It Happened That Night - Part 1 of 3 - The Changelings

Five months later and it appears that A has left the PLLs alone for the summer, leaving them to actually do something with their lives. Or in Emily's case, leave her to party and gain the tolerance of a linebacker (or so she thinks). But of course, as a new school year begins, the "real" A returns, sending creepy texts and doing even creepier things. Over the summer, Spencer apparently took a full load of college courses; Aria took an art class (?) a.k.a. she sexed it up with Ezra all summer; Emily went to build houses and do something humanitarian; and Hanna pretty much sexed it up with Caleb. A, however, is having none of the summer lovin' and is back to tormenting the girls. Will we ever find out the real A??

I can't decide how I feel about Aria's new 'do. It's lost that PLL gleam and definitely makes her look like she's not of age to be dating Ezra.

Luckily her style hasn't changed much. Because who wouldn't wear combat boots to a sleepover party with your best friends?

Boho Aria makes a return. And finally a completely acceptable outfit for hanging out with your bf. Fun tank. Shortie shorts for the warm weather and simple (I repeat, simple) accessories. 

Oh, and Aria and Ezra have not had a scene this hot since the first night they met. HOT. HOT. HOT. 

Not quite sure who Aria is trying to emulate here. Is the scarf supposed to hide her hickeys? And why are the ruffles a part of this tunic? She must have picked this out of the little girl's section. BUT the best of this outfit are her shoes. AMAZE-BALLS. 

TV characters...they're just like us! Yes, Aria wore this exact outfit in the pilot. But if it works, you work it hard. 

But you know what doesn't work? This outfit. Ugh, so many things wrong with it. First: Who wears overalls anymore? Second: who wears overalls as a swimsuit cover-up? Third: who wears a retro bikini top under overalls? Then again, should we have expected anything less from Aria on a day at the pool? 

Speaking of things that chap my hide, I. hate. Hanna's. hair. so. much. It's messy and choppy. It looks like she took her own scissors to her hair. What was she thinking?? Did she want matching hair to Caleb's after their summer of love? Luckily she's wearing a cute tank that slightly, only slightly, makes her hair look a little better. 

Then she wears something like this. So much going on, I can hardly tell what's the worst part. Is it the colored stripes clashing against the lace? Is it the bling-y necklace and the lace? Clearly, Ali's unwarranted exhumation hasn't fazed her style one bit.

Oh, and fringe? To school? Who does Hanna think she is, Aria? 

Hanna then confuses herself with a Real Housewife of <insert city here>. Normal people do not dress up a maxi dress to visit their former bestie in an insane asylum. 

More fringe. Hanna, honey, a cute fringed swimsuit does not make up for a bad haircut. Seriously, it's edging on Felicity disastrous haircut magnitude. Where are the lucious locks we used to covet?

It Happened That Night - Part 2 of 3 - Same As Always, Sort of

Emily may have picked up the bottle over the summer, but thank god she didn't chop her hair off like two other PLLs. And her style hasn't changed, either. She always rocks a fantastic leather jacket. 

Oh em gee. Not a t-shirt! Emily has escalated to full on button-up top. 

But really, I love when Emily goes for the rocker chick look. A tank, vest and perfect necklace complete her look. Can this be her new thing, please?

Ok, so I have a few problems with Em's jogging outfit. She's supposed to be a serious athlete and it appears she is not wearing a sports bra. I like to consider myself a semi-serious runner and I know for a fact that this bra situation is not comfotable. AND she's wearing straight-up cotton. Cotton does not wick!

Switching to Spencer, we see she's wearing some spectacular colors this episode. Although this is a simple tee, the color looks great. Take note, she did not cut her hair or majorly change her style. I don't think we could have handled more than two character looks changing. And by "we", I do mean "me". 

Not only is Spence reliable, she's also my pick for best outfit of the episode with this comfy but cute blouse, and fun, body-con skirt. This may quite possibly be Spencer's version of dressing down.

More Dolce Vita...

A close runner-up to Spencer's best oufit. Nothing too flashy and entirely respectable for the first day of senior year. 

The PLLs have such different pool-wear style. Although Spencer's choice does complement Aria's retro top. There must be some good vintage shops in Rosewood...

It Happened That Night - Part 3 of 3 - The Leftovers

Emily should really take some tips from Pam. She sports the summer Hamptons look like she's a member of the Revenge cast.

Also winning points in the Most Stylish Mom category is Veronica. A little summer air has done her good! Lovin' her hair and red is totally her color. 

Sorry moms, time to check in on the boys. Garrett looks so much hotter in jail, right? That Justin Bieber hair is really working for him. 

And this suit is working for Wren. Although, he just shows up everywhere, doesn't he? I love that the PLL writers try to keep him on the show by inserting his "doctor" abilities anywhere that seems plausible. 

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Let's end on the best-dressed of all. IT'S MALE SHIRTLESSNESS TIME! After a near-season of drought, ABCFamily heard our pleas and gave us some eye candy. Let's just revel in Toby's perfect physique.

Alright, so there was only one example of male shirtlessness. But still, it's a start. We'll take what we can get.

Mini Recap: It Happened That Night

I can't even begin to describe the joy I felt when I began watching the season premiere, but I then quickly remembered the paranoia and fear that PLL brings. Why does Spencer go to that creepy, isolated, abandoned hotel room by herself? Since when did Emily become a raging alchoholic? Why is Mona still psycho? And most importantly how does Toby stay so hot??

Drama-rama du jour
After a summer of A freedom, the messages are starting up again. 

Gratuitous Male Shirtlessness
Toby. Toby. Toby. Thank you sweet baby Jesus for that fine speciman of a man.  

Best Outfit
Let's be honest here, everyone was wearing some pretty strange stuff. If I must pick something, Spencer's light blue blouse looked divine on her whilst shopping with her mom.  

Best 'A' Message
"Mona played with dolls, I play with body parts. Game on, bitches."  

Current 'A' Suspect
Obviously Mona had something to do with A, but clearly there is someone else lurking in the shadows.  

I (Kate) am on recapping duties this week. Look for it Thursday!