Picture This - Part 1 of 2 - Remember, I Own You

Episode Synopsis:  Stolen kisses, hard goodbyes, breaking and entering, hot and heavy dreams, creeptastic pictures, dazed and confused - this pretty much sums up this week's episode.  Aria was too busy dreaming about (and kissing) both Ezra and Jason to notice that Mike has officially gone off the deep end.  Spencer has returned to her 007 roots, stumbling upon Jason's dark room filled with freaky pictures of Aria.  Emily continues to be controlled by 'A' who forces Emily to give her number to Samara's friend Zoey (who bears a striking resemblance to Taylor Momsen).  Of course, Samara finds out about this and isn't too pleased with Em.  But even with all the craziness that happened this week, the only thing that mattered is that our favorite couple, Hanna and Caleb, had the most heart-breaking goodbye as Caleb left for California to finally reunite with his mom.  Heart.  Breaking. 

There was too much sleuthing, crying and puppeteering by 'A' for our Liars to worry much about their fashion choices, but we did have a few respectable outfits.

'A' just gets creepier and creepier by the day, and he/she seems to really have it out for Emily. 

Aria was troubled by some steamy dreams about Jason (though with that body, can't say I'd be too disappointed about having those dreams), and as a result she amped up her love sessions with Ezra.  But with this outfit, I'm not too surprised he had reservations about actually doing something about Aria's advances.  I don't like high waisted anything and this shirt with the ruffled skirt on the bottom is terrible.  It almost looks like she's wearing a leotard with a very short, and very high ballet skirt.  Gives me the willies. 

 

One of Aria's dream sequences.  At least she dreams well.  She is wearing the prettiest little nightgown here.  The color is gorgeous, and it's sexy but still not too revealing since she is only what?  16?  I do have to say though, that I much prefer Jason here, even if he is the weirdest, creepiest guy this side of the Mississippi.  Oh, and I think Aria looks absolutely stunning. She should wear her hair pulled up more often. 

Yes, Aria, that is the same face I made when I saw this outfit.  I was super surprised because in a normal world, this is not an outfit I would approve of.  But in this crazy, messed up world of Rosewood, I actually love this outfit so much.  I love all of it.  The multi-colored tank with belt (although, what's with the arrow?  It's basically begging Jason to come on in), the bright blue jeans which are so in right now, the boots....ahh I want it all!

 

And well, he took her up on her invitation.  Aria and Jason's stolen kiss, and methinks the lady doth (not) protest too much.  If only she knew what was in his shed...

 

Here's Aria's shirt covered up with one of her many jackets.  Thankfully, this one is not a cropped one.  Emily looks about as excited as a fashionista shopping in Wet Seal.  At least her outfit isn't too bad, but I can't tell if her jacket is cropped or not.  I really like her bag though.  Great outfit for school.

 

Maybe 'A' is targeting Em because he/she is tired of how bland she dresses?

A closer look at Emily's sparkly shirt.  This is a very nice change from her normal cotton v-neck t-shirts.  I am really into this olive green color at the moment, and the gold sparkles really add a nice girly touch.

 

So maybe our lovely Em doesn't dress the best, but she sure knows how to rock a manicure.  Like PLL Editor Kate, I too am obsessed with nail polish (I mean like really, I've been known to ask random girls on the street what shade of polish they're wearing).  This bright yellow is so fun and looks wonderful with her skin tone. 

 

Dear Samara, if you continue to dress this horribly, I'm going to have to forbid you from hanging out with Emily.  She already has enough troubles without your poor wardrobe choices potentially influencing her.  I hope you understand.  Sincerely, Lauren.

 

I mean really, is she a biker chick, is that what the holes in her ridiculously long shirt are all about?  Newsflash love - you're not preggers, no need to wear maternity clothes.

Gah this outfit just breaks my heart.  It's such a waste of denim.  I wish they would pass a fashion law that forbids denim to be used for anything other than pants, shorts, or skirts. 

 

Looks like the girls are going through a curly hair phase, and I must say I think it looks excellent on all of them.  And even though candy-striper outfits are a disgrace to the fashion world, the girls don't look half-bad in them.

