“I don’t even KNOW anybody who spends a lot of money on clothes! It’s a mentality that’s totally alien to me.” Agree!!! I will wear clothes until there are HOLES in them. Not just one hole, SEVERAL! The last pair of shoes I bought for myself was, what, three years ago? Maybe longer? And they were front a second-hand store. When people tell me they spent $100+ on a pair of shoes (or worse - JEANS! or worst of all - jeans that look cheap!), my only reaction is “Why?”

Our actual need for clothes is largely dependent on our lifestyles, and those change - nothing’s static in life. I remember buying a new “daytime” wardrobe (aka: before 8 am) when one of my children started on the regional diving team and had to be “at the pool” at 5 am. I bought cotton slacks and cotton knit sweaters (much more expensive than the slacks) and actually had my haircut, so I could jump up, shower, grab some of our home-made granola and coffee and jump-start my day. Those ‘tops’ lasted me for years, and always looked perfect, but more importantly, I felt presentable out in the early am with my daughter. Of course, I had to return home, wake up the other 4, and get them fed, put on decaf for my housekeeper, and change my own attire to be presentably professional by 7 am. Women jog in place at the kitchen sink, and have multiple responsibiitles. Please, don’t get me wrong, my husband was up and at’em by 6:30 and did his part, too - but with a family, and our educations, and careers, we just took the next step, as needed. With all of that in mind, men don’t have gregarious, expensive wardrobes, unless … not going there. I found that purchasing top quality blouses/sweaters did far more for my wardrobe than anything else - besides a few excellent pair of shoes. I had my suits made by my own tailor who cut and sewed, and 1/3 the price of Neiman’s and I always chose menswear. So, my costs were much smaller in comparison to my peers. I also designed most of my suits, and formal attire so that saved a heap as well. It’s just part of my DNA to be wholesomely economical. ;-)) Now, I have to remind myself that I need something new to wear - most of the time, it’s because I’m either too cold, or “it” just looks worn out - if I can see it. Whatever others do is fine with me.

Dear Jane, It is disgraceful and disparaging! Because of the economy, we have more homeless people (including families) than the Republicans want to admit to. Anyone that votes for McCain is contributing to the destruction of this country. The word “idiot” means someone politically ignorant. It definitely applies to anyone voting for McCain/Palin! Palin should have turned down the money for the clothes, then she would have been representative a truth in values.

Ok, I agree there, I spend more on skincare and makeup than on clothes every year. But I don’t spend $22,000 in two weeks!