Sneakergate

I love cute sneakers. I have a pair of yellow Nike's, black Keds and a really groovy retro pair of green Converse. I bought them all at thrift shops, paying perhaps a total of 12 bucks for all six shoes.

It seems Michelle Obama also likes cute sneakers. But her one pair costs more than my entire wardrobe.

While volunteering Wednesday at a D.C. food bank, the First Lady sported her usual J.Crew cardigan, a pair of utilitarian capri pants and, on her feet, a sneaky splurge: trainers that go for $540.

That's right: These sneakers - suede, with grosgrain ribbon laces and metallic pink toe caps - are made by French design house Lanvin, one of fashion's hottest labels. They come in denim and satin versions, and have been a brisk seller all spring.

Can you imagine the outcry had Nancy Reagan worn a pair of $540 sneakers to a food bank... during an economic crisis!

I'm going to design a new line of sneakers for Democrats called Double Standard. The left shoe will have a hard toe for kicking the press in the ass. The right show will have a soft toe for when you put your foot in your mouth.