Impact has been a good bit off the radar over the last year in terms of photoshoots. It's a shame after the great run they had under Christy Hemme's direction and the launch of the website completely dedicated to the KO's that really gave them a chance to break free and stretch their wings. While we wait for the company regroup and (hopefully! ..as in preeettttty pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaase!) get back to giving us photos again, we can thank our Kim's trip through her archives for giving us this little trip down memory lane - n AMAZING gear from Gail Kim at the time of one of her many KO's title wins. Gail began to do some really unique and special things with her gear during her second WWE run and she continued that fantabulousness, albeit with a much darker vision, when she returned to Impact. She nailed the sweet spot between trendy and tough, with a dash of romantic thrown in to spice things up. Lace and leather became trademark fabrics for her. We watched her evolution through various shades of lace with top+shorts combos and then, one day, she decided to knock us all out of our seats and on to our keisters when she debuted her one-piece variation, which evolved into various combinations of cutouts and sheers, accented with lace and leather. Oh, and finished with lace-up OTK boots. This set showcased exactly that kind of killer pairing: a deep-v front bodysuit (shove over Ariana - Gail done it first!) done with black lace set over a stunning shade of bright turquoise. The effect was mesmerizing, beautiful, bold and sexy as all Hel..sinki :). Floral lace shorts reprised the black lace-over-turquoise shading that dropped jaws everywhere, while a patent belt at Gail's waist brought even more attitude to an already scalding silhouette. After all that, those incroyable OTK boots were just icing on our fashion cake! But Gail didn't stop with her gear - she slayed a sitting pose or two as well, just to remind us that our undying devotion wasn't in the least misplaced. Bon temps, bon temps!
PS lots more posts coming this week, loves! I've got FashionHaps up the yin-yang and more all prepped and ready to be written up for your enjoyment, so stick close :)
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Jumpsuits and risky pants seem to have reached consensus-status among the divas this fall. Cathy, along with Barbie, gave us a pair of them and handled both excellently. Her first was a navy square-neck piece with wide straps (I LOVE those for hiding bra straps!) and a subtly sexy front notch. The matte fabric of this piece keeps it slightly to the casual side, so Cathy ramped up the look by pairing it with strappy nude sandals. If you thought that was good, her next choice was even better: a stunning forest green satin piece, chosen for the Heroes Gala. First, I’m in love with this color right now – it’s luxe, elegant and looks stunning! Second, the high cross design of this piece is dramatic and sexy, especially with the little peekaboo situation just about her waist. The side buttons add just a touch of flash, which Cathy accentuated with jeweled fan earrings that make just enough of a statement. Her bright cranberry lip brings a festive touch to this fantastic look.
Carmella hopped on board the daring-pants-plus-neutrals vehicle and, as with both other ladies who have tried it, the pairing succeeds nicely. These windowpane-printed pants could get too busy in a hurry, but matched with this deep-v top and black leather jacket (I love how she got in a touch of her trademark leopard print via the collar!), they come off funky and experimentally modern. If I could swap anything, it would be her boots. I’m giving her a bye on this one because I suspect this was a rainy day (I would probably lean toward a knee-height version myself for a bit more polish), but for non-inclement weather, ankle booties with a block heel or flat OTK’s would give this pairing a little fiercer finish. We know Brandi for many of her more formal looks, but she also rocks casual style. This simple pairing of an ivory peplum sweater with black leggings and flat ankle boots has just the kind of laidback, confident femininity that’s perfect for fall…or the post-holiday winter chill ;). On a more familiar note is this blush dress, paired with nude platform pumps. Brandi is a master at picking chic classics with a twist and this piece is a #HowItsDone101. This iconic silhouette gets an update from the wrap effect and the crossed front detail, which has the added benefit of accentuating the waist and creating the hourglass shape. Her color story of mixed pale neutrals keeps this fresh and modern. Maryse also explored the wrap-look option with this Want My Look piece. (Aside: the wrap dress reflects the current 70’s trend, as that was the decade in which designer Diane von Furstenberg brought it to the forefront of fashion). This low scoop-neck silhouette pushes sexy to its limits, while Maryse adds attitude by finishing it with black suede OTKs from Sam Edelman. She brings an extra touch of attitude and drama by topping it with a metallic trench, a twisted-classic piece from Femme LA, which I love her use of! The sheen adds interest and chic to a simply sexy black monochrome look and gives it a powerful flair. Her blackberry lip brings a darker vibe to the look, which, while it might be harsh for day-time wear, works well for the drama of an evening ensemble. It is unquestionably time to start thinking about what to put together for all the fetes of this holiday season: at the office, after the office, at school, on winter break, with friends, with family - there are so many possible occasions for being festive. And a fashionista never lets a style op go to waste! ;) If you're couture brain is running a little slow from all the craziness that makes up the end of a year (and we totally hear you on that. Totally!), we've got just what you need to jumpstart your creativity. We've borrowed from the Lady Superstars (we call them Divas around here ;)), tweaked, metamorphosized and sometimes straight up stolen their concepts and collected them right here into your very own holiday inspiration lookbook. We'll start with a trio (sorry -all that end of year craziness dontcha know), but keep checking back here because this post will be updated periodically right up until Christmas...at least ;)).
