Someone to Watch Over Me - Part 1 of 3 - The Girls

Episode Synopsis: Man, the Liars are not having a good week! Spencer is the main suspect in that whole Alison murder thing - no big deal, right? While she and Toby are getting cozy under the guise of "comforting" each other, Hanna and Caleb are playing house and loving it. That is, until Hanna discovers Caleb was a spy under the employ of Jenna who has now bumped up from "Revenge Seeking Miscreant" to "Melrose Place Super Villain." The Montgomery parents finally admit their secret love affair to Aria and Mike. Unfortunately for the kids, Byron and Ella are still working through their complicated past, giving Mike a chance to show his angry face. But all is not sour in Rosewood as Emily and Paige ride their on again/off again relationship into makeout town. Oh, and Ian drinks things with a menacing look on his face. Seriously, how do authority figures not find him suspicious?

First, I think I should start with a confession: I, like most other fans of the show, am in love with Aria. Maybe it's her doe-eyes, maybe it's her ability to throw on basically anything and make it look good or maybe it's because she's fulfilling a longstanding fantasy to have a torrid affair with a handsome English teacher - regardless of these facts, she's so adorable my cheeks hurt. 

I love this knit vest she's wearing, and pairing it with a plaid skirt is so university chic. Aria's personal style definitely borders more on the cute side of fashion but she adds little punk rock touches like the buttons to make a statement. I haven't decided if that statement is helping her to assert her independence or tone down the sexy, but either way it works for me!

Aria's corset inspired top here seems a little out of character for her day-to-day school wear, but later she does wear it with a strong black blazer. If only she was as wise with life decisions as she is with her wardrobe. In the scene where she begins to pack up any memento of her courtship with Ezra, Aria leaves behind the novel with a loving and sentimental note from Ezra inside. Right. You know, when I'm trying to conceal an illicit affair that could ruin both people involved, I wouldn't consider a novel weighted down with emotional baggage as solid evidence. No, better hide the plastic spoon; I mean, it's like I want to get caught... 

 

Spencer really disappointed me this week. Normally, Spencer's outfits are my favourite because I find them very subdued but appealing, but this week it was like she replaced "subdued" with "plain"; and "appealing" with "just stop the nonsense now". Sure this sweater is cute but it just doesn't have the same flair I've come to expect. Everybody loves an elbow patch, but I think it's the chain of children holding hands around the neck of the sweater that's a little too Village of the Damned for me. 

 

Hey, Santann- oh sorry. Hey, Hanna! Does anyone else find Hanna varies from 1980s business casual to LA glam scene and that's it? It looks like she either has a business meeting with investors or she's about to take the stage at The Viper Room. 

 

Now, I'm not one to judge...(hold for laughter)...but I do believe I've seen this blazer before on Glee's Santanna; and tweeted about it to our Glee editor, L-A. I could be wrong but you rarely forget a red and black blazer with leather elbow and shoulder patches. My question to you is, who wore it better? Hanna or Santanna? Leave a comment!

Bonus! How embarrassed would you be if you wore the same, if not incredibly similar, blazer the same day as Hanna Marin did? I would die. Die, die, die. I imagined a Mean Girls-esque showdown between Hanna and the chick in the background and if her altercation with Jenna is any indication, I don't want to mess with that girl.

 

Check out that sweet polish on Hanna's nails, while covertly opening Caleb's locker. I love it!

 

In case you didn't get the Viper Room reference, or if you thought it was just not funny, this outfit exemplifies Hanna's glam rock style. Sequins, flowing golden hair and a short but tough jacket to round out the look.

Also, this screen cap was brought to you by ABC Family - now in HD!

I wish I could have taken a clearer shot with Hanna's face but I wanted to put these boots in because they're awesome. Perhaps a little impractical for high school but who's going to mess with Hanna Marin? Hmm? Jenna?

 

Speak of the manipulative wench, here's Jenna! I was kind of shocked that colour seems to have finally maintained its presence in Jenna's closet. If she wasn't such a self righteous trouble maker, I would say that this floral top and woven belt is a great look for her. But I hate her, so I won't. 

 

What happens when you mix one part Jenna's face with five parts of Hanna's hand? This face. Jenna's back in black and might be sporting an eye to match. That belt, however? Excellent choice. It's elegant enough that you can wear it as the focal point with an all black ensemble, but I'd really love to see Spencer or Hanna experiment with it.

 

Spencer and Toby have taken their relationship to the next level: sharing intimate life moments in front of a fire while "Sea of Love" by Cat Power plays in the background. Yep, no sexual tension here. None at all. This was the standout Spencer outfit for me this week and I think it has a lot to do with her knee socks matching her skirt. 

