Episode 10: Finale
A couple of notes...
- For those who have asked about my own looks from The Morning After videos, I've added those to the Shop Hub section.
- Since I don't do Pretty Panda recaps for Bachelor in Paradise, if there's something you want ID'ed from the show, feel free to request it; No promises that I can source everything but whatever I can ID will also show up in Shop Hub as well!
- In case you're wondering why this recap is so late, my day job has completely taken over my life for the past while. I sang in Candide in Tanglewood last week (will post a clip to Instagram soon!) and am now in Philadelphia for Sky On Swings. I had a whopping ONE day at home in between. I know this one's super late but as I've always said, I'm a singer first and a blogger second. (I doubt you'd respect me feeling otherwise, anyway!) Anyway, apparently it's "annoying" when I apologize, so I will resist my Canadian impulse to do so and instead just THANK YOU for your patience!
"I want a Costco membership with you and I want to have your kids and I want to make love in your tomato field!"
—Becca, on the stuff dreams are made of (zero sarcasm!)
The season's finale kicks off with the usual promise of something we haven't seen before (spoiler alert: we have), delivered by Chris Harrison with his "I swear I care" face (spoiler alert: he doesn't)...
GARRETT MEETS THE FAM
You guys knew I'd have to make a .GIF of Becca's mom, Jill, as my appreciation for her has been well-documented here at All The Pretty Pandas. I LOVE that she cut right to the chase and asked a question I think MOST of us wonder (from the comfort of our sofas) during that Final Two family meet-and-greet...
Garrett was a bit of a mess on this meet-the-fam day. I don't mean that meanly, as it was more endearing than unflattering, but in general he was so emotional that, when he wasn't fully crying, he seemed on the verge of crying...
It's interesting how sentences like the above just make it sound like he's bursting with love, but from what I know about that final week from a filming perspective, it is FULL BLOWN meltdown time. Like, you are at your wit's end with everything, you've been off the grid for 2+ months, you're beyond gung-ho about the lead but equally terrified of heartbreak and humiliation, you're talking about your feelings 24/7 (and in a way that would only encourage tears), and in general are just clinging on by a very thin thread. So yeah, his emotions are getting the best of him, but there's a lot more at play than meets the eye.
BLAKE MEETS THE FAM
Something a bit weird happened at the start of Blake's meet-and-greet. Note Blake's strange reaction to what Jill asks as well as Becca's "What?!" It feels like the reactions were taken from a different moment...
I've long felt every lead knows exactly what they're going to do and knows it likely for awhile. It just has never made sense to me that they truly don't have a clear winner in mind or that they're really still weighing pros and cons at the 11th hour. That said, I do think this moment really sums up how hard it is to nonetheless deceive the person you've come to care deeply about but who you know you're not picking. Emily's words suggest Becca's still torn, but I think Becca knows full well what she needs to do, but that's not where the difficulty lies...
Blake, picking up on Becca's hesitancy, (rightfully) gets in his head about it and in doing so wonderfully taps on that 4th wall. He tells us exactly how long he'll have on his own (or with a producer), trapped in beautiful hotel suite, with nothing to distract from the only job he has in this environment...
In her final pow-wow with her mom, Becca has a moment with her mother that is so beautiful that I had to make a .GIF of it. She asks her mom what her dad would've said, and afterwards you can see Becca remember her father and marinate with it for a moment before reconnecting with her mother and smiling warmly at her...
It's not really something a .GIF can do justice, but the above moment felt so intimate and human that it gave me goosebumps, so I had to include it somehow.
GARRETT'S FINAL DATE
No date, let alone a final date, can even begin without...
One of the joys of the season being over and done with is the post-season press. On Live with Kelly and Ryan, Ryan Seacrest zeroed in on Becca's infamous jump-and-straddle, and Becca was GREAT at making fun of herself...
Ryan did the #BeccaChallenge! Use hashtag #BeccaChallenge and we may show it on TV! @thebkoof #Garrett @sophiabush #TheBachelorette #Bachelorette #BachelorNation pic.twitter.com/frno11XU6U
— LIVEKellyRyan (@LiveKellyRyan) August 7, 2018
I really enjoyed Becca's explanation because it kind of makes sense. Like, in real life, you probably wouldn't have some sort of long runway you'd be trotting down to meet each other. It does make sense that you'd feel the need to have some sort of a climactic "greet" at the end of all that walking/running towards each other. Ha! The things this show makes you think about. :)
In the evening portion of this final date, Garrett touches on the kind of thing I'm always harping on wanting more of...
Beyond specificity and adjectives (which I'm also always harping on about), remarks like the above add flavor to their relationship that we, through our screens, can't get without a little guidance. I love that he notices and loves something as silly as her accent; it sounds simple since it's something we do naturally in real life, but observations like this hardly ever pop up on this franchise.
BLAKE'S FINAL DATE
Blake of course receives his own #SpiderMonkey to kick off his final date...