*New look up: 12/24. Are you ready for a fashion blast? I can not even believe that I have so much catching up to do; would you think that there could be stuff from October I haven’t reviewed yet?! Omg. And we have all the exciting year end things this month too, lovelies. So, hang on to your stilettos because my plan is a giant, whirlwind catch-up which means tooonnnnnnnnsssss of fashion coming your way.
We’ll start it with Gail, who looks fierce and fab in this pretty pink dress, toughened up with a leather moto jacket. She gives it a trendy and casual touch with a scarf twisted at her neck and then ramps up the fierce quotient with mid-calf peeptoe booties. I love how Gail balanced the sweet, feminine of pink with strong, mature accessories. This combo feels confident and polished. She goes from strength to strength, as her next offering is this emerald green gown, chosen for this year’s SkyBall, an American Airlines fundraiser for military families at which her husband was cooking. This piece is a magnificent choice: the lattice-work details make is current and sexy, the sheer insets keep it classy and the color takes it over the top into an absolute smash! It’s an amazing shade on Gail and I hope we see her try more of it soon! Everything about this styling is flawless, including her sideswept hair. It’s so much fun seeing her completely nail a red carpet look! Pink was front and center a lot in October, as Lana reached for some during her trial of plaid. This is an unusual and vibrant variation of the classic and often mellow-colored pattern and it was a surprise to me to see it on Lana. It seems to be a sign of her more laidback tv aesthetic, also suggested by her long and loose hair style. I’m on board with the hair for sure; the jury’s still out on the plaid ;) Mandy made us look twice with this Instagram shot, which paired a sporty cropped v-neck tee, bedecked with black graphic accents, with a leather mini skirt. OTK boots completed the ensemble. There’s a lot that great about this look: the classic color combo, the athletic-meets-fierce vibe, the play on knit vs. smooth texture. Between the deep v and the super-short skirt, though, Mandy’s pushing the sexy on all fronts. It’s a bit too much for my taste; I’d tend toward choosing one or the other, as it’s very easy to get into trashtastic territory when you’re skimming so close to that line. With a knee-length skirt (and shorter boots) or a higher neck cropped top, this look would be more balanced. As ubiquitous as chokers are getting at the moment, I like Mandy’s use of it here; it helps to harmonize the look. How about this killer shot from Emma? She has been tearing it up lately during her time off for an injury, so stick around for a bunch more amazing snaps from her. In the meantime, I am loving this square-studded long-sleeved crop top paired with boy shorts –this is about as sexy as workout wear gets!! Give me studs I promise you, I will get waaaay more serious about gym time! ;) Emma’s pose is slayage overdrive. Her hair is on point. The black-on-black color palette, echoed by her dark nails, has a bring-it-on attitude that’s just flawless (and motivating!) for weights, cardio or what have you. The amazing pic is one of the first teasers of Emma’s makeover into Emmalina, an athletic vixen with a very old-school diva vibe – a blend of sex and athleticism. If this is typical of the style of girlfriend’s new persona, Emmalina’s fashion is going to eclipse Emma’s in no time. One amazing thing about fashion: it’s always there for you. It never lets you down. No matter what’s going on in your life, you can escape to fashion. It can be your solace when times are tough, your way to celebrate when they’re good and your personal form of expression and comfort every day in between. And, we’ve got a special treat today! After a big drought of Knockouts’ fashion, we’ve got a boatload of it to review! So, settle in and enjoy :-)
