ONLY IN BEVERLY HILLS BACHELORETTE

The Bachelorette, a spin off show from the popular male version of The Bachelor aired last night for its third episode. For a long lasting fourteen years, one lucky woman is chosen as the leading lady while having men at her finger tips in order to fight for her undivided attention and a shot at love, and the lucky lady is Rachel Lindsay from Dallas Texas.

Like most dating shows, the entire process is fully documented for viewers to watch the ending results of what might be considered a happily ever after, but in most cases, it is not. What we typically see is an entertaining speed dating process filled with drama, sex, desperation and tears. The dating world is tough, and with all the dating resources out there such as eHarmony , Match.com, Tinder and Bumble, I could only imagine the pressure of vulnerability when the stakes are at an all time high in search for love while also for our sheer entertainment.

Given that I stopped watching this show after the first few seasons, there was one particular post I came across on my Facebook page that just so happened to be from one of the many male contestants from the show, and that was DeMario Jackson. DeMario is an old friend of mine from doing background acting on the hit ABC Family show Greek; and our small social circle have kept in touch over social media for the years following after. It’s cliche for many people in the entertainment industry to over dramatize their efforts when making it onto television even if it’s for a mere recognition of 15 minutes, but given the benefit of doubt and knowing him as the DeMario from back in the day, I felt I just had to watch his “big” moment which ended up being an idiot disappointment that isn’t worth broadcasting for being one of the many reason why the dating world is such crap. Really DeMario?

Middle center: Rachel McCord and her husband Rick

As a coincidence, Blogger Babes , the queen of blogging herself Heidi Nazarudin and the lovely and fabulous co-host and blogger Rachel McCord who I haven’t seen in forever, were having a blogging viewing party for the third episode of The Bachelorette at one of the stores that was highlighted on the show, Only in Beverly Hills. So I made sure to rsvp for the Monday night event to mix and mingle while sipping on champagne and eating cupcakes galore.

The viewing party started at 7 pm in the heart of Beverly Hills down the block from Rodeo Drive. A strict guest list allowing those of the Blogger Babes inner circle to attend were spoiled with a candy bar, champagne, dry bar and gift bags that represented the ambiance of the souvenir store. Free ample parking was found in the back and guest were welcomed with a red carpet photo op to post on their social media handles. The inside of the store dazzled with the cutest items that perfectly represented the popularity of its location for tourist and fans alike, while also showcasing a specific Bachelorette collection that either the Bachelorette showed interest in or touched on the show.

I was most likely tipsy here.

I immediately sprung into action and recorded all of the excitement that went on, on my Instagram handle, but not before I grabbed a drink or two or well practically the whole bottle as I was a single woman rooting for another single woman just looking for love among adoring attractive men.

While everyone else was mingling, I tried to listen to the show as it was playing on a large big screen over the bar area. Before I did my thorough research having missed the first two episodes, I was excited to see DeMarios screen time as I shouted “I know him” until I realized that for the rest of the show he was gone. He like every other eye rolling ass hat that just has to mess up a good thing, which even if it was scripted, showed Rachel making it perfectly clear that ain’t nobody got time for it!

In between commercial breaks we had our fun interactions with our guest host Rachel McCord and the stores Co-owner Lisa Bochner who gave out party favors which I was lucky enough to win. Once the show came back on, it was right back to guessing what the next move these men would make in order to impress Rachel.

The minute the store became the co-star, everyone’s excitement increased as Rachel was shown wearing one of the fashionable Letterman jackets that was on display. Through the show, Only in Beverly Hills store is in hopes of becoming a staple attraction for those who will get a chance to own pieces of the show by purchasing items that are a part of the Bachelorette collection. Los Angeles is always known for taking shows from off studio lots and onto real life stepping grounds of the everyday people of LA, I could only imagine the gratitude of being placed on the Beverly Hills map of possible tours and an increase of business sales. So for these lovely women, I only hope for years of success.

Co-store owner Lisa Bochner/ Photo Credit : Hayley Fisk website: www.hayleyfisk.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/hayleyfiskphoto/

All the media attention has clearly become a dream come true for the store owners, Lisa Bochner and Laura Werner, who opened last July with self made merchandise. After being approached by one of the shows producers whose first reaction was “shut the front door” when scouting the area for the show, everything became surreal.

With all the excitement in one room, I was eager to blog everything that was going on around me as well as with the show, but let me go over why this particular night was more than what many savory cupcakes and champagne by the bottle could offer. Our new Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay, is the first Black leading lady of The Bachelorette

Now while there are fans of the show and those that can understand the agony of dating especially here in Los Angeles, I realized that all the other leading women didn’t represent someone that looked like me. While that might not seem like a big deal nor surprise for many, but for someone with my melanin, it is. It’s showing a positive step in broadening diversity beyond just being a background contestant. It is a known fact that Black women tend to be more generalized and boxed in a category of being loud, ghetto, angry and “baby mama’s”, as well as having to fit into the racial standard of beauty based off a prejudice perception, versus being seen as tender, loving, wanted and nurturing. There have been plenty of black female and male contestants, but never the apple of pursuit on a well perceived show that has persisted in highlighting the same repetitive women. Flavor of Love, For the love of Ray J, I love New York, and Real chance at love were never shows that I could relate to other than just the entertainment.

There’s that double standard no matter how Rock of love was portrayed as trashy to many viewers, but trying to escape a stereotype that becomes a stigma is where the problem stays stagnant like this article notes, Is Racism to Blame , which by many of the racist and ignorant commenters amongst supporters just goes show how far will it take to truly progress in a world with continual evil skewed views and opinions. Regardless, they’re not going the dictate nor take away from the essence of what she embodies which is a positive influence.

As a single thirty-four year old woman living in Los Angeles, I’ve found dating to be a job in itself, and not even one that turns into a progressive career. The thought of monogamy just seems to be an unrealistic attempt for anyone that seeks longevity with someone that they could overall call their best friend. Heaven forbid you want to just cut to the chase for the family life due to a short ticking time clock that inevitably breaks after a period of time, the rat race becomes even more of a pursuit that’s left with irritation and self doubt. I myself have tried Tinder which only lasted for a few months after I realized the facade in actually looking for something past just a one night stand or lacking in substance; and now, I’m trying the mythical practice of just not looking which is believed that a suitor will come when I least expect it. We’ll see, but as quoted by Tiffany aka New York , “I want my eggs cracked and my name dropped!”
Rachel like many of the past leading ladies exudes beauty, sophistication and intelligence that makes you question why is she still single and why did it end up resorting to a reality show. Again, being that I stopped watching this popular show, Rachel is just like any other woman who seeks to cut past all the bull that unfortunately comes with the idea that love is right around the corner. Though I couldn’t go as far as to revealing my pursuit to romance through reality television, I’m wishing her all the happiness that she deserves in hopes for a positive ever after. To see a woman like her on this show that I can genuinely relate to eases the thought that while everyone deserves love, everyone is also in search of it no matter how perfect they may seem on the surface.

Overall, last night was absolutely enjoyable and just an evening in supporting the love that everyone wants to share. It was also a night in supporting a business that knows how to spread love and success through the success of a show. Thank you Heidi, Blogger Babes, Rachel McCord and Only in Beverly Hills store for everything!
Only in Beverly Hills is located on Santa Monica Blvd and Canon a skip away from Sprinkles cupcakes. They have an array of items for gifts, souvenirs and party favors for a girls night out like the shot glasses I received as one of my gifts. So go shop and support for the love of The Bachelorette!

Photo Credit : Hayley Fisk