Vanity Fair reports that Cindy McCain's outfit for the Republican Convention cost around $300,000. Here is the breakdown of what she wore:

• Oscar de la Renta dress: $3,000
• Chanel J12 White Ceramic Watch: $4,500
• Three-carat diamond earrings: $280,000
• Four-strand pearl necklace: $11,000-$25,000
• Shoes, designer unknown: $600
• Total: between $299,100 and $313,100

Now I don't know about you, but that is about three times what my house cost. I understand that Ms. McCain has a lot of money but does she have to parade it all over her body? It becomes very difficult to believe that the McCains' know what is happening to the average American, when she is dripping money and he can't remember how many houses they own.

The truth is, John and Cindy, that a lot of us are cutting coupons, cutting back and working harder. We aren't buying designer shoes, we are purchasing food and clothing for our families. We have to budget our money carefully to just get by.

While I certainly did not expect Ms. McCain to show up at the convention in a dress from Target, it would have been nice to see a little more respect for the average Joe. Maybe a $50,000 outfit and give the rest of the money to charity.

Barbara Bartlein is The People Pro. She is a relationship expert and author of Why Did I Marry You Anyway? Overcoming the Myths that Hinder a Happy Marriage. For her free E-mail newsletter, please visit: The People Pro.