I’m getting requests for a post on Palin’s wardrobe, so here goes…

The Times has had two articles on Sarah Palin’s $150,000 makeover this week. After she was chosen for VP, Republican consultants ran out to Barney’s and Neiman Marcus and bought her a new wardrobe. They outfitted her in stiletto heels and leather jacket.

Frankly, I like the clothes. Nice fitted jackets. Short skirts. Cute, toe peeking shoes. I would probably wear everything except the zip-up red, leather jacket. Redheads don’t wear red.

I have a lot of sympathy for all female politicians, when the talk goes to their clothes. Men have their generic suits that can be worn again and again without notice. How many sneering articles have I read about Pelosi’s Armani suits and Clinton’s black pant suits? Other than Edwards’ $400 haircuts, the press pays little attention to the clothes and grooming of men.

There are some campaign finance issues going on with Palin. If she keeps the clothes, it should count as income and it should be taxed. It deserves an article, but maybe not two articles, a slide show, and an audio clip at the Times.

I have serious problems with Palin’s experience and positions on key issues. I can’t stand all the "I hate smart people" stuff that comes out of her mouth. But I don’t really care how much her clothes cost. You can’t wear something from Dress Barn on TV.

I am fascinated, however, with what choices the Republican consultants made for her. Stiletto boots are the power shoe of choice for Washingtonians. Remember Condi’s boots? Military-style jackets. Solid colors. I can see a lot of working women going out to Barney’s and asking for similar items.

When one of my old roommates, Sandra, started working at Arthur Anderson right after college. The guy who interviewed her showed her the office and said, "Notice what the secretaries are wearing and notice what the accountants are wearing. Don’t mix that up."  As nasty and sexist as that comment was, he was probably right. We are judged by our clothes. So, I don’t think less of Palin for putting on the power suit. She just better pay taxes on it.