WWE managed to give us a holiday-themed ‘shoot again this year, albeit with a bit of noire twist: yes, there is the usual holiday décor and cute outfits, but this year, the Riott Squad is giving us their best Grinch-impersonation and attempting to make the celebration a bit more …well, riotous :).
Things begin sweetly enough, with Alexa looking appropriately wintery in a layered look comprised of a white tank, black vest, white and black checked button-down and leggings. I love the way she’s styled this: the open cardi lets the textural and graphic play of all the layers shine, while the belt keeps everything tidy and adds needed definition at her waist. She takes this look from “any ol’ weekend” to holidays status with her gorgeous shimmery eye make-up. The glittering silver-blue looks incredible on her! We’ve seen her reach for it a number of times and its always on point. She warms it up with a wash of blush at the outer corners that ties in perfectly with the pink tones in her hair and her rosy lip shade. I’m so here for this, head to toe!
Mickie slayed in an ivory off-the-shoulder sweater, paired with burgundy velvet shorts. I adore this combo – its on-trend, luxe and sexy all at once! I’m firmly on the fence, though, about her leg warmers.  There are definite waves being made about a comeback for them and I kind of think they’re best left in the 80’s. However, here, the Fair Isle pattern adds a nice touch of contrast and they serve to carry the ivory color through the outfit, echoing Mickie’s sweater nicely before she rounds out the look with another touch of burgundy via her suede ankle boots. Let’s say that I might have preferred ivory over-the-knee socks, but I can live with this, especially since they don’t negate the incredible fashion statement of the top two pieces in the least. Nicely done, Mickie!

WELCOME to New York, Scarlett! One of the KOs newest recruits, Ms. Bordeaux abso won my heart with this sizzler of a ‘shoot. First, the backdrop is YELLOW. So, like it literally needs nothing else for me to be in :). But she doesn’t stop there: she serves up an outfit with the kind of fashionista bona fides I’d just about given up on seeing from the KOs, given their historic penchant for sexy-kitschy sets. She pairs a hardware-embellished leather pencil skirt with a simple black tee and adds a shot of glam with a long, slim crystal statement necklace that breaks up the black monochrome perfectly.  He doesn’t segue into 2010’s grunge-glam though. Instead, she adds a mod and totally fun checked newsboy cap that gives the look a cheeky chic. She enhances that vibe with the serious slayage of her studded ankle boots (omg gimme gimme!) and her coordinating spiked mini tote. Bright scarlet (what else? :)) lips add a jolt of color that looks amazing against the neutrals and yellow. She then proceeds with the coup de grace:  a scintillating run of editorial-worthy poses, ranging from a flirty cap-tip to Gwen-Stefanie-esque lounging against the wall to a more classic print-model’s stance – all done with undeniable-competence and devotee-making attitude. brb..keeling over now. Clue officially gifted: it was Ms. Scarlett, in New York, with the studded boots that did me in.

I am reaching back to summer for this ‘shoot because it was so mind-blowing and such a year highlight that I *need* to cover it! My deepest apols for being so far behind, but if you haven’t seen this ‘shoot from Charlotte, you simply can’t go on existing without taking a gander. And if you have seen it, I hope you enjoy it one more time :). I’ll be posting a few other sets this weekend as well because yes, we will be doing the Silver Snaps this year (really!)..and maybe a few other fun surprises as well, depending on my all-too-rare free time.
Charlotte represented the Lady Superstars in this year’s edition of the ESPN Body issue and made serious waves while doing so! As per the theme for the ‘shoot, she was photographed  au naturel  in the venue of her sport. While I hesitate to call a nude photoshoot classy,  these snaps were done in a super-creative way that preserves the edgy vibe while not over-sharing.  There’s no doubt Char has one of the most amazing bodies in the business, but these snaps manage to go beyond the simple highlighting of the beauty of the human body and capture her flexibility, strength and athleticism. Her facials are flawless: serious, determined, authentic, and they’re highlighted by her barely-there make-up, which creates a stripped-down vibe that makes it feel as if you’re truly seeing the person and not the character. The ‘shoot comes off raw and artistic, far more than sensual, though it has an element of that as well. Her long flowing hair and the misty lighting give a hint of softness that balances her stern expressions and chiseled body. The Lady Superstars have worked hard to separate themselves from the fluffy, eye-candy aspects of Divadom and to show themselves as genuine athletes. Charlotte succeeds brilliantly in conveying that here, despite the sexy premise of the ‘shoot. In theory, this type of set should not be my cup of tea, but I’m in for it. Stellar work, Char!

Lana absolutely  SLAAAYS her Team Russia set, in which she pairs a DIY-halter soccer shirt with denim shorts. I think it’s her hair style that really takes these snaps into high gear – this 80’s-esque voluminous side part looks divine in her, both sensual and fierce! Her palest peach lip shade is the perfect accompaniment, giving a glacial sharpness to her look that gives high drama to her look. Since its Lana, there must be a bit of shine (a girl after my own heart :) <3), so she’s added a slim braided belt and a pair of slim chains at her neck. Her black choker coordinates with her strappy sandal-booties which, although I would have preferred if she had chosen one shade or the other of fishnet sock, there is no denying are incroyable. She shows restraint in her poses, not pushing them too hard, and the result is spectacular: a sexy, mysterious vibe with an athletic undertone that, in aggregate, has a massive visual impact akin to being on the receiving  end of a goal kick.

