Author: stilettocity

Rock Those Heels: Chris Francis Shoe Designs at CAFAM

Posted on June 1, 2015August 15, 2015 by stilettocity

Most ladies know, a good pair of shoes is an art form. But self-taught designer Chris Francis takes shoemaking to a whole level. Creating awe-inspiring footwear from a variety of materials and found objects, he turns mere shoes into sculptural pieces.

I attended the opening reception for his current exhibit at the Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM), and felt like a little girl in a candy store – so many beautiful, theatrical pieces that stretch the boundaries and blow your mind as to what a shoe could be. From big chunky leather platform boots to delicate pieces with colorful textiles, each piece was a delight.

I especially loved the punk-inspired shoes, layered with scraps of leather to look like a motorcycle jacket, dotted with a Sex Pistols button, and giving attitude with broom bristle spikes. Reminded me a bit of my own mohawk back in the day (see image here!)

It’s not surprising to see such a piece from this designer, a former punk himself, he still carries himself with rock ‘n’ roll style and many of his clients include rockers such as Runaways’ Lita Ford and Motley Crue’s Mick Mars – whose last (foot mold) was seen hanging in his shop, set up in the CAFAM front room for the duration of the exhibit.

And I had to take a moment to pause in front of the shop to examine his tools of the trade. (Of course I had to wear my shoe print dress and killer heels for the event!) His shop looks like it’s a trip into a time machine of the type of craftsmanship almost left to the history books. Brushing aside the current techniques of mass production to create shoes, Francis instead uses vintage tools and makes each shoe by hand.

The results are clearly pieces made with love and passion for the art of the shoe.

Be sure to stop by and take a look at these masterful shoe creations and visit Francis in his shop there at the museum through the duration of the exhibit. Check the CAFAM website for his schedule.

The Craft & Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) presents Chris Francis: Shoe Designer through September 6, 5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Admission $7.

Kastle

Shoe photos courtesy of Chris Francis/CAFAM

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Tags: CAFAM, Chris Francis, events, fahion, Kastle Waserman, Los Angeles, museum exhibit, punk, shoe art, shoes, Stiletto City

Author: stilettocity

Mad Men Finale Party at The Offbeat Bar

Posted on May 24, 2015February 11, 2016 by stilettocity

The time had to come. The end of “Mad Men,” the show that had everyone hooked on the styles, the social political revolutions and the changes in the corporate advertising world through the decade of the 1960s. We got to know all the characters, we identified with them, whether it was their personality, their aspirations, their defeats, or just their love of a drink and a great outfit. After seven seasons and numerous awards, the show cannot only say it changed the cultural landscape in the TV genre but impacted people’s lives.

Since I’ve been watching “Mad Men” via iTunes downloads, I knew I couldn’t wait until the required next day to watch the finale. I wanted to be among friends, to say goodbye to these characters I’d come to love. So I gathered my ‘60s loving pals to go to a screening party.

I wore a primary yellow with red pinstripes ‘60s vintage shift dress, vintage gold drop earrings, vintage watch pen necklace (a tribute to Joan who always wore something similar), vintage patent leather red heels and a folded magazine purse to give a nod to our advertising champs.

We entered The Offbeat Bar where they went all out to make a great night – a drink menu with cocktails named for the characters, two big screens to watch the show on, photo ops with cut-out faces of each of the characters and “Mad Men” logo backdrop and a drawing for prizes for those who dressed up. All this with no cover charge! My kind of place!

We grabbed a cocktail to loosen up before the show. I had a “Roger That” – a strong mix of whiskey, soda and fruit.

Then we gathered in front of the screens as the last episode EVER played before us. It was so much fun to be in a room full of people who adore this show. We cheered for Pete and Trudy when they boarded the plane to their new life. We turned into mushy messes when Stan and Peggy got together. We clapped for Joan and her strength to start her own business. And we cried with Don when he talked to Betty about her cancer diagnosis. We were with them for every moment! And now we’ll miss them that they’re gone. Thank you to everyone with the Mad Men cast and crew for an amazing viewing experience!

