Arrested Development's Fourth Season: B (A for effort!)

When I saw that the 15 new episodes of Arrested Development's fourth season were officially available on Netflix, I almost peed myself with excitement. It was exciting. I, along with probably every other person on Facebook, had been counting down to this moment as though it was our collective wedding day, obsessing and discussing the new trailer, smiling every time we passed an ad at a bus stop. And finally, finally here it was.

How could I convey my feelings after finishing the entire season in 24 hours? Imagine you win the lottery. You think you've won $1 million. You freak out, you tell all your friends how happy you are. You go to collect, and oops -- your ticket isn't for the jackpot, and you've actually won $500. You're not upset. You're still glad that you've won what is still a large sum of money. But you know what? Compared to what you thought you'd get, suddenly $500 is, as much as you hate to admit, disappointing.

Specifically, one of the most disappointing aspects of the new season was the way each episode was set up to revolve around only one character at a time. As much as I love the Bluths, I think I love the Bluths a little more than I love every single one of them individually. Except for GOB. I care a little more for GOB. The reason for this setup is reportedly because the producers simply couldn't schedule all of the stars to film on the same day. The solution was to create a season-long episode with a slightly more confusing than entertainingly ridiculous plot. "A New Start," a.k.a. the Tobias episode, was probably the low-point of the season, which sucks to say, but let's make it clear that that does not mean the "blue" man is not an essential member of the cast.

Of course, that's not to say there weren't absolutely awesome parts of the show as well. There was a lot of self-referential humor (to list a few: Sudden Valley, Mr. F, the chicken dance, seals, "I've made a huge mistake," and so, so, so many more), but those moments were much like catching up with an old friend. "Colony Collapse" (GOB) got very close to making me laugh as hard as I did throughout the entire first three seasons, and can we talk about that crazy unexpected ending?! (No, we can't, because this is a spoiler-free review, but let's just freak out together about it!)

Don't get me wrong -- Arrested Development 2.0 is still generally funny. But it ain't the original.

Image: http://variety.com/2013/digital/news/netflix-arrested-development-could-prevent-2q-subscriber-loss-1200481427/

10 Perfect Graduation Dresses Under $50

It's summer -- time for sunscreen, shorts, and sandals! But before all of that, you've got to get through graduation. Here are some cute dress suggestions -- along with tips! -- that will be comfortable enough to wear for hours and that would look just as good under a gown during the ceremony as it would on its own during the obligatory post-graduation family lunch.

1.Tobi Kaylen Pleated Dress $36 (on sale from $50!)

This versatile dress is sweet, light, and not too plain with the pleated skirt and sheer-but-not-quite straps. Add a long pendant or even a couple of small charm necklaces and you're set!

http://www.tobi.com/product/51137-tobi-kaylen-pleated-dress?color_id=68832

2. Topshop Tunic Dress $40

If you have any statement jewelry you've been waiting to wear for a special occasion, this is the dress to wear them with. Simple and high-quality, this is the closet staple you'll be wearing everyday -- and no one will notice, because there are so many ways to dress it up/down!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/topshop-tunic-dress/3517597?origin=category&BaseUrl=Dresses+Under+%24150

3. Fire Cutout Lace Skater Dress $46

Feelin' trendy? Here's some lace! The sapphire color is elegant, while the cut and design makes this dress young and perfect for a warm, clear summer day.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/fire-back-cutout-lace-skater-dress-juniors/3486931?origin=category&BaseUrl=Dresses+Under+%24150

4. Sunny Summer Dress by Milly $50 (to rent, vs. $350 retail)

Yes, this one is a rental, but why not go all out on a designer dress on your big day? Sure you'll have to return it eventually, but you'll be immortalized wearing it in all of your graduation photos.

http://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/milly_dresses/sunnysummerdress?source=shopstyle

5. ModCloth Panel Operator Dress $37

If this dress qualified for senior superlatives, it would win Most Sophisticated in a landslide. You can look mature, classy, and show off your awesome figure all at the same time. Plus, check out the cute bow~

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/panel-moderator-dress

6. Mango Studs Digital Print Dress $40 (on sale from $60!)

That myth of an effortless, edgy dress that's also comfortable? 'Tis a myth no longer, thanks to Mango.

http://shop.mango.com/US/p0/mango/clothing/dresses/studs-digital-print-dress/?id=81439368_02&n=1&s=prendas.vestidosprendas&ie=0&m=&ts=1370769833969

7. Romeo & Juliet Couture Floral-Print Cutout Waist Dress $49 (on sale from $185!)

An artistic pattern like this one is sure to be a breath of fresh air. It even has cute little cutouts on the side.

http://www.lastcall.com/p/Romeo-Juliet-Couture-Floral-Print-Cutout-Waist-Dress/prod15310040/?ecid=LCALRFeedJ84DHJLQkR4...&ncx=n&uEm=%%affiliates%%&ci_src=14110925&ci_sku=prod15310040skuREDBLACK

8. Tobi Alexis Sleeveless Dress in Coral $48

The bright, eye-catching color is balanced by the soft, flowing silhouette so you'll stand out and look classy. 

http://www.tobi.com/product/50577-tobi-alexis-sleeveless-dress?color_id=67792

9. Mango Strapless Chiffon Dress $40

Silky, dreamy, a hint of vintage -- check, check, check!

http://shop.mango.com/US/p0/mango/clothing/dresses/strapless-chiffon-dress/?id=83439761_63&n=1&s=prendas.vestidosprendas&ie=0&m=&ts=1370769833969

10. ASOS Sundress with Asymmetric Frill $48

And last but not least, a dress with a little extra flair. Show off your shoulders and look beach-ready on the last day of high school!

http://us.asos.com/countryid/2/ASOS-Sundress-With-Asymmetric-Frill/1050zk/?iid=2803489&cid=15801&sh=0&pge=10&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Red&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1TdW5kcmVzcy1XaXRoLUFzeW1tZXRyaWMtRnJpbGwvUHJvZC8.&MID=35719&affid=2135&WT.tsrc=Affiliate&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-AuwB4SHe8hUEGHDoflb8UA


On a final note, don't overthink it. You shouldn't feel pressure on this day -- just enjoy the attention, listen to Vitamin C's "Graduation" song, and savor the moment. :)

P.S. If none of these dresses tickled your fancy, drop by a Fashion Q store near you and check out more choices!