Breaking the Code - Part 1 of 3 - R U A?

Much like Kate last week, I was so caught up in the dramz that I didn't notice a lot of the fashion until a second viewing. Now, that's some SERIOUS DRAMZ because I didn't notice several NOTABLE FASHION PIECES this week, but we'll get into that in a bit.
So, this week on THE SCARIEST SHOW ON TV: Mona's being harassed by A (or is she secretly A and pretending to be harassed?) which brings her closer to Hanna. Emily is sad Maya's gone MIA (or is she secretly A?) which brings her closer to Crazy Paige. Aria comes clean to her friends about Ezra (IS HE A?) and then he totally dumps her. Spencer gets drunk and makes a pass at Cute Wren (IS HE A??) and then goes off to possibly be killed by Melissa (WHO IS PROBABLY A!!). Oh, and Ashley and Ella form the beginnings of Pretty Little Liars, Sr., as they finally notice their daughters have been stalked/harassed for like 10 years now.

This week brings the usual amount of creeptastic "A" suspects, starting with Skeezy Garrett and his M&Ms of doooooom:

Remember Ian and his creepy breakfast foods habit? The milk glass of doom? Did the NAT club sit around like ANTM contestants, practicing their best angles for creepy stalker eating/drinking?

Flashback Melissa is like, "Am I late for NAT snacktime? Dammit, I was really craving M&MS."

Cute outfit/terrifying body language. Have we seen Spencer wearing that belt? Maybe Melissa turned into "A" because she got fed up with Spencer borrowing her prepster accessories. Anyway, this screencap is creepy as anything, so I don't blame the PLLS for being like: 

Melissa is straight up creepy, you guys. I have serious concerns about Spencer leaving with her at the end of the episode.

And not just because she's wearing a matching skirt and scarf. Or is it all one thing? A shirtscarf? Either way, it's straight up fug and she can't blame pregnancy hormones because SHE'S TOTALLY EVIL.

Mona may not be totally evil, but she's totally suspicious this week. Why would A suddenly begin picking on her, unless she's secretly in league with A and trying to gain Hanna's trust? Anyway, her first outfit was That's So Mona:

Weirdly fitting green camo skirt with one of Spencer's preppy belts and one of Ashley's silk blouses? That's So Mona!

Trying to decide between fug...

... and fuglier?

That's So Mona!

That's also the ugliest dress ever. I don't blame Hanna for being like, "Whatevs, they're both cute," because Mona needs a military-scale fashion intervention to save her style. Hanna has more important things to do than try and talk some sense into the girl considers this drapery nightmare any sort of option.

The more freaked out Mona gets about A, the curlier her hair gets and the weirder her outfits become. She was in full-on 80s drag the next day at school...

To be fair, so was everybody else. Clearly it was Messed Up 80s Cocktail Dress Day at Rosewood, but we'll get into that in Part 2. And 3. (OH MY GOD ARIA)

Emily had the (welcome?) return of her former psycho stalker/bully/closeted girlfriend, Crazy Paige!

Paige looks SO much cuter with her bob grown out. Her low-key outfit complements Emily's laidback style. I don't know if I'm shipping Em/Paige because Maya was so creepy last week, or if it's because Paige was so cute this week. But Crazy Eyes pulled out all the stops to woo her gay mentor. Too bad about that unfortunately-timed kiss, though.

Speaking of awkward moments, Spencer gave Aria a run for her money by going after her own older man.

Hey, at least we know this guy's not A, right? 

OK, OK, so Spencer actually put the moves on Dr. Wren, bringing us as close as possible to gratuitous male shirtlessness this week.

He's so cute, you guys. I mean, look how happy he is getting hit on by Drunk!Spencer (but what human being wouldn't have a grin like that if they were in his position?)

Remember she's like, 16 or something, bro. #jailbait

I'm glad Wren brought the cuteness this week, because it was not a very stylish week for the menfolk. Ezra, you broke Aria's heart; then you wear a jacket with patches on the elbows? 

Aria, sweetie? You're better off without him. Seriously. Elbow patches? On a khaki Members Only-ish jacket? Really? I'm horrified not only that he's wearing that, but that someone sewed that, and a store sold it. Ultimately, however, Ezra was the one to purchase it, which tells you everything you need to know about his taste.

Holden can do martial arts, Aria! And he would never wear a jacket like this. #justsayin

Monsters in the End - Part 3 of 3 - All the rest

I just want to know: how does Alison get that perfect loose curl, wavy hair?? Attention ABC Family programming, your next "how-to" commercial segment needs to be this. Thanks. 

The gray-on-gray doesn't really do much for Caleb. He should just start wearing no shirt around. It would totally be believable because he's homeless...

The army green utility jacket looks great and with that perfectly tousled hair. YUM. 

Ezra is testing out his 'Ian face'.