Velvet has been releasing a bunch of new pics to RatedV.net. It looks like some of these are sold out at the moment…but we’re going to review them anyway because FASHION :). Looking at these made me smile because they are trademark Velvet: gorgeous, sexy, fun. First up is a straightforward  workout gear snap. I love how the pink piping ties these two seemingly disparate pieces together. Velvet completes the pink pop by adding a candy-hued lip. I also love the bright blue background – it sets off Velvet and her outfit perfectly. This is the kind of snap I’d pin up to remind myself to get my derriere to the gym! –it makes working out look so affirming and joyous! Next up is probably may favorite of all the new snaps. Velvet pairs a tied black “Queen” (but, of course, dahling!) tee with a denim mini skirt and rounds out the outfit with black OTK boots. This is one of those classic, spot-on pairings that just slays. It has that breezy girl-next-door grunge-fierce vibe that always gets me. Vel’s pink lip works flawlessly again here.  She takes things in a more formal direction with her next snaps, a blue bodycon dress in a mesmerizing shade of bright blue. She added a bold silver choker and a cerise lip that pops beautifully against the blue. This looking-over-her-shoulder pose is stunning too! We don’t get to see her shoes, but I’m imagining silver heels.  Finally, she leaves us in no doubt as to her mood with her next look, a pairing of a white tee labeled “savage” and one of her trademark ruffled mini skirts. I love how her sexy, radiant pose and expression contrasts with her shirt’s message; it conveys such a fun duality!
Angelina also took her turn with a workout snap, pairing a camo crop top with black low-waisted shorts. Angie looks amazing as usual – the warm strawberry tones in her hair are gorgeous! As I would expect of a TBP alumnus, she nails her pose as well. Now, if we could just get these ladies together in one snap, that would be some seeeeeerious gym motivation! :)

The last time WWE did a photoshoot celebrating a milestone episode for Smackdown, it was the 500th back in 2009.  I know I didn't review the 'shoot because  diva-fierce.com didn't even exist yet - imagine that :) The Lady Superstars – Divas, as they were then known..and kind of remain as in Brie’s head :) – broke out a bevy of blue dresses to celebrate the occasion.
I get such Mother Hen feels looking at these snaps. It’s like “awww – my lil’ girls are all grown up” when I see how far these ladies have come! Natalya’s soft blue v-neck sheath looks lovely and she threw a fun vintage-esque touch into her look via her embellished almond-toe pumps. She struck a solid version of a classic pose. The whole look gives us an insight into the woman she would become – her sense of sophistication and shades of Pinup Strong are clear. This is only about two years after he main roster debut and her Divas’ championship, the Divas Of Doom and the Empress Queen of today were all in the future. I can’t help but imagine how she would slay this type of ‘shoot now, with so much more sass and confidence
Maryse also chose a v-neck sheath, going with a saturated sky blue piece and pairing it with strappy nude heels. This sensual aspect of her style was pretty much the whole of what she showed us at that time. Who knew there was so much more to come! Today, she’d keep the sexy dress…and likely reach for yet more fabulous shoes ;).
Maria has always let her creativity and flair come shining through in her photoshoots and being over-the-top is something she never worries about. That she pulls off so much drama time after time is one of the things I love about her! She added a wide black waist belt to her royal blue sequined sheath dress and echoed it via her black peep-toe pumps – I loved the strap detail then…and I still do! She lent extra punch to the look with a fierce hat and added lace fingerless gloves for good measure. I can easily envision her rocking very much this same look today.
Brie hadn’t delved much into her bohemian tendencies at the time of this ‘shoot; her style was mostly casual and feminine. This beautiful square-neck dress with its slightly-puffed sleeves holds up incredibly well! She could easily pop this out of the closet and wear it today (ok, maybe next spring :)) She completed the look with brown leather peep-toe pumps. She nailed a tried-and-true pose – and she’s only gotten better at that over the years!
Nikki chose a long-sleeved faux wrap dress which, like Brie’s selection, holds up very well. She was the only lady to add the spark of another color to her look, rounding it out with red peep-toe heels (bringing a touch of Raw into Smackdown, perhaps? :)) This look feels very true to the fashion sensibilities we see her express today – once a fashion queen, always a fashion queen! Her half up-do is gorge and her stance is fierce! (Naturally :))

In yet another wrestling-themed photoshoot, several Lady Superstars dressed up as their favorite ECW wrestlers. This kind of theme has been a favorite of WWE, going all the way back to 2013 when Natalya won our Silver Snaps Award with her portrayal of Sean Michaels.  I loved this idea much better back then when it was rarer, but I’ll take it.
Track pants and an ECW tee: Tommy Dreamer’s trademark ring gear  was made for Becky! She looks very much at home in this type of styling, and stays true to Dreamer’s choices, all the way up to his taped hands. She replicates his gritty stare perfectly and the background lighting helps to add interest to these snaps, which makes them particularly appealing.
Lana replicated The Sandman’s signature look of a personalized tank and denim (sometimes track pants). Her choice to go with all-black plays well against the barbed wire and chain link background, as well as the red and blue lighting that somehow creates a grimy atmosphere.  She utilizes his trademark prop – a kendo stick – in her poses to good effect. Her work here is stellar, as usual…though I admit to being quite distracted by her gorgeous messy braid!