Episode 5
FLARE RECAP
It must be said that I really like the men this season. I've been watching most episodes with Andi and we agree: Kaitlyn's guys are fantastic. They're good sports and readily laugh at themselves. Plus, they're easy on the eyes.
That said.... the hair on many of them...
... is not good. I know guys need to get their hair cut relatively frequently so I don't know how tough this was during filming (or if the above looks are intentional). On my season we were all just long-haired... no one needed a haircut at any point. (A bikini wax, however... That's a story for another day.)
Shawn said it best, regarding Justin's mop:
Obviously this whole episode was hijacked by Nick's arrival. It amazes me how quick viewers are to make judgments about people on these shows yet how steadfast they are in those hasty first impressions. That said, while I know the Nick-haters out there won't be changing their minds any time soon, I do want to make one thing very clear: Nick was not begged, paid, or coerced into coming on this season. He truly, legitimately had a huge crush on Kaitlyn, felt they could potentially have something very special, and did what he had to to pursue her.
As for Kaitlyn's decision to let Nick stick around...
THIS. These are words that I live by. I wouldn't be an opera singer if it weren't these words. I wouldn't have ever gone on The Bachelor, that's for sure. Who can blame Kaitlyn for her decision if that's how she feels?
Kaitlyn's poor guys...
That's a textbook producer-arranged boy chat. Notice the seating arrangement and how they all look like they don't want to be there, much less discuss Nick for one more second. Kudos to Ben H for being honest. His exasperation isn't directed at Nick; he really is sick of being forced to talk about him.
BEST DRESSED
Shawn was my fashion stand-out amongst the guys this week...
I love this top on him. It's got a lot going on for a man's shirt—stripes, baseball shirt sleeves, henley buttons—but the palette subdues it perfectly. He looks put-together but still masculine. His Express henley sells here and comes in solid (as in, stripe-less) here.
Best dressed this week was Shawn again with his group date cocktail party ensemble...
Okay, so it's not exactly out there or taking any major risks, but he just looks so dapper. His crisp suit fits like a dream and that shirt adds a perfect dash of interest. Thumbs up.
WORST DRESSED
For the exact same reason Josh won worst-dressed last week, Jonathan is this week's victim...
The heat can't be blamed this time as they were filming in New York in March. He really is just wearing a three-piece suit vest as an accessory, sans the other two pieces. Sorry, Jonathan, no bueno. 👎
KAITLYN'S LOOKS
Kaitlyn's outfit for the rap group date was suitably edgy:
She really pulls off these casual, rocker-chic looks well. (I know that I, for one, would look ridiculous in this outfit) The look is carried, of course, by that fabulous jacket which somehow manages to combine black denim, leather, and knit patches without looking like a hodgepodge mess. Her exact Double Zero jacket is sold out but I found it going on eBay in all sizes (for only $40) here!
At night she wore a pretty cool knit sweater...
I like it but I don't love this Phillip Lim "skunk" sweater. I like the idea but find the execution loud and even distracting. And frankly, at $595, there is no way in hell I would ever buy it. In fact, I actually think it looks a bit cheap, like something you might find at Forever 21. My mixed feelings on the sweater aside, I wish she would've worn her hair in a perky ponytail with this.
Kaitlyn looked casual but cute when meeting Nick in Alphabet City...
I like this jacket but I LOVE this scarf. The oversized buffalo plaid in bright blue steals the show. (It sells here.) Funnily enough, about a year ago I came thisclose to buying this exact jacket but ended up opting for another. It's casual without looking sloppy and the "vegan" leather is very convincing. (The price is right, too.) You can check it out here.
As for Kaitlyn's one-on-one Met Museum date with Jared...
This is SO CLOSE to being perfect, but it's a bit on the busy side for me. I tend to think if you're going to go with an interesting silhouette, aim for a subtle print or solid color. If the silhouette is basic, that's when you can add things like prints, beading, and texture. In this case, there is a lot going on. I love the amount of skin she's showing, but to have both a plunging neckline AND an open back is already a lot of interest. You don't need a french lace overlay, sheer sleeves, AND beading. It's just a lot.
All that said, I appreciate that her hair is not just down! Yay for the side-sweep!
Kaitlyn's group date outfit was a slam dunk in my eyes...
That ribbed knit cardigan just makes the outfit. She looks put together but like she didn't try at all. (Her exact cardigan is Banana Republic and sells here. Vince also makes a near-identical one which sells here.) I happen to believe a white knit, drapy cardigan is a must in every woman's closet. It's functional but makes every outfit—even yoga pants!—look polished. (Mine is from Loft and I wear it to death.)
Her scarf is perfect and I pretty much need it in my life. Hers is sold out but there's a near-identical Steve Madden version selling here and here.
Until next week, fellow pandas!
