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♦ André Leon Talley has joined the chorus of disapproval over Sarah Palin's wardrobe budget: "Wal-Mart hockey moms would never spend $150,000 on clothing." Then again, he's not so unhappy with what he's seen so far: "I thought that she was totally pro-Jackie in that knit suit." [The Cut]
♦ Meanwhile, that Louis Vuitton bag that Palin's daughter, Piper, was spotted with? It was quite likely a fake. [Fashionista]
♦ In tribute to Richard Blackwell, the UK Sun does its own worst-dressed list, honoring Rachel Zoe, Britney Spears, and Sharon Stone. [The Sun]
♦ The "luxury mall" in the basement of the Plaza has opened. [NYO]

♦ Gucci is embroiled in some kind of spy scandal, which sounds like the perfect theme for their next campaign. [WWD]
♦ Gemma Ward, who hasn't been seen much either on the runway or in editorials, is on the cover of the new issue of Spanish Marie Claire. [Fashionologie]
♦ When asked which star he likes to see in his clothes, Zac Posen said he "never" picks favorites, but that it was exciting to see Jennifer Garner in his dress on the Rachel Zoe Project, a show he "loves." [FabSugar]
♦ Marc Jacobs has introduced a pro-Obama t-shirt for $18. [Selectism]
♦ Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist has landed a book deal, maybe with HarperCollins. [Fashionista]
♦ The latest supposed manifestation of the recession in fashion: Childhood themes, like Kenzo's Alice In Wonderland-themed collection and Stella McCartney's runway show built around children's coloring books. Yet another: The resurgence of classic work clothes, like hunter jackets and carpenter jeans. [NYT, NYT]