During their day conversation, Blake once again taps on that 4th wall, alluding to how much he's been talking about thinking about what they've been through together...
... which begs the question, with whom has he been talking about this? 4th wall!
It's safe to assume the conversation about Becca's family went on for a lot longer than what we saw because look at the magic moving earring (and hair curl)...
... and AGAIN...
Honestly there were more examples of this, showing just how chopped up and pasted back together this conversation was, but I figured two .GIFs was enough to get my point across. :)
THE BREAK-UP
Once again, Chris Harrison's deep concern (in the form of his signature zero-fucks-given lone eyebrow raise) for the brokenhearted-to-be is ever so moving...
Blake continues to tap on that 4th wall, this time referencing having to do "this", "all alone", of course meaning the zipped-lipped, post-filming, in-hiding period...
Not to downplay Blake's moving farewell—it certainly was heart wrenching—but to circle back to Chris Harrison's claim, I don't know if it was SO unlike anything we've seen before...?
At any rate, Blake bounced back beautifully and was as gracious as you could hope your ex might be. I smiled when he said the following...
I love how subtly and in good taste this little joke suggests he's still attracted to Becca but without making anything awkward for anyone. Blake was really a dream runner-up, and I think it's also a testament to Becca that not only Blake here, but NONE of her "exes" in general (at Men Tell All) seemed to have a single negative thing to say about her. Pretty impressive stuff.
THE PROPOSAL
Leading up to the big moment, we got a fun drone's eye view of producers and cameras tracking Garrett's every move...
I caught myself grinning goofily during this whole proposal. It was super sweet how the two sort of bounced back and forth between being giddy lovebirds and keeping things faux formal in keeping with the formula of the show. I was legitimately touched at the moment where Garrett seemed to officially process the fact that Becca had chosen him, when she reiterated that she loved him, and he excitedly sputtered "You do!"...
I'm well aware of the controversy surrounding Garrett and his Instagram "like" history. I just don't really see what's to be gained by continuing to punish him for it after he's apologized and said that's not the person he is. As far as we can tell, he has since done nothing questionable and has cleaned up his act. At this divisive time, I think it's far more productive to accept and respect someone who recognizes their ignorance and seeks to mend it, rather than to forever condemn them for said ignorance. I touched on this over in my Flare finale recap!
AFTER THE FINAL ROSE
By far the best thing about After The Final Rose was the new "Happy Couple Weekend" video, a segment I hope becomes a permanent addition to the show's finale line up. Just two or so minutes this went a LOOOONG way in showing us what these two share. I LOVE moments of Becca's goofiness, especially when she called Garrett out on camera for listing things they'd supposedly done (which they hadn't actually), and Garrett's subsequent laugh when he realized what she meant...
All in all, this was a pretty good season! Though I had my critical moments (there were some slow weeks and the fashion was pretty uninspired), I really did become attached to Becca and her "journey". In my opinion, after Arie's season finale, you'd have to be pretty heartless to not become at least somewhat invested in her happiness. She certainly seems to have had success with the process, so here's to Becca and Garrett! Wishing heartfelt congratulations to the happy couple!♥
THE FASHION
Requests
Several of you asked about Becca's various looks from her post-Finale press tour with Garrett. On Jimmy Kimmel, directly following the Finale...
Becca's T by Alexander Wang strap detail bodycon dress sells HERE. Her sandals are the same as above.
Sharon asked about Becca's red dress from her Us Weekly shoot...
I'm not always a fan of burgundy and navy together as it can often read older, but the darkness of each shade here really works and keeps things modern. Blake may have spent most of his time in this suit bawling his eyes out into a towel, but he looked good doing it. :)
Worst Dressed
Nothing stood out to me or offended me this week. It was all tees and shorts or nice (but unremarkable) suits and ties.
Becca's Looks
This was one of the stronger weeks in the fashion department! Yay! In her Maldives B-rolls Becca wore a floral two-piece set...
Not many people could pull this off (the only other recent Bachelor person I can think of is Seinne). I though this set was super cute and it's absolutely something I would wear if I had Becca's body. It's flirty to a ballsy degree but somehow not trashy on her. The ponytail really works, too. (Note how much better it looks on Becca with a ponytail versus the model with her hair down.) Becca's Flynn Skye "Michelle" set sells HERE (crop top) and HERE (mini skirt). The brand also has the same print and style but as a maxi dress, HERE. There's a great look-for-less for Becca's set HERE (top) and HERE (skirt).
For chatting with her fam and Garrett's meet-and-greet with them....
This dress is tied for my favorite piece of the week. I love the darker, tiny floral print and the combo of exposed skin and covered-up-ness. It's easy, feminine, and best of all, wearable while still feeling elevated and not average. Becca's Misa "Yesenia" dress is sadly sold out (HERE). The closest alternative I could find is by the same brand, HERE, and there's also an off-the-shoulder midi dress in the same print by the same brand HERE. Her ShoeDazzle "Seleste" sandal sells HERE. Her Peggy Li earrings sell HERE.
