Bags for Bitches: Political Bag Bitch Part II: The Things They Carry

Two years of stumping, campaigning, and "gosh darn"-ing are only a few short days away from culminating in Tuesday's Presidential election. Political pundits have debated on a diverse set of themes in recent months, ranging from Iraq, to the economy, to everyone's favorite plumber, Joe. Despite the fact that our country is potentially in a downward spiral, the current topic of conversation has revolved around Sarah Palin's $150K wardrobe. Sure, this obnoxious spending surely points to the Republican's questionable judgment and Palin's own willingness to stray from her "Hockey Mom" image, but I think we can all agree that there are much more important matters to discuss.

But this blog is about handbags, not politics, so superficiality it is!

This post was inspired by an amazing, smart, gorgeous and talented reader, who sent The Bag Bitches the following email:

Dear Bag Bitches,

Despite our wildly different ideas on foreign policy, energy policy, education policy, fiscal policy, tax policy....you get the idea, I've been following Gov. Palin's wardrobe choices since she stepped onto the national stage. Now that the cat is out of the bag (pun intended) that her RNC lackeys spent $150K on her clothes over the past two months, I've been wondering if that includes bag purchases, as well. If so, I am not surprised they racked up the $150K tab, although still disgusted at this misguided use of campaign donor money. But nevertheless, can you write an entry about Palin's bag accessories, and maybe also those of Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain?

Unfortunately the web is a little light on information about the handbag choices of the three most important ladies of this election season. And so I've considered their backgrounds, clothing choices, families, and geographies to put together my own handbag profile for each.

Who: Cindy McCain
Where: Saks 5th Avenue
What: Classic, feminine bags unavailable to us mere mortals with clean lines; bejeweled clutches; pink; lots of pockets to carry around her husband's pills and dentures
Who: Chanel, Anya Hindmarch, Fendi, Gucci, Tod's, YSL, Bottega Venetta, Judith Leiber, Oscar de la Renta

Example Bags:

YSL Uptown Patent Top Handle, $2,195; Leiber Bejeweled Convertible Clutch, $3,995; Fendi Micro Anniversary Baguette, $625 (click on an image for more information)

Who: Michelle Obama
Where: Nordstrom
What: Practical with a side of funky; totes; color; lots of pockets to carry around the kids' cheerios, kool-aid, and homework
Who: Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Cole Haan, Tory Burch, Longchamp

Example Bags:

Kate Spade Tarrytown - Quinn Handheld Tote, $395; Tory Burch 'Lux T - Jordana' Embossed Tote, $495; Michael Kors Large Hobo, $1,395 (click on an image for more information)

Who: Sarah Palin
Where: Pre Nomination - Army-Navy Supply, Sears; Post Nomination - Neiman Marcus
What: Pre Nomination - Camouflage backpacks; fanny packs; canvas tote bags; lots of pockets to carry around baby bottles and bandaids; Post Nomination - Luxury bags bought by Republican lackeys; lots of pockets to carry around her talking points and glasses
Who: Pre Nomination - Joe the Plumber, his cousin Joe Sixpack, and Jane Winebox; Post Nomination - Prada, Christian Dior, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana

Example Bags (post-election day):