Then it was time for the prize drawing as my friends and I twisted the night away to some great ‘60s tunes. I won a print from the character Lou Avery’s “Scout’s Honor” comic book, from part 1 of Season 7, signed by the artist Christian Cordella. And of course I had to take some snaps of all the people with great outfits! Check out the photos:

It was the the perfect way to spend the evening and say goodbye our beloved series. Thank you to the Offbeat Bar for creating a great night. Be sure to check out this groovin’ little place in Highland Park. They offer different theme nights around the sounds and pop culture of the ‘60s, revolving art installations and cocktail specials.

The Offbeat Bar, 6316 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Dance to the beat,
Kastle

Tags: 1960s fashion, bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, Mad Men

Author: stilettocity

Cocktails in the Historic Tap Room

Posted on May 16, 2015September 19, 2015 by stilettocity

I always love a chance to dress up and head out to an elegant setting. Recently the Art Deco Society had a gathering at the Tap Room, located inside the historic Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. A rare, surprise cold snap in LA had me ditching what I was going to wear and reaching for my velvet dresses. I opted for this slinky, black Film Noir Dress from Pinup Girl Clothing, black fishnets, stilettos and a vintage orange hat with pearl and rhinestone details.

I met my friends inside the lovely lounge setting designed after the hotel’s original bar, which opened in the 1930s, shortly after the end of Prohibition. The Tap Room features innovative cocktails and upscale bar food. The room opens up onto a terrace deck area that overlooks the sprawling hotel garden framed by palm trees and hilltop view of LA.

If you are interested in having a sit-down dinner before or after Tap cocktails, be sure to check out the hotel’s award-winning steakhouse, The Royce.

The Langham Hotel just celebrated its 100th anniversary last year and thankfully has not gone the path of so many modern-obsessed renovators. It’s maintained its style and preserved its history. There is a choice of classic rooms, historic suites, and cottages. I can tell you first-hand, it’s fabulous place to kick up your feet. I had a staycation there a couple of years ago and it really feels like you are away from the bustle of Los Angeles and in the heart of luxury.

The Langham Huntington Hotel is located at 1401 South Oak Knoll Ave in South Pasadena.

Kastle

Bar photos courtesy of The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Tags: bars in Los Angeles, hotels in Los Angeles, retro style

Author: stilettocity

Endless Summer Style

Posted on May 11, 2015August 15, 2015 by stilettocity

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.

Looking for awesome summer style? When it comes to summer essentials like women’s tees, tanks, sundresses, and shorts, ModCloth has you covered. Never before has ModCloth added SO MANY summer styles to New Arrivals all at once. Dive in to an endless assortment of playful patterns, colors, and silhouettes that’ll have you lookin’ fierce till fall!

Now I always like to kick off the summer with at least one new light and playful dress for the season. Here are some of my favorites, click the image to shop*

Rock the retro look in a bright color for summer with the Topiary Tour Dress or put on a colorful a cheerful print like the Haute Flair Balloon Dress.

You can’t go wrong with classic black and white polka dot print dress or skip through town in the playful sun umbrella pattern of the Day in the Shade Dress.

Enjoy fun in the sun in style!
Kastle

*disclosure
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Tags: fashion blog, ModCloth, summer dresses, summer fashion

Author: stilettocity

A Toast to Mad Men at The Prince

Posted on May 3, 2015April 20, 2016 by stilettocity

With the hit TV show Mad Men coming to an end, so many of my friends are sad to see it go – we can’t get enough of the style and the scandal, and the suburb detail of the period-perfect fashions and interior design. I’ve especially enjoyed the smart writing and clever twists and turns of each character punctuated with both humor and drama and a soundtrack that always hits the right note at pivotal moments.

So in tribute, I gathered my vintage-loving pals for a night of cocktails celebrate our love of the show. After doing research for previous blogs on places around Los Angeles where the show actually filmed, I decided we should meet at The Prince Bar and Restaurant. Lit with red lights, red circular booths, velvet baroque wallpaper with noble accents of knights in shining armor and romantic paintings, The Prince looks like a place where time stands still. Even calling on the waiter harkens back to another time – little butler lamps with buttons at each table to ring when you want service.

A beautiful horseshoe wood bar is a focal point and where my pals met up. While the bartender could have been a little better (my friends had to instruct him how to make drinks like a Sidecar and a Tom Collins and I found the wine selection limited to cheap chardonnay and merlot), we were all in awe of the surroundings – especially after seeing Don, Betty, Roger and Joan sitting at the bar and booths on the show.

