GOP spends $150k on Palin family wardrobe

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by awkward1

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.

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.

[agzg]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

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.

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

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by alphagamzetagam

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

A winter one would be, a summer one not so much. It is more of an outer/over garment (in my experience). They're usually of cotton or calico, with some ric-rac for decoration, or maybe ribbon. I've seen some with fur on the inside for winter, and heavier material than calico.

[OtterXO]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

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.

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.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by Benzgirl

Now I understand why the GOP had to dress Sarah in a Valentino Jacket.


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

Originally Posted by BabyPiNK_FL

*DEAD*

Originally Posted by OtterXO

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

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.

I quoted my sister in the original reply, and in the edit of my original reply explained why she was wearing it. You said it was unflattering, which could be true, but I explained why she would be wearing it, regardless of flattering her or not. From the poking around I did, she was in Barrow, which isn't the village, but the point is if you're given a gift in Alaska (likely even more so as a public official) you graciously accept it, regardless of how it makes you look or if it smells funny or tastes bad. I mean I'm not really a fan of seal fat or certain kinds of fish, but the person offering it to me spent the time catching it, preparing it, and shared what little they may have had with me, and I'm just an archaeologist or a visitor.

It is part of the culture, hence why I turned it into a teaching moment. Refusing can be a huge insult, and in a closed environment like a village you aren't just causing issues for yourself, but for any other people who may come after you, and frankly there's been too much of that already.