13 Apple iWatch Concepts You’ll Want to Wear ASAP

Today is going to be a big day for Apple. Um, and for all of us. Not only is it the day that we will finally unveil the iPhone 6 and confirm all those rumors we’ve been totally buying into. It’s also the day that we (hopefully) get a glimpse at the mythical beast that is the iWatch, Apple’s answer to wearable tech.

1. Sleek, Screen-Filled Bracelet: This slim bracelet incorporates a high-def screen that reminds us exactly of our iPhones, which is kind of the point. Minimal buttons, a touch screen and a simple tap to use Siri are all thoughtful features we’d love in real life. (via Todd Ham)

2. If Apple and Nike Teamed Up: An iPhone/FuelBand hybrid was the inspiration for the design above and we can see the similarities. While we’re a little confused by the orientation of the screen (reading horizontally while the bracelet sits vertically) we really like the smooth transitions between the screens and the dark design of the band. Would we wear it on a regular basis? That remains to be seen. (Via Thomas Bogner)

3. Classic Style, New Technology: We love how this concept artist took his craft so seriously, he even designed a classic Apple online advertisement to go alongside his idea. And with this much detail to show, we don’t blame him. Dominic Waring takes the classic round-faced watch with a thin band, updating it with a smart touch screen and tiny camera. Add Facetime, Maps and an actual clock face and you have a seamless intersection of new and classic. (via Behance)

4. For the Colorful: We get that the new iWatch probably won’t be able to please everyone, but boy are we glad to see that at least someone has included a bit of color in their design. No offense to the other gorgeous wearable concepts out there, but all that black and white can get super dull. We already feel more energetic looking at this bright “iWatchC,” taking its inspiration from the colorful iPhones released last year. (via Martin Hajek)

5. Futuristic Chic: This watch probably is better suited for humans of the future rather than those of in 2014. The sci-fi inspired design features a slim plastic band reinforced with glass. According to the video it comes in several colors, but we think our favorite is the plain white version with a tiny complete iPhone screen worked into the interface. Is it that much different from taking our phone on the go? Who knows? All we know is we doubt that will will stop us from wearing one anyway. (via Ciccares Design)

6. Small, Square and to the Point: This concept from Set Solutions demonstrates just how small an iWatch could be and how it would function on such a scale. The 2.5-inch touch screen is fully functional, high-resolution and made of reinforced glass. We really like the attention to detail in the arched curve of the rectangular face, making it easier to fit around any wrist. (via Set Solutions)

7. Bands to Match Your Mood: Interchangeable watchbands to match our outfits? If Apple actually used this concept, they’d really steal our hearts. Smooth polyurethane bands come in neon green, pink, blue and red, along with the traditional black and white. They pair with brushed stainless steel watch faces, which display features like iMessage viewing, Facetime, Siri, a compass, and more. (via Stephen Olmstead)

8. Dark and Rugged: Essentially a supersized watch face with an iPhone screen attached, this isn’t the most innovative idea we’ve seen, but it’s certainly functional. And we’ve gotta say there’s something endearing and kind of cool about its no-nonsense, rugged look. We’d totally get it for dad for Xmas. (via Antonio de Rosa)

9. Solar Powered Silver: How about a solar powered watch that never needs to be plugged in? Yeah, we’re pretty stoked about it too. At only three centimeters wide this may be the thinnest watch in the roundup, but the curved screen and raised volume buttons on the band make sure you’re not missing out. Our favorite feature? The slap-on inspired wristband that looks like those bracelets you’d play with in middle school. Only much cooler and probably much more expensive. (via Yanko Design)

10. Project Your Day: What can we say? iPhone concept art just gets better when you throw in some holograms. This genius idea imagines a watch that displays important messages, photos, maps and whatever else you need onto the air or any surface in front of you. Oh, and in this magical world, you can touch the hologram screen itself, rather than the watch, to run commands. If this is the future, we love it. (via Final Cut King)

11. Old School Charm: This idea is definitely one of the most stylish we’ve seen, thanks to a rustic leather band and a metal analog face that reminds you of your grandfather’s watch. It also most seamlessly blends technology and function with looks. All the apps work against the same dark background, and subtle buttons on the side let you navigate through them easily. (via Gabor Balough)

12. Loud and Clear: A clear mystery material (graphene, perhaps?) serves as the base for a near transparent touchscreen that blends seamlessly into the background of your skin. This is getting dangerously close to the biotech from your scariest science fiction, but for now we’ll leave the creepiness aside to appreciate the craftsmanship of this look. (via Vene Studio)

