How to spend $150,000 just like Sarah Palin.

On Wednesday, we learned from Politico that the Republican National Committee had spent $150,000 on clothes and accessories to outfit Sarah Palin and her family. Whoa, I thought. Now that is a whole lot of flag pins. So, what kind of campaign duds would a cool 150 grand actually buy you? To find out, I headed over to Saks Fifth Avenue—one of several high-end department stores where Palin has shopped since John McCain tapped her as his running mate.

Suits and separates

I've never had a job that required me to dress up. The last time I bought a suit, I think, I was getting ready for a high-school speech and debate tournament. So here was my chance to finally put together a fantasy grown-up wardrobe. If I were running for vice president, as Palin is, I figured I would need a lot of smart-looking separates to get me through the endless rounds of rallies, town-hall meetings, and photo ops. Flush with all my make-believe cash (no, Slate does not have a clothing expense account), I headed straight for the Saks section dedicated to Escada, the swanky brand favored by both Palin and Cindy McCain. There I found several campaign-appropriate blazers in the bright jewel tones Palin likes so much: I happily put a red one, a checked one, an orange one, and a purple one into my, sadly, still-imaginary shopping bag along with a few matching skirts. I fell in love with a kelly-green, two-button suede jacket. And then I looked at the price tag—$4,550, or about four months' rent for my tiny studio in Brooklyn, N.Y. But today I am Sarah Palin! I reminded myself. Think how nicely that bright color would show off my fresh, outdoorsy complexion. I added it to the list and then high-tailed it to another boutique, sensing that my grad-student-giveaway messenger bag and beat-up sneakers were starting to attract too much attention from the saleswomen.

I breezed through the racks of clothes by St. John, the knitwear line Angelina Jolie hawks. The saleswoman suggested I buy multiple black shells and skirts, which could be swapped out underneath an array of blazers. Good idea: Who has time to do laundry while zigzagging from Indiana to Pennsylvania to Colorado and back? I got a dozen plain, sleeveless tops and four black skirts for a total of $5,100. I added two jackets—one in a vivid red provocatively named "wildfire." Then I decided I needed some neutrals. I grabbed a navy wool crepe dress and matching jacket from Loro Piana ($4,965 for the set) before hitting the jackpot at Akris Punto, where I found a slew of well-cut jackets and skirts in sensible black and gray. When I told the saleswoman that I was fake-shopping as if I were Sarah Palin, she told me that the governor had once worn the salt-and-pepper fleece jacket I was currently eyeing. Success! Unbeknownst to the candidate, she and I were achieving some kind of long-distance Vulcan mind meld. Obviously, I needed to really stock up here. I bought seven more jackets, three crisp white blouses, two pairs of black pants, a dress, and another skirt.

Now I had enough outfits to take me through at least two weeks on the trail without doubling up on anything distinctive—surely it was time to go look at shoes? But no, when I tallied the bill so far, I was only at a measly $40,970. Somewhere, Palin was laughing at my pathetic spending strategy. I screwed up my courage, walked up to the floor where they kept the really fancy separates, and picked out two black Michael Kors pantsuits, a gray-flecked Carolina Herrera blazer, and two jackets from Akris, the high-end sister line to Akris Punto. The last two alone cost me a cool $7,000, though my untrained eye couldn't tell the difference between them and the lower-priced lovelies I'd already scooped up.

Tags: Saks Fifth Avenue, Sarah Palin, shopping

Nina Shen Rastogi Slate "Brow Beat" blogger and DoubleX editor.

Comments

Ray Ban Sunglasses Sale

By: Ray Ban Sunglas... | Fri, 05/18/2012 - 02:23

MILAN, May 7 (Reuters) - Italy's Luxottica, the world's largest premium eyewear maker, said sales in the first quarter rose 14.9 percent from a year ago, buoyed by dazzling sales in emerging markets such as Brazil, India and East Asia.

The Milan-based company, which makes Ray Ban Sunglasses Sale, said net sales reached 1.79 billion euros ($2.35 billion) in the quarter, beating a mean I/B/E/S estimate of 1.77 billion euros based on the forecasts of 18 analysts.

