Pretty Little Liars: I'm Your Puppet

Part 3 of 3: Pretty in Black

Aria finds a carnival flyer in Malcolm's karate cubby and runs to find him. Instead, she runs into the New Wren:

Is anyone else wondering what she's doing at the carnival by herself? Doesn't she have some church restoring to do???

Hanna's tries to keep her mouth shut about Caleb's dad but doesn't do a great job. At least she's rocking this cute outfit:

A) Leather on leather. B) BROWN leather on BLACK leather. C) White headphones. DYING.

We get to see the whole outfit here (unfortch without the brown jacket) and it's absolutely perfect:

Love the leather peplum top and the chain-print pants. Though, I've gotta say, I can't really see anyone else being able to rock those pants.

More Urban Outfitters...

Disappointed that nothing's been done about her hair still.

Caleb confronts his dad about the church bell in true Troian fashion:

One hyphened word: Gut-wrenching. Five words: Get this guy an Emmy.

Aria finally finds Malcolm, who claims he was picked up by someone named "Allison." Yikes. Aria's shaken up and finally does the first right thing she's ever done in her entire life: break up with Ezra.

We get a better look at her dress and I'm not sure I'm in love. It's really cute but kind of waitress-y/pilgrim-y. No offense to waitresses and pilgrims.

Ezra, again, ignores Aria in this "borrowed-from-Wren's-closet" patterned tie and plaid oxford.

Do solid color ties not exist in Rosewood? Seriously, patterned ties are an epidemic here.

Emily comes to the police department to meet Aria but instead runs into her mom who is carrying a "Missing Persons" box. Ugh. Really? Can't even. It's just too much.

I do LOVE this leather jacket on Em. It's pretty badass for someone who most certainly is not.

Back to "Spencer: Mona 2.0," Spencer follows Mona's map in this very unnecessary and very creepy white gown:

Oh don't worry. It gets much worse:

Spencer sees Ali in the Mona baby room and they begin dancing to "I'm Your Puppet" (hey that's the name of the episode!).

Spencer finds out some serious information: 1) that Ali was hurt by a GIRL during that flashback with her mom and 2) CeCe Drake came to visit Mona, with the help of Melissa and Wren.

See! I knew Spencer would come through with answers. Once a Hastings, ALWAYS a Hastings.

Wait what.

Nothing makes sense anymore...

So, now that Spencer is part of the "A" team, we're all hoping that she's just faking it. Right? She has to be? Right? Also is Toby really dead? Are Ezra and Aria really over? But most importantly, has Spencer really, really, really become A's bitch???

Man, this show is the BEST.

Pretty Little Liars: What Happens to the Broken Hearted

Part 3 of 3: Leathers Jackets and Working Clothes

Our remaining looks fit into one of two categories — grungy or dressed-up — and I was pleasantly surprised by most characters' ability to fit into both categories. That's talent, you guys.

I submit Caleb as Evidence A. In the first photo, he's ready to buy a motorcycle and drop out of school, and in the second, he just combed his hair and is about to hop in the family car for Sunday mass. I wonder which look Hanna prefers?

I'm gonna go with "A" (ha!). Hanna combined Caleb's sartorial schizophrenia and wore a grungy yet proper outfit this week. The cuts in her top (which I really do not understand) and her shiny leather belt screamed punk rock, but her "daddy's girl" coat and puppy eyes beg to differ. Is she about to rob me or is she collecting money for the poor? I have no idea.

The apple never falls far from the tree! Her mama always looks chic, no matter what she wears. The funny thing is, Ashley's blue blouse is completely something Hanna would wear. Sharing closets must have its perks.

Emily chose the grungy look this week, and as usual, it suits her well. She sported both a leather bag and a leather jacket, and her faded leopard print top worked perfectly with a few bracelets and skinny indigo jeans. A+ for this week, Em!

But Mona... Mona, you fail. This Sunday school outfit is frankly horrifying. Snaps to the wardrobe department for the neon yellow nails, though. I'll take it as a wink to the audience.

