Maria's Top 5 WWE Photoshoots

Maria has been teasing us on Instagram with one-offs from a number of her previous 'shoots and saying she thinks it's time to do a new one. (<That. Yes, please!) So while we wait (hopefully not too long :) hint, hint), let's whet our whistle by taking a look back at her top 5 WWE photoshoots. (For those of you who would like to go digging, there are tons of Maria photos, including 'shoots, in the Photos section of her official website, MariaKanellis.com).
#5 goes to this Blue Jean Baby set for it's oh-so-cute girl-next-door feel. I've always maintained that Maria can pull off just about any look and this Top 5 lends credence to that assertion. She softens her trademark dramatic poses into flirting with the camera -generally from the floor, and finds more ways to rock the floor in this one shoot than most Divas have in a career. The fashion works beautifully as well: her ripped flare jeans are casual, but with an attitude - especially with that chain belt!-, while her ruffled crop top in pure, sweet white is a feminine as it gets. She keeps the jewels to a minimum, which is spot on, and finishes the look with...nothing! It's barefoot for this babe, which makes the shoot that much more laidback and fun. Lastly, she gets Fierce points for the whippy ponytail - it's joyful, playful...and gorgeous too!
#4 showcases Maria's flair for classy drama in her Dolph's Doll episodes. She pairs a minimalist strapless knit dress with classic ankle-strap heels. A bold crystal collar - always one of my favorite looks with a strapless piece- adds chic sparkle. The drama gets kicked into high gear, though, via her hat/hairpiece and poses! Maria works every ounce of the seductive ice princess with her stares, glares, half smiles and hauteur. The black background is a fitting setting for this histrionic affair with the lens.

#3 aka Plaid About You sees Maria reveling in her fashionista it-girl side. She pairs a fabulous tied-high plaid (take that, Brie Bella ;)) with pedal-pusher (or clam-digger, take your pick :)) length leggings and completely FIERCE heels. I've always loved the slim, three-quarter length pants with heels; it's such a chic look! Her buffalo check newsboy cap adds a jaunty confidence to the outfit...don't you just adore a woman rocking a hat? So, basically, this shoot is a casual, cool-girl showstopper of fashion. From there, Maria does her usual magic of working every poses and bam! it lands here on our count-up :)
#2 goes to Maria's Rock Glam moment. She's always been comfortable with the rocker chick vibe - studs, crystals, anything with panache and attitude is her forte. This one sees her pairing skinny pants with a ruched tank and classic leather jacket in a cropped silhouette (was she ahead of the curve on that or what?). To this black-on-black look, she added leather gloves, star earrings, a massive crystal butterfly ring (love that!) and a faaaaaabulous can't-miss-it chain necklace. The back story of this look is interesting, but simple, while the jewelry adds the thrill! To all that, Maria brings the full palette of her wild-child poses. No holds are barred in rocker-mode and she pushes the envelope consistently and competently, creating something appropriate for a Rolling Stone cover ..or our wildest dreams ;)

#1 Maria and Mardi Gras? Did you have any doubts where this one would land? ;) Bead-shaking and other-things-shaking aside, this shoot shows a coherent and focused artistic vision. Sure, it's sexy. But, there's a wonderful use of color in this 'shoot: entrancing emeralds, mystical purples, luxurious metallics. It's not often we see layer after layer of gorgeous hues blended in a single shoot. Next, there's a wonderful play between the background and Maria's clothing choices. Her beautiful silk paisley midi dress (which, btw, would be equally appropriate today and outside of a 'shoot) has a soft sheen which lets it pop off the glittery background, without either being overwhelmed or disappearing. It's a fantastic pick in that respect, as well as being a stunning shade on Maria. She finishes the look with statement crystal earrings and metallic sandals which add just enough flair without going over-the-top. When she switches to her fringed and studded floor show ensemble, the background switches as well, to a simple black backdrop which lets the drama of the feathers, beads and masks take precedence. This whole shoot just comes together perfectly, enlivened by Maria's queen-of-the-stage posing. With concept, color, fashion and execution all working in harmony, the Bourbon Street Beauty 'shoot couldn't fail to take the top of our podium.  ...Not that we would mind seeing it knocked off by a forthcoming Impact set. If there's anyone we should pester to make that happen, a nod, a wink or a tweet would be seized upon with delight and glee and much additional tweeting :)