Is The Word "Sale" In Your Repertoire?

(CBS)  A woman we know loves beautiful clothing. But she's equally passionate about not paying too much. Here's contributor Nancy Giles:

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You've seen the headlines, you've heard the news reports: The Republican National Committee spent around $150,000 on vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin (and her family) on her wardrobe and accessories.

Suddenly, the "hockey mom" sounds more like the "hockey team owner" mom.

Forget about the economic crisis that's hitting Wall Street, Main Street, and every street, avenue, and boulevard in-between. Put all that out of your mind.

Okay? Gone?

Now ask yourself: Who in heaven's name would EVER buy clothing RETAIL?

$150,000?

There is a joy, a thrill even, in the hunt of the deal. Is it primal? Is it part of our DNA? Who can say? Certain department stores are dedicated to this very palpable satisfaction.

Look, there are always sales to be found. I believe that to find, and purchase, an expensive item marked down to a crazy low price truly answers that oft-asked question: "What Would Jesus Do?"

Having said that, there are times when I violate my own rule out of desperation. I'm six-one and when I find things at the Tall Girls store that fit properly I hide them at the back of some rack, hoping no one finds them until the price comes down. It never works. So now: It fits? I'll buy, right then.

I resent those garments.

I have an emotional connection to my "sale" clothes. And when I wear them, I stand a little straighter, and walk is a little jauntier.

I'll never forget getting a brand-new pair of Hush Puppies for $1.99 at a store that was going out of business, and I just happened to be passing by. They were men's Hush Puppies, and only a half-size too big, and with thick socks I was good to go. A dollar ninety-nine!

Everyone wants to look good, whatever their income level. And you don't have to spend $150,000 of other people's money to do that.

I think the word "sale" is beautiful. "Retail" doesn't even sound as good. Sounds clinical, Latin for "one who shops, but is dumb."

[lorriec37]

I could not believe what I was hearing from Nancy Giles regarding Sarah Palin''s purchase of clothes for her campaign appearances. Why would CBS allow this segment by Nancy Giles anyway? I have always looked forward to the Sunday Morning program, but like others, will not be watching any longer! Is it your business to bring this to everyone''s attention once again? I love to shop, and hate the sale racks...they are always the "old, outdated, stuff" and if you really think about it $150,000 isn''t that much to dress for at least 60 days for Sarah and her family. The clothes will be donated to charity, and I am sure they will be able to auction them off at a greater price...so there! I am sure the merchants that the clothes were purchased from where happy...but not you Nancy! So long!

[yankeegirl81]

I have always enjoyed Sunday Morning, however this past Sunday I turned the TV off right after Nancy Giles little tongue in cheek stab at Gov. Palin. Who does she think she is? How much does her wardrobe cost & where did she purchase it because you can dang well be sure it''s not the Goodwill or Salvation Army!! If the networks insist on digging up dirt on Gov. Palin, they need to do the same with Obama and or Biden. How much do their suits cost? I''ve heard from multiple resources that Obama has all of his suits custom tailored for him! Now why is that okay? This country is so worried about being racist and offending someone, however it''s okay to walk all over a female and drag her and her family thru the mud?! I think Americans need to wake up and take notice to the way all of the left wing liberal reporters spin web after web of deceit!!

[momwstyle]

Dear CBS,

I wanted to ring Nancy Giles neck after hearing her sarcastic comments on only buying sale items and Sarah Palins wardrobe expense. Retailers across America would love to ring her neck as well. What Nancy and many others don''t realize is that many big name retailers raise their prices higher, then put a sale sign on the goods to make the consumer think it is on sale. Small business cannot operate in the sale mode all the time. As Americans we need to start supporting the small business owner and retailer or small town America will be gone forever. I agree with others who have commented on this segment of Sunday Morning. I have seen far better stories and I was very disappointed in the program last week. On Sunday morning I always look forward to that feel good story that gives me hope that there really are good people, and goodness in our world. Forget the politics and Nancy Giles. You can do better than that.

[standish3]

I too love my wardrobe sale items, especially in light of the recent financial turmoil.
Out of respect and in mourning for the Markets, I have been wearing more black than usual.
Today I am wearing a very chic black blouse ($120 reduced to an unbelievable $8 clearance from an Oak Park, IL boutique store which was closing) with black skinny trousers ($12 from Marshalls) and in honor of the risky buyers and a potential positive Market close today, open toe leopard shoes with a 2 inch heel($80 on sale for $39.99 purchased online).
I feel great and look phenomenal.
If you can look past the trees of political bias, you may see a forest of glorious sale opportunities to forage and enjoy.

[traci-tacoma]

Shame on you, Nancy Giles. I expected better from you. When you decide to survey ALL the male candidates on the cost of their clothing, then you have the right to comment on Ms. Palin''s. I am disgusted Democrat - disgusted with your commentary, and ALL the comments from WOMEN! Would that it was so simple for professional women to select a "standard" form of dress as men have established.
Try being a female in a male world - I faced this as clergy. I chose to wear a robe for people such as yourself who focus on the WRONG things.
Traci Lee, Tacoma WA

[pnevs56]

LOVE Nancy Giles.....humor, common sense....we all need more of that. Going to NYC for the FIRST TIME with my family.....any thoughts on WHERE to SHOP?????Filene''s Basement? Thanks

[jerryh14]

I have never written to any TV program before, BUT I just had to give you my comments. I love to watch you on Sunday mornings, knowing that all the political bias on all the networks will be forgone for good upbeat news segments. THEN to find Nancy Giles commenting on Palins clothing budget!! Does it never end with you guys!! What does Michele Obama spend? ... but, we will never know. I was so disappointed in Sunday Morning... But I did switch over to a good sermon broadcast on another station. Guess I will be changing my Sunday morning viewing habits... Too bad... I will miss you.

[cosenior]

I have watched CBS Sunday Morning since I was a little girl -- I am now a senior. I have always enjoyed the off-the-beaten path stories about people and places throughout our country. That all changed this past Sunday. Nancy Giles made CBS Sunday Morning political.

[carolanq]

I love Nancy Giles and can''t believe how many people need to get a life and a sense of humor! Jeeze... paying mega bucks for things is is not restricted to any one political party or setting. I seem to remember news stories about Clinton, Edwards hair cuts, $500 toilet seats, $1000 hamburgers, golden parachutes for CEO screw-ups... With the current world financial crisis the stigma of shopping at discount stores has been greatly reduced... Maybe ALL our political representatives would be more REAL to us if they were not wasting an unreal amount of $$$ for just about everything. You have to laugh... just to keep from crying! Thanks Nancy!

[tmacarthur1]

NOW EVEN MY FAVORITE PROGRAM IS INFECTED WITH THE OBAMA VIRUS. CBS YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THIS POOR QUALITY STORY. SHOULDN''T YOU BE ABOVE THIS TYPE OF TV? I NOW WILL STOP WATCHING ON SUNDAY MORNING! tm