I may look put together, but I'm actually a psycho!

I almost skipped shirtless Jason in the hospital, who was neither grungy nor chic, but just plain hot. He should really do this more often.

The shirtlessness, not the hospital bit. All those wires get in the way of our enjoyment, right?

Pretty Little Liars: Dead to Me

Part 1 of 3: Closet Thieves

This week on Pretty Little Liars, aka Do These Kids Still Go to School?: Hanna convinces Caleb to go back to his childhood home to pick up a few memories. Turns out his uncle may be his father, wha?! Spencer finds out where the "A" key leads to, only to have her heart completely shattered. Emily thinks she may have killed Ali (spoiler: she didn't, she only confirms that there's a blonde in a red coat leading the A team). Mona is still totally cray. And Aria? Aria is moping over Ezra while running around with Wes, who slept with his physics teacher. We end with yet another memorial for Ali, and Spencer isn't the only one getting tired of them. 

You guys. Either I've come down with that really horrible cold that's been going around and the tea my friend is feeding me is some version of Meredith's... or I've been watching PLL so long that Aria can no longer surprise/shock/horrify me. The pink foiled Seven jeans? Kind of cute, actually. The metallic gold jacket? It matches her pants! Love. The top? Adorable. 

This is one of those outfits that only Aria can pull off, because if I wore it? Well, you'd better check my tea...

Vintage belt? Check. Blue leopard print? Double check. You're getting predictable, Aria, but I still like it.

Hanna doese equally well in these knee high boots and extremely mini skirt. Go Han. Also, snaps for her squiggly necklace. And for Caleb, because he makes henleys look interesting.

And then we have Jason, who doesn't own a loose-fitting shirt. Why is he still around? Oh, right. Because Toby (sniff) is part of the A team and gratuitous male shirtlessness still needs to happen, duh.

Still loving Hanna's boots. Although I don't understand why she's worn the same pair of shoes for two different outifts. This is Hanna, she wears three inch heels to school and five inches when tracking down A. Not loving the cheetah (?) print dress, because this is a memorial, not an episode of the Real Housewives of Rosewood.

And Em! In a dress!! She stole this one from TSwift (or possible LSwift), and again, it's totally not something you'd wear to a memorial. But Hanna and Ems pale in comparison to Aria's red and black lace number. She stole that one from Wednesday Addams. Either that, or Pinterest taught her how to cut up her dress and sew in some lace insets. More about that, later.

I take it back. PLL can still surprise/shock/horrify me. Where did Hanna get these overalls from?! Why could she not put on a cute tank and a pair of jeans to go through old stuff? Was farmer chic really necessary? I can't get this image out of my head, guys. 

Pretty Little Liars: Misery Loves Company

Part 1 of 3: Team Paleb

What didn't go wrong this week? Crazy eyes Meredith continues to posion Aria, who as a result, has a really whacked out dream (?) about Ali. Meredith later completely loses it and bitch slaps Aria with a broken piece of glass, and then locks her in the basement. Yes, that's normal. Byron admits the truth to Aria about his relationship with Ali and why he never came forward before. Does anyone actually believe him? Though thanks to Byron we do learn that someone else saw Ali alive that night. Paige and Caleb decide to team up to put an end to A once and for all. Good luck with that one, kids. And Spencer and Toby ::sob:: Spencer and Toby ::sob:: sorry, too emotional. Spencer found out about Toby's ultimAte betrAyal. Not a good week in Rosewood, guys. (Note: This may have been one of the looniest episodes to date. I mean are we serious with the whole shizz that went down in Aria's house?)

Haaaaayyyyyyy girlfran!! Here I am ready to make you better with trash (magazines, not my bag), ginger ale, and Saved By the Bell! I know, don't I just look so cute in this pale pink snake skin blouse?

Totes Han, totes.

It's so adorable that Hanna sought her super trendy stylish cute boyfriend's opinion on what to wear to her major interview, but Caleb's all like, Hanna, gosh I don't know. My style icon is Justin Bieber, and like him I've been wearing the same hoodie since I was 12.

