The Perfect Storm - Part 1 of 1 - The Ensemble

Episode Synopsis: It's that time of the year again! No, not Christmas. SAT time! (Did you hear the sarcasm in that? I hope so.) The girls are about as thrilled about the SATs as I would be - Spencer gets even scarier, for one. But the looming test (you know, the one that basically decides their future) is put on hold when a storm hits Rosewood. Stuck at school, they all run into trouble that seems to follow them everywhere. Aria gets close to Noel, only to have to confront her relationship with Ezra. Emily confronts old demons and finally comes out to her friends after the discovery of an old letter she had written to Ali. Veronica comes clean to Spencer about an "imperfection", but also (essentially) gives Spencer and Alex her blessing. Hanna stands up to Mona and defends Lucas, who may or may not want more than friendship. All while a storm rages, Wilden snoops, and Ashley and Byron have a moment while stuck at the Marins' in the dark. Oh, and someone destroyed Ali's memorial - but it wasn't Emily, and it was possibly Lucas...hmm.

Since our Liars & Co. were stuck in one building for (almost) the entire episode, we're sticking them in one post for this recap. Seems appropriate.

Alex may have the most uninteresting outfits ever, but he's so adorable I can't fault him for his endless collection of hoodies.

I love Ali's outfits - of the five, she obviously had the best grasp on fashion at their age. The floral skirt and coral tank top are summery, and perfect for her age.

Boring T-shirt that she probably borrowed from Emily. But I love her nail polish.

Love, love, love this on Aria. The silhouette of the dress is fantastic on her, I'm a sucker for lace/patterned tights, and the boots are juxtaposed nicely. I especially love the grommet detailing on the dress.

Ashley always manages to look so well put together, even if she's just lounging at home during a storm. Love the color on her, it complements her hair well.

I'm not even sure if I should be including Byron because his outfits are always a bore. No exception here. But I was always curious about what could have happened between him and Ashley.

The paisley print top is not as flattering on her as it could be… I'm almost tempted to ask her to take lessons from Ashley.

Emily had the most outfits of anyone this episode, yet none of them were interesting…at all. The first was a dirt-stained yellow cap sleeve top and green cargos. The dirt makes it interesting, seeing as Ali's memorial was destroyed that night…

Too much jersey fabric in one place - though she does look comfortable.

Plaid and shorts. Boring.

Zip-up and shorts. Less boring because the top's color looks awesome with her skintone.

Rain-soaked, disapproving-expression Ezra is definitely preferable to no Ezra. His outfit seems to be the norm - slacks, sweater vest, collared shirt and tie.

The SATs aren't too high on Hanna's priority list, but comfy-yet-still-chic dressing definitely is.

Again, comfy-yet-stil-chic. The stretchy jersey fabric will mean she's focused on figuring out those math problems instead of her uncomfortable dress, and the sequined detailing adds interest.

And I love her trench coat even more - the color is perfect, the grommet detailing on the belt is cute, and the buttons are awesome.

Are those dirty shoes I spot? Other than that piece of possibly incriminating evidence, Lucas' outfit is mostly boring.

This is How Not to Dress for a Test, but other than that, Mona's outfit is lovely. The loud print is toned down by a black coat and wide belt, accessorized with awesome cranberry wedge booties, and other than the tacky gold details on her bag (Hanna once owned this? Really?), Mona's completely forgone the garish accessories.

Noel's outfit was painfully boring, as per usual. Some quick math - Noel + outfit = bored YKYLF writer. But Noel + outfit + guitar? Drool.

Fitted plaid shirt that does not look like it belongs in Dan Humphrey's closet means Spence gets an A+ in dressing for study sessions.

Comfort is key, I suppose? Although I wish she'd added some color to her outfit - it's painfully monochromatic.

I feel like we almost always see Veronica in a black skirt, pearls, and/or cardigan. Anyone else with me?
This line, however, was hilarious and deserves a mention: "I can't. God, I miss food. Eat some butter for me, will you?".

Trench coat, knotted scarf, and skirt…nothing out of the ordinary here. But the leopard umbrella is très fabuleux.

I am not liking Wilden in the slightest…even moreso because he wears uninteresting outfits and doesn't even bother to wear slightly interesting ties.

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. 

There's No Place Like Homecoming - Part 1 of 2 - Party Primp and Prep

Episode Synopsis: Ohh Homecoming: the make-up, the hair, the dress, the jewelry, the boys, the dancing, and...the being chased through empty hallways by a suspicious killer? That last bit was not much like the homecoming dances I remember, however, our pretties like to keep things interesting. The girls convince Aria to go to the dance even though she still has Ezra on the brain, Hanna goes with Sean (and pretty much ditches him), Spencer goes with Alex (and conniving Melissa messes with him), and Emily goes with...Toby (the girls are none too pleased about that choice, but they just haven't seen him with his shirt off yet). So of course, the night is spent worrying that Emily is going to be murdered--typical, right?!

