Category: Event Reviews

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

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

Category: Event Reviews

Tonga Hut’s 10-Year Reawakening Party

Posted on March 21, 2015 by

When Jeremy Fleener purchased the Tonga Hut in 2005, he also bought a lot of history. The bar, with it’s Polynesian décor that was the trend in 1958 when the place first opened its doors, has endured a few rounds of generations rediscovering Tiki culture and coming to the otherwise sleepy strip mall in North Hollywood for fruity libations and a good dose of relaxed escapism. In the 10 years that Fleener has been in charge, the bar has grown in popularity, boosted by theme parties that include vendors and cookouots in the back parking lot, bands playing, a killer jukebox, great bartenders, and adding names to its Royal Order of the Drooling Bastard club who drink from the legendary “Grog Log.” They’ve even expanded to a Palm Springs location.

To celebrate the 10th year of its “reawakening,” Tonga had, what else, a big ol’ party with a parking lot vendor sale, coconut-themed art show, Durangos Tacos and DJ Tonga Tom spinning outside while DJ Dan Moses kicked off an evening 60s dance party inside. I went to check it out and came across some great Tiki fashion while hanging with pal and fellow writer Lina Lecaro. Check out the scene:

Tonga Hut is located 12808 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606

Tiki on!

Kastle

Tags: Kastle Waserman, Lina Lecaro, Los Angeles, Stiletto City, Tonga Hut

Category: Event Reviews

A Sinful Night with I AM SIN Cosmetics

Posted on March 8, 2015 by

It was a sinfully fabulous night in Hollywood when Masuimi Max threw a party to celebrate her I Am Sin makeup line, now available at the Hustler Store in Hollywood.

The store, named after the magazine, has been a staple on the Sunset Strip for sexy toys and clothes. Masuimi Max’s makeup line, which feature cosmetics to give you dramatic, sultry looks, will certainly fit right in.

The party featured models dressed as the 7 Deadly Sins and burlesque performances from Ruby Champagne, Vanessa Burgundy, and Aziza Kyebasuuta. The place was packed with a mix of the pinup and rock ‘n’ roll crowd who lined up at the bar for free cocktails while DJ Lina Lecaro, writer for the LA Weekly, kept the party rockin’ with some sinfully good glam and punk tunes.

I AM SIN Cosmetics Hustler Party — Sinful Models

Lina Lecaro and Kastle Waserman — With DJ/Nightlife Writer Lina Lecaro

I had a great time hanging with gal pals, Jenni Black and singer/model Jenny Éloïse Rieu. And I was excited to meet YouTube Personality/ Pinup Model Pinup Doll Ashley Marie, who I’ve learned so much from by watching her hair and makeup tutorials. She’s just as gorgeous in person as on the web.

Pinup Model/YouTube Personality Ashley Marie

Hustler Hollywood I Am Sin Cosmetics Party — With pals Jenny and Jenni – Photo by Jason Kamimura Photography

Masuimi is proving to be quite the entrepreneur as a performer, pinup model and now cosmetics maven. She also throws a great party! Wishing her the best of luck!

The Hustler Store is located at 8920 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Stay sinful,

Kastle

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Tags: Aziza Kyebasuuta, Huslter Hollywood, I Am Sin Cosmetics, Jenni Black, Jenny Éloïse Rieu, Lina Lecaro, Masuimi Max, Pinup Doll Ashley Marie, Ruby Champagne, Vanessa Burgundy

Category: Event Reviews

Oscar Night: The Winners and Fashions

Posted on February 22, 2015 by

The Oscars are always a big night, especially in LA. So I couldn’t turn down a chance to watch all the fashions on the big screen when I was invited to a private viewing party at the Egyptian Theatre.

LA has barely had any rain this year, but it decided to start literally the same time as the arrivals. That didn’t dampen my spirits as I threw on a little vintage ‘60s leopard, number, a high ponytail, rhinestone hoop earrings, retro-style stacked pearl bracelet, and some rain booties.