Thanks, we know. We've been begging you to take it off since you arrived in Rosewood.

Then Hanna's all like, Do I look like I'm joking here? So Caleb surprisingly gave some stellar advice to go with trendy but not too sexy. I complete agree on his choice - I can just tell the other outfit is straight off the racks at Forever 21.

Wish he could have given her some advice on her current state of attire, including her 'do. More on that to follow later.

Being the good boyfriend he is, Caleb insists Hanna try on her outfit for him. You know, just to be sure. Once she realizes she forgot her piece de resistance - her killer Via Spiga Yardley pumps ::major swoon:: - she overhears Caleb on a mysterious call talking about "protecting Hanna from Mona". Personally, I don't think Hanna needs much protection, especially in these heels. They're beautiful enough to stop A dead in her tracks.

But so is this outfit, for all the wrong reasons. Hanna actually looks like she's headlining Barnum & Bailey. She just needs some rouge on her cheeks, a tightrope and an umbrella...oh, look! Em packed an umbrella in her lunch today. I mean, what? I don't know what's more ridiculous, Hanna's outfit or Em and Paige's five course meal in the school courtyard.

And Paige, I see we're still doing that thing with our hair? And the ooglay hoop earrings that make you look a tad trash-tastic? If you're going to be dining with glambot Em on a daily basis, might I suggest you step up your game?

But I don't think that means forming a new Team Liars with Caleb, whom we shall now dub Team Paleb. Their quest: Saving the Liars from A, one text at a time.

I'm not sure who Mona paid to be her friends, but no amount of money could get me to like her in this bland number that makes her look like she's running for teacher of the year. Oh yeah, and because she's a crazy psycho pants. Though that hurdle I could get over easily, if she had access to Sutton's Magical Closet, or somesuch. But the frumpy cut of her dress and the unflattering cardi and the meh t-strap mary janes? No.

That's why I say thank god for Hanna Marin and this Karen Millen Colorblock dress. (I've forgiven her outfit above). Holy power woman! She's all like, Bitch please, I own this street. I've finally even got my hair under control! And that interview? Nailing it!

My only problem is, isn't it supposed to be winter? I get that covering up this dress with a coat would be sad, but I'm so very confused by Rosewood's climate.

Weather aside, Hanna arrives at the boutique and sees a flash of Ali (?) in the window, and suddenly remembers she's constantly being stalked by a crAy person who may or may not be dead.

Like hello? Maybe run?

No, Hanna Marin doesn't run, not in those heels or that perfectly tailored dress. And I was so busy still drooling over her ensemble, that I missed the creepy hanging mannequins.

So of course A attacked Hanna by sending all the mannequins down, domino effect style. Who didn't see that one coming?

And then sends her this text. Are you for real? What does this even MEAN? How does the absurdity and ludicrousness of these texts not have the PLLs doubled over in laughter?

We learned earlier that Toby has a hole in his jeans pocket, so since we're all top-notch detectives now, we can deduce he's the one who attacked Hanna and dropped this mysterious key.

Even after being attacked by pounds of plastic, amazeballs Hanna has not a hair out of place. This is the last time we'll see the dress, so soak it up now. Equally as brilliant as the dress? Her envelope clutch. Hel-looo love!

But I sure as heck ain't lovin Em's beetlejuice bag. But ummm? Your jeans are flattering? That's about all the nice I've got.

At first, I was wishy-washy on Hanna's star spangled Wildfox Couture sweater and grey jeggings, but then I embraced my patriotism and decided I love the comfy, relaxed look she's got going on. It's a nice change from her normal dolled up-ness.

Right, this scene takes place in Aria's basement, but we'll get to that in Part 2...