For Blake's meet-and-greet...
This is a so-so look for me. I like the skirt and would wear it, but the pop of color that is this tank is, um, TOO much of a pop for me. It feels like it comes out of nowhere; there's nothing in the skirt really tying in this shade of green. IMO, a pop of bright orange would have served the same purpose but felt less hodgepodge-y. Becca's Tibi T-back camisole sells HERE (and there's a great look-for-less HERE). Her Flynn Skye "Unbutton Me" skirt is sadly sold out (HERE) but there's a near-identical one by the same brand HERE, and a size S of Becca's exact skirt on Poshmark, HERE. Her Sam Edelman "Gigi" sandals are super on sale HERE, but since sizes are limited, they're also discounted HERE. Her Peggy Li triangle earrings sell HERE and her Robyn Rhodes "Eliza" ring (not pictured) sells HERE.
For her final date with Blake...
While this top isn't at all my style, I respect it as a bold choice for national television. I still feel like the outfit isn't elevated, though. It feels like a wild top with basic shorts and basic sandals. I'm not saying everything has to feel matchy-matchy or something, but this ensemble doesn't really read cohesive or even really thought through to me. The bikini top I love but I'd prefer it with the high waisted bottoms (pictured) over Becca's regular briefs—the high waisted ones, especially with that belted detail, are way more edgy and unique.
Becca's For Love And Lemons "Zamira" crop top sells HERE. (If you like the set, the skirt sells HERE.) Her Frame "Le Cutoff" shorts sell HERE (and since those are pricey, there's a great look-for-less HERE). I linked out her Sam Edelman "Gigi" sandals above. Underneath that look she wore an Isabella Rose "Tropicali" bikini—the top sells (on sale!) HERE and Becca's bottoms (not the wrap bottoms pictured) sell (also on sale) HERE. But since I happen to think the wrap bottoms are way cuter, I'm linking them out for the hell of it, HERE, and while I'm at it, there's a one-piece in the same print (on sale) HERE. Her earrings are the Robyn Rhodes "Killian" studs, HERE.
In the evening...
This is my other favorite look of the week. Becca is a real natural when it comes to anything casual. A basic sweater is made not basic by the pretty color and low back detail, and I love a cute bralette that is meant to be seen. Becca's Line & Dot "Rina" sweater is sadly sold out (HERE) but there are alternatives (and looks-for-less) HERE and HERE (plus size HERE). Becca's Free People "Adella" bralette sells (in several colors!) HERE. Her Peggy Li "Diamondback" threader earrings sell HERE and her Robyn Rhodes "Everly" ring (not pictured) sells HERE.
***CORRECTION 09.05.18: I originally stated Becca's sandals were the Bella Vita "Imo" sandals (in Gold) sell HERE. They are in fact the Old Navy double-strap sandals in "Golden Age" and they sell (at a total steal) HERE.
For her final date with Garrett...
I LIKE this romper and would absolutely wear it, but I'm into affordable-looking items that look expensive, not expensive items that look like they could be from Forever 21. This romper, while cute, falls into the latter category. If you happy to love this piece, it's the "Nola" romper by Poupette St. Barth. It's sold out (HERE) but there's a super similar one by the same brand and with the same print still available, HERE.
Finally, for the big proposal...
Argghhh I want to love this gown. I do like it, but I'm not in love. My issue is it reminds me way too much of her Night One gown, except I don't like it nearly as much. It find it a bit busy with all the different patterns going on and especially with the large paillettes skewed in different directions. In general, as I feel with many Randi Rahm pieces, I find it too ambitious. Less is often more. Becca's gown is of course by Randi Rahm (click HERE to see it and all of the other Rahm looks from the season over at their Instagram), and at a reported whopping $18K, out of reach for most of us. The most similar look-for-less-ish I could find sells HERE. (In my search I found a funky jumpsuit I thought was fun, HERE.) Her The Woods diamond rectangle earrings sell HERE but I'm afraid I couldn't find anything remotely similar for a look-for-less. :(
At After The Final Rose...
I really like this look. Sure, it's not pushing any envelopes, but she looks elegant yet sexy, and, refreshingly for a live segment (when Bachelorettes can look a bit over the top), like she's not trying too hard. The best part is her polished ponytail, a perfect choice for the Bardot neckline. Becca's Milly "Ally" off the shoulder dress sells (super on sale) HERE. Her Stuart Weitzman "Nudistsong" sandals sell (also on sale) HERE. Her diamond earrings are by The Woods but there's a good look-for-less HERE.
Thanks for following along all season, dear readers! I do these recaps for you guys and for the Pretty Panda community I value so much, so don't be a stranger! Share your thoughts in the comments below...
