College professor and wife of Vice President Joe Biden, the beloved Jill Biden, plus her two Secret Service agents, were spotted Monday shopping at the Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Two burly Secret Service agents towering in the women’s shoe department and one American sweetheart do get noticed, even if there is an otherwise distracting sale going on.

Mrs. Biden bought a pair of Tory Burch loafers, about $200, “just right for the classroom,” noted the Washington Post’s Reliable Source.

This isn’t the first time Jill Biden has endorsed the Tory Burch brand, having been noticed on the campaign trail wearing various well-priced Tory pieces. (Shop for Tory Burch loafers like Jill Biden’s and other fashionable items at Tory’s website.)

During the recent Inauguration ceremony, the designer briefly met Mrs. Biden for the first time at a dinner given by President Obama in honor of Joe Biden. Contacted yesterday with news of the Bloomingdale’s sighting and purchase, Tory remarked: “I really admire how Jill Biden has managed to balance a career with raising a family. I think she epitomizes classic American style, and I am so thrilled she is a fan of our collection.”

Asked if she had heard rumors around Seventh Avenue that Mrs. Biden was being invited to all the fashion shows beginning next week, Tory said, “I am sure everyone would love to have her at their show. She is a very chic and very nice woman.”

Retailers and press will see Tory’s fall-winter 2009 collection at a cozy, non-runway presentation on Wednesday, February 18.