In the wake of yet another Alaska-themed court decision that has left residents fragile and unable to think clearly, I will dispense from any actual Sarah Palin political commentary and instead focus upon on another, softer issue. Those clothes.

Yes, the Great Palin Shopping Extravaganza had far-reaching conclusions for the thousands of Alaskan women who take shopping for clothes very seriously. Shopping, after all, relieves the winter doldrums and gives us something to talk about besides the price of fruit. 

Contrary to how she may be looking these days, our Governor is an Alaskan, and there is an unwritten, albeit clear criteria when it comes to shopping for apparel in the land of perpetual winter. Sarah Palin is but one of many who strike a delicate balance between keeping vital body parts warm and appearing fashionable. To her credit, Palin does not look like she just returned from the North Slope, bundled in so many layers it is hard to discern gender. She also manages to wear a kuspuk (long, parka-like garment popular with Native Alaskans and tourists) with pride.  Her power suits, at least here, do not mimic a Michael Jackson video. But make no mistake; Palin, like most of us, is no Cindy McCain.

Women in Alaska prefer the classic, understated approach. With this simplicity comes confidence, especially if it means showing up for a budget meeting in Sorels over our patterned tights. It means allowing time for a trip to the women’s room to shed two layers of long underwear and fix hairstyles smashed under ski hats with earflaps. Why do you think Sarah wears that beehive hairdo? It’s so she has something to work with after the walk from her car to the office building at twelve below.

Even our summerwear is less dramatic. Dresses? Are you kidding? The mosquitoes would fly right up the things, and wouldn’t that be embarrassing. Best keep to bootcut jeans and a pair of Danskos. In fact, that the jean/clog combo could be considered the state uniform. There are so many stores that sell the fancy, hand-stitched clunkers; some with little designs on them, some in patent leather. They even come in a Mary Jane style.  I’m getting excited just thinking about it.

Governor Palin mentioned in one speech or another that she has ditched the fancy duds and is now back to wearing her own clothes from a favorite thrift store. That ‘thrift store’, Out of the Closet Consignments, is a chic, trendy little spot in an upwardly fancy section of Anchorage. I shop there on occasion, as does most of the city’s sort-of-fashionable people. 

I drove past the store tonight and it was more crowded than usual. I don’t know if it was due to Palin or the fact that they were offering $5 specials on clothing and accessories. I went in anyway. I need something for Election Night, and I heard rumors of a large donation.

Erin K. Kirkland, a freelance writer and one of our MomBloggers, lives in Anchorage, Alaska. Check back for more on this series on her insider take on this historic election year.