 

I'm so sorry you have to bear witness to this, I tried to shield your eyes from this monstrosity as best I could.  On the bottom we have Spencer's standard pair of jeans and boots, but on top we have...

...a shirt stolen from Rachel Berry's closet.  Spencer, darling, we are not in pre-school, please try to dress your age. 

 

It's common knowledge that Spencer's family is very well off, so I find it very hard to believe that she doesn't have enough money to buy a proper outfit and had to turn an old Mexican blanket into a tunic.  And then pair it with a terribly ugly belt.  Her only saving grace are her boots, which are mucho fierce.  Mucho. 

Never one to disappoint, Spencer dons another pair of her usual pants, this time in grey.  I have no idea what color pants I would wear with this top [or whatever it is], because I would just never be caught dead in it, but I don't think grey was the right choice.  And Emily's back in her black cotton v-neck, and jeans with a hole that I could fit my head through.

 

'A' is onto Spencer and Emily, caught red handed in Jason's dark room.  So are we supposed to think that 'A' is Jason since he had all the surveillance equipment and was the one taking pictures and had the dark room?  That's some pretty good evidence against him, but I'm not 100% convinced yet. Still too many suspicious characters.

 

Even though I find Spencer's mom to be a little shady, I think we can rule out the three moms due to their lack of interest in their wardrobe.  Though is it a coincidence that all three were dressed in the same color, Ashley is the best dressed. I actually do like her dress and it fits her really well.  But Veronica should know that silk does not mean high fashion, nor does it even mean a nice shirt.  And Ella only has one outfit and is just so far beyond help I don't think I have patience for her anymore. 

  

Could Jason be any more creepier (I'm saying that in my Chandler Bing voice...c'mon, say it with me).  I just got the shivers.  The only time Jason is really worth mentioning (or thinking about) is when he has his shirt off.  I really don't blame Aria for dreaming about him non-stop. 

And seriously, what is going on with Mike?  I still think he's a prime suspect for 'A'.  Or he's in cahoots with him/her.  Maybe he's been so brainwashed that he just can't function anymore?  Or as Byron suspects, maybe it is drugs.  I just don't know, but something weird is going on, and Jason seems to care a little too much about the whole Montgomery family. 

 

And then there's Jenna who's trying to get her eye sight back.  What will this mean for our Liars?  Not sure, but I do know that this is one of the best outfits I've seen Jenna wear.  I really like the slightly slouchy shirt with skinny jeans look, it fits her very well and she doesn't have any weird accessories thankfully. 

 

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!

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

Monsters in the End - Part 2 of 3 - Aria, Ella, Spencer and Veronica

It seems strange that Aria is wearing something SO simple. She is not one to be afraid of piling on the accessories, prints, layers etc., but the embellishment on the neckline is spot on.

Ok, back to the Aria we know and love, although...not so much love for this outfit. At first glance, it's fine. But upon closer inspection, there is way too much going on. The belt looks too busy with the military-style buttons on the jacket AND then on top of a shirt that has a small ruffle AND that is made of two kinds of fabric...? Just wait for it...

A dual-printed maxi skirt WITH leather boots! Her bottom half is off to Little House on the Prairie, while her top half is just plain confused as to where it's going. 

Cute, comfy, simply can't go wrong with a slouchy knit and scarf. 

I haven't come to consensus about this lengthy, feather earring (or is it attached to her hair?). I'm just insanely jealous of that super cute laptop skin. 

This one is a little hard to see but it was the best shot I could get of Aria's boots and coat together. We've seen the boots on her before and I NEED them. So badass...and paired with that puffer--I'm ready to hit a mountain town for a little vaca. 

I added Ella in here because I love her boots--so hip for a teacher. Her pants look a little bunched above the boots, but that's just me being picky. Also, her face in this screencap? Priceless!

Spencer found the three most ugliest sweaters on the planet and wore all in one episode. I guess this first one isn't too bad, but c'mon, you're like 16 or 17 years old. STOP shopping in your grandma's closet!

Ditto above comment. 