When Gail was inducted into the Knockouts’ Hall Of Fame, Christy and Taryn were on hand to congratulate her. Gail looked aaaamazing in her coral gown with its daring front slit. I love this color on her, as well as the chic simplicity of this piece. The color and hint of sex appeal bring just enough drama to the look, which she completed with gorgeous metallic gold strappy sandals. Everything about this look is spot on. Maria’s inner beast? Oh that creature’s a sexy thang for sure! And what mythological beats was sexier than the sultry, come-hither sirens who lounged on sharp rocks at beach-side and lured sailors into wreckage with their songs? I’m sure many a man (and likely a number of women ;)) have been lured into dangerous territory by Maria. If you inner beast shares that talent for temptation, dress her up for Halloween in a ruffled skirt (or use a dark neutral skirt or pair of pants and add a sparkling net hip shawl), paired with a glittering top. Try a sequin bikini, bra top or cami, or go for something with feathers (the sirens of legend were part bird). You could also bring the winged concept in with a feathered headband or earrings. Alternatively, try a seashell crown and/or pendant. Stay with cool shades: blue-greens, blues and purples, accented with touches of sandy beige or taupe. Finish the look with (what else?) flip flops :)
So, we've taken a look at some of the classic looks for a wedding (and we'll finish up with another), but I always like to explore some offbeat options as well. Because sometimes, a girl just likes to do something different! To that end, how about a suit for a wedding? If the event is casual through semi-formal, you can be very of-the-moment and go for a pantsuit. As with dresses, choose a neutral, pastel or classic color. Darker pieces, like this charcoal one, will be more formal than light colors or patterns. Pair the look with chic, classic sandals or pointy-to pumps (kitten heels = a def can do!). I love the idea of adding a touch of color to neutrals, especially for a summer wedding; it helps keep the look bright and festive! If you possess a business suit (non-black, if the bride requests), you can make that work too! A gray, sand or navy set will work nicely, just be sure to pair it with a non-office-y blouse. Stay away from bow blouses and button-downs. Go for something beautiful and feminine: a halter or high-necked silk top with cutaway shoulders, a lace-detailed blouse in a pretty color or a satin (sheen encouraged!) cami. Lace, charmeuse and similar fabrics that are more challenging for (and therefore less common in) office environments will help give this look that party-ready flair. A beautiful sandal (flat works for less formal occasions; choose heels for dressier events) is the preferred way to finish this look. Strappy, toe-bearing styles will help direct this ensemble away from work vibes. Statement baubles will do that as well, so be sure to sprinkle in a few ;). For dressier events (semi-formal through black-tie optional (sometimes called "black-tie invited", this is a step below black tie and does not require a tuxedo for gentlemen or a gown for women, though both can be worn respectively), you'll need a more-formal-than-business suit. Look for a statement-type jacket in a non-wool fabric, preferably with a sheen. This ruffled peplum blazer or slightly cropped princess-seam piece are just the ticket. A long-and-lean tuxedo style suit (as demo'd by Renee, just skip the ivory and go for a different neutral) works fabulously as well. Slim pants are ultra-chic for most occasions, but flowing wide legs (e.g. palazzo pants) are more formal, so depending on your jacket style and the formality of the event, they may be the better choice. Elevate the suit through your accessories: statement shoes and earrings in glamorous crystal, or smooth and luxurious metallic pieces. I love the bold minimalism of using multiple smooth metal pieces in an outfit, such as a collar, and belt on the outside of the jacket, with coordinating shoes and clutch. The repeated metallic makes a simple, but powerful statement that makes this ensemble much more formal, as well as polished and sophisticated. For black tie and above events, wearing a suit is possible, but a bit more complicated. Precisely the right style is required. While sequined suits should be avoided for day weddings, they would be appropriate and daring at evening events - definitely a fun and intriguing option!
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Welcome to the place where wrestling & fashion join hands. Inspiration. Reviews. Musings. Retros. FASHION. Covering and craving gear to gowns since 2011. May the Fierce be with you! ;) Peace & Glitter!
AuthorBrie: shoe-lover :) fashion-lover and generally glamorous semi-dork Archives
July 2019
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Photos used for criticism and comment under US Copyright Act Section 107.
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