For the evening I wanted to wear something special so I brought out my turquoise and gold shimmery wiggle dress by Tatyana and gold sparkle stilettos.

My pal Sandra D. didn’t disappoint in a customized vintage dress actually worn on Betty Draper on the show, which she scored at a costume sale. Word has it both Mad Men actress January Jones and costume designer Janie Bryant have been trying to get that dress back. But Sandra isn’t selling – and seeing her look so good in it, it’s clear why!

So with a toast to good friends and an amazing show, we say thank you to Mad Men for years of smart, stylish, entertaining television. I look forward to binge-watching it again and again!

The Prince Bar and Restaurant is located 3198 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Cheers!
Kastle

Tags: 1960s fashion, bars in Los Angeles, Mad Men

Author: stilettocity

Walking the Catwalk for LA Wine Tasting

Posted on April 27, 2015August 15, 2015 by stilettocity

There’s nothing like spending an evening sipping fine wine amongst glamorous movie starlets. LA Wine Tasting created another in their series of evening soirees, this time around the theme of Femmes d’ Hollywood in celebration of some of Hollywood’s most iconic women of the classic film era.

The event partnered with Clever Vintage Clothing for a fashion show as part of the evening’s entertainment. I was asked to be a model along with 7 other regular “Clever Girls” who all share a love for retro looks.

While Clever’s Dave Temple and Sabino Gutierrez lined up our outfits for two changes, we set to work channeling Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth and Audrey Hepburn among others.

There was a full house gathered poolside at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel as we lined up to walk our catwalk.

For my first run I was the night’s “Marilyn” in a cream-colored beaded wiggle dress and faux fur stole. My next walk on the runway was a gorgeous off-the-shoulder, wine-colored sharkskin ballgown. All the girls were raving about the beautiful fashions for this show – Dave and Sabino really outdid themselves!

Check out the looks of the night:

While we mingled with the guests and chatted up our outfits, we checked out the exclusive exhibition and silent auction presented by the Andrew Weiss Gallery. The gallery specializes in rare Hollywood fine photography from the 1920’s to 60’s. The photos on display were some of the most beautiful shots of Marilyn Monroe I’ve ever seen – my inspiration for the night and for a lifetime!

Poolside Fashion Show photos by Jenna Schoenefeld

LA Wine Tasting events take place every few months. Check their website for upcoming events.

Clever Vintage Clothing sells at local LA vintage expos and by appointment. Check their website for details.

Work it!
Kastle

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Author: stilettocity

The Makeup Show LA 2015

Posted on April 19, 2015August 15, 2015 by stilettocity

The Makeup Show returned to Los Angeles for a full weekend of makeup artistry, brands showcasing their best products, demonstrations, makeup tips and business advice for those working to make a career in the industry.

Taking place at California Mart downtown, the show drew cosmetics enthusiasts as well as professionals to take it all in, many of whom come as walking advertisements for their style and best makeup looks. Of course, I had to put a cute outfit together for the occasion, with my new Unique Vintage dress featuring faces all over it. I always enjoy the makeup demos and a chance to check out the best of the brands that are hoping makeup artists will take advantage of the show discounts to load up their kits and bloggers like me with try something new to write about.

The show was packed for both days and it seemed everywhere you turned there was another exciting makeup demo taking place from classic looks to airbrush art to over-the-top editorial looks.

I caught a few demos including one from Shanna Cistulli for Cinema Secrets working her magic on my pal Doris Mayday (also known as model manager for Pinup Girl Clothing.) The demo also included some words of wisdom from Makeup Artist Legend/Cinema Secrets Founder Maurice Stein who stressed the importance of cleaning makeup brushes after every use! I caught up with Maurice after the demo and asked if makeup artists really don’t clean their brushes – he said some reuse brushes on SEVERAL clients before cleaning them. YUCK – can you say breakouts and illness!

On Sunday, I caught a great demo by Helen Philips for Sephora using Sephora’s impressive collection of colorful eyeshadows that come in different finishes from matte to shimmer to mirror to glitter. She also gave a pro tip for makeup goofs – if you use makeup remover to fix a mistake and have a hole left in your foundation – use primer to fill it. I tried this a few days later and it works like a charm!

