Candy Spelling: I came from a land far, far away from 90210, as there were no zip codes when I was growing up.

Our mothers dressed us up for school every day in pretty dresses, fancy shoes and socks, and the latest costume jewelry.

Skirts and blouses were considered very casual. Jumpers worked only with the right-colored blouses. Pants were forbidden (except for the boys, of course; and they were not allowed to wear jeans).

I enjoyed dressing up, and still do.

I also enjoy seeing the Obamas and their sense of fashion. I, too, like J.Crew, and wear casual clothes I bought there. I don't look as cute as Malia and Sasha, but I'm not supposed to.

When Sarah Palin was running for office, I thought her new clothes were pretty. I remember hearing that the budget was about $175,000 -- and thinking that someone did not know how to get a bargain, and/or was on commission at the expense of political contributors.

Nevertheless, the clothes were sophisticated, distinguished, and fashionable, and, I thought, very vice-presidential (if a woman were to be elected vice president).

I've followed the Obamas to Russia (when my television gave me a Jackson intermission), and liked the clothes they were showing women around the world.

Just as I thought our most visible moms and daughters were embracing fashion,
Sarah Palin really let me down. I really don't care if she continues to be the governor of Alaska, why she quit, if she's going to FOX, or on the lecture circuit or whatever.

But, Sarah, what were you thinking when you greeted the press wearing those fishing waders? And you spoke to Time magazine wearing a T-shirt that read, "Go Slam a Salmon." Increasing numbers of today's youth are more interested in interacting with other living things than eating them.

I'm not suggesting a return to "Dynasty" or saddle shoes, but can we have a moratorium on waders? You don't need to give Tina Fey any new ideas.

Candy Spelling, author of "Stories from Candyland," had a 50-year hiatus from writing. In 2007, Candy was asked to start blogging ... and has been writing ever since. Candy added "proud grandmother" of Liam Aaron McDermott, born in 2007, and Stella Doreen, born in 2008, to her list of life's special treasures.