The Sun Also Rises - Part 2 of 2 - Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves

Now that I think about it, my title may not be the best representation of the what happens with the ladies in this episode. Although, when you look back, they are the ones taking care of business. As usual.

Time to add one more body to growing pile of dead characters. Later, Jules! At least you’re dying while wearing a killer denim jacket. P.S. - your hair has never looked better. Lazers!

I included this photo because they are standing in my dream apartment. Exposed brick, butcher block counter tops and Barbra Walters-esque soft lighting. Oh, by the way, this isn’t Elena - it’s Katherine. How do I know? The cleavage.

Greta also made her departure in this episode which is too bad because as far as evil witches go, she was totally hot. Maybe it’s the attitude or maybe it was the limitless supply of power but girl was working her role as Klaus’ witch for hire.

 

Come on! When did we ever catch Bonnie in an outfit like that? The leather, the earrings, the beads...my god the earrings. Why does television always kill my favourite characters?!?

 
Remember the sad faces I threw out earlier? It’s over this lady: Aunt Jenna. She looks so demure and sad but you probably would too if you were made a vampire against your will.

Funny how as soon as she was made a vampire she adopted their uniform of a fitted jacket, understated tee and tight, dark pants. At least she looks good.

There she is. Remember this face as a lesson when confronted by the possibility of becoming a legal guardian for your niece whose life has been plagued by death and sorrow. This will be your face when you’re on the brink of death. Wow that’s depressing...who remembers the Royal Wedding!??!

 

Switching gears to the more frilly of the ladies, it’s time for Caroline! First off, I love this coat and its ruffles at the back. Chic in the face of certain death; that’s probably a requirement of Mystic Falls residents. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve found an attractive, wounded werewolf at my front door.

Caroline’s coat in full view is much more impressive. What’s ever more impressive than that is how she kept a cream coloured coat stain free after running through the woods and fending off werewolf attacks.

What were her BFFs up to while she was tending to Tyler’s wounds? Nothing serious, just trying to find a spell that would save Elena from dying (again) and attempting to kill the first vampire in existence. Apparently, working under a deadline makes Bonnie shed her usual layers.

So what does Bonnie do once she’s figured out some kind of plan? She goes all Halle Berry in the X-Men films and lays down the business for Klaus and Greta. Don’t get me wrong, I think Bonnie’s blazer is great but it’s just not as cool as Greta’s leather jacket.

But where is Elena in all of this you ask? Trapped in a ring of fire; I don’t imagine this is what Mr. Cash envisioned when he wrote the song. Nothing particularly stands out with Elena’s wardrobe, as with mostly everyone else, because it’s all utilitarian in this episode. You can hardly wear anything fashion forward when battling Klaus but at least everyone looks presentable.

I can’t imagine why there are vampire obsessed people in the world. There’s nothing sexual about this at all. NOTHING.

As I said earlier, guess who miraculously survives death? Here’s another hint: she’s wearing a purple top and is being watched over by a Salvatore brother.

Jeremy was looking pretty dapper in his funeral attire but Elena is drop dead gorgeous in this photo. Too soon? Even though she looks like she was shrink wrapped into this dress it’s totally working for her.

So what was my favourite choice for the ladies of Mystic Falls? All of their black dresses! Again, it’s sad that it took some serious deaths to get them all dressed up and fancified but I can’t help myself. Neither can Bonnie it looks like and she was so close to leaving billowy fabrics behind.

Oh my god there is only one episode left! Also, this episdoe and the last are titled after two iconic American novels by Hemingway and Faulkner respectively. What does that have to do with fashion? Nothing but who says you can't have fun and learn. Until next time friends!