Such a fabulous "going-to-school" outfit! Flattering chevron stripe? Check. Flattering studded belt at waist? Check. Plus soft, wavy hair...these kind of outfits remind me why I girl-crushed on Aria in the beginning. 

And of course, just lounging around: cut-offs and knee socks. Cute and comfy!

Kind of strange to see Aria with her pulled back, no?

Emily's old standy-by of t-shirt and jeans. Nothing special.

I had to replay this scene over and over. What is going on here? Is that really a cranberry-colored mini?? Not really the best way to combine "sporty" and "girly." Thank god she learned to dress slightly better the second half of the season.

Sometimes Hanna has her iffy moments, but this is not one of them. She's casual chic, and the T-strap sandals are the perfect complement.

Why did these girls wear so many mini-skirts?! I didn't realize when I originally watched these episodes...it kind of looks like Hanna's getting ready for a tap recital. Pretty blue top though.

And just wait...this is not even the last of the mini-skirts. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Hanna really has the best hair--jealousy is setting in.

Sometimes Spencer confuses me with her style. Case in point: preppy cardigan with bohemian top and light-wash jean shorts. Pick one!

 We saw Spence only wearing this for a brief moment. The girl really knows how to rock a belt.

While maybe not the best outfit in the world, Spencer does pulls off the looking-hot-while-painting thing. 

Alex is just too adorable. Even in a short-sleeve henley. 

Oh Jenna. I'm not sure whether I prefer the later episodes when you dress all in black, or the early ones with color combos like this...

Classic, awkward Lucas. And probably the boy with the most style on the show.

Maya must be friends with Vanessa Abrams. Hair is beginning to look fake, the jewelry is piling up, lots of patterns going on...

Denim mini! Told ya there is more! Mona's style really evolved from the first half to the second too. The blouse is not flattering and the light wash denim skirt should have stayed in 2004.

At this point, little did we know what Toby was hiding underneath that t-shirt ::sigh::

Salt Meets Wound - Part 2 of 3 - The Navy Cavalry

Poor Hanna was confined to a wheelchair for the entire episode, and her sartorial choices were quite limited. This is the same Hanna that wore that gorgeous pink silk robe and ruffled top in the hospital, right? But she was nearly run-over, so I'll forgive the baggy sweater.

Her outfit for the party is still casual, but less scruffy. The sheer top and black tank aren't quite noteworthy…but her hair? Good God, this girl has the most gorgeous hair, even when she's supposed to be incapacitated.

First, I had a bit of a laugh at the fact they made Hanna hold (or rather, hug) a bag of chips. And her dowdy, loose, baggy clothes belong to the less fabulous Hanna Marin, but they do fit her pre-Alison's-death character rather well.

More loose, non-form-fitting shirts for Hanna, and though it's apparently summer, she's still covering herself up. Chin up, Han!

I love Maya's camel-colored coat. The leather looks sumptuous, and there's some pleating detail around the buttons. It was difficult to see what she was wearing underneath, but it looks to be a cute zip-front shirt paired with an avacado-green lacy top.

For dinner with Emily's parents, Maya goes for a gorgeous, and yet still demure, strapless dress with an interesting print. And the chains and pearls necklace is a nice touch. I'm guessing the navy cardigan was worn with Emily's straitlaced mother in mind?

Mona may be the new Vanessa. Okay, not really--but kind of. Her oversized ring, hoops, and gaudy necklace are not a step in the right direction. But let's count the cringe-worthy aspects of her outfit.
Metallic bag (cringe). Too-tight mini in hideous floral print (cringe). Braided belt cinching together a too-small jean jacket (cringe).

While her first outfit was a flop, I really loved Mona's party outfit. The chandelier earrings and pendant are just enough jewelry, and the bandeau skirt paired with loose polka-dotted top is so Mona. Only cringeworthy aspect here may be the giant belt buckle.

We at YKYLF usually recap the main/supporting characters' outfits. But this girl's outfit was so great I couldn't resist. The navy and white striped dress paired with gauzy red scarf resonated with my love for all things nautical-themed. Plus, her jacket is swoon-worthy.

(OMG, hi Serena van der Woodsen! - Jen)

Oh, boys. They PLL boys are usually more fun to look at than to discuss sartorially.

Example 1: Adorable smile. Light grey tee. Dark grey sweater.

Example 2: Grey. And Navy. But Noel more than makes up for it with his adorable puppy-dog expression.

Example 3: Even when they were younger, they were boring. Or, Noel was, at least. Nothing noteworthy here, except for thank God he learned how to style his hair.

Example 4: Pretty eyes. Chinos. White button-up with peculiar pockets.  Grey and navy cardigan.