 A vest would have looked great on top of this plaid shirt and solid tie (just a note for next time).

Green. again. This color keeps popping up on everyone! I like it. 

Can I just ask: who wears a long-sleeve shirt under a button down? The fact that this shirt has clearly been borrowed from a lumberjack or the Brawny man is besides the point. The long-sleeve undershirt peeking out from the rolled up cuffs is strange, no? 

I really like this jacket and especially the color. If Jenna can invest in a new pair of sunglasses soon, her style rank may start to improve. 

Scarf? Cute. Jacket? Cute. Hair, make-up, and accessories? Very cute. Great job, Mona. You don't look over done-up or too trendy for once!

Another score! The casualness of the hat and sweater paired with the embellished top and chain earrings are a perfect match. 

Paige defintely has worn worse things. So I'll give it a 'meh.'

I'm a sucker for anything shearling, so the jacket is acceptable. I'm especially intrigued by her top underneath (I wish we could have seen it!): it's plaid with some type of studs...

Is it just me or does Toby get cuter and cuter each week? I do love a man who can get his hands dirty...

Toby's "concerned-for-Spencer" and "come-hither" face all in one. Presh. 

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.

A Person of Interest - Part 1 of 2 - The Lovers

Spencer and Toby figure out 214 refers to a hotel room in which Jenna may or may not be devising evil plots(?). This leads to an overnight stakeout, which leads to Scrabble, which leads to kissing...duh. Meanwhile, Ashley figures out Caleb's been staying with them, so Hanna runs off to go camping with Caleb, where they wind up kissing...and more. Paige and Emily go on two dates, but Emily has no time for Paige's closeted shenanigans. When Ezra spends time helping Jenna with her writing, Aria decides to come clean about her part in Jenna's accident. And remember how they gave the bloody trophy to the police last week? Well, that put the PLLs on the police's radar and, with the help of Emily's old friend Garrett, the episode wraps with Spencer being named a person of interest in Alison's murder.

OK, so if last week's episode included some exciting kisses, this week's ramped up the love and romance. And the suspense. And the plot twists. This episode was, basically, amazing. But did the characters have time to worry about their clothes in the midst of all this delicious drama?

Well, I know my girl Spencer will never let me down. Even when things are going poorly, she's... wait a minute... are those... Uggs?

Well, she's been through a lot. She thought she found the murder weapon, she finally let the police know her suspicions about Ian, nobody but her BFFs believe a word she says. I guess I'd go with baggy pj's, Ugg boots, and unwashed hair, too.

Luckily, she sorts herself out quickly, putting on this hyper-preppy look, including necktie.

This, by the way, is the look she gets on her face when Toby asks if she's really comfortable wearing that jacket and tie overnight. Which is right before he offers her a set of pajamas. Which is right before... well...

Ahem. We'll get to Toby in a bit. (And I wonder if that tattoo is show-related, or something the actor has? And I wonder what it says??)

Aside from her Uggs moment, Spencer was as poised as ever in a grand return to her preppy style, including this military style jacket with epaulettes at the police station. This is a jacket that says, "Don't mess with me," even if her face is saying, "I am clearly lying to you right now."

Post-smoochies with Toby, Spencer returned home in a cute nautical-print tee and blazer... only to be carted off to the police station again. Still, at least she looks cute.

Also looking cute? Her surprising new love interest, Toby Cavanaugh (and his adorable new haircut!) For their stakeout of room 214, Toby started off in a cute corduroy jacket...

... then settled in for an evening of Scrabble in a cute denim cowboy shirt...

... then settled in for the evening in a pair of pajama pants. He let the moonlight be his shirt.

Now, Kate called Toby's abs as the outfit of the week. And so far, I think I have to agree. I love you Spencer, but Toby's clearly been doing sit-ups all season in preparation for this moment. Look how he wakes up:

"I think I'll have about 50 sit-ups for breakfast today, thanks."

Best stakeout partner EVER. Spencer, if you don't take him up on his offer to stay over for another stakeout, I don't know what's wrong with you.

Also kissing this week were the #2 trending topic on Twitter, Haleb!

Which half of Haleb has the prettier hair? I seriously don't know. Maybe after last week's shower extravaganza, they've been hanging out doing deep conditioning treatments together?

Hanna started things off with a kind of failed Gossip Girl knock-off blazer ensemble.

She is probably just too distracted by the abs running around her house to notice what she's putting on. That is her only excuse. Luckily, her perfect hair saves this outfit, which she wears for much of the episode.

And then, Hanna being Hanna, she put on her best lacy bodysuit over capri cargo pants to join Caleb on an overnight camping trip. It's almost like she knew something like this would happen...