The Last Day, Part 1 of 2 - The Ladies

Episode Synopsis: Elena resigns herself to death at the hands of Klaus in order for Klaus to be killed by Bonnie and the others. Elijah suggests using a resurrection elixir, but Damon puts the kebosh on it and instead FORCES ELENA TO DRINK HIS BLOOD so that she'll go vamp if Klaus kills her. Elena and Stefan commune with nature in order to prepare for the coming sacrifice. Tyler and Jules show up to check on Tyler's mom, and Tyler and Caroline end up being captured for the sacrifice. Damon meddles with Klaus' master plan, Luka's sister shows up as Klaus' witch of choice, and somewhere in there JENNA GETS VAMPED. Oops.

Let's start with our lovely Caroline. She wears the best jacket of the episode (as deemed by Amanda in the mini-recap) which is a little white number with a little ruffle to it in back and at the waist. Black buttons make it chic and she works it. However, her normally outstanding coiffure is somewhat lacking this time around -- maybe she forgot, with all the chaos of the upcoming sacrifice?

However, her delicate earrings and perfect lashes make up for it. Sort of.

I gotta give Jenna some props for keeping her cool (more or less) and having great hair this episode. Also, this jacket's asymmetrical zipper is cute. Sorry you end up getting vamped, Jenna... Maybe your wardrobe will improve?

When Jules shows up to retrieve Tyler from the hospital where his mom is recovering, she's wearing -- STOP THE PRESSES!!! -- a denim jacket. Her hair looks great, but her role in this episode is pretty minor. Oh, Jules. You and your denim.

Katherine is rocking an uber sexy look this episode. It's some kinda black silk blouse with pirate sleeves over a teal top with a pleated bodice for maximum cleavage. And her hair is ferosh.

Rrrawwrrrr!!

Klaus' chosen witch happens to be Luka's sister. She looks a LOT like him, except, you know, a girl. But she's sultry as all get out -- she even sets ROCKS on fire.

Girlfriend has great hair and knows how to accessorize with drapey, multi-chain necklaces, tribal earrings, and a sweet brass tree bangle.

Oh, and did I mention? A leather jacket!

Elena honestly has amazing hair. Seriously. Also, she sports a dark brown leather jacket and a dark orchid colored shirt this week... a less powerful, more feminine alternative to her usual crimsons and maroons perhaps?

Crying Wolf: Part 1 of 2 - The Ladies

Episode Synopsis: What don't these trailer park wolves understand about the words "leave town NOW"?! Elena and Stefan peace out for a 'romantic' weekend at the family lake house, conveniently disregarding all prior drama with Daddy John, Caroline's kidnapping from last week, and Elijah's looming presence. Bonnie, Caroline, and Jeremy form the Scooby Gang (Buffy reference anyone? anyone?) to get answers out of Luka regarding Elijah's plans. Damon gets bloody and makes crazy eyes (big surprise there). Hero of the episode? Tyler. Villain? I'm personally really tired of Jules' perfect hair, patronizing tone of voice, and hoodie-with-leather-jacket combo. But maybe that's just me.

The episode starts with Elena falling out of bed after the sleepover with Bonnie and Caroline and crawling out the door to answer a phone call from Stefan... poised like a pin-up girl and sporting some cute boxer shorts in her characteristic deep red color. Adorbs.

Later we get to see some KICKING boots from Elena, pictured here in carnal embrace with Stefan's boring red zip up hoodie and nondescript pants. Boom! Talk about legs! She wears these fabulous over-the-knee babies most of the episode and looks amahzing in them.

As you can see, Elena is going with a very dark theme this episode. A black henley with button detail on the sleeves and a peek of white lace underneath. When she gets to the lake house and begins to revisit the memories of her parents, it's really like she's in mourning. I guess it's appropriate. Her hair looks amahzing, as usual!

Ooh, speaking of amahzing... Bonnie's hair is gorgeous this episode! So smooth but with an unconventional angle to her bangs. It really suits her face well.

Ooo-hooo, witchy woman! So pretty.

Bonnie is also sporting some dark threads this week -- although she opts for a dark grey drapey cardigan and a dark plum colored top underneath. Wish we could see it better, but the Grill is so darn dimly lit...