I joined a few friends who turned the theater into a giant living room vibe, bringing their own picnics to munch on. Some dressed cozy in sweaters and others busted out the evening wear – it is the Oscars after all!

I watched the arrivals on the big screen then headed home to watch the full show at home where I could snuggle by the fire, tweet and holler for the winners, and check the fashions on multiple websites.

I’m a big movie watcher, which makes the awards shows fun because I’ve seen most of the nominees. My favorites this year were “The Imitation Game,” Theory of Everything,” “Selma” and “Finding Vivian Maier.” I was happy to see the song from “Selma” win, and Eddie Redmayne and Julianne Moore for best actor/actress. But I was not happy with seeing “Birdman” taking best picture. I really didn’t get that movie at all and didn’t enjoy it. Oh well.

Now for the fashions…I saw lots of nude hues and red dresses. I have to say, I’m over the trend of the super plunging neckline and side boob cleavage – I’m talking to you JLo! I don’t need to see that much of you! Here’s who I think won best dressed:

And I really liked seeing the men show some style this year, working some colored tuxes.

Now, I’m on to movie watching for next year!

And that’s a wrap,
Kastle

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Tags: academy awards 2015, Fashion, Kastle Waserman, movies, oscars 2015, Stiletto City

Category: Event Reviews

Gallery Day: From Louis Vuitton to the Rolling Stones

Posted on February 19, 2015 by

One of the things I love about living in Los Angeles is the abundance of cool things to do. So on a sunny, unseasonably warm 80-degree winter day, I decided to venture out to a couple of gallery exhibits.

First fashion, with Louis Vuitton, as the Series 2 exhibit took over a building on Highland Avenue. The intense exhibit through dark and mirrored hallways, and holograms of leggy models is a reinterpretation of a fashion show to allow visitors to discover artistic director Nicolas Ghesquiere’s inspirations for the ready-to-wear show and take them on a journey of past, present and future of the 160 year-old fashion house.

It took a minute to get adjusted to the path of darkness, lit with holograms bouncing off mirrored hallways. There was a series of images showing the history of the brand, short films of the sewing and gluing of each handmade handbag and shoe, and a virtual fashion show.

A poster room displayed photos by Annie Leibovitz, Juergen Teller and Bruce Weber, while my favorite room was the backstage area with full wall murals showing what it’s like for the models lining up to hit the catwalk and hurriedly changing outfits, while wardrobe racks featured the outfits the actual models wore in the show as well as the shoes and accessories.

Louis Vuitton decided to take this exhibit to cities around the world instead of staging a fashion show, making the experience more accessible to more people. I loved it! You can still get a peek at the fashion show on YouTube:

Next stop, rock ‘n’ roll. I headed over to the new Taschen Gallery on the Beverly and Crescent Heights for the It’s Just a Shot Away exhibits with photos of the Rolling Stones image dating back to the ‘60s.

Artistic shots by David Bailey, Anton Corbijn, Gered Mankowitz, Terry Richardson, Dominique Tarlé, and Albert Watson filled the gallery with the Stones looking colorfully dapper to candid high contrast black and white rehearsal images and concert shots. Those clothes, those haircuts, such style! I wish I could transport back in time and hang with them!

The exhibition is timed with the release of Taschen’s The Rolling Stones , an enormous coffee table book – that will take over your entire table – filled with stunning photos of the Stones though the decades.

Of course, Stones music filled the gallery and the gallery staff was incredibly welcoming. I spent a little time looking at other Taschen coffee table books on comic book history, pinups and tiki culture. They do such amazing high quality books on pop culture and subcultures, I’m excited to see how they will pair them with their upcoming gallery exhibits.

You have just a few days to check out these exhibits so make it part of your weekend plans!

Louis Vuitton Series 2 — Past, Present and Future” exhibition, 1135 North Highland Avenue, through February 22.

“It’s Just a Shot Away: The Rolling Stones in Photographs” exhibition, Taschen Gallery 8070 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, through February 28.

