Fashion and Alaska

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this?

I am like going post crazy!! But I have been thinking about fashion and Alaska ever since we moved here. First because of all the talk that was given to Sarah Pallin's wardrobe during the campaign (personally I thought she should have been allowed to keep the clothes as a consolation prize). And second because of an article I read in the editorials shortly after my arrival that got me to notice what everyone wears here and was written as a result of Sarah's wardrobe during the campaign. .

We all heard about how VP-nominee Sarah Palin was supposed have been given a $150,000 wardrobe makeover for the campaign. Everyone was outraged by the price tag of such a wardrobe. I was bothered by all the hype over this particular subject (I can't call it an issue because frankly there was little talk about "issues" once she entered the McCain campaign).
What bothered me was the relatively minuscule amount everyone was shouting about compared to how much a presidential campaign costs. This small of an amount doesn't even show up as a sliver on a pie chart of expenses. Really, we are choosing the president and his VP, don't we have better things to focus on? (Like the fact that Obama had no briefing on classified information until after he was elected and yet he had already made promises, concerning some of this information; promises we in fact believed he would deliver and therefore voted for him without his really having the whole story).

So when I got to Alaska I was curious how the press handled the now famous governor and her daily doings and life. Turns out they don't much focus on anything but the policies she is putting forth and the government side of things. But one day an editorial article did catch my eye on how Governor Palin's questionable wardrobe had effected style in Alaska.

The writer commented on how whenever she flies down to the lower 48 she feels pretty good about how she is dressed. Comfortable shoes, pants and a warm shirt (read sweats, snowboots, and a flannel). But as she flies East she notices the heels of ladies shoes get taller and the pants get more expensive. She goes on to say how she inevitably felt a little more self conscience about what she originally thought was a perfectly nice outfit when she started out in Anchorage. She continued to comment on how the press Sarah Palin received about her clothes has put a new standard for fashion on Alaskan women and that as an Alaskan woman, the writer was urging fellow Alaskan females to not give up practical shoes and warm clothing over current fashion trends. She justifies this choice of clothing by citing lifestyle impracticalities of butchering a moose in heels and bringing in enough wood for the night in an Armani suit.

After reading this article I became aware of what was actually being worn around me. And the author of the editorial was right. Women, for the most part wear practical shoes and functional coats and sweats,which are more often than not, tucked into the functional shoes. And there is a lot of sense in that. There is ice everywhere. I just recently started wearing my high-heeled boots in favor of my low heeled riding boots (but not my snowboots you will note) when going to church. I wore my long johns under my jeans and opted for my down coat over my cute green and pink pea coats because wool just doesn't beat -30 degree weather. I had cute hats thanks to a sister's gift at Christmas and I wore turtlenecks everywhere and under everything. While I did not look like the fashion plate Sarah was during the campaign, I was practical and still stylish.

Then we moved into my house and daily life set in. You know what I mean. The 9:15 am call from your child at school who tells you we forgot it was debate day and he has to be in a shirt and tie in exactly 20 minutes. The urgency of that call leads you to strip off your ratted flannel PJ pants and throw on the nearest sweats. You forgo the bra because your big puffy coat will hide that. Tuck your hair into a baseball cap and shove your feet into a pair of Uggs without socks. Race to the school, drop off the shirt and tie and black shoes for the boy then proceed to Wal-Mart.

Because you know, no matter where you are in the world, but especially in Alaska, you will be the height of fashion in this get up at a Wal-Mart.

And there is something so oddly freeing about this that, while you don't make a habit of appearing like this, you are known to be seen dressed in said get up at least once every other week.

And you fit right in.

And so did Sarah. In fact I bet she truly needed that $150,000 make-over. After 3 years here, I will probably need one to.

Maybe I can run for Vice President.