Toby is wearing his usual high school guy uniform of an open shirt with a graphic tee underneath; and underneath that graphic tee are rippling muscles the likes of which you've never seen before. At least we'll always have the motel, Toby.

Apparently being a person of interest is not indicative of your clothing choices. I could be fine with what Spencer is wearing except I hate the skirt and really dislike the hat. That pains me to say because I love hats but remember when Spencer found a shirtless Jason DiLaurentis running a few weeks ago? Now that was a hat. This kind of looks like Holly Hobby went back in time and really took to the early 70s. Printed skirts - I just can't accept them.

 

I did not cap this for what Spencer is wearing, I was just struck by her chaise. Personally, I think we should go back to calling them fainting couches because it sounds more ladylike. Does Spencer have this couch because she is without a window seat in her bedroom?

 

Nothing says stable and not guilty like a late night run, Spence.

"Hey officer! No I'm not running away, I'm just jogging off some stress! OMG u think I killd Ally?! LOL!" (I know she doesn't talk like that, but her face in this photo just makes me think otherwise)

 

Here Editor Kate's pick for standout outfit of the week. We may disagree over this, because my fav outfit was not worn by one of the PLL girls...but you'll have to check out Part Two for that. Although, I have to say, that is one killer cardigan. Get it? "Killer" cardigan?! OK, I'll stop.

Someone to Watch Over Me - Part 2 of 3 - Emily and Paige

In a suprising turn of events, Emily and Paige had the most clothing changes this episode! Oh, and they're in the early stages of a blossoming romance. NBD.  

Man, Aria pops up everywhere. She's like a really well dressed, confident mosquito. The lace isn't exactly my favourite Aria moment but the sweater has a very bookworm, nature loving vibe that sense from Aria. I mean, her bedroom is plastered with butterflies which, incidentally, freak me out to no end. 

While there is some vague consistency with the girls and their wardrobes, Emily takes the cake for hands down for staying true to a style. It's hard to pull of a flowy top every week but Emily manages to do it. Sometimes her character slips under the radar compared to the emotional roller coaster that is Spencer Hastings but when Emily is on, she brings it. 

The last time Emily and Paige had a late night rendezvous at the Fields' home, Paige looked a little less put polished. Emily, however, was still sporting an oversized shirt to bed; though, I like the acid wash. 

 

In my experience, sitting on a window seat can only lead to some kissing. Apparently the writers' share the same experience. At least this time Paige's bangs aren't smeared across her head.

Serious Emily Goes To School. I can't fault her for her less than dynamic choices because as I said, it all stays true to her style. Does anyone wonder where the PLL girls go shopping? Rosewood looks like it's a small town that has everything, but I find it hard to believe there's one street with shops that cater to each of the girls' individual tastes. I also find it hard to believe that a small, quaint town like Rosewood has a maniacal murderer torturing four pretty high school students, but I don't like to think too hard on Monday nights. It all balances out.

I feel like Emily is the only one of the group that can sincerely wear a leather jacket and not look like a little girl playing dress up. I believe it. I believe her. I think I'm developing a little crush.

Is it a scarf? Is it a really elaborate cowl neck? Who cares what it is, Emily is looking fierce and I don't care to drop the f-bomb these days. Clearly the more casual and laid back member of the four, Emily just seems natural in her clothes and age appropriate. 

Some days I like to imagine that Rosewood High has an afternoon period specifically devoted to runway walks and how to master them. Most girls in school are dressing for a crucial job interview or an interview on Ellen. Everyday, someone is getting served sartorially, but Emily makes it through unscathed because she just wears what she's comfortable in. Yeah, I definitely am fostering a crush.

Hopefully some of Emily's style will rub off on Paige because this sad excuse for a housecoat will just not do. I'm pretty sure my mom would have worn this in the 60s - and looked great - but matching your tank to your tye-dye shawl is never a good move. Paige and Chaste Sean would make an adorable couple with his fitted sweater and super lame lunch. Too bad Paige swims on the same team as Emily.

 

Ugh, could they be any more awkward with each other? Again, Paige is wearing a shawl like cardigan and Sean is looking, well, bland and unadventurous. I'm glad that Paige's hair has loosened up a bit because previous episodes looked like someone spent a little too much time with their straightener each morning. This time Paige is contrasting her top with the cardigan and it looks much better than that burgundy cocoon she wrapped herself in earlier. Kudos, my lady.

I'm still not sure how I feel about this look. I think the necklace is a nice personal touch and really cute, but maybe it's the protruding white cuffs that slithered out from her jacket that are putting me off. At least the green is making her eyes pop. Yeah, I'm not really sure what to say here - thoughts?

