If Sarah Palin were a sustainable style maven...

Much attention has been paid to Sarah Palin's style these last couple weeks--thanks to the surprising news about her impressive wardrobe bill. And while our ears may be tuned to economic news these days, our eyes cannot help but be drawn to the perfectly frivolous but delightfully satisfying allure of Vice Presidential and First Lady style.

I think it's safe to say that even Joe the Plumber knows that Sarah Palin is in no danger of preaching the good word of environmental responsibility...But since Sustainability is such a top-of-mind issue and Style is something that Michelle, Cindy, and Sarah all have--I figured it was time to look at some of the sophisticated, sustainable White House-worthy power pieces they're donning in the final days.

Lucky for us Recessionistas, these pieces are sharp, stylish and won't force anyone to take out a second mortgage.

GET ALL MAVERICKY WITH A SLEEK SUIT. This well-tailored silver-gray, single-buttoned suit jacket with skinny leg trouser commands attention while playing up feminine sophistication. All fabrics are Oeko-Tech certified. Design by Noir and available at Fashion-Conscience for $860 USD.

MILITARY CHIC. We may not all be able to tote a gun around, but we can be buttoned up in this shrunken military style suit jacket and pencil skirt with asymmetrical seams. 100% bamboo rayon suiting lined with organic cotton in gunmetal black. Design by Deux-Fm and available at Nimli. Suit $296 USD; Skirt $144 USD.

GOT SHOES? YOU BETCHA! No animals were harmed in the making of these shoes. These very contemporary, vegan heels give any suit an elegant but modern edge. Shoes by Neuaura and available at Nimli. Esperanaza boots $89 USD and Lolita shoes $74.

IT'S COLD IN ALASKA. Wrap up in bi-color jackets made from 80% recycled wool and 20% nylon. Designs by Grace & Cello and available at Nimli for $260 USD and $365 USD respectively.

POLLS ARE IN. A cosmopolitan mac hand-embroidered by women in Pakistan. Available at Ethika Boutique for $230 USD.

WINNING CANDIDATE. An organic cotton fleece swing coat with bow that adds a beauitful feminine detail for the colder months. Design by Emily Katz and available at Nimli for $174 USD.

FROM PTA MOM TO VP-CLIMBING THE LADDER. An origami pleat ladder blouse is a decidedly feminine take on a traditional tunic. Hand-woven in Pakistan. Available at Ethika Boutique for $105 USD.

FOREIGN POLICY. An elegantly-cut sari-inspired dress with gold brocade and embroidery detailing. Classicly elegant form by Indian-American designer Swati Argade; made to order.

CASUAL CAMPAIGN. For a more casual look, try a pleated organic cotton blouse and organic cotton twill sailor pants. Designs by FIN Oslo and available at Ekovaruhuset for $166 USD and $230 USD respectively.

SWING STATES. Swinging, slouchy style with this basic black dress. Designs by FIN Oslo and available at Ekovaruhuset for $345 USD.

SMOOTH TALKER. A 100% silky smooth floral print blouse is perfectly patterned. Designs by FIN Oslo and available at Ekovaruhuset for $307 USD.

CLASSIC BLACK. A 100% organic cotton, hand-embroidered pleated dress with high-neckline has some First Lady appeal. Designs by FIN Oslo and available at Ekovaruhuset for $307 USD.

JACKIE O to OBAMA MAMA. A Michelle Obama must-have. This slim shift dress shapes the body while the sixties-inspired vintage floral collar gives a touch of femininity. $220 USD and available at Enamore.

HONE IN ON YOUR INNER JACKIE O. A beautiful A-line dress with high neck made out of Hemp/Tencel and silk yoke detail and ribbon sash . $244 USD and available at Enamore.

PARTY IT UP PREZ STYLE. Don't hide your feminine form-accentuate it in classy style with the Gracie dress made from a jet black organic silk dupion, lined in organic cotton voile and trimmed with vintage fabric detailing. $414 USD and available at Enamore.

PRESIDENTIAL COVER UP. This silk dupion bolero with vintage bow is perfect for throwing over a simple dress or pant. $140 USD and available at Enamore.

Follow Summer Rayne Oakes on Twitter: www.twitter.com/sroakes

Comments

[heathermerete]

Love the fact that women can look sexy and serious at the same time—thank god we've moved beyond the pantsuit (though I do love Hillary). My fav is the sleek deux fm suit and the jacket and the very bottom. Thanks, Summer Rayne!

[lotta]

I love the Deux fm suite. Yes it is quite pailinesque but would look absolutely stunning on Michelle.

[LeBeau59741]

Thank you!
I'll be ordering that hemp/tencel number next payday- about twice what I typically spend on a dress, but georgeous and timeless- it'll serve me well.

[kiku moon]

I have been getting more eco-consious in the last few years but I work in an office with a pretty strict dress code and it has been hard to find ethical yet stylish suits. Finally I have the chance as these are fabulous choices for work. I love the first two suits by NOIR and DEUX FM. Thanks for this post I am going shopping now!