Through Many Dangers, Toils, and Snares - Part 1 of 1 - To 'B' or Not to 'B'FF

Episode Synopsis:  1 is the loneliest number that A ever did see.  Looks like the Liars are more than just pretty hair and a great wardrobe; they're skilled in the art of deception as well.  Their fake rift with Em lured A right into their trap, though as always, their plot was foiled.  But unfortunately, that wasn't the only thing that went awry in Rosewood this week.  Aria and Ezra finally came clean to Aria's family, causing Mike to throw the lamest of punches this side of the Mississippi.  Emily attempted to rejoin the swim team after getting a clean bill of health, only to be denied due to her recent run in with the law.  Poor Toby, even with how badly Spencer's been treating him, is still following her around like a little (albeit cute) puppy dog.  And after an unsuccessful encounter with A, the girls discovered an important piece of evidence that may end up saving their petite arses after all.

Welcome back to Rosewood everyone!  I, for one, sure did miss A's creepy texts and Spencer's spectacular preppy-chic wardrobe during the long and unwanted hiatus.  But what I didn't miss was that feeling of loss and emptiness because all my questions once again went unanswered.  Though one thing's certain, the girls are definitely wearing A down. 

Pretty in...orange?  Hanna put it perfectly when she said she looked like a "demented creamsicle" in this lovely orange get-up.  Thankfully these outfits were somewhat helpful, as the super believable throw down between Em and Spence caught A's eye.

Why yes, A, I would love to meet up in the middle of the night in a creepy rundown greenhouse with no one around but my fellow 16 year-old best friends.  What a great idea, who cares if no one can hear me scream, or find me when you've knocked me out and I'm lying unconscious in the middle of the woods. 

I was pretty impressed with Aria's wardrobe this episode.  This striped green dress was my fav.  I absolutely love the way it fits her, I love the empire waist, and I love that she paired it with a huge orange bag (especially since green and orange are my favorite colors!).   

Well I'm on this "loving-on-Aria streak", I also love that Aria and Mike are spending some quality time together, brother/sister bonding and all that jazz.

But what I don't love, are these huge gold medal fasteners and studs all over her jacket.  Don't get me wrong it's definitely Aria's style, but the dress was so cute and feminine and then she had to go and pair it with this harsh jacket.  Although, I will give her points for matching her jacket to the bottom of her orange bag.

But seriously, I mean, just look!  There's just too many, it takes away from the rest of the outfit.  Especially since she wore this super gaudy, gold necklace of...lips.  Though it does draw attention to her upper region, which is most likely what she was aiming for since she knew she'd run into a certain someone.  Come on, even I knew she was going to run into Ezra as soon as I saw her and Mike on the street!

And then, whoa!  Lady Gaga called and she wants her shoes back! Those are some serious ass-kickers!

And the love continues! I was a really big fan of this outfit.  The light grey jeans are the perfect match to the sheer knit top with zig-zag pattern; and Aria has such a great bod that she can totes pull them off. 

Take note: she did a much, much, better job with her jewelry here.  This extra long, cranberry colored necklace is a great accent to the delicate gold chain and pendant. 

You can get a better look at the detailing and color of her top in this picture.  It almost looks like the material is velour, but don't be too alarmed, I think it's just the light reflecting off the color and pattern. 

Moving onto her footwear choice, I'm not gonna lie, I actually don't hate these Quinn-esque boots.  And why is that you ask?  Why do I absolutely hate Quinn's ugly pair of boots that she insists on wearing with every dress she owns?  Well, when you see Aria's, you can tell why. 

Aria's boots are more feminine and don't look like they were pulled from her ex-construction worker boyfriend's garbage pile.  The cute little heel and tight fit really make these YKYLF approved!

Now that I think about it, I really did miss Hanna's girly, trendy, slightly quirky wardrobe too. And while the bottom half of Hanna's dress is adorable, there's something about the way the top half fits that is not sitting well with me.  To be honest (and who am I kidding, we are always honest at YKYLF), I think she's a little too well endowed up top for this to look right, it's a dress that is definitely meant for someone who hasn't exactly been blessed by the creator upstairs (not that there is anything wrong with that!).  Otherwise, I really do love the colors and most importantly the pockets on this dress!