Out in the booths I checked out Sephora’s eyeshadow and blushes that can be easily take out of their packaging and put in a customized palette. I also liked the T3 Micro’s line of curling irons and hot rollers that promise to leave hair shiny and smooth with bouncy curls. And I caught up with the Besame booth to find out what lipstick is seen on my new favorite show “Agent Carter.” Her secret weapon? Besame’s Red Velvet!

Check out more pix from the scene:

And now for my Makeup Show haul! I came home with lots of exciting new products to try including:

Senna’s Brow Shaper Duo – Eyebrow Coloring Powder (with growth enhancers) and Pomade in Blonde
Senna’s Form A Brow Palette in Ash Blonde
Senna Lip Lacquers in Bling Bling and Meltdown
Beauty Blender Sponge Collection* including the Original, Pro, Pure, Miro Mini and cleanser
Le Maquillage Professionnel Contour Palette
Le Maquillage Professionnel Makeup Mixer
Gold Sin Jewels Metallic Temporary Tattoos
Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer*
Cinema Secrets Ultralucent Mineral Powder in Warm Light (Best Powder EVER!)
Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner* – keep those brushes clean!
Dollup Beauty Case – innovative case with magnetic side for color palette, makeup brush holder and pop up mirror – perfect for travel or taking to work. Love this!

The Makeup Show takes place in cities including LA, New York, Orlando, Dallas and Chicago as well as pop up shops, throughout the year. Check the website for the next one near you!

For the love of makeup,
Kastle

*disclosure
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Tags: Beauty, Cinema Secrets, Cosmetics, Doris Mayday, Helen Phillips, Los Angeles, Makeup, Maurice Stein, Shanna Cistulli, The Makeup Show

Author: stilettocity

Getting my Tiki on at Kahuna Tiki

Posted on January 25, 2015August 26, 2015 by stilettocity

Tiki Culture is alive and well in Southern California – from the annual Tiki Oasis convention to multiple tiki bars around town, we can never seem to get enough of the Aloha spirit.

So I was excited to hear about a Tiki restaurant opening in my area. Tiki Kahuna in North Hollywood offers a great setting as close as you can get to being on a tropical island in the big city.

The atmosphere is lit with Tiki torches, red and gold lamps and a fire pit in the middle (it’s a little dark but everyone looks great in that lighting!) and seating is mostly outdoors on picnic-style benches. (Bring a jacket, it can get chilly at night!) There is indoor seating in a small, enclosed area where they make the sushi rolls but it feels bright as a supermarket compared to romantic outdoor area.

The sushi is pretty good, we tried out a mix of different rolls and sashimi. The salmon sashimi was quite tasty and the Long Board roll was an explosion of flavors with tempura salmon, cucumber inside, mango, avo, salmon on top with a drizzle of sweet orange sauce and garlic ponzu.

The service was friendly and at one point one of the waiters saw me struggling with my chopsticks and brought me a set of training sticks (plastic chopsticks that are attached at the top to make them like tweezers). I think they were probably for little kids but I was happy to have them!

The only drawback to this place, other than being a bit chilly sitting outdoors, is they don’t have a liquor license so no Tiki cocktails for us, which a big part of Tiki culture. There is a Tiki Bar in the setting but it’s used as a waiter’s station. I would go back for a meal just for the ambience but it would be extra fab if I could have a big fruity cocktail with an umbrella in it, especially when the weather warms up!

Kahuna Tiki is located at 11026 Magnolia Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 91601 (818) 853-7447

Tiki on,
Kastle

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Tags: kahuna tiki, Los Angeles, North Hollywood, sushi restaurant, Tiki culture

Author: stilettocity

Makeup For When You’re Sick

Posted on January 18, 2015July 28, 2016 by stilettocity

There’s no getting around it, I’ve been down with a cold. And not just a cold, a sinus infection on top of it. And I’m not the only one. The cold and flu season has been particularly bad this year – my family, friends and coworkers have been dropping like dominos with an insistent cold that has lingered for two weeks or longer.