13. All About the Apps: These slightly bulky screens may not be as thin or stylish as you’d want your watch to be, but they do have one very important feature: plenty of visual space to interact with apps. We also dig this concept’s nod to the health apps everyone’s been talking about for the new Apple wearables. If they look at all like these ideas do, we’ll be very happy campers. And runners. (via Mindspi Vision)

Are you going to try the iWatch as your next (or first) wearable? Which of these concepts above are your favorites? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Candles add an extra layer of coziness to the season. Whether you're curling up with a good book, hosting a fall gathering, or just looking to create a cozy vibe, the right fall candle can transform your space into a fall-scented haven. From the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and clove to the sweet scents of pumpkin, apple, and vanilla, these are our favorite candles for the season.

Fall Scented Candles

Nest

Nest Pumpkin Chai Classic Candle

Your favorite tea and this blend of wild pumpkin, spicy masala chai, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon will warm you right up this season.

Nordstrom

Apotheke Pumpkin Ginger 3-Wick Candle

Brighten your fall days with fresh roasted pumpkin topped with a spicy blend of ginger, clove, and cinnamon.

Anthropologie

Voluspa Japonica Spiced Pumpkin Latte Glass Jar Candle

Pumpkin spice girls will love this Spiced Pumpkin Latte candle with a hint of vanilla.

Amazon

Calyan Wax Apples & Maple Bourbon

Your sweet tooth might be tempted by this brown sugar, maple syrup, baked apple and a drop or two of Kentucky's finest infused with cinnamon leaf, tangerine, mandarin, and orange essential oils.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Handpainted Pumpkin Glass Pumpkin Candle

For a more decorative vessel, check out this Anthro handpainted glass candle with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon bark, amber, and cedarwood.

Sweet Water Decor

Sweet Water Fall Leaves Candle

Light up your childhood memories with this fall leaves scented candle with notes of apple, orange, cinnamon, and cloves.

Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation Harvest Pumpkin Linnea Candle

Handcrafted in small batches, this candle is autumn in a jar with pumpkin, thyme, and warm spices .

Nordstrom

Homesick Peak Foliage Candle

Imagine a cool fall day with hot apple cider and pumpkin spice and you have this candle. Top notes include nutmeg, lemon, and eucalyptus.

Brooklyn Candle Studio

Brooklyn Candle Limited Edition Toasted Pumpkin

Toasted pumpkin seeds, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon notes are the scent of chill in the air and soup on the stove. Made in Brooklyn, these soy wax candles are vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and petroleum-free.

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Candle

This beeswax and vegetable wax blend features a classic scent for the coziest fall days.

Amazon

FF Spiced Pumpkin Scented Candle

Relax with an aromatherapy of pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.

Forvr Mood

Forvr Mood Spice of Life Candle

B+C editor Jasmine loves this fiery, bold fragrance that blends ginger, lemongrass, and clementine. Forvr Mood collabed with Claude Kameni, an African designer who uses traditional Nigerian patterns, to design each vessel with a custom Kameni print. It makes a great gift!

Woodsy Fall Scents

Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne Cedar Candle

Grab your cozy fall sweater and sit by a candle fire with romantic notes of rose, tobacco leaf, fir needle, and cedarwood.

HomeCourt

HomeCourt Cece Candle

This new brand from actress Courtney Cox uses eco-friendly and sustainably sourced ingredients. The Cece Candle has notes of cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamom, cinnamon, and white leather.

(Malin + Goetz)

(Malin + Goetz) Leather Candle

The rustic smell of smooth leather combined with muted florals has a bit of a '70s vintage vibe.

Public Goods

Public Goods Cedar & Suede Soy Candle

This sandalwood, jasmine, Turkish rose, amber, and notes of leather bring you warm and woodsy spice at home.

Baobab Collection

Les Prestigieuses Encre De Chine Scented Candle

This is another one of Jasmine's favorites with hints of leather, sequoia, and amber.

Buck Mason

Buck Mason LP Candle

B+C editor Kayla loves this hand-poured ceramic candle inspired by Lone Pine, California with notes of atlas cedar, charred hickory, musk, and amber. "I use it every day, it's that good!," she says.

Anthropologie

Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Jar Candle

B+C editor Haley loves this popular citrus scent for fall with sugared oranges, lemons, and limes. Plus, the pearl-esque jar goes with all of her home decor as she shifts from season to season!

Otherland Moonstruck Candle

B+C editor Meredith finds this one "not overtly fall-y, but I’ve been loving it for the woody/leathery smell! It honestly smells like incense." The Moonstruck variety has hints of sweet myrrh, white mahogany, and smoked birch.