This is the worst one. The color is blah, the cable knit with the shawl collar and tighter-fitting bodice is just wrong. Then please notice the cuffs of her sleeves. Did Spencer get bored at home and have a DIY craft day? Those cuffs look completely out of place! 

Totally appropriate for setting up booths at a festival. 

Spencer redeems herself (slightly) with this ivory jacket. The perfect transition piece from winter to spring. Yet another item on my wish list ::sigh::

I just love when we compare the mother's wardrobes. Each one has her own style (although Ella seems to get lost sometimes) but Veronica always looks polished, age and work appropriate. 

Someone to Watch Over Me - Part 3 of 3 - The Background Players

Calling everyone else the background players is not totally fair but I needed a way to lump them all together, or else you'd be sitting here reading my snark for days.

If I could talk to anyone in Rosewood, I think I'd like to talk to the Chief of Police. Why? To ask him how he does not find Ian suspicious and menacing. In this episode, Ian looms in the dark drinking things with a smug look on his face.  At least he's well dressed, albeit a very preppy style. 

It looks like he ran into a J. Crew outlet and came out looking like an accountant. My personal favourite are his shoes - so casual and perfect for running from the scene of the crime. I'm onto you!

While Ashley seems to be of the same monochromatic mind frame as Jenna most days, you have to appreciate that she knows how to wear it well. By day, she's a personal banking officer who secretly stole $50,000 from a dead woman...but by night? Woman is a danger cat.

I can't talk about a black pantsuit at length but check out that silhouette. That is a woman in great shape, my friends. I know she has potential for a vicious cat fight because I used to watch Melrose Place, but I'd trade it all in for something daring in her wardrobe. Oh who am I kidding, I want a cat fight.

There is something about Byron's voice that just irks me. I can't put my finger on it but at any rate, were he one of my professors in university, I would have had a little crush on him because he wears dark denim. Most of my profs wore ill-fitting plaid shirts with pleated pants or Wrangler jeans. If that's your style then go for it, but stay out of my sight line...

 

Dear Caleb: Now that you're living in a lovely home with a fully kitted out bathroom, why is your hair unmanageable? I think someone's been dipping into Hanna's volumizing shampoo - and liked it. My only qualm with Caleb is that they try too hard to paint him as the bad boy vagrant with his clothing. 

Is army green a requisite for bad boys? I'm not loving the jeans either but as with Toby, we've all seen what's underneath, so right now we're caught in a deadly cat and mouse game of "who looks better with his shirt off?"

I would have almost believed Ella was having fun with her daughter, but the lacklustre tone in each line she delivers leads me to believe that someone is drinking at home...alone. Ella always looks professional when she goes to school and I love the coat she's wearing here, especially the cuffs. It might be a minor details but it counts. 

 

I'm not crazy about her top with its weird ascot-like detail; I see no purpose other than drawing attention away from the fact that she's wearing two watches. I realise one is probably a bracelet but I like to think she was so desheveled trying to conceal her affair with her husband that she wore two watches. One is set to Mom Time and the other to Sexy Time.

 

Mike! Look at you with your dialogue and graphic tee that I'm curious where you purchased. He's wearing some army green of his own, so maybe today was a Bad Boy day for the misunderstood Montgomery. 

 

So you might be thinking there's nothing interesting about a red hoodie, but I say stop that thinking and see the subtext - his hoodie fits! I consider it a small victory but a victory nonetheless. 

 

And last, but certainly not least, we have Veronica Hastings. Compared to Ashley, Veronica is toning down her sensuality by wearing more matronly tops. This ruffled business would usually turn me off from positive thoughts but I think it works. Veronica is a serious woman with a serious career and she doesn't need to be slinking around in tight black power suits.

I'd love to see a cat fight between her and Ashley; I think they're both ruthless. I wonder how many fountains Rosewood has for cat fight purposes?

Random Background Character Bonus!: It doesn't matter who this background artist is. All that matters is the awesome trench he's wearing. Couple that with his smart leather briefcase and we've found ourselves a fashionable Rosewood man.

I'm destroying the edge of my seat in anticipation for next week. Now that Jenna's been slapped, you know she's going to bring the crazy. Until then, friends!