But this over-sized, cheap looking bag is not going to get my approval.  Seriously, why is no one questioning what these girls are hiding in their bags?  Because I'm pretty sure they have more than just lip gloss hidden away in them.

And we just went from meh to awful.  There is just so much wrong with this.  Hanna's neon pink, way too short shirt is totally something Kelly Kapowski would wear.  I don't even think Hanna was alive when Kelly Kapowski reigned the TV airways ::sigh::.  Which makes me wonder what made Hanna think this top was cool enough to wear in public.  Not to mention that the design on top makes me think of a faberge egg.  Just no Hanna, no.

From drab to fab: I can't get over how gorgeous Spencer looks here.  Her hair, make up, super sad look because she wants Toby but can't have him, her beautiful black cape jacket, her boots (that I don't actually like that much but I love everything else so much that I've been tricked into liking the boots too). Where can I click "add to shopping cart"?! 

And then there's our Emily.  Our lovely, lovely Emily.  It's really a good thing she's so pretty, because it allows her to get away with outfits as terrible as this. Every. Single. Day. Of. Her. Life.

Ugh, not only is Jackie a total Biotch, but she can't even dress.  Thus, she has no right being an evil witch to Aria since Jackie's getting out-dressed by a 16 year-old.  First off, this shirt makes her look preggers, second off her pants end about 6 inches too soon, and third just leave town. No one likes you--not even Ezra, not even a little bit. 

Yes, Ezra, this outfit makes me feel how you look.  Scared, uneasy, about to throw up...

Thank god for the Toby's in the world.  This shot belongs in a Ralph Lauren ad, seriously.  Toby's stone wash, form fitting jeans, with his hands in his pocket and one leg propped up while leaning on a pick-up truck, Toby does Mr. Lauren proud.  I am so in love (please don't tell my boyfriend). I can't wait for A to go away so Spencer and Toby can reunite.

Cute, adorable Lucas! Even though this is the best outfit you've ever worn, I'm starting to get a little suspicious of you, not gonna lie.  Just know that I've got my eye on you, and when you wear bright colors like this it makes that very easy to do.

Well this explains Lucas' protective stance above, his biggest competition for Hanna's heart just walked back into town.  Good for us, bad for Lucas.  To be honest, Caleb can wear whatever the heck he wants to wear and I won't have a bad thing to say. Actually Caleb could wear nothing at all and I'd be cool with that...

Even though the boys don't bring much to the table in the wardrobe department, I think they're the only ones who can keep our Liars grounded.  That is of course, unless, one of our favorite heartthrobs is actually pulling double duty.  Can't wait to see what A has in store for us this season!

Over My Dead Body - Part 2 of 2 - Hey there, Pretty Eyes!

So, basically, anybody on this show could be A, right? Literally ANYBODY. Because that clue the waitress gives about "pretty eyes" could work for just about anyone.

Let's work through this week's suspects, shall we?

Exhibit A (ahem, pardon the pun): Alison herself!

She may or may not have been a hallucination that appeared to Emily after the incident with the car and the gas in the garage. She was wearing a pretty un-Alison sort of outfit, with boots, jeans and a pretty tank. Usually she's all Sookie'd out in sundresses and things, but this outfit is fairly practical.

Does that mean Emily was dreaming of Alison dressing like her, or does it mean that Alison has started wearing pants? Who knows?

Eyes: Pretty. Other clues? Has name beginning with the letter A. Possible obstacle to being A? She is dead. (... OR IS SHE?)

Exhibit B: Maya!

The world's oldest teenager reappeared again this week, to tell Emily that she wants to just be friends for the time being. I don't know how convincing that argument is when you're wearing a see-through shirt with a visible black bra.

Eyes: Pretty. Other clues? Was she really off at Bible camp this whole time, or was she lurking around being A? Possible obstacle to being A: she has real feelings for Emily, and I can't imagine her wrecking Emily's swim team career with steroids.