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It's official: Blue Ivy looks totally grown up now — especially in her gorgeous gold gown at the Mufasa: The Lion Kingpremiere. It honestly feels like just yesterday that Beyoncé announced she was born, and now she's a star in her own right! She celebrated her Disney film debut with her family by her side on the red carpet (and everyone looking as gorgeous as ever).

While Jay-Z was one of the latest celebrities caught in the crosshairs of P. Diddy allegations, it didn't stop mom and dad from showing their unwavering support. The family put on a united front, smiling for the cameras and praising Blue's work on her latest Disney film, further proving that they're in this together. Here's everything we know!

Details about the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere

Beyoncé & Jay-Z Amazing Support Of Blue Ivy's Role In 'Mufasa'

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Blue Ivy stars in Mufasa: The Lion King as Kiara with Beyoncé voicing Nala again. The highly anticipated film will show Mufasa's origins from a young cub to the majestic king we've come to know, love, and mourn.

In this cute BTS clip, Beyoncé and Blue are initially shown in separate recording booths while the latter says, "Don't stare at me." It's a typical response all kids eventually give their parents, but it doesn't bother Beyoncé. She simply smiles and says, "I can't help it. You're just too beautiful girl." Still, she offers a bit of reassurance to Blue. "I'mma be right here closing my eyes."

Blue briefly talked about what it feels like to work on a movie by saying, "If I like told my younger self that I was in a movie, I'd like never believe myself."

The star couldn't help but tear up as she continued to watch Blue and said, "Give me a second. I'm still...just can't believe that's my baby." While sitting side by Blue, Beyoncé eventually turns to look at her to let her know she's "so proud of her." Even Rumi, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's youngest daughter, makes a quick appearance!

The Mufasa: The Lion King premiere occurred December 9 with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and grandma Tina Knowles standing by Blue Ivy's side. They looked stunning on the red carpet as they wore coordinating outfits. Although the ladies seemed to be present and excited, Jay-Z temporarily looked distracted while all of them were standing together (via PEOPLE).

If we had to guess, it may have something to do with the recent allegations connecting he and P. Diddy weighing on his mind. After the accusation went public, Jay-Z penned his own public statement and shared it to Roc Nations' social channels. The most heartbreaking aspect of it is realizing his children will be able to see everything.

"My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people," he wrote (via X). Only time will tell how everything pans out, but we hope this doesn't overshadow Blue Ivy's success, nor do we want to see people vilify her or her siblings for alleged misdeeds of Jay-Z.

At the end of the day, we're so proud of Blue for letting her light shine bright despite everything else!

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Out of all the fall coats I own, It's dawned on me that I have zeroleather jackets at the moment. I used to wear them constantly — to the point where they were literally falling apart — and I just haven't picked up a new jacket since my mom uh, strongly encouraged I get rid of their ratty remains. If that sounds familiar, let's bow our heads for what we've lost so we can make room for the new styles we're about to embrace!

I'm teasing, but I really have found 17 leather jackets that are equally edgy and chic — a perfect combination for fall. I even spy a couple to match some of the H&M fall fashion I can't stop thinking about! So what are you waiting for? Scroll on to find your new sleek outerwear!

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Enola Leather Moto Jacket

One of the first leather jackets I owned was a moto, and I just love this style! Their classic design reminds me of scenes from movies like Grease and Cry-Baby — the ultimate bada-- rom-com movies IMO.

This version is more relaxed and cropped than usual, but that's only half the fun! It has a light inner lining that makes it easy for you to layer when it starts becoming clear summer is on it's way out.

Dynamite Clothing

Dynamite Clothing Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

This elevated jacket works great for those who aren't into the edgier 'biker' look. The relaxed fit is there, but it looks like a mature version of most leather jackets we've seen. With it's concealed zipper and elasticized cuffs, your 9-5 work outfits will get a much needed fall boost.

Pistola Denim

Pistola Denim Nicolette Mod Moto Jacket

There's no rule that says leather jackets have to be black, but they do need to have a few signature staples. The silver hardware and wide lapels on this design give an edge to what seems like more of a cutesy jacket. I like to think of it as "the one you never saw coming" in terms of how it'll gradually command attention.

Target

Wild Fable Faux Leather Oversized Moto Jacket

Some of us just want to drape our bodies in oversized jackets — like this piece by Wild Fable — as soon as a chill hits the air. It's on the heavier side and it has a soft lining that'll keep your bones warm on chilly days.

This option also has zippered pockets to keep your cold weather essentials in place when you're briskly walking from one place to another. Love it!