Start me up,
Kastle

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Category: Event Reviews

Be My Valentine: Fifty Shades of Grey

Posted on February 15, 2015 by

I had to do it. I had to go see “Fifty Shades of Grey” on Valentine’s Day. The much anticipated film adapted from the books (yes, I read them), had been all the buzz leading up to the big release.

Thankfully my boyfriend (who didn’t read the books) was a good sport about it – he scored us tickets to a late night screening at the sold-out Arclight Cinema and even wore the skinny, grey tie I gave him.

We stopped for dinner at the Arclight’s inside restaurant and they were workin’ the Fifty Shades angle with all the waiters wearing grey ties. The restaurant promoted a special Fifty Shades drink menu, so of course I had to try the “Lip Biter,” a delectable mix of vodka, sparking wine and peach schnapps. Other drink selections included the “Mr. Grey” with Earl Grey infused gin, “The Red Room” with white rum and Chambord, and the “Curious” with whiskey and apple spice bitters.

So I was nice and relaxed as we headed into the theatre. The audience was mostly women, out in groups for Valentine’s girls night out, and a few couples. The film itself is well done, nicely shot and Dakota Johnson is a perfect fit as the lead character of Anastasia Steele, the innocent college girl who meets one of the country’s most eligible young bachelors who just happens to have a dominant dark side.

I wasn’t that crazy about Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey – he looked great but his acting seemed forced, stiff and melodramatic. It was his lines, mostly the ones pulled right from the book, that drew roars of laughter from the crowd – at times not intended to be funny. Dornan drew more laughs at his acting than Anastasia did as the character who manages to crack a few sly jokes at Christian’s expense.

As for the sex scenes, there isn’t a lot sex exactly but more demonstrations of Christian’s need for “whipping” his women into shape. And hats off to Dakota for being able to carry out what must have been very difficult scenes to shoot.

All in all the film was enjoyable (my boyfriend even liked it) especially for those who have followed the books. It’s a classic romance story – rich, powerful guy who could have anyone he wants, falls for the girl who thinks of herself as a nobody. If only he didn’t have that pesky 50 shades that keeps them from having a normal relationship. While the extreme sexual behavior may be a too much for some, the conflict between the characters is enough to keep audiences enthralled – for a couple more sequels at least.

Laters baby,
Kastle

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Tags: 50 Shades of Grey, Arclight Theater, cocktials, Fifty Shades of Grey, film, movies

Category: Event Reviews

Sparkling LA Zoo Lights

Posted on January 2, 2015 by

I love driving around seeing the creative lights on homes around the holidays. It just makes everything feel more festive. For years, lights were featured along Zoo Drive leading up to the LA Zoo but the cost, the traffic and impact on the neighbors but the brakes on that event. Instead of dimming the lights for good, the zoo decided to decorate and allow visitors to walk the route, creating a fun family and date night event. While no animals were on display with the exception of a pen of rarely seen reindeer, the lights were the main show. And with LA experiencing an extremely cold kick-off to winter, I recommend grabbing a cup of hot chocolate along the way! Here’s a peek at what I saw:

LA Zoo lights will be on display through January 4, 2015. LA Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Sparkle on,
Kastle

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Tags: Christmas lights, holiday, LA Zoo, Los Angeles

Category: Event Reviews

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

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Tags: Christmas Cocktails

Category: Event Reviews

Discovering Little Osaka in DVF

Posted on December 6, 2014August 18, 2015 by stilettocity

I discovered yet another exciting area of Los Angeles this past weekend as I set out to support Small Business Saturday, or in this case “Caturday,” as Giant Robot and the gallery annex GR2 next door, featured a collection of writers and illustrators who prominently feature cats in their work.

Giant Robot has been a long-standing destination for Japanese toys, comics, books, art prints and novelties on the once desolate Sawtelle Boulevard in West LA. I was surprised to find the area has erupted in the past year as a street full of shops and restaurants. Known as Little Osaka, for catering to local Japanese-American residents and being to the west of (and rivaling) downtown’s Little Tokyo, it was quite the hot spot on this clear Saturday night with locals out in search of unique gifts, some karaoke or a taste for the boba tea, Korean tofu, traditional Japanese ramen or BBQ.

