Alicia found just the right balance between simplicity and circus freak-ness with her look. Her ruched gold mini dress took (pardon the pun) center stage, while her striped stockings added the requisite zany twist, with some help from her super-sized fishnets and lacy glove. As a pure fashion moment, her strappy metallic sandals are a highlight of the whole photoshoot. Her turns with the black balloons are cool, but as a prop, nothing tops that incredible black feathered fan! The piece itself is amazing and Foxy works it like a pro. Her innate grace and athleticism is on display in her poses and the pics are the better for it - there's a haunting beauty to her snaps, and it continues even with her sitting poses. Her contemplative sideways gaze is both uplifted and sorrowful, a bittersweet expression of passion for entertaining and boredom with the continuous grind. It's no surprise that a flamboyant personality like Alicia's would excel in a role like this that really lets her explore her ability to take on a dramatic character, but it's still a thrill to savor the results! The more consistent lighting in her snaps helps to give them a cohesive feel. Lastly, if  I haven't mentioned this before, I'm wild over the way she has her hair now. The coloring, the waves, the length: it. is. SO. GORGEOUS!

There is something about this time of year that just lends itself to red. It's a bright, warm shade when the weather is cold. It's festive during so many times of celebration. It's a classic through all the effervescent trends.  I loved the look when Renee wore it nearly from head to toe, popped with just a bit of black. The full-on color makes a powerful statement, but red has such a strong presence that you can ease off a bit and still stand out. For formal offices or events, feel free to do the whole suit a la Renee.  Go with pointy toe pumps in patent or suede, or ankle booties, instead of the sandals for this time of year.  For more casual life moments, swap the tailored pants for slim denim. Take a cue from WWE's pretty, funny blonde and go with a v-neck top (alternatively, consider a scoop or bateau-neck); all three set up a trend-of-the-season choker as an accessory. If you're getting bored with the chokers, chokers, everywhere motif, try knotting a silk (or silk-like ;)) scarf at your neck. (Hint: you can steal a pocket square from the guys instead.) For this casual variation, add a dash of fierce by finishing the look with over-the-knee boots. I love their saucy, confident vibe set against a more refined jacket. And, speaking of jackets, one of the special features of Renee's is the satin lapel. It gives the blazer a tuxedo-esque vibe and makes it much more formal. If you have a piece like this, definitely take it for a spin!  It doesn't even have to be red - black tuxedo jackets are totally allowed here! :) Also, while Renee's jacket is a finely woven fabric, likely wool, silk or similar, don't be shy about experimenting with more textured materials, such as corduroy or this season's darling, velvet! Both fabrics will work flawlessly for this look. And one (more) pop of red via a statement ring (or layered slim rings), or a classic red lip. Are you red-dy? Then, go work some red soon, Fancies! XO

My apologies to everyone for the long hiatus. I'm sure you've all had moments in life when you just can't keep up with everything. Well, I had one of those . I hope to be back on track now.
WWE celebrated Halloween this year with a very cool idea for a very unusual 'shoot: a noire-themed carnival. The lady superstars didn't dress up as much as they celebrated the haunted spirit of the day. What's fun about that is that is makes the snaps appropriate for times and events beyond Halloween. I also was very pleased to see something other than the sexy, cutesy-ness of so many Halloweens past. Halloween is fun, but viewing it through a more mature, goth-themed, Poe-esque lens is a wonderful variation.
Charlotte nailed her turn as a psychic: crystal ball, tarot cards - her props were perfectly on point. I also loved her color choices: mystic purples and entrancing metallic blues. They fit the blue-lit scenes flawlessly. I had just a few wishes for her look: simpler shoes (the print added an extra texture that wasn't a material addition), and the elimination of her pink corset belt and fur jacket. Those two pieces, like the shoes, complicated the look more than was needed. With the props, the layered clothing and her jewelry, there was plenty going on in the 'shoot, especially because Charlotte's stellar poses and gorgeous looks were the crucial aspects to focus on. It would be a shame to downplay them even a little because she gets massive props for the way she embraced this character - her blend of sultriness, mysteriousness and confidence (in herself and taking yours ;)) was brilliant. I'm also a huge fan of these make-up shades on her; the pales mauves and dusky lilacs are amazing - not to mention, fitting of the theme.