Amazon

The Drop Heather Faux Leather Moto Jacket

I've always wanted a cognac leather jacket that reminds me of a nice, smooth glass of whiskey. This one is designed to be a perfect fit that doesn't overpower or cling to your body, so you'll be super comfortable in it. And just like whiskey, it'll keep you nice and warm whenever you leave home.

Urban Outfitters

Silence + Noise Fallon Snake Embossed Faux Leather Jacket

Give me anything animal print, and I'll show you how it can become a neutral fall staple. Technically this embossed faux leather jacket is a statement piece, but you can easily build an outfit around it. Actually, it's a great option to wear with a monochromatic black or white outfit.

Levi's

Levi's Lelou Shrunken Moto Jacket

Or you can skip the embossed snake print pattern and go for this shrunken moto jacket instead! This asymmetrical zip design will still add a pop of color to your wardrobe, while giving you the option to play it safe if you're afraid of too much texture with your look.

Though Levi's is known for having the most amazing jeans, don't sleep on their outerwear or else you'll miss out on fun pieces like this leather jacket!

Nasty Gal

Nasty Gal Oversized Real Leather Boyfriend Jacket

This has 'popular girl who wears her boyfriend's jacket' written all over it — and that's intentional. Designed to be oversized, this leather jacket has dropped shoulders and a large notched collar to add to the overall 'boyfriend' look. If you want to go for a cinched waist look, you can utilize the belt on the hemline!

Revolve

Nakedvice The Vince Jacket

Give it up for all the cute cropped jackets in the world. I know some can come across as immature, but not this one! Between the cream color and the sleek frontline zipper, it brings the energy of brat summer into fall!

Land's End

Land's End Leather Jacket

This semi-fitted leather jacket is made of a lamb leather shell and features a snap collar along with shoulder snaps. You'll be snapping your way into fall in no time, but that's not all! It also comes with zippered chest, hand pockets, and cuffs!

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Petite Faux Leather Jacket

This faux leather jacket almost looks like a peacoat, and IMO that's a huge part of its appeal. Instead of zippers, you'll find three buttons on each side and wide lapels that make it look office wear-friendly.

Lucky Brand

Lucky Brand Leather Trucker Jacket

Doesn't this look like a leather denim jacket? It's literally one of the most unique designs — it's super sleek and works so well with everything from jeans to sweater dresses. You can even find a cute pair of tall boots to match the cognac color!

Amazon

Levi's Belted Faux Leather Moto Jacket

This belted faux leather moto jacket will become a new wardrobe staple, especially if you want to deviate from your tried and true basic colors. It has silver hardware, a belted hemline, and it's machine-washable!

Bershka

Bershka Leather Jacket

This sheep leather jacket is the true definition of cool with its relaxed fit and and 100% polyester lining. The lapels aren't as defined as other options, which may be a preference for anyone who prefers a sleeker look.

But unlike other leather jackets, you'll have to take special care of it because you can't wash, bleach, iron, dry clean, or tumble dry it! You'll have to take it to someone who specializes in caring for real leather in order to maintain it's appearance so keep that in mind if you decide to buy it!

Wilson's Leather

Wilson's Leather Quilted Moto Jacket

I usually don't like quilted jackets, but this design is an exception. It's 100% genuine leather that has ample pockets and a snap collar that'll give you the 'effortlessly cool' look.

It's an investment piece, but I think it's worth every penny!

Coach

Coach Outlet Leather Racer Jacket

This lamb leather piece is another smooth option for anyone who doesn't want a traditional looking jacket. The more I stare at it, the more I wonder how it's possible for even the zippers to look sexy.

It's currently 50% off, so don't miss out on this gorgeous jacket that's surprisingly not considered a cognac color.

MANGO

Mango 100% Leather Fur Jacket

I shouldn't be looking at this leather fur jacket, but it's truly a work of art. From the placement of the cow print pattern to the overall fit, it's the perfect option if you're still in your cowgirl era á la Bella Hadid.

It's still lined, even if the straight fit suggests otherwise, and that's my favorite part about it! Unassuming fashion is so much, especially during fall!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Ahhh…Paris Geller. Where does one even begin with the best Gilmore Girl whose name isn't actually Gilmore? The woman we all came to know and love. The purveyor of backhanded compliments, deadpan humor, the quickest wit one can imagine and an absolutely ungodly work ethic. The sole character of the series who I would 100% watch a spin-off of, and love every minute. Sure — she once said that everyone around her needed to be sterilized immediately. And that Rory’s boyfriend offers “nothing to women or the world in general.” And that she can “scare the stupid out of you. But the lazy runs deep.”