But life must go on and at some point you have to get out of bed and back into the world, even if you’re not back to feeling – or looking – your best. So I thought I would put together some tips on how to fake it, until you feel it. Click the links to shop* the products.

Moisturizer

Being sick can dehydrate you, drink lots of water and use a good moisturizer, one with an illuminator, such as Stila’s Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, can help you look radiant when your skin is drab from the illness. You may also want to reach for an eye cream to help with puffiness. Benefit’s Puff Off cream even has a little “iron” applicator to smooth out delicate skin around the eyes. Bonus tip – put your moisturizer in the refrigerator so it’s cool when you apply it, it will feel invigorating when you put it on and help with any puffiness.

Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Benefit Puff Off

Foundation

You’re going to be blowing your nose – a lot. So keep foundation light so it doesn’t show when you wipe off most of it from around your nose and mouth with the hundreds of tissues you’ll be going through. If you’re like me and have to go on antibiotics, at least there is one perk – it clears up blemishes so you won’t need much cover up! NARS Sheer Foundation provides just enough of a base and a bit of a glow to freshen up your complexion. But you may want to add a peach-tinted concealer under eyes to deal with dark circles such as Bobbi Brown’s Color Corrector.

NARS Sheer Foundation

Bobbi Brown Color Corrector in Peach

Lipstick

Now is not the time to be workin’ a heavy lipstick that’s going to smear every time you raise a tissue to your mouth and nose. Your lips are likely chapped from the “fun” of sleeping with your mouth open because your nose is stuffed up. So go for a moisturizing tinted lip balm. My faves are Sugar’s Lip Treatment and Clinque’s Chubby Sticks.

Sugar Lip Treatment

Clinque Chubby Stick

Blush

When you’re sick, you’re pale. Fake a healthy glow with a cream blush such as Stila’s Convertible Color, which can also be used on lips. A few sweeps of bronzer such as Benefit’s Hoola will also combat the pastiness a cold can bring.

Stila Convertible Color

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Eyes

Your eyes may be runny and puffy so keep makeup light and natural. A dark brown eyeshadow in the crease can help counter the puffiness and a dab of a light shimmery color in the inner lids and corner can brighten them up. Benefit’s Big Beautiful Eyes palette has everything you need. A brightening eye-lid primer such as Benefit’s Lemon-Aid will also help. Top with a waterproof mascara that won’t run when your eyes do.

Benefit Lemon Aid

Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes

Get well soon!
Kastle

*disclosure

Tags: Beauty, Cosmetics, Makeup, Makeup when you're sick

Author: stilettocity

Stiletto City Christmas Cocktail

Posted on December 20, 2014August 18, 2015 by stilettocity

The holidays are a time for festivity, getting together with friends and family. I love all the sparkles and lights everywhere. And best of all, I like getting my girl friends together to wear our best party dresses and have sweet Christmas cocktails.

Tonga Hut Tiki Bar in North Hollywood is one of my favorite hangouts for the low key atmosphere, great décor and friendly “aloha spirit” of the cool people who go there and run the place. They also have one of the best mixologists in town behind the bar, Syd Thomas. This year I asked Syd if he’d be willing to rise to the challenge of creating a Stiletto City Christmas Cocktail.

So I gathered up my girls and we drank from Syd’s special Christmas Cocktail Menu, which featured the delectable “Snow Wonder” – an almost milkshake-like drink, sweet and coconut-y. So perfect for the holidays.

From there, we moved onto the “Elf on a Shelf,” a refreshing mix of cranberry juice and a kick of rosemary and rum, festively garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a candy cane.

Then some Tiki scene friends brought around shot glasses filled with “The Lime in the Coconut,” another Syd special featuring all kinds of coconut goodness with a blast of lime juice. So good!

But the winner of the night as the official Stiletto City Christmas Cocktail is the Snow Wonder. Here are the ingredients if you want to try it out – but you’ll want to have Syd make it for you – he knows how to make it just right!

Snow Wonder Christmas Cocktail
coconut rum
white creme de menthe
coconut creme
rhubarb bitters
top w/coconut flakes & a cherry

Thanks to Syd and the Tonga Hut for all the holiday fun – and of course, my girls!

Happy Holidays everyone!
Kastle

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Tags: Christmas Cocktails