The Homecoming Hangover - Part 1 of 1 - Recovery

Episode Synopsis:  After Toby dropped Emily off at the hospital and got the heck out of town, Emily wakes up to a questioning (and very annoying) mother.  Still confused about her lingering feelings for Maya, Emily confesses to Hanna that maybe she's ready to take the next step.  Things are falling apart at the Montgomery household when Ella finally moves out...and poor Aria is falling apart on the inside wondering what happened to Ezra.  Hanna gets a little closer to Lucas, which obviously upsets Sean.  Spencer patches things up with Alex by helping him out at the club.  The girls end up destroying Toby's file, but maybe not as well as they thought.  And Toby gets into some sort of accident, which has 'A's' name written all over it.

This episode was all about recovery.  From relationships, accidents, fights, homecoming...  So maybe that explains all the poor outfit choices.  Because let me tell you, the theme of this episode was "BoOoOOoring!"  As in, Welcome to Boringsville, population: all of Rosewood.  There was not a good outfit to be seen, unless you looked very closely and just said, "Fine, I'll lower my standards!"

Aria's brown slouchy raglan over a red and white striped tank is cute and most definitely comfy, but it is nothing to write home about.  There's nothing wrong with this top per se, and it is certainly an outfit I'd put on after a rough night out, but I'm not getting all googly eyed over here.

There is however, something very wrong with these pants.  And I mean way wrong.  Aria, sweetie, we do not wear jeans with huge sewn on patches, in denim nonetheless, at this age.  This fashion is reserved for all the little girls in pre-school, and even then it's not totally acceptable. 

I tried to like this look, I really did but I just can't do it.  The pattern is really pretty, I love black and yellow together, but something about the cut just fits Aria very funny.  It looks like she took last year's prom dress and tried to make it into a school appropriate outfit.  And while I understand the leather jacket is Aria's thing, it doesn't go well with this feminine dress.

Unfortunately, the bad doesn't end with the jacket.  Actually I think her knee highs and ankle length boots are even worse.  And you can see how ill-fitting this dress actually is from behind.  It makes her look like she's eaten one too many of Hanna's cupcakes.  A more form fitting bottom with a pair of simple black pumps would have been much better.

 

After almost getting into a fight with her brother at school, and finding out Ezra may be leaving town for good, Aria needs to change into something suitable for a pity party.  I guess this is an appropriate outfit then.  It's a perfect lounge wear outfit. 

 

I think Ella tries to be a hip mom.  And actually, she usually does a pretty good job with it.  Here she is in a simple black sweater and jeans, nothing special, but she looks like a mom who's dealing with a troubled marriage and a disgruntled teen.

She snazzies it up a bit for school and I do really like this black and white tye-died blouse.  And I love her black shrug jacket over top.  She looks chic and sassy while "having a discussion" with Byron. 

This outfit is typical Spencer.  Skinny jeans, flats and a button down.  She looks good and put together, but it's just a standard bland outfit.

 

When I saw this I just wanted to scream!  What a terrible waste of material.  Who in their right mind thought that making a denim, light denim at that, blazer was a good idea?  Jean jackets are hard enough to stomach sometimes, but this?!  No, I'm sorry, but we do not make blazers out of denim.  And we most certainly do not pair them over this pretty white chiffon tank she has on!  Ahhh!

 

OK, so I know we all like Alex and we were sad to see him go (but not too sad because then we got to see more Toby and we all decided we liked him and Spencer together better).  But I'm starting to get a little suspicious of Alex, and I'm not ready to rule him out as being 'A'.  But boy does he know how to cook (well at least I think he does), and he has some pretty killer moves.  Oh yeah, and he's not too hard on the eyes either.

Hanna, I thought your fat days were behind you, so why are you wearing a super big tank that makes you look like you're hiding an entire candy aisle under it?  And the grey zip up hoodie?  That shouldn't even be worn around the house.

If you look quick enough this outfit isn't too bad.  But I think that's because you get distracted by Hanna's gorgeous hair.  Upon further examination you will see that everything, other than the color of the shirt, is just no bueno. 

The material of the shirt makes it fall all wrong on Hanna's slim body.  The extra long ruffle flowing down the front is extremely unnecessary.  And the gold trim on the top cheapens this look a million times over.  And the jeans are just terrible.  Terrible color, terrible fit.  Even this cropped leather jacket can't fix the look.  1.  Because it's just not a good jacket and 2.  It does nothing to cover the shirt.  Hanna, please go home and change.

 

Sean, I think you're missing something... like the rest of your suit?  I will admit, you look very dapper in the grey suit jacket, but I don't care if you have a basketball game to get to, you put the pants on.  Especially because I hate black sneakers, and they are on full display here. 

Ever the prepster you are, Sean.  I don't hate it.  But the more I stare at this picture, the more I think Sean's body frame resembles that of our mysterious black-hooded friend.  Hmm...