It was the perfect night to show off my first Diane von Furstenberg DVF dress. I finally scored one at a price I could afford on eBay and learned why everyone has talked about her silky jersey fabrics. It just fell so nicely around my body the minute I put it on and I just love the bold print. It made me realize why the brand claims to be for the girl who is “effortless, sexy and on the go.” I was so happy to finally be able to wear one of DVF’s designs after meeting her a couple of weeks ago. [See the report here.]

Inside GR2, authors Mari Naomi, Zoe Ruiz, Yumi Sakugawa and Jen Wang read from their books under a slideshow of some of their illustrations. I have the say Mari Naomi’s reading had me laughing the hardest with her witty writing and animated presence. I was also especially excited about the refreshments served – Hello Kitty Lotte Pies – meow!

After the reading, we strolled the bustling district in search of a good place for dinner and ended up at Hide Sushi for some super fresh and very affordable rolls. I highly recommend the yellowtail roll. Yum!

The best thing about this new lively area of Los Angeles is an opportunity to take a walk before and after dinner, and do some people watching, window shopping – and maybe show off a new DFV dress!

Little Osaka is located just north of the intersection of Sawtelle and Olympic in West Los Angeles.

Go fashionable or go home,
Kastle
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Tags: books, Diane Von Furstenberg, DVF, Fashion, Gian Robot, Kastle Waserman, Little Osaka, Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles, Stiletto City

Category: Event Reviews

Meeting Diane von Furstenberg at DVF Santa Monica

Posted on November 21, 2014August 18, 2015 by stilettocity

Known for the iconic wrap dress of the ‘70s that made her a household name, Diane von Furstenberg is a legendary designer who has been turning out lines of gorgeous, colorful, flowing prints for several decades. The Belgian-born designer established herself not only as a fashion icon but became a strong supporter of women’s empowerment through the years. She’s a cancer survivor and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, proving she herself is pretty tough stock.

When I heard Diane would be in LA this week, I had to figure out a way to go see her. So after a long day at work, I braved the traffic for the drive across the city to attend her book signing at her new store in Santa Monica.

Diane’s been on my mind a lot lately, I recently purchased her new memoir*, “The Woman I Wanted To Be” on audio book and I’ve been watching her new reality show, “House of DVF” on E! Entertainment. She is such a strong, stylish woman, I can’t help but be drawn to her like the many others who showed up to meet her at the book signing.

The new DVF store just opened in Santa Monica this month and it is like walking into a fashion candy store – with all of Diane’s trademark pop art-style splashes of color, metallics and prints inspired by nature and pure glamour – leaves, flowers, stars, animal prints, kisses. And while she is known for the wrap dress, she does so much more – accessories from iPad cases to scarves and shoes. I only wish I could afford them!

I did splurge to purchase the large, limited-edition table top book* “DVF: Journey of a Dress” to have her sign it and because I loved the exhibit in LA earlier this year (See Disco K.’s special report about it HERE.)

As I sat down with her on the hot pink couch in the boutique, I couldn’t help but be a bit star-struck. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of celebrities since living in LA and working as an entertainment journalist, but Diane is mega, and she holds a special spot in my heart for reasons I shared with her during our brief chat.

Post meeting, I strolled around the store looking at her beautiful clothes and headed back to my car to listen to Diane’s fabulously-accented voice reading her memoir to me on the drive home. I’m on the last chapter and wishing there was more, but she’s left me inspired in so many ways. As I work towards the goals I have for myself, I think, ‘What would Diane do?’

“Be the woman you want to be,” I would hear her say.

Thank you Diane for being a role model, an inspiration, a girl’s girl and a creator of fabulous fashions!

Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) Santa Monica is located at 395 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Fashion forward,

Kastle

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Tags: books, Diane Von Furstenberg, DVF, Kastle Waserman, Memoir, Stiletto City