After missing last week, I’m back to recap the two night finale of Dancing With the Stars. Honestly, I sometimes had a hard time finding enough material to write these posts, so I don’t think they’ll be a staple around here when the new season starts in the fall. I still love the show though, so I’m sure there will be some “checking in” posts. I’m still working to figure out this blogging thing. Figuring out what I want to write about, and more importantly, what you guys want to read is pretty tough. I hope you guys will bear with me. Enough about me, let’s get to the finale.
Not to bury the lead, but congratulations to Nyle and Peta on their victory!
Favorite Dances
1. There was something about Paige and Mark’s salsa that was so exuberant, feisty and full of life that I couldn’t help but smile and get teary eyed at the end of it. It just seemed to be a triumph for both of them. Paige has become so confident through out this process, and I loved watching her having the time of her life on the stage. Girl was giving faces! I don’t know what Len is talking about when he said there wasn’t enough hip action, but he cost Paige her perfect night.
2. Ginger and Val’s freestyle was the only one that I thought captured the spirit of previous freestyles – really inhabiting another character and having fun. Ginger looked like a Hollywood starlet with her high waisted pants and pussy bow blouse, and I loved every second of it.
3. I don’t know that I agree with Carrie Ann that this was the best dance ever performed on Dancing With the Stars, but Nyle and Peta’s freestyle was pretty freaking amazing. There were so many intense (and gif-able) moments in this dance, and the story about inspiring the deaf community was very beautiful. The only knock that I can think of for this dance was the fact that Peta didn’t choreograph it. I give her credit for knowing when something isn’t her strong suit, but I always thought the professionals choreographing the routine was part of the deal.
Did Ya Catch That?
1. Val was really excited for the night.
2. Julianne Hough was in the audience last night, and I’m really surprised that Tom never went to her for comment.
3. In honor of the Bachelorette starting this week (check back for my post on the premiere tomorrow), we have a Bachelor Chris Soules sighting. Does anyone know who the girl with him is? She was in many of his snapchats from the finale party as well.
Dressing With the Stars
Peta and Nyle did a country inspired quickstep for their redemption dance, and I thought that her white dress and denim top combo was really re-creatable for summer. (Clearly I’m a fan of the look if you check out my picture in the sidebar).
1. Dress: 
2. Dress: Adelyn Rae, Jacket: J.Crew
3. Dress: Riffraff (I have this dress and absolutely love it!), Vest: Gap
What did you guys think of the finale? Were you excited Nyle won? Let me know in the comments!
xo
Em
1. The next piece of evidence in the “DWTS will let any past contestant come back to be in the audience” arsenal, is the appearance of Jake Pavelka, member of Bachelor Nation and Season 10 cast member. I would’ve though Jake had fallen out of favor with ABC after his super awkward confrontation with ex-fiance Vienna Girardi, but you know, ratings.
3. While Alan and Brittany swing dance us back from commercials, they also startle a child sitting in the audience.
This week I wanted to recreate Ginger’s 80’s Janet Jackson inspired look, worn during her and Val’s jazz performance. Some may say that this outfit is a little heavy for the upcoming summer season, but I think all of the different elements of the outfit make it perfect for those nights when you’re just not sure what the temperature is going to be.
1. For a pricier/more luxorious version of the outfit, you could pair this Commando 
2. Another option is to minimize the pieces needed to make the outfit, and pair a sharp black 
1. They say Dancing With the Stars is a family, and I guess that’s true because they invite EVERYONE back to the ballroom. This week in the front row, former Disney Star and Season 7 contestant, Cody Linley.
2. I loved this little moment between Sharna Burgess and her partner from last season, Noah Galloway. I’m not quite sure if Noah was supposed to still be up in the SkyBox when they came back from commercial, but either way, Sharna had to tap him and remind him to turn around. That is Dancing With the Stars etiquette!
3. This guy, who claps when no one else does, and thumbs up when everyone claps. Love him.
This week I was a fan of Witney’s coordinating two piece, which I learned in my research is called a Co-Ord. If you can pull off as much skin and jewels as Witney, more power to you. However, if you’re like me and don’t think you could do it, I’ve rounded up a few similar options.
1. This outfit, from Asos gives you the jewel factor, without looking like a costume. You can buy the top 
Third & Girl 