Here you have it folks, the Homecoming King and Queen.  Don't they just look so ecstatic?!  Come on, cheer up!  I'll briefly comment on Hanna's dress since we've already seen it in the last episode, but I am a big fan of it.  I love the feathers, the cut, the color, and the necklace.  I think it's a great dress for Hanna.  But Sean, I told you you should have put on the rest of your suit.  Even without that stupid look on your face, you look dumb. 

Emily pretty much stayed in bed the whole episode, in this blue v-neck tee.  It is a very pretty color.

I think her head was still a little cloudy when she put this on.  Two layered v-neck tees and a short dark washed jean jacket.  Yawn. 

I may not like Pam one bit, but she doesn't actually dress too poorly.  It's a totes mom outfit, but seeing as she is a mom, it works.  She always manages to look super classy and put together, even if she is the most annoying mom.

There is just way too much going on with Maya's outfit.  Other than the scarf, I would like each piece individually, but together it becomes one hot mess.  I actually really love the sweater, I like the colors and the pattern.  I wish she would have just paired this over a simple tee and a pair of black or very dark jeans.  And NO belt.  Also she has got to do something with her hair.  It looks way too stringy.

So I think I've officially ruled out Jenna as 'A'.  Unless her dramatics on her front step were all a big act.

I normally think Jenna has really pretty hair, but in this scene I thought her hair was a little too curly and unnatural.  I'm also not a fan of the lace on the top of her shirt, nor her super skinny scarf. 

 

I guess Lucas could be a good candidate for 'A'.  He too has a similar build, and apparently he has (had) a huge vendetta against Alison (even though we know it wasn't Lucas who killed her).  Lucas dresses like a typical high school boy.  I actually really like his jeans though, I think they fit him very well.

But here he's got one top too many. So many layers!

'A's' one text for the episode.  So who was it that got Toby out of the way?  Ezra?  Where was he this whole episode?  Lucas?  As previously mentioned we know he had something against Ali.  Maya?  Could her jealousy over Toby have caused her to take matters into her own hands?  Alex?  He works at the club where the staff has a "bitch board" and Spencer is on it.  Any of the other kids from Rosewood that we don't even have a clue about?  I don't know, but the suspense is really starting to get to me!

Here's a better look at the girls' outfits from before.  Throwing Toby's file away down the creek in the woods was a perfect location since they all look like they've been camping out there for a few days.  Too bad it wasn't as secretive as they thought.

 

Before we look at the outfits, I just want to say how much I love this area in Emily's room.  I would love to have a bay window like this in my room!

OK, so my favorite outfit is Spencer's.  I really do love this chiffon tank, and even though it's billowy, it doesn't make her look huge.  And her hair looks spectacular.  As for the other two girls, well we've already discussed Hanna's top in length so there's no point rehashing that disaster.  And I can confirm that Emily paired her top with a skirt (or maybe shorts, but most likely a skirt) and some pink All-Stars.  It's a very standard Em outfit.  I just wonder, for someone who has such gorgeous pillows, how come her clothes aren't as pretty?  My guess is her mom picked out everything in her room.  Maybe Em should start taking Pam shopping with her.

After this episode, we all need some time to recover from all the wardrobe attrocities.  Hopefully next episode the girls add some more spark to their attire. 

Can You Hear Me Now - Part 2 of 2 - The Adults

If there's an award for Best Dressed Parent, it goes to Ashley. I don't think she's ever worn a bad outfit. This is no exception - royal blue is so her color.

Actually, I take that back. Red is Ashley's colour (and it's a power colour, so no surprise there!). The wrap dress looks absolutely fantastic on her - and her heels are covetable.

Ella's style seems to be simple, loose, and comfortable. Nothing much to comment on here.

Isabel's cream silk shirt and pearls seem so out of place in this setting. If anything, Isabel and Kate just seem out of place in Rosewood.

We finally meet Hanna's father, Tom Marin. And what does he wear? A boring, typical Dad suit.

Or, a boring, typical Dad sweater.

I need a chaser after all that predictability. How about a completely unnecessary picture of Ezra on his bike - because he does have nice legs.

Speaking of Ez, let's review his various modes...

Ezra in teacher mode - tweed version.

Ezra in date mode - kitchen towel version.

Ezra (back) in teacher mode - brown cords version (yikes).

And finally, Ezra in (casual) date mode - hoodie version. Yum. I'll take this one with a side of intrigue, please!