Exhibit C: Jackie!

Ezra's ex is behaving like a crazy person, trying to get him back by whatever means necessary. And she thought nobody would notice her plagiarized French paper? Has she met Detective Spencer Hastings?

This meh purple top and meh jeans really are no competition for Aria's wackadoo wardrobe. If you're trying to steal a guy from a girl with 10-tonne earrings, I think you need to step it up in the style department.

Eyes? Meh. Other clues? Meh. Obstacles to being A? She'd be messing with Aria way more if she was A. Aria's really come out unscathed, for the most part, by A's schemes.

Exhibit D: Jason!

Alison's (and maybe Spencer's?) hottie ex-underwear model debuted a shorter 'do this week that made him look kind of like he wandered in from the set of a 2004 episode of One Tree Hill.

I mean, he looks cute, but less cute. Somehow. I think he may need to go shorter, or something. Or take off his shirt...yeah...he needs to just take off his shirt. 

Eyes: Pretty-ish. Other clues: General stalkerishness, mysterious goings-on in his house. Obstacles to being A: if he was A, he could force Aria to break up with Ezra to be with him. Which hasn't happened. Also, he seems kinda nice.

Exhibit E: Ezra!

Aria's boyfriend/ex-teacher may seem squeaky clean, but he did show up in Rosewood at the same time that A started stalking the girls. He used to wear suits and vests as a high school teacher, but now is a jeans-wearing college professor.

Looks more like a college student than a professor, but whatevs. Eyes? Pretty. Other clues? See above re: appeared in Rosewood at the same time that A began creeping. Aria gets less hassles than the other PLLs, indicating A may like her best. Obstacles to being A? The show's writers would be massacred by angry Ezria fans if it turns out their entire relationship was a lie.

Exhibit F: Toby

Spencer's (ex-)BF casually mentioned that his brake lines were cut, as if that wasn't OBVIOUSLY the work of somebody out to get him. And then he weirdly starts wondering, out of nowhere, what their babies would look like? I'm a fan of Toby's usually, but he was weirdly creepy this week.

And on top of that, he wore this out-of-character and wildly unattractive purple button-down shirt to visit Spencer in jail. 

Eyes: Pretty. Other clues: Weird behaviour this week. Befriended first Emily, then Spencer, indicating a need to get close to the PLLs one way or another. May blame them for sending him to jail over The Jenna Thing. Obstacles to being A: Wants to rebuild his reputation after being accused of killing Ali, so why would he mess that up through psychological warfare with the PLLs?

Exhibit G: Garrett and Jenna.

This is an obvious choice, after their scene this week where they seemed to be confessing to something... but what? Killing Ali? Placing the anonymous call that trapped the PLLs with the shovel? These two are either A, working for A, working with A, Ali's killers, or just two deeply creepy people.

And Garrett, for the first time, looked kind of hot to me this week. Maybe it's because we now know he's truly, truly evil and only became a cop for nefarious reasons?

And I'd like to mention because I haven't yet, that Garrett used to be on a Canadian/Australian sci-fi teen soap called Guinevere Jones playing the reincarnation of Lancelot. And I still harbor some resentment towards him for stealing the reincarnation of Guinevere from the reincarnation of Arthur. Basically, I always knew he was up to no good, so this week's reveal wasn't that big a surprise. 

Oh, and Jenna still has the prettiest hair of any blind girl on TV. And a fabulous sense of style for someone who can't see what she's putting on in the morning. Does Toby help her pick out her outfits? Or are they somehow done up with Braille?

Eyes: Garrett - pretty. Jenna - covered in sunglasses and scarred (or are they??). Other clues? EVERYTHING. Obstacles to being A: they seem like an obvious choice now, and the show wouldn't be that obvious. (...OR WOULD IT?)

Wildcards:

Any of these tertiary characters could be A, but that would just be weird.

Officer McCreepy!

He's baaack! Remember him? He's the police officer who was obsessed with proving the PLLs killed Ali, and then started sleeping with Hanna's Mom until he disappeared off the show for basically an entire season. Remember him? I only do because I recapped the pilot a few months ago.