Not much new from the lovely Caroline other than fabulous lashes, unreasonably bouncy blonde curls, and a cute purse! Although it's my humble opinion that she should be wearing a bag with a strap that length as a crossbody bag instead of a shoulder bag... Still. Caroline also seems to be oddly in mourning: all black as far as the eye can see. What's interesting is that she has no necklace to offset the low neckline of her top; it makes her look young and vulnerable, possibly to show how shaken she was from the whole torture scene of last week.

Damon's one night stand, the reporter-lady-whose-name-I-forget, also has unreasonably gorgeous hair when she rolls outta bed the next morning. What, did she have a curling iron in her purse when she came over? Let's remember that she definitely took a bubble bath with Damon the night before (talk about lucky!) and then got bitten and ravaged a bit... for that kind of a one night stand, she looks pretty freakin' great! Except for that really large, obvious gauze pad on her neck. What? Oh, sure, Damon, just tie on that expensive silk scarf. Nobody will suspect her of having a hickey or a bite or what-have-you. Especially not since she's making a walk of shame from your place.

Aaaaand here she is, ladies and gents, Jules. She and those wolves have been making everybody's life a living hell all because their "buddy Mason" is dead, and she refuses to change into something that isn't a hoodie-and-leather-jacket-rolled-into-one. ...Okay, so I don't have proof that it's a one-piece deal, but those DO exist. So there.

Daddy Issues, Part 2 of 2 - The Innocent (or Not So Innocent) Girls

At first, I thought this outfit was one of Caroline’s best. It was simple, clean, and seemed so natural. The fitted blazer hugged her in the best way possible, and no one can ever go wrong with black jeans and boots. The adorable scarf pulled the outfit neatly together.

Later, I saw this and realized the shirt was patterned. This is when the word "disaster" hit me. I realized the top clashed completely with the scarf. She should learn a few tips from Elena and kept it simple. A white t-shirt would have done the trick. I do have to say that besides her shirt, she looked great. Her hair looked bouncy and playful, and her makeup was clean, smooth, and natural.

Elena has a way of wearing red like no one else does. It suits her extremely well, as she’s noticed (she's worn it several times in various episodes). The neckline is perfect for her necklace, and her hair is up in a "just-walked-out-of-bed-and-made-my-hair-into-a-messy-ponytail" sort of way. In the best way possible, of course.

Aunt Jenna looks very confused here. I would be, too, if I were wearing her dress-wrap-thing. At first glance it’s elegant and laid-back, a lot like Aunt Jenna’s usual style. Then I saw the full outfit:

It looks like some sort of long skirt or layered shirts or something incomprehensible. On the other hand, I liked Alaric’s outfit, even if it is only shown for a few seconds. (Another) leather jacket, but the brown color matched the red button-down shirt quite nicely.

We’re in for a huge surprise when Jules shows up at Tyler’s house wearing ... a leather jacket. I rather liked it because she matched it with a hoodie underneath, giving it a more feminine look. She finally has the female leather jacket look in the bag, as she’s discovered it appears better cropped. Also, her shirt is less fancy and more casual, toning down the outfit into something more wearable during the daytime.

Oh Bonnie. She’s one of the sweetest characters, and she has the most positive energy. If only she channeled it towards her outfits. It’s not very clear here, but the cardigan has a pattern shaped like a cross on the sleeve. She should learn that mixing patterns isn’t always the best idea. The busy shirt, with assortments of flowers and mixes of colors is too much to match the already unique cardigan.

Never mind, it’s not a cross. A bow maybe? The sticky ones that belong on Barnes and Nobles gift wraps. Hm, unsure of what Bonnie was thinking. On the other hand, her bag isn’t visible but the strap has an interesting metal pattern on it.

