by madmax (Post 1734867)

It won't influence your decision unless it is Palin, then it will influence your decision right?


How do you feel about the 391 million Obama has spent on the campaign, while the country is in an economic crisis? How does that compare to Palin's wardrobe?

Originally Posted by awkward1 (Post 1734768)

I think that there is a bit of sexism here also. While there are not many first dudes to use as comparison, I think that the media focus much more on a womans wardrobe than on the mans. We heard a lot about how much Sarah's convention suit cost and what designer she wore but nothing about any other candidates wardrobe. Maybe the national parties haven't spent this much money on a candidate before but that is probably because they can a) afford it on their own b) they are a man and the media wouldn't scrutinize their wardrobe as they do a womans.

Vandalsquirrel - I have to agree and disagree with you. While the outfit that Sarah is wearing is a traditional Native style of clothing, I don't think the majority of Alaskans would be caught dead wearing one to the supermarket. In the 20+ yrs I lived there I can't recall actually having ever seen anyone wear one outside of a Native Alaskan cultural event. So yes, I agree that it was probably a gift and there is a good chance she was wearing on her way to/from a special Native Alaskan event of some sort.

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel (Post 1734984)

Common in my experience because my work requires me to go to the bush, and I saw plenty of people wearing them in Fairbanks (home base) but not in Anchorage. I spend time with the Native Alaskan population, and I've been in a situation where every woman was wearing one, including myself.

I mean sure, some people think it is fug, but it is part of a culture's ethnic identity which I decided to use as a teaching moment.

Originally Posted by alphagamzetagam (Post 1734986)

Are they really warm? Because I'm contemplating getting one myself so I don't have to turn the heat on this winter. ;)

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel (Post 1734984)

I mean sure, some people think it is fug, but it is part of a culture's ethnic identity which I decided to use as a teaching moment.

Originally Posted by Benzgirl (Post 1734571)

Now I understand why the GOP had to dress Sarah in a Valentino Jacket.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/200...rahstylist.jpg

Where ARE the fashion police when you need them???

Originally Posted by BabyPiNK_FL (Post 1734592)

*DEAD*

Originally Posted by OtterXO (Post 1734834)

No, how much is spent on a wardrobe would not influence my voting decision. I just find it hypocritical to be saying "aw shucks I'm just middle class" and then sporting high end designer clothing (bought by the RNC) when our country is going through an economic crisis. I don't have a problem with her being "groomed" to be more presentable, particularly if that pink dress (native or not, it's not the most flattering outfit) is the type of clothing she wears in public back home. I just find the amount of money to be a little disturbing. But, one could say that about the millions being spent on TV ads as well.

Originally Posted by OtterXO (Post 1734997)

I'm not sure if this was in response to me, but just to clarify, I definitely wasn't trying to insult the culture (since I can't even really see what it looks like), it's just unflattering on the Gov. in that photo.

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid (Post 1734842)

My bet is Cindy gets her own show on the Style channel...

Originally Posted by Benzgirl (Post 1735016)

I'm sure Cindy doesn't style herself. Not that I expect it's Rachel Zoe, but I'm sure she has a stylist.

But, I wish someone would do something with Cindy's Helmet Hair. FWIW, I would love to see Cindy just once in the Rachel Hippy Do.

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel (Post 1734749)

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.

Originally Posted by nittanyalum (Post 1735166)

Originally Posted by AGDee (Post 1735052)

In all fairness, she's probably in that "maternity clothes are too big, regular clothes aren't fitting yet" phase after you have a baby. It does take a month to 6 weeks for that belly to go down, especially if that's the 5th child.