"The results achieved in the first quarter of the year are an excellent foundation for the rest of 2012," Chief Executive Andrea Guerra said in a statement on Monday.

Many of the markets in which Luxottica operates are in good shape, despite the difficult environment in the Mediterranean Europe area.

Illustrating the group's strong pricing power, Guerra said in a conference call with analysts that Luxottica had managed to raise prices on its Cheap Ray Ban Sunglasses, even in crisis-hit Southern Europe.

Earlier this year, Guerra told Reuters that he expected profits to grow twice as fast as sales this year, which in turn were expected to rise by a high single-digit percentage.

Luxottica's sales were helped by last year's acquisitions of Brazil's Tecnol and Multiopticas International, which lifted revenue by about 40 million euros, the group said.

Overall, New Ray Ban Sunglasses sales in Brazil and India climbed some 40 percent, it said. In the United States, where Luxottica owns the Sunglass Hut retail chain, sales were up 8.5 percent.

The strong results - which Luxottica dubbed the best first-quarter in its history - contrasted with those of its smaller local rival Safilo, which reported a 4 percent decline in net sales earlier this month.

Luxottica was partly to blame for its competitor's woes, as Safilo lost its contract to make Armani-branded eyewear to Guerra's group last November.

Margins rose to 19.3 percent in the first three months of the year, compared to an 18.2 percent core earnings margin in the first quarter of 2011.

Luxottica's results came on the day Italian luxury trade body Altagamma said it expected the global luxury goods market to reach a record 200 billion euros this year, a 6-7 percent rise from last year, but slower than the 10 percent posted in 2011.

"Apart from Spain,Italy and Japan, the luxury goods market is growing significantly everywhere in the world," Armando Branchini, the head of Altagamma told reporters at an event in Milan on Monday.

Shares in Luxottica have risen by about a third since the beginning of the year, outperforming a 13 percent rise in the wider European household goods sector year-to-date.

You know those Karen Millen

By: karenmillenshop | Wed, 03/28/2012 - 23:07

You know those Karen Millen outlet photos? The ones with the photographer’s name in a banner on the bottom, and a bright light that illuminates how tipsy you are? Yeah, those. I try to give my fellow big girls the benefit of the doubt, like maybe the photographer caught you at a bad karen millen dresses sale. But in my heart, I know the truth. You actually walked out the door and into public in that dress. I’m starting to get light-headed. I hope I don’t karen millen sales. What the hell is going on with the spandex damn dresses in the club ladies? Do you somehow not know that this isn’t a good look? Are you really looking in the Karen Millen skirt outlet and thinking this is okay?

it was ribbons that

By: karenmillenshop | Wed, 03/28/2012 - 23:07

it was ribbons that accentuated many styles. They were worn like belts, decorated hemlines, and were being used as trim to add a touch of softness to even more previously trimmed down items. I found myself perfectly delighted that someone had updated something as mundane as a trench coat! Today ribbons continue to karen millen trench coat and influence many garments world-wide. Although ribbon is said to have originated in France, it's been hard to keep them down on that highly fashionable farm once the world started to re-appreciate them so much. New colors were added as this trend grew, and soon more designers and suppliers were looking at varied patterns, different types of fabrics, and anything else to update old ribbons and make new ribbon styles karen millen outlet online.

dresses at karen millen. Now

By: karenmillenshop | Wed, 03/28/2012 - 23:01

dresses at karen millen. Now my husband and two daughters and I have lived in Poland the last six years. My passion is sewing for dolls. I like it and try to do it in every free moment. My works are not perfect, but I am still karen millen clothing. I want to take part in the competition so that I can be challenged and have an interesting experience. Lana Turk I love making One of a Kind fashions for a variety of collectible dolls ranging in size from 11" to 22." I also make OOAK Artist dolls, dressed repaints (mermaids, fairies, karen millen purse, steampunk, gothic, etc.), and a wide variety of jewelry, hats, shoes and other accessories. All my doll clothes are handmade and of excellent quality. They are designed and sewn by me personally

