Sarah Palin’s wardrobe has been revamped, thanks to the Republican National Committee.
According to the itemized coordinated expenditure report for the Republican National Committee, over $150,000 has been spent on the wardrobe of Sarah Palin and her family since late August, reports Politico.
The money was spent at high-end retailers including Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis ($75,062.63), Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis and New York ($49,425.74), as well as Barney’s ($789.72) and Bloomingdale’s in New York ($5,102.71).
Additional funds were spent at the baby boutique Pacifier and Steiniauf & Stroller Inc.
In September, $4,716.49 from the Republican National Committee was spent on hair and makeup. August’s budget, before Palin was named as McCain’s running mate, did not include hair and makeup expenditures.
The expenses were listed as “campaign accessories,” a categorization which was new to the campaign’s budget report as of September.
Palin has been styled under the advice of Gahl H. Burt, who worked as Nancy Reagan’s social secretary and reportedly advises Cindy McCain.
A review of Barack Obama’s financial records did not reveal any similar spending with funds from the Democratic National Committee, according to Politico.
Kenneth Gross, a federal election lawyer, spoke to ABC News about the legality of the campaign spending. He explains that while the McCain/Palin campaign could not spend money on new clothes for Palin, the Republican National Committee is allowed to.
Palin isn’t the first candidate to receive criticism for excessive spending on personal appearance. John Edwards spent hundreds on his haircuts, and John McCain has been spotted in $520 Ferragamo shoes.
Although she does wear high-end pieces, many of which are by Chicago-based designer Maria Pinto, Michelle Obama has been praised for her more frugal campaign wardrobe choices. She’s been seen in dresses from retailers H&M and White House/Black Market retailing for $34.90 and for $148, respectively. After she wore the White House/Black Market dress on The View the mass-produced dress began selling out of stores.
McCain/Palin campaign spokeswoman Terry Schmidt responded to claims made on Politico: “With all of the important issues facing the country right now, it’s remarkable that we’re spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses.”
Schmidt added that the clothes will be donated to a charitable purpose after the campaign.
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