It was hard to get a screencap, and I know you're distracted by the hottie on the left of this photo, but bear with me for a moment and look at what Hanna is wearing from the waist up. She is wearing a BLACK LACE BODYSUIT. On a CAMPING TRIP. I don't care how warm the weather is where you live, that is just not practical. I'm also not sure how practical that is for canoodling with Caleb in the tent, but I'll just trust Hanna is able to shimmy out of that one-piece with her usual style.

When she returns home in the morning, her hair is still magically perfect. And we see that she's covered up the lace bodysuit with her best approximation of camping attire.

The baggy shirt with the belt uselessly on the outside of the pants... I mean... what is she going for here, exactly? Then again, whatever. She's got perfect hair and Caleb living with her, so she can really wear whatever she likes... or does she have Caleb? WHO WAS HE TALKING TO AT THE END OF THE EPISODE? If he is playing Hanna, I will gladly join Ashley in destroying him.

Aw, no, I can't stay mad at that face. Caleb, never change. PS -- when did the guys on this show get to be almost as awesome as the girls? Remember those interchangeable douches from the first half of the season? Sean who? Noel what? Toby and Caleb mesh so much better than those guys ever did. Remember that terrible boyfriend Emily had at the beginning? So glad we're rid of him.

And now Emily gets to move onto new love interests, like Paige, who got to wear this sweater that I WANT!

I really, really like this outfit. Here's a closer look at the sweater that I NEED TO HAVE.

So cute. However, her outfit for her secret karaoke-bar date with Emily left much to be desired.

Paige, sweetie, I realize you're doing your best to shed your inhibitions but that shirt. Has got. To go. At first, I thought it was an off-the-shoulder top with visible bra straps underneath, but no. If you look closely, you can see that the straps are attached to the top. It's like the evil lovechild of a sportsbra and a pajama top. And you may be thinking, but what if she wore it with like, skinny jeans and boots, it could be a cute outfit, right?

We will never know, because this is how Paige finished off her look:

Is it a coincidence or conspiracy that all of the full-body shots of her in this outfit were either blurry or dark? Did the stylist realize what she'd done and the director had to try and hide as much of Paige's too-short denim mini and ill-advised cowboy boots as possible?

I love Emily so much, I just want for her to find the girl equivalent of Caleb/Toby. And Paige, with her off-key karaoke warblings and in-the-closet behaviour are just not that girl. I was so proud when Emily wouldn't put up with being Paige's secret girlfriend. And I was also proud when I saw this amazing outfit Emily was wearing this week.

Yes! This is how you do a deconstructed tee with jacket and jeans! Everything here is perfection - her shiny hair, her slouchy bag, the comfy jacket, and especially the supercute tank.

This is the flipside of Paige's ridiculous off-the-shoulder look. Emily's tee is casually cinched at the back and drapes perfectly over her jeans. Check out this side view:

You guys. I think I might have to give Emily her first-ever outfit of the week for this. For a girl who always wears a tee and jeans, she keeps finding new ways to keep it interesting.

I just hope she finds a girl who's worthy of her!

The New Normal - Part 2 of 2 - Mr Rogers Neighborhood

So, remember how Aria was dressing more youthfully than ever? In contrast, Ezra apparently decided to try and dress like he's Mr Rogers.

"Won't you be my neighbor?"

When he stood up to Paige's nasty father in the cafeteria, we see that at least he's got his shirt untucked.

But he's wearing CORDUROY PANTS. If he shows up in the next scene in a sweatervest, I think we can say for sure that he's... wait, what?

"Will you be mine, won't you be mine?"

Right, so, moving on. Rosewood's resident bad (or maybe just misunderstood?) boys, Toby and Caleb, show off their respective casual styles. Toby smolders in this loose-fitting black leather jacket.

While Caleb broods in this Jordan Catalano-inspired plaid outfit.

Noel who? Sean what? Were there any other guys on this show before Caleb showed up?

Then there's Emily's new potential love interest, redheaded Paige in her turtle-motif cardigan:

And, while Ella wins for best Mom style this week, Ashley's professional attire was reminscent of another glamorous redhead, Joan from Mad Men.

Pam's style was much more low-key this week, maybe to show how her character was less about appearances and more about Mama Bear protectiveness. Best Mom of the Week, for sure, even in this plain "doin' the laundry, not at all spying on my daughter" outfit.

And honourable mention for more memorable outfit of the week goes to this woman.

The other teacher going to the author reading with Ella and Ezra. I'm not sure who she is, maybe the French teacher mentioned a few times this week? But I will suggest right now that maybe she is A! Or at least, she photo-bombed this scene quite effectively.

Oh, and Emily was there this week too.

Honestly, it doesn't really matter what Emily wears. She's such a gorgeous girl, she's got homophobic enemy swimmers, town outcasts, hippie neighbours and even Alison herself throwing themselves at her all the time. I appreciate that she tried something new with the knitted cap look... but maybe it's best to leave the experimental style to Spencer and Aria.