To Kill a Mocking Girl - Part 1 of 3 - A.M. Fashions

Episode Synopsis: The Pretty Little Liars push their boundaries this week and, as always, look fabulous doing so. Aria is balancing her reputation as a top student while playing the hussy with Fitzy after hours. I think she would be alright if that was her only problem, but unfortunately ice queen Meredith is back. Who’s that? The chick Aria’s dad, Byron, is having an affair with. Spencer is still on the outs with her family after kind of ruining her sister’s wedding but in all fairness - Wren is a hot piece. Hanna and Ashley have been playing house with that nosy cop for far too long until Mama Bear decides she’s had enough and kicks him out. But while Ashley is asserting herself, Hanna is throwing herself at Sean with disastrous results. Emily is fending off lovers from all sides with Ben getting fresh in the locker room and Maya working her charms in the photo booth. All the drama culminates at the party where so much high school drama is always resolved. Those were simpler days - except for the photo booth. What is up with that?

Easy, breezy beautiful, Emily. I may have blown up the contrast on this photo but I think it highlights how awesome Emily looks. Never mind that she’s going for a hike through the wilderness. Emily always proves that you can look good while doing anything. 

Aria and Spencer also look great, but somehow more stiff than Emily. Hmm, why is that? I can’t quite put my finger on it. I’m sorry, I’m just really distracted by their belts. Why are there so many belts? Big belts, little belts, colourful belts - we get it, your skirts need support. Oh, I know what’s wrong here: THE BELTS. It’s a shame too because I really love Aria’s floral; she’s just precious.

This is a better shot of Spencer’s attire. I’m totally into Spencer and her wardrobe. She’s kind of working a preppy/Ivy League/sorority queen look but with hints of Hollywood glamour. Yes, I came up with description off the top of my head and yes, I am gay. But it works. Hanna’s graphic print works with her glam rock style but I find it less consistent than other characters like slow and steady Emily.

Well my my, Ella Montgomery, aren’t we feeling footloose and fancy free baring our arms...kind of. I find the lace a nice, flattering look for Ella but if her top was flowing anymore it’d be a little too Stevie Nicks for me.

Of course, maybe I should hold my tongue lest we be subjected to THIS. How, why and when did you change for work?

Oh look, an adulterer joined us for breakfast. If I didn’t have a soft spot for denim, I would have ignored this photo. Again with the belts! It’s 2011 - try something new, sister. 

Good morning, officer. Hanna’s school outfits always remind me of this girl from university I nicknamed “Fashion”. She always looked great, her outfits always suited her body and personal style , but they would just border on that level of, “Maybe we should tone it down a shade today”. Hanna looks great and that colour is amazing on her, but the bare shoulders on a tenth grader don’t exactly scream age appropriate.

Ashley could teach Hanna a thing or two about dressing the part because right now, girl is looking mighty powerful in that suit. Red shirt and red hair? Awesome. Like we’ve said numerous times, Ashley might have a predictable wardrobe but at least she wears the hell out of it. 

Broken down doll model pose? Check. There’s nothing particularly special about Spencer’s pyjama top except that the colour is popping. If I were Spencer, I would have definitely cracked under the pressure of looking good all the time. Of course, there is that episode later in the season where she walks downstairs in Ugg boots. Unforgivable. 

You can purse those lips all you want Mona. I’m never going to warm up to your character. It’s funny how Mona can emulate all the girls’ style but somehow manage to screw it up. Floral prints? Yeah, they’re great but this neon seizure is not so great. I’ll give you a point for the earrings because, well, I’m not a monster. 

I love a good hat whether it’s a wool cap or smart Trilby. Maya and Emily have very complimentary styles. Light and breezy in the morning, and downtown chic in the evening. Maya kind of looks like a traffic sign with those diagonal stripes though. Veer away from the seductress, Emily. 

Aria? Sophisticated. Hanna? Cute. Spencer? KILLING IT. The colours in that plaid are amazing and with the khaki short shorts, Spencer is breaking my heart. Why? Because we’ll never be together. Let that be a lesson: the sure fire way to my heart is plaid and short shorts...apparently. 

I’d love to tell you what the girls are talking about but I couldn’t hear them over Jenna’s tights. Who is picking these clothes out for her? I know it’s not Toby because he is a decent person.

Ezra Fitz: winning.

This is a great shot of Aria earrings. Usually, Aria’s outfit choices are pattern clashes and odd colour combinations but today she kept it simple and used statement earrings to elicit a “DAMNNNN” from me. I just wonder how many pheasants had to die for her jewelry. 

Remember when Wren said he may have fallen for the wrong Hasting sister? Well, now that Spencer is wearing a navy blazer with her school outfit, I understand where Wren’s coming from. Do you want frigid, temperamental, dowdy Melissa or THIS?

This shot comes from the end of the episode but it falls under A.M. fashion. At first glance everything seems to be alright. They’re hiking again, wearing clothing that’s hard enough to pull off in an urban setting let alone the great outdoors but, wait, what’s that I spy? Is Hanna wearing...yes, she is. Hanna is rocking Uggs. If the girls left Hanna alone in the woods to fend for herself, I wouldn’t blame them.