Pretty Little Liars: She's Better Now

The Women In Charge: Part 2 of 2

The Rosewood Charity Marathon was a serious plot point this week, which explains why Spencer is not looking her best right now. You’ll get no shade from me about running gear – I look like a dying giraffe when I try to stay fit. But this outfit is important because it leads to a lovely hot tub scene, prolonging Toby’s shirtlessness.

Of course, now that Mona is back and all friendly with Jason, Spencer can’t even enjoy a hot tub with her handsome (and frisky) boyfriend. Girl, get that look off your mug and get into what you’ve got. Debbie Downer’s got nothing on Spencer Hastings. 

In contrast to Spencer’s running gear, Aria naturally took a more trendy approach. I’m down with the skull shirt, and the grey leggings you can’t see, but can we all chill with the studded embellishments? Not everything needs to look like you just stepped out of the Thunderdome. I am impressed the studs carried over to the pocket trim, but this is one 2012 trend that needs to fade away.

While Aria’s style is ever changing – remember when she was into cutesy accessories and multiple belts? – she’ll always have Ezra in her corner. The man only has to wear a grey t-shirt and he looks adorable, but I’m hoping we’ll see the usual prep-school chic he’s so fond of. EzRia forevs, y’all.

I’m still awed by Aria’s style transition. The PLL wardrobe crew knows what they’re doing. At first, the explosion of animal print felt like my eyes were caught in a stampede at African Lion Safari, but she fully owns this fierce ensemble. Her striped jacket is hands down the best choice for layering; if you’re going to serve print, you better do it to the limit. My only issue is with her shoes. The monochrome clash just looks cheap and it takes away from the overall impact. You should have stuck with a solid colour, girl!

Here’s a better H-to-T of Aria’s look, along with Spencer and Emily’s main outfits for this episode. Thanks to the marathon, sweatpants dominated the second half of the show, but Spencer’s peasant look and gorgeous green skirt more than made up for it. Emily is consistent as ever, but I’m happy to see her playing with more jewelry. Still, Aria’s wardrobe is what drag queens dream about (therefore my fav).

I just need to say that Hanna’s purse is giving me life right now. I would knock a bitch down to get my hands on that piece. I love the colours, the shape, the straps – it’s everything. Hanna doesn’t look so bad herself in that blue, polka-dot mini dress. She never seems to have luck pairing the right coat with her clothes, but I suppose that’s why she carries a jaw dropping bag. I love this angle of Emily’s outfit now that her leather jacket and scarf are included. So much Joan Jett realness. 

Of course, our girls tend to stand out in their day to day fashion. Is that Hanna standing in the hallway, or is Mrs. Robinson following Lucas to school?

More Aldo...

 

OK, I know things just got Hanna heavy right now, but I can’t resist. Girlfriend is working that bath towel down and I’m loving every minute.

Maybe Hanna’s fierceness comes from having a piece like Caleb on the side? Like many of the Rosewood men, he looks fantastic in the simplest clothing. Although, Caleb could use some advice when it comes to his hair. Added volume wouldn’t be his finest look, but I think those locks could stand to be silkier.

Rounding out Hanna’s support system, Nana is here and ready to drop some truth bombs. She’s got that straightforward sass I love, and she’s not afraid of chunky accessories. This is totally a lost cover for Reality Check Magazine, and that linen shirt she’s wearing has so much retiree swag, I know I’m going to adore this woman.

Just look at the side-eye she’s throwing at Mona’s online confession! You betta werk, Nana.

Now, you might think I’ve covered all the Liars, but this week had a very special guest. Oh yes, Miss Thing herself was back and whenever Alison shows up, she brings one of my favourite accessories: the flashback filter! I’m always surprised at what she’s wearing because with the legend that surrounds her, you’d assume she would have been fashion forward like our girls today. Instead, it looks like she found her way into a dELiA*s catalog and is blackmailing Byron for more shopping cash. In short, I’m not living for this pink top; is that a print of a housefly!?

As usual, more questions were raised than answered this week. But if the girls’ wardrobe is anything to base a prediction on, I’m sensing this half of the season will be as big as their hair, and as loud as Aria’s skirts.