I prefer to work with karen

By: karenmillenshop | Wed, 03/28/2012 - 23:01

I prefer to work with karen millen dresses 2012 dolls, both classic and the Antoinette line. I love classic Tonner dolls for their femininity, and they look so great in classic designs! And I can make the shortest dresses for Antoinettes I use only the best fabrics for doll dresses. My Karen Millen Australia sale is: "Even plastic dolls prefer natural karen millen coats jackets !" I work at an online store as an editor. Zenia Komar I am twenty-something, and I was born in Ukraine

醫美中心診所,割雙眼皮,保濕,高雄醫美,台北醫美,台中醫美

By: wts30286 | Wed, 02/29/2012 - 02:42

dr dre headphones

By: aske | Sun, 02/26/2012 - 23:08

Buy Dr Dre Beats Sale to add your Category . Have a try!!! How about coming and have a look at Beats By Dr Dre ? Everybody like this world famous brand headphones because of finest quality. The rare Beats By Dr Dre Limited Edition can add your appeal when you match one pair with your fad attair. These Beats By Dr Dre Pro are come from Plush ear cushions covered with ultra-soft breathable materials keep you cool. Let’s know more details about our finest quality Dr Dre Beats. You just need to click to our website to own Beats By Dr Dre Solo HD .These Beats By Dr Dre Studio can be cuffed down at the button or worn un-cuffed to your own favorite style.Our company sells various kinds of brand name Dr Dre Beats Pro. Move your finger to scan our good fame website. Please tell us if some of our superior Beats By Dr Dre Tour Black have the opportunity to attract you!!Take your time to have a look at our online store selling Diddy Beats By Dr Dre .Purchase our Dr Dre Beats Studio is a wise choice.Always Free shipping and Cheap price and Best service. I have bought these Justin Bieber Justbeats last year from this online shop .Almost the same as the picture.I like running on Beats By Dr Dre Sale .Also,very fashion,I think .All my friends speak highly of these headphones.

Mulberry Bags, Mulberry

By: admintime | Sat, 02/11/2012 - 02:25

Mulberry Bags, Mulberry Handbags , Mulberry Alexa Bag

Mulberry Bags which hold nostalgia and personality is one of the most popular bag designs for women due to the highly crafted fine leather Mulberry mini Alexa and low-key luxury of Mulberry Handbags. Mulberry Alexa Bag that is a relaxed,stylish cross between the classic Mulberry Bayswater Bag and Mulberry Briefcaseof men get more and more prides from person who pursue classic low profile.

Mulberry Shoulder Bag which can be used at any time of year comes in various colors for every taste,and Mulberry Alexa Oversized Satchel can be worn across the body perfect for an everyday, multi-purpose style. In addition, Mulberry Clutch is casual any occasion,do not have much space in it,but it compensates its flexibility and comfort,in like manner,the Mulberry Hobo Bag is a bag very practical and stylish for travel,has an adjustable strap which is very convenient.The size of Mulberry Totesis ideal and has style and used on any occasion,so does mulberry joel shoulder bag. Besides, another very pretty model of this brand is the Mulberry Antony Bagwhich is mulberry antony oak natural leatherbag with style,and the leather of Mulberry Luxurry Bag is a particularly special for mulberry somerset shoulder bag,a lot of quality,is very light and practical.

If you want to catch a glimpse of theMulberry Latest Bag,the Mulberry Online Store of our website will be the best choice for you,and we only provide you the first grade Mulberry Printed Leather Bag,that is,we offer the absolutely high quality Mulberry Bags UK.The shortest answer is doing,now the Discount Mulberry Handbags with free delivery and 40% off such as Mulberry Messenger Bag are waiting for your welcome!

http://www.mulberry-handbagsuk.net/

Having a glance away with the Gucci Handbags,you’re able to quietly tell that Gucci Hobos was designed with Cheap Gucci Handbags Uk so plentiful time and consumed achievement.And with Gucci Handbags Outlet this see you full price sufficient Discount Gucci Bags but costly assuming,spot you what Gucci Handbags Uk would be your consideration each and every penny.Gucci Handbags Wholesale This is probably essentially the most Gucci Handbags For Cheap of Gucci brand,and Gucci Backpacks Gucci Totes will let you a lot more sophisticated when holding with Gucci Hysteria Bags on your shoulder or on your hand, Gucci Bags Online and with distinct occasions. Gucci Bags 2010 are really stylish.If you walk in the street,you might see Cheap Gucci Handbags Uk lots of people Gucci Bags Gucci Boston BagsOnline with Gucci Purses and Gucci Clutch Bags,since New Gucci Bags convenient to carry.The capacity of Sale Gucci Bags is fairly significant to hold numerous Gucci Handbags On Sale issues.Most of Gucci Fabric Bags are created from leather Gucci Messager Bags and having Women Gucci Bags a removable leather strap.Some New Gucci Bags Gucci Belts is really well-liked by clients.

