Author Archives: Blake Premont

Vanderpump Rules: A True Masterpiece

Posted on by

“Vanderpump Rules” is without a doubt a reality TV masterpiece. With its final episode airing in May 2024 after an incredible 11 year run, I think it’s only fair that I dive into what made this show so exceptional.

(Mohamed_hassan/Pixabay)

One of the main reasons “Vanderpump Rules” resonated so well with audiences is its organic friend group. Unlike many reality shows that assemble and hand pluck casts, “Vanderpump Rules” featured an already established friend group who were actual employees at Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR restaurant. This authenticity allowed for drama to unfold naturally, steaming from the genuine, pre-existing dynamics and histories between the cast members. As a viewer, this had me on the edge of my seat the entire time because the drama felt so real!

Another element that set “Vanderpump Rules” apart was Jax Taylor. Jax seemed almost made for reality TV, being a narcissist who managed to have zero personal growth throughout the course of the show. For those unfamiliar, Jax’s legacy includes sleeping with his best friend’s girlfriend, dumping another girlfriend immediately after an AA meeting due to her perceived “baggage,” and repeatedly cheating on his long-term partner, among many other things. While Jax was often behind the chaos, the entire cast contributed their fair share to the drama. 

This brings up another crucial point. The show’s and the cast’s commitment to transparency. In contrast to reality shows featuring established figures who have greater control over their image, the early cast of “Vanderpump Rules” had no such power. They were unknown before the show, meaning their most vulnerable and outrageous moments were aired without censorship. While perhaps uncomfortable for those involved, if you’re a reality TV lover like me then you know this is exactly what makes for a compelling show.

Finally, the show’s longevity played a huge role in its impact. Viewers were able to witness the cast members evolve over a decade. The journey of Stassi (my personal favourite), from her relationship with Jax in season one to her engagement and happiness in season eight, was particularly satisfying to watch. We saw weddings, divorces (though Stassi’s marriage remains strong), and servers turning into business owners. The long timeline intensified the cheating scandals, as viewers had invested years in watching these relationships develop. Of course, no discussion of “Vanderpump Rules” would be complete without mentioning “Scandoval,” arguably one of the most significant cheating scandals in reality TV history. The revelation that Tom Sandoval had been unfaithful to Ariana Madix with their close friend Raquel blew everyone away.

In conclusion, “Vanderpump Rules” was a truly exceptional show and it’s unlikely we’ll see anything quite like it again. However, the ability to rewatch the series offers me some peace of mind. And for those who have yet to experience the world of “Vanderpump Rules,” an incredible journey awaits you!

 

The Evolution Of Addison Rae

Posted on by

Ever heard of Addison Rae? Of course, you have! There are many avenues through which you might know her, but the most prominent is her status as one of today’s biggest rising artists. But how exactly did she transition from being a TikTok sensation to a celebrity? To understand that, we have to rewind to the beginning.

(Pexels/Pixabay)

Addison Rae’s journey started on TikTok in 2019. She quickly gained attention by creating TikToks featuring trending dances, capturing viewers with her bubbly personality and good looks. However, it was her decision to join the Hype House later that year that truly solidified her TikTok fame. The Hype House was a collaborative space for some of TikTok’s biggest influencers at the time, where they created content together to grow their platforms. 

As Addison’s fame grew, so did her status in the celebrity world. Something that greatly helped elevate her career was her friendship with Kourtney Kardashian. This wasn’t just a casual friendship, they were constantly seen together, doing everything together. Addison Rae even appeared on an episode of “The Kardashians” in 2021, which highlighted the reactions of the Kardashian family to her close relationship with Kourtney.

As Addison began to be recognized more as a celebrity personality and less as just a TikTok star, she started exploring talents beyond creating videos, such as singing and acting. In 2021, Addison released her first song “Obsessed” and starred in her first movie “He’s All That.” While both projects got attention, neither truly pushed her career to new heights. This was because her acting and singing performances were fairly predictable. If you were to imagine what a TikTok star’s acting and singing would typically be like, you wouldn’t be far off. Neither venture strayed from the persona that people were used to seeing.

This is where Addison made what I consider one of the most brilliant career moves of all time, she completely rebranded herself. First, she transformed her aesthetic entirely. Her social media posts became more alternative and “messy” compared to the polished content she used to share. Second, her style underwent a similar transformation. She started wearing more unconventional outfits, setting trends instead of following them. Lastly, and most importantly, she made career choices that aligned with this new aesthetic and broke free from the expectations associated with her previous image.

She released her first album, “Addison” in 2025, and the music was incredibly successful. One thing that greatly helped her in the music industry was the support of Charli XCX. Charli XCX, an established “It girl”, provided Addison with guidance and opportunities in her music career. For example, she featured Addison on her song “Von Dutch” and began performing together at various events, including Coachella.

This rebrand also extended to her acting career, where she discovered a knack for horror. In 2023, she had a role in the horror film “Thanksgiving” and recently appeared in the Netflix series “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” This show has made it clear to even the skeptics that she is undoubtedly going to make a name for herself in the acting world.

Addison Rae is an inspiring example that no matter what you do, you can always achieve more.

 

Fall Fashion Musts!

Posted on by

Fall is without a doubt, my absolute favourite season for fashion! It’s that time of year where you can blend comfort and style, creating looks that are both cozy and cute. So many pieces just scream fall!

(Haninabz/Pixabay)

Shoes can truly make or break an outfit, and when I think of fall, Uggs are always the first thing that comes to mind. They’ve stuck around for a reason! They come in tons of colours and styles, from the classic short boots to trendy platforms. Right now I’m living in my classic dark brown Uggs.

