For a president-elect who has promised a huge economic reform, Barack Obama doesn’t seem to be very concerned with the high cost of all his inauguration festivities.

The price tag for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration gala is expected to break records, with some estimates reaching as high as $150 million. Despite the bleak economy, however, Democrats who called on President George W. Bush to be frugal four years ago are issuing no such demands now that an inaugural weekend of rock concerts and star-studded parties has begun.

Obama’s inaugural committee has raised more than $41 million to cover events ranging from a Philadelphia-to-Washington train ride to a megastar concert with Beyonce, U2 and Bruce Springsteen to 10 official inaugural balls.

But Obama’s Inauguration Comittee isn’t worried that Americans will find the partying costs excessive.

“That is probably not the way the country is going to be looking at it,” said committee spokeswoman Linda Douglass. “It is not a celebration of an election. It is a celebration of our common values.”

Um, sorry, sister… Excessive spending on some parties in the midst of a recession is not a “common value” we share.

Douglass said the campaign sought to keep costs down by having the same decorations at each of the 10 balls, eliminating floral arrangements and negotiating prices on food.

“Those at the Obama administration are trying to be reflective of the climate,” McDermott’s spokesman, Mike DeCeasar, said Saturday.

Unfortunately, I can’t say that I’m surprised. People are treating the inauguration like it’s the second coming, and while Barack Obama promises change, he is already not practicing what he preaches. Will he be held to a lower standard just because he’s the first minority president? I sure hope not.

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Somehow Paris Hilton got invited to the Sundance Film Festival, and while there she is doing what she does best- partying. Last night she showed up at the Axe Fix party in a tiny little black dress with a huge fur shawl. Take that all you animal-loving PETA people! And because the blingin’ leaf trim, diamond P necklace, massive ring and all that fur weren’t enough, Paris topped off the look with a giant shiny hairpiece of sorts that can’t decide if it’s a headband or crown.

No matter how you slice it, this is a fashion miss. Sorry, Paris.

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Some of the hottest young stars in Hollywood flocked to the Flaunt Magazine 10th Anniversary party in Los Angeles Thursday night, but most of them didn’t look so hot. Kim Kardashian sported her new sexy bangs, but her silver one shoulder dress was not so flattering. Kanye West wore a fur collar and bow tie. Shannon Doherty’s hair looked like she stuck her finger in an electric socket. Kourtney Kardashian wore a dress that looked like it came off the David’s Bridal bridesmaids rack. And Eva Mendes had on the frumpiest, most matronly dress I have ever seen.

Surprisingly, the girl who looked the best was none other than Kelly Osbourne who was going for a Dita von Teese look (minus scary Marilyn Manson).

[images: WENN]