BAM! Favourite outfit time! Yes, this week my accolades belong to Paige! For a casual date with friends, Paige really stepped up her game for Sean. The sequined dress is stunning and wearing a cardigan over the top keeps Paige from reaching maximum hooch levels. Topping it all off is a simple gold chain that really accentuates the sparkle of her dress. Well played, McCullers.

 

 Now if you could just stay away from honky tonks and cowboy boots, you just might stick around to find out who A is. Unless you're A...you're not, are you? Please don't be, I couldn't handle it.

Someone to Watch Over Me - Part 3 of 3 - The Background Players

Calling everyone else the background players is not totally fair but I needed a way to lump them all together, or else you'd be sitting here reading my snark for days.

If I could talk to anyone in Rosewood, I think I'd like to talk to the Chief of Police. Why? To ask him how he does not find Ian suspicious and menacing. In this episode, Ian looms in the dark drinking things with a smug look on his face.  At least he's well dressed, albeit a very preppy style. 

It looks like he ran into a J. Crew outlet and came out looking like an accountant. My personal favourite are his shoes - so casual and perfect for running from the scene of the crime. I'm onto you!

While Ashley seems to be of the same monochromatic mind frame as Jenna most days, you have to appreciate that she knows how to wear it well. By day, she's a personal banking officer who secretly stole $50,000 from a dead woman...but by night? Woman is a danger cat.

I can't talk about a black pantsuit at length but check out that silhouette. That is a woman in great shape, my friends. I know she has potential for a vicious cat fight because I used to watch Melrose Place, but I'd trade it all in for something daring in her wardrobe. Oh who am I kidding, I want a cat fight.

There is something about Byron's voice that just irks me. I can't put my finger on it but at any rate, were he one of my professors in university, I would have had a little crush on him because he wears dark denim. Most of my profs wore ill-fitting plaid shirts with pleated pants or Wrangler jeans. If that's your style then go for it, but stay out of my sight line...

 

Dear Caleb: Now that you're living in a lovely home with a fully kitted out bathroom, why is your hair unmanageable? I think someone's been dipping into Hanna's volumizing shampoo - and liked it. My only qualm with Caleb is that they try too hard to paint him as the bad boy vagrant with his clothing. 

Is army green a requisite for bad boys? I'm not loving the jeans either but as with Toby, we've all seen what's underneath, so right now we're caught in a deadly cat and mouse game of "who looks better with his shirt off?"

I would have almost believed Ella was having fun with her daughter, but the lacklustre tone in each line she delivers leads me to believe that someone is drinking at home...alone. Ella always looks professional when she goes to school and I love the coat she's wearing here, especially the cuffs. It might be a minor details but it counts. 

 

I'm not crazy about her top with its weird ascot-like detail; I see no purpose other than drawing attention away from the fact that she's wearing two watches. I realise one is probably a bracelet but I like to think she was so desheveled trying to conceal her affair with her husband that she wore two watches. One is set to Mom Time and the other to Sexy Time.

 

Mike! Look at you with your dialogue and graphic tee that I'm curious where you purchased. He's wearing some army green of his own, so maybe today was a Bad Boy day for the misunderstood Montgomery. 

 

So you might be thinking there's nothing interesting about a red hoodie, but I say stop that thinking and see the subtext - his hoodie fits! I consider it a small victory but a victory nonetheless. 

 

And last, but certainly not least, we have Veronica Hastings. Compared to Ashley, Veronica is toning down her sensuality by wearing more matronly tops. This ruffled business would usually turn me off from positive thoughts but I think it works. Veronica is a serious woman with a serious career and she doesn't need to be slinking around in tight black power suits.

I'd love to see a cat fight between her and Ashley; I think they're both ruthless. I wonder how many fountains Rosewood has for cat fight purposes?

Random Background Character Bonus!: It doesn't matter who this background artist is. All that matters is the awesome trench he's wearing. Couple that with his smart leather briefcase and we've found ourselves a fashionable Rosewood man.

I'm destroying the edge of my seat in anticipation for next week. Now that Jenna's been slapped, you know she's going to bring the crazy. Until then, friends!

Mini Recap: Someone to Watch Over Me

If we had doubts that Spencer being under suspicion of the cops was fake, we found out she really is the person of interest in Alison's death--the cops have a search warrant and everything! Uh...oh.  

Drama-rama du jour
Three words. Hanna SLAPS Jenna (at left...just because this was the greatest moment ever).

Best Outfit
This may be controversial but I loved Spencer's outfit of lacy, cap-sleeve shirt, skirt (which, I admit, was a little short), and over-the-knee socks. It was even better when topped off by the yellow cardigan.  

Best "A" Message
"Dear Hanna, Try putting it back together. Kisses!" 

Current "A" suspect
Direct from the girls: "Jenna + Caleb = A"

Anthony has his first Pretty Little Liars recap up on Thursday!