That it was Housewife Kelly Bensimon who ended up inside the hallowed pages of the over-revered girly magazine surely caused their eyes to roll in unison, since Kelly is considered to be one flake away from a full-blown imbecile who got where she’s at on her looks and the good fortune of marrying a world-renowned fashion photographer. And that’s most likely exactly how she wound up in ‘Playboy’.

Of all the housewives, Kelly’s life took the worst beating publicity-wise last season and she truly lost her social standing in NYC. Chances are that her ex-husband managed to call in some big favors and pull more than a few strings to net her the highly coveted gig with ‘Playboy’ in an effort to help her regain her place in society. I felt really bad for her, so it’s kind of nice to see her rise a bit like Phoenix.

This also proves beyond a doubt that no IQ is required in order to grace the highly air-brushed, glossy, and antiquated men’s mag. That so many female celebrities, who don’t need the money or the extra publicity, would sign a pact with the devil just to “get to be” in it, says something sad about how women themselves continue to contribute to the highly sexualized unattainable ideal of the ‘perfect’ woman ‘Playboy’ perpetuates.

Meanwhile, I’d lay bets that Bethenny and Danielle resent Kelly’s ‘Playboy’ pose the most.