Mulberry Handbags are more and more fashionable all over the world for the elegant quality, unique design and low price. Mulberry Bags UK shop sale mulberry bags, Mulberry Alexa Bag , mulberry Antony bags, mulberry totes. They have not only excellent appearance but also the practical internal. Besides, Mulberry Totes Mulberry Messenger Bag are made from the valuable leather. What’s more, Mulberry Sale Mulberry Holdall can make you get a faddish item of this season. Mulberry Bags here are all free shippment and no sale tax now. Please take action quickly to buy it and become the charming highlight.

Mulberry Handbags have become more and more popular in the modern UK market. With their fashionable designs, top quality and multiple colors, Mulberry Hobo Bag Mulberry Clutch is accepted by more people all over the world. All these series of Mulberry Bayswater Bag are hot sale both in domestic and international markets. In particular, Mulberry Bags Sale series are bestseller in our store. Mulberry Shoulder Bag The details pictures shows on our website are taken by ourselves, so we guarantee Mulberry Shop provide the bag you receive will be the same as in the pictures. Low Price and Best Service!

Doudoune Canada Goose,Canada

By: admintime | Sat, 02/11/2012 - 02:23

Doudoune Canada Goose,Canada Goose Paris,Parka Canada Goose

http://www.doudoune-canadagoose.org/

Canada Goose is the best and the most famous manufacturer of jackets.It is the BUGATTI in the field of clothing production,so you may know how it is important and famous.Parka Canada Goose has the unique design,elegant appearance and practical function.So many outdoor enthusiasts need a personal Doudoune Canada Goose.For many people this is a prominent symbol Being able to buy a Mens Manteau Canada Goose is one of the greatest indulgences that one can experience.Many people save up the money to buy Canada Goose Doudoune for a very long time. However, Canada Goose Pas Cher outlet do exist, the only issue is finding them.

In our store,you can find any kind of Canada Goose Femme and Canada Goose Homme.And all of them are of high-qulity but low-cost.Canada Goose Expedition Parka includes men and youth unisex allows its wearers to withstand the most frigid temperatures.Then Canada Goose Yorkville Homme is a modified version of our classic Chilliwack Bomber,designed to incorporate the needs of the post war bush pilots.And the outstanding features of the Canada Goose Snow Mantra Homme have made Canada Goose Sale famous around the world.For women,the Canada Goose Chilliwack Femme Parka are always the best-seller because of its simple design but elegant style.But for outdoor lovers,the Canada Goose Solaris Parka is a good choice in cold winter.What’s more,Canada Goose Trillium Femme is aways the fashionists’ love,because they could not only make you outstanding and also could keep you warm.And if you need Canada Goose Gloves,we also have stocks.

There is no doubt that Canada Goose Paris is a successful outwear brand,it’s followers are all over the world,from the youth to the old.So,never hesitate to buy a Canada Goose Chilliwack and join the Canadian Goose Boutique family.

Pandora Bracelets in the UK has been a victim of its own success, and most retailers would have remained patient as it dealt with Pandora Pendants.However,Pandora Necklaces has been strong arm tactics, such as Blackberry Pandora being asked to buy expensive Pandora-branded shop-in-shop furniture bundled with hard to sell Pandora Jewellery lines that will count as Pandora Beads in this country.Plus, this was being done at a time when Cheap Pandora Bracelets creating a chain of Pandora Shop up and down the country.Independent Pandora Earrings that had created the Pandora Phenomenon felt they were being given the brush off.Today’s financial news from Pandora Canada is a story for Pandora Online of newspapers,and Pandora Sets,and is unlikely to dramatically effect consumer demand for the company’s Pandora Rings. The quality of Pandora Charms’s designs, manufacturing and marketing will be more significant.But Pandora Jewellers investing in stock for Pandora Sale now feel they have a much stronger hand to play as they negotiate allocations from Pandora Store.Let us know how you feel about Pandora Charms Bracelets today.