Summer takes us back to warmer days in this throwback shot, as she wears this goooooorgeous Opening Ceremnoy dress, paired with beige suede Stuart Weitzman boots. This is a stunning iteration of the dress+OTK's combo - it has  a light, bright vibe due to the color combo. It also hinges on the beautiful, frothy femininity of this empire-waist dress. The ruffled edges and pretty central tie give it a wonderful sweet, vintage feel. I also love her up-do - we don't see that very often from Summer, which is a shame - it's a lovely style for her!
Renee went dark in this square-necked - always a strong and sexy silhouette - tank, paired with a drape-y black jacket and blue jeans. She added a pop of color with cherry lips. The whole combo is casually classic - trademark Renee!
Maryse's latest variation of her bodysuit-uniform is an absolute stunner! She swapped to white from her more oft-used black and accented it black studs at the shoulder and collar. Beneath it, she layered a divine white brassiere, encrusted with clear crystals. Every time she comes up with a new combo, I think she won't be able to top it...and then she does! She looks like a fierce angel...with an attitude! ;)...in this outfit.
If this snake-print maxi looks familiar to you on Nikki, that's because Brie wore it during the Total Bellas promos. The unique piece is Bobbi Rocco. Snake isn't a favorite print of mine, but the set against this delicate chiffon-like fabric really highlights its graphic qualities in a beautiful way. I'm head-over-heels for her heels though - these crossed-strap sandals are killer! And they make a fitting, classic exclamation point for this daring print. She displayed equal competence for informal looks in this snap from Napa Valley. She paired a gray cropped top with skinny jeans and luxurious burgundy suede block heel OTK boots. I love the way she works the seductiveness of this look - she doesn't go over the top: the flirty nature of the look depends on the abs-baring style of her top and her skinny jeans. It's a classic example of doing enough, but not too much. Sometimes restraint is the sexiest thing! There's an easy, unstudied feel to this look that is incredibly appealing. I love it.

I also love this all-black outfit Maryse showed off. It combines a romper (by Marciano) with a Nasty Gal cropped moto jacket for a wonderful play between luxe and tough.The pleated design of the top adds movement and softness, while her leather topper brings an edge to the look, which is echoed by her gray suede OTKs and her Valentino Rockstud bag. Trust Maryse to nail chic+fierce! Her refined ponytail elevates the styling, while her wide lace NastyGal choker adds a femme touch of intricate detail.
Lana's latest turn in plaid velvet is a huge step forward from her last! The colors harmonize beautifully and give a jewel tone luxuriousness to the modern seduction of her cropped bustier+pencil skirt combo. A bolero jacket adds a bit of formality. As with Maryse's look, her polished pony takes the ensemble up a notch. Lana's employment of the choker is less about adding textural detail and more about adding trendy chic to the look, but it works just as well! Lastly, Lana completes the pairing with a sexy finale: strappy sandals!
After a bit of a drought, we get a peek at Barbie's style in this magnificent dress. This piece combines a sheer top, done in an exquisite lace, with a satin skirt with a sky-high side slit. It's fantastic and I would love it on a red carpet or for an appearance. She wore this to a friend's wedding, however, and that leaves me with a  few reservations. First, unless requested by the bride (which may have happened :)), all black is generally considered a faux pas at a wedding. Second, I find this piece too sexy to be appropriate for the occasion. If the top were done with an illusion panel and the side slit were closed up to mid-thigh, though, I'd be all in! And I have no reservations at all about her ankle-tie sandals. Those. Are. AMAZING.

The dress+OTKs combination has become a classic look. It was a famous staple of LayCool, but has also been seen on Summer, Maryse and Renee. We're taking the acronym concept one step further and making the pairing specifically an LBD with OTKs. It's hard to get more iconic than the little black dress. Its legacy was cemented by Holly Golightly in Givenchy, wandering down 5th Avenue at dawn in the 60's, but it was born decades before: in the 20's, when Chanel introduced it to the world. It is as versatile and chic now as it was then. Simplicity is a hallmark of the LBD, but within that simplicity there can be a variety of silhouettes. Maryse's pairing includes a sheath, a curve-kissing style, while Renee's paisley piece (re-imagined in black for our purposes) is of the swing (also called "trapeze") genre - a floaty, flowing design that looks best at knee length or slightly above. (In between these two silhouettes falls the shift dress, recognizable because of a slightly A-line or parallelogram shape). Any of these three can be styled with OTKs, although shifts are the trickiest and tend to work best when designed in supple fabrics such as jersey knits, as opposed to stiffer cloths, such as taffeta. So, step one in our alphabet soup is to pick your LBD of choice. If you're feeling fierce, go for a sheath, like Maryse. If boho or hipster is more your mood, try a swing style a la Renee. Then add your OTKs. Maryse is spot on trend with her burgundy suede pair; if you've got some, rock them! Other colored options include navy, camel and gray. Of course, you can always do black! :) The whippy swing dress can take a more casual pair, so feel free to reach for OTK flats if that's your jazz. For cooler days, top this look with a jacket. Maryse went with a gorgeous military version (my similar is here), which adds both trendiness and amperage. Consider a classic denim jacket or cropped blazer as an alternative. To keep the free-spirited vibe of Renee's swing style, top it with a faux fur piece. Other options include a drape-y trench or duster. You're looking for a boxy or cocoon fit, as opposed to something with princess seams or an hourglass shape. The more casual cuts suit the chill vibe of the silhouette. A long, casual cardi could probably be pressed into service if need be, too. Which brings to another important point: coat length is crucial! While sheaths work flawlessly with almost every style, including cropped, the swing requires a topper equal or longer than it's hem. Shorter pieces will either look awkwardly short, or create an odd waist. Accessories can be as pared down as Maryse's addition of sunglasses, or include a choker like Renee's (assuming your dress doesn't come with one helpfully included as part of the design ;)). Alternatively, do a hat: go with a hot-right-now (and so hot on Renee!) porkpie or a 70's-leaning floppy brim. If you're feeling that hat thing, but also the sheath thing, consider topping it all with a newsboy cap. I hope this inspires you to wear out some acronyms ASAP! Happy styling, loves!