And speaking of brown, colour palettes are key for fall outfits. Think rich browns, olive green, burgundy, dark orange, and grey. When in doubt, just look at the shades outside for inspiration!

Beyond Uggs, there are so many other fall staples that deserve a spot in your closet. Boots of all kinds, scarves, oversized cardigans, and trench coats. My friend just came back from London with the cutest long brown trench. A great coat is an easy way to pull an outfit together, adding polish to any look.

That brings me to layering. Layering is essential for fall fashion. Start with a black turtleneck as your base and build from there with pieces like flannels, chunky knit sweaters, or a denim jacket. Fall textures to try out include wool, cashmere and leather. Fall is definitely not the season for minimalism!

Also it’s worth noting skinny jeans are making a comeback, and I’m totally here for it! They look amazing with boots, and tucking them in is seamless. Pair them with an oversized cardigan and a scarf for a classic fall look.

Finally, accessories are crucial for completing any fall outfit. For hats, think toques, berets, or wide brimmed hats. A hat not only keeps you warm but also adds a special touch to your look. Bags are another quick addition that can really make an outfit. Leather purses and totes give off major fall vibes. And let’s not forget glasses! I usually wear contacts but in the fall I find myself reaching for my glasses more often because they add so much to my look. Even if you don’t need them, grab a non-prescription pair! 

If you’re looking for fall pieces I recommend checking out Zara, Aritzia, Anthropologie, Simons, and Free People. These stores offer a wide range of options for building your perfect fall wardrobe. I hope this makes finding your perfect fall outfits a little easier. Go grab a pumpkin spice latte and enjoy the season!

Stranger Things – The End is Near!

Posted on by

The final season of Stranger Things drops this year on November 26th!

(Pixabay)

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a decade since its debut in 2016. The show’s unique storyline and amazing cast, who were destined for stardom, made it an instant sensation. It seemed like everyone was talking about it, and despite focusing on a group of kids, it appealed to all ages. 

The show’s success was partly due to its media buzz. Each new season brought a wave of references. After season one, Eleven’s pink dress and Eggo waffles became a popular Halloween costume. Seasons two and three revived “Material Girl,” inspiring 80s fashion trends with “Max” and “Eleven’s” outfits, while the most recent season brought back “Running Up That Hill.” 

The way the actors were off screen also played a role, leading to hilarious moments and iconic talk show appearances. For example, Millie Bobby Brown’s rap recap of season one on Jimmy Fallon. Or when Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Noah Schnapp wowed everyone performing “I Want You Back” on James Corden.

However, I can’t forget about the older cast members. Joyce and Hopper played by Wiona Ryder and David Harbour had an incredible relationship storyline, along with Nancy and Jonathan played by Natalia Dryer and Charlie Heaton. Both of these couples had a ton of chemistry not just on the show but out of it as well and they were both speculated to even be in a real relationship. Later it was confirmed that Natalia and Charlie were indeed dating in real life and still continue to to this day! 

I’m sad to see it end, especially since I feel like I grew up with the show and its characters. I was 11 when it started and now I’m 20, so I could relate to the kids age group each season. Now they are all grown up and paving their individual paths. For example, Finn Wolfhard is in a successful band called the Aubreys, Millie Bobby Brown has starred in plenty of successful movies, married, and with a kid, and Gaten Mazzeroto as on Broadway in “Sweeny Todd”.

Regardless, I’m glad to see they got back together to give this incredible series an ending. There’s so much to look forward to this season. Will Eleven defeat Vecna? Will any characters die? While it’s tough to say goodbye, I’m glad they’re not dragging it out and will hopefully give it a satisfying conclusion.

What To Wear This Halloween!

Posted on by

(BreezePhoto/Pixabay)

With Halloween just around the corner, everyone’s scrambling to pull their costumes together. It’s an exciting time, but finding that perfect outfit before it sells out can be stressful. If that sounds like you, don’t worry! I’m going to give you some tips and tricks for finding the best Halloween costume.

First, think about who you’re celebrating with. If you’re heading out with a group, a group costume might be the way to go. Think along the lines of the Scooby Doo Gang, the Spice Girls, Crayons, or Teletubbies. If it’s a duo, you could be Mario and Luigi, Shark Boy and Lava Girl, Cosmo and Wanda, or Lilo and Stitch.

Also, consider where you’ll be spending Halloween. You don’t want your costume to ruin your night because you’re either sweating buckets or freezing your butt off. If you’re outside, something cozy and comfy is ideal. Onesies make great costumes. You can find them in just about any animal, like a bear, pig, or unicorn. But if you’re going somewhere hot, like a house party or club, skip the onesie and choose something that won’t feel like a trap. But it’s not just about who you’re going with and where you’re going.

You need to decide what VIBE you’re going for. Some people stick to the classics. Scary costumes such as witches, vampires, ghosts, and skeletons. Others go for something trendy, inspired by the year’s biggest media. With the live action “How to Train a Dragon” and “The Minecraft Movie” premiering this year, expect to see lots of related costumes.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Halloween can be expensive, and you’re only going to wear this costume once. But don’t worry, there are tons of DIY costume ideas that you can create using stuff you already have at home. You could go as a Men in Black agent with a white shirt, black button-down, black pants, black tie, and sunglasses. Or as Anxiety from “Inside Out” with an orange outfit, messy hair, and a coffee cup. You could even be a domino with a black top and bottoms and some cut-out white paper circles. If you want to find some more DIY costumes ideas you can check out this helpful video.

Finally, think about your own interests. Celebrities, TV shows, movies, sports, video games can all be turned into Halloween costumes. Choosing something personal often leads to unique and creative ideas, which are always fun to see. Ultimately, don’t stress too much about it. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident, and you’re sure to have a great Halloween!