Rachael Kirkconnell Arrives in Japan Fashionably, Playfully Teases Ex Matt James
Rachael Kirkconnell is creating unforgettable moments in Japan.
Kirkconnell, 29, showcased a breathtaking outfit while exploring Kyoto with her sister, Trinity Kirkconnell, and even had a lighthearted jab at her former boyfriend, Matt James, who ended their relationship during a previous trip to the country in January.
During her getaway, Rachael flaunted a sophisticated black ensemble on Instagram on Wednesday, October 2. Her fashionable look featured a silky black tailored shirt with a button-up design, a relaxed collar, and short sleeves, paired with a matching glossy pleated skirt.
She completed her look with standout earrings, including a crystal stud and gold hoop, along with a chunky silver bracelet and sleek black sunglasses. Rachael accentuated her outfit with a black shoulder bag and knee-high brown boots.
Rachael’s glam was just as impressive as her outfit, featuring bold black eyeliner in her waterline, extended lashes, and rich brown eyeshadow. She finished off her makeup with glowing skin, blushed cheeks, and a soft pink lip. Her brunette locks were styled in her trademark slicked-back ponytail.
“Let’s try this again shall we… 🍣🥢🍵🍡🥟,” Rachael wrote in her post. Fellow Bachelor Nation members and fans were quick to join in on the laughter in the comments.
“THE CAPTION OF THE YEAR 😂,” Katie Thurston chimed in, while Kelsey Anderson commented, “Period.” Maria Georgas added, “A redo done right 🔥.” More fans remarked on her caption being “iconic,” with another quipping, “Looks like you found the best spots to eat lol.”
Rachael had previously joked about her breakup, which stemmed from a dinner-related dispute in Tokyo, during a Brawny advertisement filmed in February.
“Even though I don’t have to worry about finding the perfect dinner spot anymore, life can still get complicated,” she said while sprinkling cheese over a homemade pizza. “But now, I have someone I can always rely on. Someone strong and dependable, too,” she added as the Brawny mascot cleaned up after her.
Rachael first opened up about her split in January during an episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, just 12 days after James, 33, announced it on Instagram.
She recalled that the night before their breakup, they clashed over where to eat dinner, making her feel like she was “letting him down” due to her choice.
“He was like, ‘I’m just so confused, like, why were you so upset. Like, what was that?’” she remembered. “I explained to him, ‘I felt like I was disappointing you. I hated going to a place that wasn’t Instagram-worthy. It felt like a waste.’”
James expressed concern over her emotional response. “He said, ‘There was no reason for you to be that upset,’ and he found it troubling that I reacted that way,” she added.
“He was trying to communicate, like, ‘If you react strongly to small issues, how are you going to handle major life events? How will you respond to actual difficulties or disappointments?’ … I felt punished for expressing my feelings,” she said. The next day, James ended their relationship following a small disagreement that opened “a can of worms.”
“He mentioned that at that stage in our relationship, I should be wanting those things and be prepared for them. But I wasn’t, I still didn’t feel we were ready or that I was ready. I don’t foresee myself proposing to you,” Rachael shared with host Alex Cooper. “It was simply a realization for him that ‘I should want to propose to you by now.’” (Rachael and James had a four-year romance after meeting on The Bachelor.)
Michael Simon/Startraks/Cover Images Rachael Kirkconnell expressed gratitude to her followers after discussing her breakup with Matt James. “I just want to thank you all for your love and support. Everything feels daunting and disheartening right now, but I believe that everything happens as it should and I know it will be […]
She revealed that he told her, “At this point in our relationship, I should be eager for those things and ready for them. Yet, I’m not, I still don’t feel prepared or I don’t visualize myself proposing to you or being married to you.”
Rachael also noted that just days before their breakup, they had been discussing engagement rings and the idea of a wedding.