Ashley is like, "Ugh, I had forgotten about him too. Please don't let us have any scenes together."

Dr. Wren!

He has pretty eyes! He behaves inappropriately and has reasons for wanting Spencer to break up with Toby. Plus, his British accent could be construed as being somewhat evil, in a James Bond villain sort of way.

Isabelle!

OK, there's basically no way that she's A, but I wanted to include this picture of her in her wedding dress that Hanna puked on last week. Yay for dry-cleaning! [I thought Tom (maybe? or someone else) said that they had cleaned Isabelle's dress...but this isnt the same one from last week...plot continuity mistake? --Ed. Kate]

Caleb!

He has pretty eyes (and a pretty everything else) but I'm pretty sure he isn't A for the same reasons that I've excluded Ezra and Toby. The fans would FREAK! OUT! if any of these boys were shown to be A. And the psychological manipulation A uses seems like it would come from a girl, somehow.

And Caleb got his hair cut this week too, I think. Like Jason, it wasn't a good decision and I hope he takes lots of vitamins to grow it back out to mid-90s Jordan Catalano lengths ASAP. And then takes off his shirt. Call me!

And I will see you bitches for the Halloween special, which CANNOT COME SOON ENOUGH! - A

Touched by an A-ngel - Part 1 of 1 - Horses, and Bridesmaids, and Creepers, oh my!

Episode Synopsis:  This show officially scares me, and A has definitely entered creepy-beyond-belief territory. While A wreaks havoc in Emily's life, Jackie and Jason drive a wedge between Aria and Ezra, only to have it backfire when the two decide to tell everyone about their relationship. Which comes at the worst time, because Ella thinks Spencer is dating Ezra, while Spence was really just warning Ezra because she and Toby have discovered the N.A.T. club, aka Ian's little club of pervs - Jason and Garrett. Meanwhile, Hanna tries playing nice with her soon-to-be-stepsister, but Kate lives up to the evil step-sister stereotype.

I don't think we've seen Ashley in a bad outfit yet. Is there a YKYLF award for best dressed character who never fails to be best dressed? (Though I love her, you've got to admit even Blair Waldorf has some misses.) No exception this episode, with this lovely fitted black number, with some awesome ruffle detailing.

Ella and Dr. Sullivan seem to be thinking along similar wavelengths this episode, with their tailored black pants and square-ish handbags. Dr. Sullivan has amazing taste in jewellery, too. She's wearing four pieces here, yet it doesn't look overdone or tacky (::coughVanessaAbramscough::).

Loved the equestrian outfits in this episode, especially Kate's. Her blazer is the perfect length, and the brooch is a tasteful touch. (Also noteworthy: Mona's hilarious french accent...we really need some audio clips!)

Although, I wouldn't call those earrings tasteful. Tacky might be a better word - no one wears such huge diamonds (real or otherwise) on their ears whilst riding. Colossal diamonds are best kept to fingers - just as Blair Waldorf-soon-to-be-Grimaldi. (This recap is rife with Blair references.)

I love the outfit - the tie front is a nice touch, as is the beaded detailing on her vest - but hate the accessories. Giant pearl earrings paired with strings of pearls? Well, Kate's already acting like a politician's wife - pleasant on the outside, but undeniably cutthroat -  why not dress like one as well?

Just like Ashley's outfits are always perfectly elegant, Hanna's lounging outfits are always perfectly casual-yet-cute. Especially love the fringed top with the hoodie.

Do not, however, love this Miha top that looks as though it's got three different sets of necklaces pinned onto it. Hannakins, you are not a jewellery rack.

Gratuitous shot of the gorgeous and very bridal appropriate dressing room - maybe it was to distract from the awful bridesmaid dress? Love the chandelier, the ornate mirror, and even the dainty little side table. As for Hanna's bridesmaid dress… it doesn't fit, it's a hideous color, looks as though it's been made out of low-quality garbage bags… but it's not that bad. Ever seen Monster-in-Law? Isabel could've put her stepdaughter in that horrible peach frock - this is a nicer alternative, even if Mona decreed it so bad "Kate Moss would look like a water buffalo in [it]". Well, Kate Moss would look like tacky in your outfit, Mona. The rainbow belt? The oddly color-blocked (though very on trend, snaps to Mona!) top, gold cuff and weird cut-out booties aren't cohesive in the slightest.