The Vibram Five Fingers UK fosters grace and power in a minimalist design. Created specifically for the modern fitness enthusiast,the stretch nylon upper and padded collar comfortably secure the foot during exercise.more and more people willing to buy Vibram Five Fingers instead of other luxury products. Even the shape of Vibram 5 Fingers may seem peculiar to others,Vibram UK actually presents a health way to go about sports. The idea behind Vibram Shoes design is that it enables the wearer to optimize the use of his or her feet. And Vibram Five Fingers Shoes doesn't just stop at adding flexibility.the design of the Vibram Five Fingers Kso brings the foot back in touch with the ground.In fact, all Vibram Fivefingers,also known as rubber foot socks.Also with this flexible Vibram Soles, people try to find a new way of Vibram Five Fingers Sprint.

Vibram Five Fingers Bikila running shoes give a whole new meaning to the expression, "to be fleet of foot". Cheap Vibram Five Fingers play an important role in keeping one's balance while walking and running.Vibram FiveFingers Flow provides unparalleled flexibility, comfort and balance. Apart from numerous health benefits such as muscle strength in the feet and legs, improved movement in the ankles,Vibram Five Fingers Speed,balance and greater flexibility and better posture, it is also very versatile and can be used for a variety of sports. Available for men and women,Vibram Five Fingers Classic design has a more informal and minimalist bare footing.The Vibram Fivefingers Jaya can be worn for a variety of indoor and outdoor fitness activities requiring balance, agility and power.

Vibram Five Fingers is also

By: admintime | Sat, 02/11/2012 - 02:20

Vibram Five Fingers is also named Five finger Barefoot Shoes ,it was invented by the Vibram Shoes Grounp of Italy.Vibram fivefingers was designed to be a substitude of the vibram fingers reviews when vibram 5 fingers as invented.As the Fingers Shoes was improved year by years by the designers of Vibram Five Finger Sneakers industry,Vibram 5 Toes Shoes become a kind of malformed Vibram Running shoes which can stick to the Men Vibram of human.Early in the 2007,the Vibram FiveFinger sale are named to be the best invention by the American Time Magzine.Vibram Toe Shoes also is the favorite of the athletes.Many people think wearing Women Vibram is good for our healethy,because the Vibram Barefoot can keep us safty,The Vibram shoes Reviews can reduce the injury from outsiders.Meanwhile,Vibram Shop also can let all muscles of the Buying Vibram Fivefinger when we are walking,swimming,climbing or running.Whats more,Vibram Multisports Shoes could improve our sense of balance.As the Vibram Foot Glove have so mamy benefits,why not purchase a Vibram Fingers Shoes now.

http://www.vibram-fivefingersuk.com/

News & Politics

My Saks Shopping Spree

Comments

Ray Ban Sunglasses Sale

By: Ray Ban Sunglas... | Fri, 05/18/2012 - 02:23

You know those Karen Millen

By: karenmillenshop | Wed, 03/28/2012 - 23:07

it was ribbons that

By: karenmillenshop | Wed, 03/28/2012 - 23:07

dresses at karen millen. Now

By: karenmillenshop | Wed, 03/28/2012 - 23:01

I prefer to work with karen

By: karenmillenshop | Wed, 03/28/2012 - 23:01

醫美中心診所,割雙眼皮,保濕,高雄醫美,台北醫美,台中醫美

By: wts30286 | Wed, 02/29/2012 - 02:42

dr dre headphones

By: aske | Sun, 02/26/2012 - 23:08

Mulberry Bags, Mulberry

By: admintime | Sat, 02/11/2012 - 02:25

Doudoune Canada Goose,Canada

By: admintime | Sat, 02/11/2012 - 02:23

Vibram Five Fingers is also

By: admintime | Sat, 02/11/2012 - 02:20

DoubleX

The Root

Good Morning America

Washington Post