She may, in fact, be the only character whose absurdity warrants such unhinged comments, and I am so here for it. You may be reading this because you too believe that Paris Geller deserves way more praise than she receives. Or you hate her. Or perhaps you don’t even know who she is. Regardless, allow me to delight you with the many — shall I say — unique musings of my favorite Gilmore Girls character, and explain exactly why Paris was not only what the cult-classic show needed, but the feminist icon TV needed, too.

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So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.

The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”

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Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.

Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)

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Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.

So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.

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That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.

Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.

Image via WB

There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.

What's your take on Paris Geller? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for more pop culture musings!

Header image via Netflix, Warner Bros

This post has been updated.

Gilmore Girlstakes up more of my brain space than I'd care to admit. The show is undeniably great. I mean, there's a reason it's become an absolute cultural phenomenon! The banter is witty and memorable, the Stars Hollow, Connecticut setting is warm and friendly, and the character dynamics feel natural and comforting. All of these elements combined create the perfect comfort show thatI personally rewatch again and again. However, despite having an overall positive opinion of the show, there is one bone I have to pick with it. This grievance makes my blood boil and keeps me tossing and turning at night.

While I can't pose my all-too-important question to the creators of the show, I will ask it to you, reader: Why in the world was Lane Kim's storyline such a travesty? Considering the show is not shy about uplifting and celebrating Rory (despite her many mistakes) it feels especially unfair how short of a stick Lane (played by Keiko Agena) truly got. Here are my unfiltered thoughts on the subject.

Lane deserved better after a life of seeking independence

Photo via WBLane Kim's Treatment On "Gilmore Girls" Is The Ultimate TV Tragedy

Throughout Lane's formative teenage years, she was forced to hide her true identity and interests in order to appease her mother. From hiding CDs in her floorboards and changing her clothes when she got to school, Lane was under a lot of pressure to keep her mom happy, while still trying to figure out who she was. Her mother even kicked her out after finding out about her "secret life," causing Lane to have to move into Rory's dorm. Rory, on the other hand, had a mother who supported her every dream and who she could be fully herself with.

I'm not sure why only one of these two besties got to live out their dreams, but if it did have to play out this way, it should have been Lane Kim. Given how difficult her upbringing was, couldn't the show have given her a win by having *her* be the one who gets to follow her dreams?

Lane's love life is lackluster

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Once again, the show propped up Rory and gave her not one, not two, but three love interests. Whether or not you love all three of them, we can all admit that each boyfriend was compatible with Rory in their own way, and helped her learn and grow. Lane, however, did not get this. Her first boyfriend, Dave, is great. He's kind and sweet and understanding of her family situation, but the show breaks them up because they can't handle being long-distance. (Technically, we know actor Adam Brody had to leave for The O.C. but where is the justice??!)

After Dave, it all goes downhill from there for poor Lane. She ends up with Zack, who isn't bad but isn't great. And, as soon as Lane is finally getting to pursue her passion by going on tour with her band, she finds out she and Zack are pregnant. Considering how long Lane dreamed of getting to be her authentic herself and openly express her interests, it feels cruel that this twist of fate took it away from her at this exact moment.

Lane made the best of her situation

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Despite Rory having almost every opportunity available to her, we find out in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life that she is making bad decisions (like, er, sleeping with an engaged man) and is struggling to find her way. Lane, on the other hand, has made the best out of the cards she's been dealt. She's still married to Zack, is taking care of her twins, and has even kept music in her life by joining a band. I can't help but think if Lane can forge ahead despite all of her unfortunate circumstances, how fantastic could her life have been if the writers had served her just a little bit more good fortune?

Lane could have served as the role model so many girls needed

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lane's experience mirrors many Asian-American girls' lives. She had a strict upbringing and struggled to strike a balance between fitting in with her American peers and forming her own identity, while still trying to manage her mother's expectations of who she should be. As an Asian-American, Lane's experiences mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful.

With the lack of representation at the time, it was even more important that Lane was dealt an ending that she and her viewers could be proud of. Instead of turning her into somewhat of a cautionary tale, her story could have been utilized to empower an audience of individuals who saw themselves in her. For that reason, Lane's treatment on Gilmore Girls will never quite sit right with me.

What do you think about Lane Kim's storyline on Gilmore Girls? Let us know in the comments and check out our guide to Where Is The Gilmore Girls Cast Now? to keep up with your favorite Stars Hollow residents (even if they're not in Stars Hollow anymore).

Lead image via Warner Bros

This post has been updated.