My Name Is Trouble - Part 2 of 2 - "Who Do They Think They Is?"

I have to say, there wasn't a whole lot happening with the supporting cast this week which is quite disappointing. Maybe we really do need Mona to pop in and class the joint up once in a while...

Aww, look how cute they look together! Add on the possibility of getting caught and I'm downright swooning over here. Aria's dress looks amazeballsUSA, but then again, she has to class it up if she's taking college classes now. It's clear that Ezra's new found freedom has gone to his head because he's wearing his shirt slightly unbuttoned. Oh you cad, sir. You rakish fop - button that up lest we see your collarbone! But seriously, when can we see you topless again?

*cat noise* *record scratch* *spit take* I'm going to sound like a total loser here but when Ezra pulled Aria across the couch by her booty, I damn nearly died. He's all, "I'm in a robe and I got my piece. Go get you some", except he's not exactly straight thugging in his cotton robe. Still, I do love putting mismatched dialogue into characters mouths.

Flashback Filter? Odd colour wash? Alison's in the house! There's nothing especially scandalous to report here fashion wise. However, in the character department, we finally saw some emotion bubble underneath her lioness like visage proving that the Queen Bee was not immune to feeling and acting like a human female.

Alison is totally dressed for a sleepover compared to...

these broads right here. Not that they aren't dressed for a sleepover but when I think of a prime time teen drama with girly sleepovers, I don't immediately picture polka dot robes and hoodies. I guess I've just been conditioned by popular culture to think that all girly sleepovers involve one really sexy teen wise beyond her years, three middle of the road lemmings and the "odd" girl who, with the right amount of styling, can become the really sexy teen. I'm talking Jawbreaker, Heathers, Empire Records, The Breakfast Club... you name it and I've described the casting process.

Another season of Jenna's glasses looms on the horizon. At least she's dressing her age again. I'm in love with this t-shirt but that's mostly because I bought one very similar at American Apparel recently. Predictable, thy name is Anthony. We can't play the Smock/Not-A-Smock game with Jenna because she lacks the boho flair of Aria. Maybe these classmates will start to exchange fashion tips? Hmm? Yeah, I'm not holding my breath.

"I'm the best mom in the world!" - oh, Ashley Marin, I do love you. I'm sure that falls under the penchant gay men have for brassy broads who aren't afraid to speak their mind. Or because of this screencap. For serious, I laugh everytime I look at it. I'm laughing now as I type and my roommate is asking me why clothes are so funny. He doesn't get it. If Ashely wore black every day, I'd be OK with that because girlfriend seems to have an endless supply of necklaces that make her clothes pop.

Pam, you are the most normal mom on Pretty Little Liars. She's always styled and put together but never over the top. I'm more apt to believe a mom character if I see her in a sweatsuit once; just once, and then we're cool. It makes me think back to the days when my mom was in her track suit phase. Adorable. There was a bit of a cute explosion when Pam read Emily's fake scholarship letter because she was just so darn excited. Look at that screencap! Presh.

Welcome to the Gallery of Minor Female Characters. Starting in the bottom left, we have Jackie who just caught Ezria in a totally steamy campus lip lock. It's either that or she's shocked that the title of Sexiest Professor no longer belongs to her. Whatever. Moving to the right you may feast your eyes on Lucas' new crush, Danielle. And of course, you will be trapped by her Bowie-esque shag that she's styled her hair into. I'm not getting down on it because I love the style. I will get down on the fact that this clearly does not shape her head well. Look, we've all had major hairstyles we've wanted to try, and we've all failed miserably at them. My advice: find a cut that works for you and hold on with the grip of Paz de La Huerta on a wine bottle. On the top row, Melissa is looking pensive and frustrated as usual. My question is, if she was really missing her wedding ring, and she was REALLY searching the Hastings House top to bottom, how did she miss that rock behind the toaster? Maybe she was concentrating on how she'll be able to keep her bitch face constant throughout this season. January Jones called - she wants her schtick back.

Boys, boys, boys! I'm not wild for the new Jason, I'm sorry. His hair is too floppy, he wears silver chains and he doesn't have that All-American look that I somehow imprinted on back in the day. He's eye-candy for sure but not my type. Why would he be my type when there are total DILFs running around like Tom. But then how can I betray my nerd crush, Lucas? I mean, if didn't already fall in love with his booty shorts last season, this t-shirt that says "Nerds Love Apple Pie" in symbols definitely sealed the deal. Hmm... on closer inspection, I seem to be in heat. At any rate, fashionable men in the PLL world just need a solid t-shirt with heather detail to get by. Lucky.

OF COURSE I was going to end this week with our favourite trending topic, Shirtless Toby! Hoot! It's funny, when he's at school and runs into Spencer, it looked like he and Emily were wearing the same thing. Toby obviously noticed as well, which is why he decided to take off his shirt because ain't no way Ems can compete with that. Oh, and the little tattoo shot? Priceless. OK, I definitely need to stop before I get a reputation i.e. the lecherous 'mo on staff. Sigh, it's been a good week kids.

The Goodbye Look - The Suspects - Part 2 of 2

In Rosewood, everybody is a suspect. Anybody could be A, anybody could be Alison's killer, and we don't even know yet if those two things are connected.

Before we get into the suspects, let's remember Alison. Pretty, conniving, mysterious Alison.

This adorable sundress was Kate's pick for best outfit of the week. I really like it too, especially how she wears it with this unexpected belt:

It's a really cute look. We also get a glimpse of her (newly recasted with a former underwear model) brother, Jason, in flashback:

I was going to say "typical teenage guy outfit," but it's actually not. Unless he's coming from a baseball game, it's a really fun retro look.

Let's get a closer look at the "new" Jason, shall we?

