Sandra Lee's semi-Barbie getup.


You could really just look at Kate Linder and get an idea of the whole event: Atlantic City saloon madam with just a dash of Reaganomics!


Like, where else could Rachel Zeskind wear this undersea fantasia? Besides one of those events where adults dress like Barbies? (I'm assuming there are events like that.)


In a sea of such wonders, it takes a lot to stand out. But I think Brenda Dickson's two forms of snakeskin make her a definite contender for "The Ugly!"


Or is Lesley-Anne Down's floral bustle action even more noteworthy?


Tonya Lee Williams cleverly satisfies the event's need for glitz and brightness, but without slipping into Vegas territory!


Lena Baurley's dress says: why choose between a salsa club and a rave? You can have it all!


Getty (mis?)identifies her as "The Wendy Williams." Or maybe that makes a certain kind of sense.


Karla Mosley's gown may be sparkle-nation, but its clean lines are refreshingly simple.


Rachael Ray looks appropriately Vegas. And appropriately, sports eggplant, easily prepared in 30 minutes.


Sharon Case opts for texture. And that's all I'll say.


Portia de Rossi's verges on the dreary. Under the circumstances, I'll take it.


I'd almost like to see Molly Burnett's Frankenstein-frock on the Project Runway block. I can just imagine Nina's expression.


Oh, in case you missed it, Rachel Melvin's gown has an enormous rosette on the bodice.


Lori Loughlin: we get it. It's only so often that you get a chance to live out those "Peaches and Cream Barbie" fantasies.


You know what Lesli Kay's nightmare wedding gown needs? A single beaded epaulet on one shoulder.


I'm wondering if, say, Agyness Deyn could sport Chrishell Stause's dress and everyone would applaud it as ironic. It would be an interesting experiment, actually.


It says a lot that Tatyana Ali's gown, which objectively evokes a strip of film, looks like a model of elegant restraint.


Quite digging Jennie Garth's bold color and demure cut.


Wait, wasn't Tyra Banks going to start wearing her hair natural? Although gotta say I like the 60's-inflected little frock.


It's too bad all the really big belts were sold before Elizabeth Hendrickson showed up.


Really, Susan Lucci never disappoints!

[Images via Getty]

So says Slate's Ellen Tarlin about talk show host/comedian Ellen DeGeneres' popular daytime talk show. Tarlin's post had a particular resonance for me after I watched DeGeneres' wife, actress Portia Di Rossi, on The Tonight Show yesterday, because not only was Di Rossi adding her lesser known, yet no-less-animated face and audible voice to a high-profile gay marriage, she used the word "wife" repeatedly and spoke openly about her physical affections. She normalized these things for those who regard them as abnormal. As Tarlin puts it, "Maybe I am naive, but I think this is how our country will finally change: When people who are anti-gay finally learn that someone they already know and love is gay, and they want every happiness for their loved one that they are entitled to. Or even better, when they are willing to let someone who they know is gay into their lives, despite their homosexuality." Clip above.

Ellen On Ellen [Slate]

[Los Angeles, February 8. Image via INF]

The Good:
Maybe a touch disco-fab for a farm animal initiative, but Heather Graham looks undeniably glam.
Lisa Edelstein demonstrates appropriate "serious event" chic. The bag gets a dispensation.
Yeah, it's hard to tell with all the mincing and posturing, but Emily Deschanel's getup appears to be cute.
Another example of unwonted generosity, as our animus towards shoes like Amy Smart's is no secret.


The Bad:
Down to the matching shoe, Wendie Malick's ensemble reads very "candidate's wife."
Sorry, kid, but if you're gonna dress like the hippie older sister reluctantly "dressing up" for her brother's Bar Mitzvah, don't shoot the messenger.
Olivia Wilde and her footwear benefit from today beneficient "no-ugly" policy.
Olesya Rulin makes the common celebrity error of mistaking "frumpy" for "serious."
You see?!

[Images via Getty]

[Milan, July 1. Image via Bauer-Griffin]

[Los Angeles, December 26. Image via Bauer-Griffin]

The Good:
Katherine Heigl proves you can wear white after Labor Day; Portia DiRossi and Ellen DeGeneres compliment each other beautifully

Ugly Betty's Becki Newton ousts Ariel, owns the mermaid-shape; Heidi Klum looks gorgeous beyond words — maybe all 83 of her nannies helped her get ready?

The Bad:
Did someone spill Pepto Bismol on Sara Ramirez's dress before she headed out?; Paula Abdul's dress looks like a wardrobe malfunction.

We know we shouldn't mock the pregnants, but Christina Aguilera makes us say "Oy"; And why did Jenna Fischer dress herself in a roll of wrapping paper for an awards ceremony?

The Ugly:
Ellen Pompeo's Flying Nun hair negates classiness of her dress; Hayden Panetierre actually might take flight in sheer volume of her frock.

Ashley Jensen's hair looks straight out of an early 80's prom, and the pink dress doesn't help; Ryan Seacrest, per usual, looks like a lizard.

[Images via FilmMagic]