Wow - I did not expect a  look like this from Eva Marie! This billowy printed blouse paired with a sheen-y satin pencil skirt is a huge change from the sexy bodycon and lace-up styles she often gravitates to, but I really enjoy the polish and refinement of this look. It's sexy, but in a subtler, softer way. Her pensive gaze echoes the vibe of the outfit perfectly. She throws in a dash of inelegance by placing her hand so as to make the skirt almost look like shorts and it adds that little offbeat note that makes you really look deeper into the shot for the character created within it, in this case, the irrepressible badass tomboy peeking out from within her fancy ensemble. Wonderful snap on so many levels!
Nikki gives us a pair of fab looks, both utilizing skirts. The first pairs a white Adidas crop top with an Alice and Olivia side-slit midi pencil skirt. The look is simple, but modern, clean and sexy. She really takes it up a notch though with her Vince Camuto lace-up OTKs (the Felana)! These statement boots crank up the chic hard on this look by adding a textural element that just reeks of fierce. Well styled, Nik! Her second look is equally good: a boxy cropped top with a pleated flared skirt with a wonderful woven texture and a hint of metallic (this piece is by Devlin. Thx to fashionofthedivas.tumblr.com for the ID). What makes this look work is the high, wide waistband of the skirt: it creates a super-defined waist that necessary with the blocky shape of her tee. Along with the exaggerated flare, it creates the classic hourglass shape. With a smaller or waistband-less style, or one with less volume, this look could  get very straight and clunky in a hurry. This is a place where paying attention to silhouettes really helps! Nikki finished the look with her CL Berlinissimo caged booties for an extra dose of fierceness, and a de riguer choker in a fun wide style.
Renee showed off her casual style chops with this movie night look. She combined a drape-y Free People sweater - worn off the shoulder for a coquettish twist - with destroyed Asos jeans. Doc Martens sneakers completed the totally chill outfit. This kind of look can be difficult to pull off - it's easy to have it look disheveled, or haphazard, but Renee gets the perfect balance of boxy and slim to make it all come together.

Hot on the heels of a pair of KOs group shots, we get a massive collection of snaps of nearly every Knockout, with one pic apiece..except Jade, who wrangled two ;).
Allie kicked things off with this sweet shot, in the same look we saw her in when she accompanied Maria about her business back in September. This time, she's accessorized the black peplum top+pencil skirt look with a pretty flowered statement necklace instead of pearls. I'm wild over this color - it makes me think of summer! And this necklace would spark a casual turtleneck and jean just as well as it does this pairing. I wonder if she echoed it with peach heels? ;)
Next up is Sienna. This is the first we've gotten to see of her in photo and I'm not quite sure what to make of this leather and lace melange of a look. It kind of gives me goth-hot-mess vibes - especially with the addition of the feather boa-collar, but I'm happy to wait and see what else she has to offer. Maybe it will make her style intentions clearer. I love the white block streak in her hair -the look is distinctive and super cool! I'm also loving her brandy lip shade!
And speaking of Brandi :) (nice segue, huh? :)), she gives us a peek at her ring gear, done in spectacular white, with a shimmering snake appliqué. For anyone who wondered why I chose the basilisk for her in our Fierce Beasts feature, this was my inspiration. I'm curious as to why she chose this unique symbol and what it means to her. Maybe she'll blog about it someday and tell us! This shot is simply fabulous - Brandi's pose, the classic juxtaposition of black and white. I love everything about it , right down to her gorgeous half up-do. I would happily take a whole 'shoot of these.
And then we come to Rosemary, who is very unique! She reminds me of a throwback to characters like WWE's Ariel and Katarina Waters' Winter persona for Impact. Her look is vampire-grunge and seems to have a lot of theatricality involved. It makes it a challenge to apply as street fashion (but I'll see what I can do ;)), but it's still wicked fun to enjoy. The red and black combo does its job flawlessly and the boots+dress pairing is an interesting combo. The modern dress with the almost-Victorian boots feels a little offbeat, but if you re-imagine this concept through the lens of McQueen, it's easy to see how it could work. Then again, this could totally go early-Hole too, so we'll see where she takes it. Should be a wild ride!