Weirdly enough, he looks enough like the previous Jason that, if I hadn't read about the recast, I might not have noticed. His hair is longer than Jason 1, but definitely a resemblance. And did I mention that he's a former underwear model? I'm sure that fellow YKYLF staffer L-A and I are not the only ones counting down to his first gratuitous shirtless scene.

Speaking of gratuitous male shirtlessness... well, there wasn't any this week. But we did get some nice images of Toby wearing a toolbelt:

Too bad he got fired from that job. I could really get used to Toby-the-handyman.

And then there's Ezra, still on Mr. Schue's 12 Step Program for Vest Addiction (tm Kate).

He looks like less of a dandy from 1902, but suddenly, also looks a lot less fun. Until he put on a three-piece suit for his college interview!

Dapper is the word that comes to mind. He's like a mini-Don Draper here. Who can blame Aria for running through the school and across the parking lot for a piece of that?

Mona looked surprisingly sane this week (I guess Aria and her bright blue rainboots were taking up Rosewood's quota of crazypants outfitting). This is a weird outfit to wear to school, but for Mona, is probably the equivalent of wearing a v-neck tee.

Is this the best that Mona has ever looked? That shade of green is stunning on her. And she's only wearing one bracelet! If we'd seen the rest of her outfit, I would have been tempted to give her outfit of the week, which is extremely surprising.

Green was apparently the colour of the week. Melissa looked pretty, despite the whole pregnant-and-possible-widowed, just-was-in-a-car-accident, sister-accused-husband-of-murder thing. I love her leopard print scarf, and I have no idea what she's doing sneaking off with the ultrasound picture. Ian better not be living in a tent somewhere, is all I have to say.

Pam looked cute this week, but who packs their house wearing white jeans? She is like the modern-day June Cleaver. Wouldn't be surprised if she was also wearing a string of pearls, and heels.

Ashley's back in basic black after last week's stunning pop of colour. I like the basic shape of her shift dress, but the overall look is kind of meh.

Let's end wth this rare shot of all four girls all together. In an episode that they were supposed to be avoiding one another, they spent more time as a foursome than many other weeks. It's also always fun to see them together to be reminded of how different all of their styles are!

You've got Sporty Spice, Preppy Spice, Boho Spice...although I'm having trouble coming up with a Spice Girl Spirit for Hanna. Suggestions?

[Ed. note: Trendy Spice, perhaps? or maybe I-was-silly-and-let-my-HOT-HOT-(almost)BF-leave Spice? -K]

It's Alive

Episode Synopsis: HOLY MOLY. If you didn't think this show could get any creepier after the first season, you were WRONG. These PLL writers sure know how to bring it. No one believes the girls that Ian died and they are all suspect in his disappearance. THEN they are forced to go to a therapist. THEN "A" breaks into Ezra's apartment (but who wouldn't after the show he put on for us!), THEN Melissa starts to believe Spencer...with everything leading to the discovery that Ian is alive. The creepiest moment and completely unexpected is the Noel-Mona relationship. Whoa...

(We're experimenting with a new post format. We got a lot of feedback saying that the old posts were too long. Let us know what you think of this new format over on the YKYLF Blog!)

The Standouts

Aria couldn't quite decide whether she was going for the sexy librarian look or an 80s teen (I daresay her Camp Mona hair would have looked superb with this outfit). So she decided to combine them. As separates, each piece is gorgeous and fits beautifully. The detailing on the collar is quite exquisite. But as one look, all I can say is "Aria, honey, what were you thinking?"

Ashley Marin? Is that really you? Well don't you look relaxed and fresh-faced, like you just came back from St. Barth's. Now we know where all the stolen money went. It's nice to finally see a nice bright pop of color on her, and that blue complements her hair so well! 

HELLOOO EZRA! I do believe this is the first time we've witnessed Mr. Fitz in this state of undress. Not too shabby ;)

 [Kate, I hearby request that you start tallying the number of "Gratiutious PLL Half-Naked Boys" in your mini recaps - Ed. Jen]

Done. Who am I to argue?

This is like one of those outfits that you see in the back of People or Us Magazine that has the person's eyes blocked out..."Mesh Gone Wrong." What is even going on here? Sheer, mesh, stripes, shimmery belt, metallic bag...at least she cinched her waist in (?)

 ...and if you saw the back (I wasn't quick enough to get a screenshot) she had on a red bra. Classy, Mona, classy. 

The Snores

So technically Emily had the only snooze-inducing wardrobe...can the girl get enough purple?? Hanna was impeccably dressed, as always. Aria's sartorial choices were nothing out of the ordinary for her...same for Spence. 

But can we please note Aria and Spencer in the first column in their PJs. Whose hair looks that fabulous after a night with the 5-0 and what I'm sure was a sleepless sleepover at Spencer's?

The supporting cast were all snores. Pam (Emily's mom) is usually perfectly attired in something that looks a little less mom-like and a little more Lily Humphrey, but not this time. Ella's pants are bunching at her knees--she wears those boots enough, one would think she would have purchased a pair of bottoms that fit neatly into them by now! And Mona switches out the hideous mesh monstrosity for leopard and gaudy earrings, but it is entirely Mona in a toned down kind of way. Btw: How does Noel go from Aria to Mona?? "A" collaborators, perhaps?

I want to rag on Melissa but unfortunately after the ordeal she was put through, that is exactly what I would be wearing--actually my sweats would be way less cute. 

Caleb, Toby, and Ezra were utterly and completely plain...I'm putting in a request to the wardrobe department: All the male character's wardrobes should only consist of pants from now on; but their faces are quite the opposite of snoozeworthy, so drink it in :) Although it does appear that Mr. Fitz has started Mr. Schue's 12-step program for Vest Addiction. Props to that!

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. 

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