I think we'll all agree Hanna looks fantastic in everything - even jodphurs (which not a lot of people can pull off). And I loved Mona's addition of a scarf to her outfit, even if the effect was more air hostess than equestrian.

Jackie's not making a good impression on me - and not just because she's come close to putting a wedge between Ezra and Aria. But mostly because she wears frumpy floral blouses with orange camisoles. No, just no.

I'm on Editor Kate's side with this - I should despise this outfit. Firstly, because those are jeggings and jeggings should be outlawed (they lead to worse things, like triple-scoop neck Ts. College Humor, anyone?). Secondly, because she's wearing denim/denim with a belt she picked up at a Mexican flee market - maybe along with that Mexican blanket/tunic. But it's Spencer, and only she could pull off a long-sleeved denim button up that has the shoulders cut off. It's a bit like Regina, in Mean Girls. She wore a tank top with cut holes over her breasts and it became a trend - maybe cut out shoulders will too? (God, I hope not.)

Poor Em. You really can't fault the girl for always wearing boring loose Ts or grinding her teeth in her sleep when A's running around, picking all the letters out of her cereal (creepy)and giving her massages (super creepy).

Favorite outfit of the week. The black booties are covet-worthy, the printed bouse (I think those are mice? I'm not sure) adorable, and the backpack just fabulous. Oh, and because I didn't want to continue writing sonnets about how much I love Aria's outfit, I decided to write about her hair as well -

So casual, yet gorgeous, and looks so effortless (yeah, right. It would take me hours to get my hair like this).

We were (unfortunately) deprived of any gratuitous male shirtlessness this week; instead, the theme of the boys' photoset is "PLL males carrying things". Ezra, with his adorable collared-and-sweater set, carrying boring brochures. Toby, wearing something I hope will not become a staple (I don't think we can stand another Humphrey), carrying Ian's basketball - slightly morbid, but not really. And finally, Jason in a boring Jason outfit (he should just keep the shirt off, really) carrying Ali's box of old things - quite morbid.

While we may not get an abundance of couture every week (this isn't GG, le sigh), we do get to see some fantastic manicures. Aria's egg's robin blue nails with the random glittered nail are incredibly Aria, while Hanna's white-out nails with the polka dot pattern are adorably cute.

 

Also of interest: the backpacks. Especially love Aria's studded one. Sigh, if only I attended a fictional school that didn't require a backpack to lug around fifty pound textbooks.

The Devil You Know - Part 2 of 2 - The "Not-So-Much" Fashionistas

This bunch didn't impress me much. Although this Jackie character has some pretty good style potential, I'm gonna keep my eye on her...

Caleb is the only male on this show...actually the only male EVER in the whole, wide world...I will allow to wear this open, denim, faded wash shirt. Just because his face and hair are so pretty--and he wears tough man accessories---and carries a cool canvas backpack. 

This girl is up to no good but I'm digging her style. Exactly how a young, college teacher should dress, a little bland but that's why she only has "potential" and not "actual style" yet. 

Ezra...Mr. Fitz...Zee...whatever I'm supposed to call you, are you wearing the same tie??

For a guy who is usually so snappily dressed, I do believe he has the same tie on here just a different colored shirt. Disappointing. We can usually count on "Zee" for our male fashion fix...

Don't hate me...but...I could really see (and would like to see) Jason and Aria together! ::GASP:: I know, crazy?! But he's starting to grow on me! While I'm sure we can agree that we would prefer him without a shirt, it's a nice change of pace to see him in some nice, clean clothes instead of those dirty t-shirts. 

Mopey Melissa. I get it. Your womb is holding a dead man's baby. But she is constantly moping around or yelling at Spencer. Get ahold of yourself woman! 

...I miss your perfectly balanced wardrobe!

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