Well, that’s a little weird to be wearing in a tomb ... to each his own! I rather like what Katherine is wearing, but I would expect her to wear this in a more comfortable environment than a cold, lifeless area.

The Descent, Part 1 of 2 - The Girls

Episode Synopsis: Elena watches a near death and very unhinged Rose. She does as good of a job as can be expected given that, in her less lucid moments, Rose tries to kill Elena. Meanwhile, Caroline is the center of a very boring love triangle, Stefan is searching for Isobel, and WereJules is causing trouble. Damon spends the episode trying to avoid feeling real emotions, and in the end he returns to the dark side after a drunken monologue to a helpless victim.

Elena, dressed like a normal teenager. After recapping so many episodes of Gossip Girl, it's almost strange to write about a character who actually wears jeans and Converse (who isn't Dan Humphrey).

Normally a henley wouldn't be worth three screencaps, but this one has some really great detailing. Initially, I couldn't decide if I liked or hated the double button placket. After lengthy deliberation, it's really grown on me. What hasn't grown on me is Elena's inability to hold a stake. Shouldn't that be part of Vampire Dating 101? The Mystic Falls School Board should institute mandatory stake holding classes for students, along with Driver's Ed and Health.

This is probably an unneccessary cap - I probably could have just mentioned that the henley had elbow patches. But the elbow patches are a really cute touch, and I don't know if I could have properly described them. Plus, Nina Dobrev has the prettiest hair in the world. No joke, I stared at this screencap for ten minutes, mesmerized. I called my boyfriend over so he could bask in the glory of her perfect hair (he didn't appreciate it the way I did).

Also, Ian Somerhalder is sporting some epic crazy eyes in this freeze frame.

Speaking of crazy eyes, someone in makeup needs to tone down the fake eyelashes. I'm pretty sure that if Nina Dobrev bats her eyes, there's a typhoon in China.

I understand wanting your actresses to look doe-eyed and innocent, but this is just too much. The only things with eyelashes this thick are dolls. At a distance, I'm sure the false eyelashes really work, but when you're doing extreme close-ups, it's beyond distracting.

And, of course, Elena's trusty KRMA leather jacket. I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of this over the next few months, so become acquainted with it now.

Caroline is rocking a pretty awesome outfit this episode. Since turning into a vampire, she's definitely developed an edge to her style, and I love it. I would totally steal this outfit (except for the ankle boots - flat ankle boots are no one's friend).

The back of the skirt is perfect for a tiny actress - the pleating in the back creates a great shape without being too poufy. I don't think I've ever seen pleating used this way, and it totally works.

Caroline's leather jacket of the week - I missed it when I was writing the mini-recap, or I would have crowned this the Best Leather Jacket Ever. Seriously, those studs are amazing, and the shape of the jacket keeps the whole look tough but feminine. If you know who makes this jacket, please tell me, because I need to buy it ASAP.

Lucky for Jules, one of the campers she mauled was her size. She's also lucky that they packed hair product and makeup for their camping trip, given her dewy skin and perfectly coiffed hair.

WereJules's victim poor Rose spends most of the episode in lackluster clothes. She does, however, have a choppy bob that more than makes up for the boring wardrobe and cold sweats.

Damon's secret is revealed: he's a great personal Stylist. When he created this dream for Rose, he put her in a beautiful blue.

No joke, the man knows how to work a color palette. I've been seeing the grey and peach combo popping up in accessories lately - very on-trend, Damon. You've got to give him credit: he understands that, if you've got to stake a girl, at least let her play dress-up first.

But best-dressed for the episode might go to Damon's poor victim at the end of the episode. I know I gave it to Rose in the mini recap, but upon rewatching I'm definitely changing my vote to Helpless Victim. If nothing else, she deserves the title for running in heels on asphalt - not an easy task, especially when you're terrified of the pretty drunk man launching into soliloquies about his secrets.

Godspeed, Helpless Victim. May you go to the Vogue Closet In the Sky.