To take away the taste of Hanna’s wilderness look, I’ll finish up with Aria’s hat. Fantastic.

To Kill a Mocking Girl - Part 2 of 3 - P.M. Fashions

Party! Pre marital relations! Adultery! Underage drinking (maybe)! Yes, it is indeed party time for the Pretty Little Liars, and these chicks do not take a high school party lightly. I don’t think I had ever been to a party in high school where party goers dressed for the event. Then again, I didn’t exactly get invited to a lot of parties back then. Or now. Whatever.

Let me start by saying that the lighting for this photo does NOT do this dress justice. Here it looks a little dark and deep red but for reals - this is straight up fuchsia. Hanna knows what’s she is doing tonight and, hopefully, it’s Sean.

Don’t let Ashley's dour expression fool you. While she may be a demure vision in emerald, she just brought out the claws minutes earlier. Lesson for the day: never insinuate Ms. Marin’s daughter is a murderer. None of us would put it past Ashley, but Hanna is off limits.

What? Me? What am I doing? Oh nothing, just chilling in some bland top that looks like I’m training to be in the LPGA. Afterward? Well, I was going to work on my AP History paper and skip the hot party but I thought I’d steal my sister’s paper from four years ago and then get wasted. I mean, I already stole her man - what’s a term paper in the grand scheme of things?

OK, so there is nothing particularly stunning about Maya and Emily in this shot but I can’t help enjoy their casual, relaxed style. Maya is really standing out for me not only as believable in her clothes but as a character. She looks great without trying hard and I am envious/respectful of that. Maybe one day I’ll learn. *sigh*

Oh hey, Spence. What up? I’m so happy that she decided to relax after plagiarizing Melissa’s term paper. Way to go Spencer, you really deserve it. I do, however, love this top with its puffy sleeves and lace detailing. She might look like she was bitch-slapped by a J. Crew catalog sometimes but at least Spencer looks decent.

Being the responsible, level headed daughter she is, Aria is helping Ella out at the gallery. Art exhibits call for tarty attire right? I like the callback to Ella’s lace sleeves earlier but as much as I love Aria - this all seems forced. At least she’s wearing that cute little purse.

I think this little filmstrip is the perfect representation of a high school party on a downward spiral. Emily and Maya are all innocent and fun in the photo booth until someone gets a little too fresh. But aside from the personal revelations happening can I just ask what is up with the photo booth? They’re in a cabin. In the woods. Where are they getting the electricity supply and why do you have a photo booth in your country getaway?!?!?

Oh Hanna, you were itching to get that dress off. Your dress said fun and flirty but your undergarments say fast and loose. As Dionne Warwick would say, “I got your number, hussy”.

At least she didn’t wear plaid to that gallery opening. Am I right?

Speaking of secrets, here’s the sorority president of Kappa Phi Adulterers. Good plan to blend into the background with your beige dress. Imitating a burlap sack of potatoes will definitely throw the wife off the scent. Byron drooling is just inevitable.

For Whom the Bells Toll - Part 3 of 3 - The (non) Liars

I'd love to see Ashley Marin in a color other than black… it's her signature, and everything she wears looks fabulous; but it was lovely to see some color brightening her up last week! Bring back the color for Season 2!

Aria's parents seem to have their signatures as well. Byron's is boring button-ups. Sometimes he wears an equally boring tie. I think the wardrobe department has just given up on him.

Ella's signature? Loose, floral tops and a blazer. If it weren't for the change of color in said floral tops, I would've thought this was the same outfit.

No! Not Jackie! Not the woman who could possibly break up Aria and Ezra! (Apologies, it's the Aria/Ezra shipper in me. The books broke them up to soon, and I love them in the show). In any case, her outfit was perfect for the occasion. Pretty ruffled silk top and gold plated belt.

Judging by Aria's reaction to seeing Jackie, I can only assume she watches Gossip Girl and knows that villans wear grey (see: Juliet, Georgina, Rania).

Fitted blue shirt for Pam. Standard. Fabulous fit, though.

Oh, Lucas, how I missed your adorable dorky-ness. I can't decide if I like Caleb or Lucas better, but I can most definitely say Caleb wins in the wardrobe department (even if we only saw his face this episode). Striped shirt? Ok. Denim jacket? Not ok. I'm kind of hoping he takes up Mona on her offer…his wardrobe can't get much worse, can it?

I wish the top wasn't as loose (Melissa isn't quite that far along yet, right?), but the bell sleeves and barely-there plaid combination is gorgeous.

I also wish we'd been able to see more of this coat! The cowl neck, the color, the fit…it all looks like the beginnings of a great coat.

The printed silk top and solid cardigan combo is awesome on Veronica, and she and Spencer do share a love of pearls.

And that's a wrap for Season One of Pretty Little Liars! But don't worry, YKYLF is starting retro recaps next Monday!   - Jen