Category: Event Reviews

BeautyCon Los Angeles 2013

Posted on September 3, 2013 by

BeautyCon hit Los Angeles for the first time, bringing together YouTube Beauty Vloggers, Makeup Brands and their fans. In what could easily be the bigger story than the event itself, is the number of fans who showed up at Hollywood’s Siren Studios trying to get into meet their favorite beauty guru. Beauty YouTubers such as Kandee Johnson have hundreds of thousands of subscribers so you do the math at how many people were trying to get in. When I arrived the line was already around the block and the temperature outside was inching up to 90-degrees. Despite my VIP blogger status, I did not get in due to the fact that the venue was at capacity. Some determined attendees, I read on Facebook, finally made it in after a FIVE-hour wait!

However, I did make it to the Thursday evening Industry Night at YouTube’s studios and was treated to a VIP tour of the facility. YouTube offers an amazing opportunity for aspiring videos stars who have over 100K subscribers to come film in their studios, have full access to makeup rooms, Foley sound rooms and several stage settings as well as full edit bays, post production and consultation from on-hand production assistants – all for FREE! The goal is to help people make good content – the more views, the better for YouTube and their stars – everybody wins. Get the full details on how to participate in their programs on the website: http://youtubespacela.com

Following the tour, I stepped outside where beauty brands had set up to promote their products, talk about the benefits and offer giveaway samples. I picked up some great products from LORAC (blog post coming soon), Bare Minerals (see the look I created in a previous blog post), Lush, Jurlique, Joico, Lightenting Whitening, Neautrogena and Revitaliash. Plus, BeautyCon put together a fantastic goodie bag for those who posted about the event on Instagram. So many great new items to try out!

Then the main event began, the panels featuring some of the biggest names in the Beauty space.

Panel 1 “SuperGuru Q&A” included: Elle and Blair Fowler, AndreasChoice and Kandee Johnson.

Panel 2 “Day Dream to Dream Job” included: Leslie Blodgett (bareMinerals), Alisa Gould Simon (Pose), Mandana Dayani (Rachel Zoe, Inc.), WendysLookBook, Mr. Kate, Sophia Bush and Christina Milian with moderator Kandee Johnson.

The panelists were impressively down to earth and forthcoming with tips from their experience both as YouTubers and brand entrepreneurs. Here’s what I learned:

When making a video, a lamp is not lighting!

Guard your privacy when putting yourself out there on YouTube or a blog, several shared experience of stalkers and the Fowler sister’s parents had to move because someone posted their address all over the web. Don’t state publicly where you live, where you will be or about your personal relationships.

Social media helps you make career happen for yourself.

If you are passionate, have common sense, this is your chance to have ownership in something.

It is hard work! You have to be willing to work your ass off. It’s not regular office hours and you never get a day off.

One failure won’t define you. Keep going.

All successful people live with fear, use it to push you. Take risks!

While you want your videos to look as good as possible many found their fans liked it better when they kept it real, left in bloopers, such a dropping brushes and flubbing lines. Keep a little raw realness in and people will connect with you.

Haters gonna hate but love always wins. Trying reaching out to haters and seeing why they are so angry. You might find you’ll make a friend. Try to appreciate someone every day.

Thanks to all the ladies on the panel! So inspiring!

See photos from the evening:

Elle and Blair Fowler

Carol Shaw of LORAC Cosmetics

Marina Curry of BeautyCon

Kandee Johnson

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS! >>

Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I have some YouTube videos to make!

Be the star you are,
Kastle

Tags: Alisa Gould Simon, AndreasChoice, bareMinerals, beautyCon, Blair Fowler, Christina Milian, Elle Fowler, Kandee Johnson, leslie blodgett, Mandana Dayani, Mr. Kate, Sophia Bush, WendysLookBook, YouTube, YouTubeSpace

Category: Event Reviews

OCC Makeup and Gail Potocki Present: Fragmented Alice

Posted on August 23, 2013 by

I’ve been an OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) fan since I discovered their Lip Tars about a year ago. These highly pigmented colors create a bold lip that lasts and is a favorite among pro makeup artists.

They recently launched a color collection in collaboration with Symbolist painter Gail Potocki called, “Fragmented Alice” – a twist on Alice in Wonderland where the makeup colors complement Potocki’s collection of Alice-inspired paintings that are hauntingly beautiful and have elements of gothic psychedelia.

“I’m thrilled with how Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics translated my work into the collection …it’s a unique way for others to physically inhabit the universe of ‘Fragmented Alice’,” said Potocki of the OCC collection.

OCC’s “Fragmented Alice” products were featured at the opening reception for Potocki’s exhibit at the Century Guild gallery, which was transformed into a surreal tea room for the night. Both the evening and the paintings had a juxtaposed sense of darkness and glamour that was beautiful.

See more of her paintings on the Century Guild website.

The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics products in “Fragmented Alice” include:

Lip Tar Metallic in “Fragmented”, a metallic acid green glaze that leaves a foil-like finish on the lips.

Nail Lacquers in “Severed”, a bright crimson crème and “Gryphon”, a cement grey crème.

Loose Colour Concentrates in “Inflicted”, a patinaed red/lavender; “Curved Sky”, an icy white to iridescent blue; and “Nevar”, a dirty golden olive. These micronized color pigments are fused with light- reflecting mica and can be used to apply shimmer on the eyes, lips, cheeks and body.

I got to try out the lip tar and loose colour concentrates* and created the look below. First, I primed my eyes with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Then I put down a base of Miliani Shadow Eyez cream stick shadow in “Winter White” to create a nice white canvas for the concentrates to really pop. Then I applied “Curved Sky” to the lids and “Nevar” to the crease and a little under the eyes. The “Fragmented” Lip Tar on its own is a little green for regular outings so I tempered it by applying a nude lipstick of Mac “Lush Amber” as a base and used the Lip Tar for a metallic finish.

Be sure to check out OCC’s uniquely inspired and gorgeous “Fragmented Alice” line and Gail Potocki’s collection at the Century Guild, 6150 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232. (Note: the Google Maps directions are incorrect! The gallery is across the street from the Helm’s Design District.)

Go ask Alice,
Kastle

*Makeup samples provided by OCC, see disclosure.

Tags: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Fragmented Alice, Gail Potocki, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic, OCC

Category: Event Reviews

Morphe Brushes Boutique: Grand Opening Party

Posted on August 15, 2013 by

A quiet little corner in Burbank, CA was thumping with big beats erupting from under a white tent, as a line wrapped down the block of eager makeup enthusiasts waiting to see the new Morphe Makeup Brush Store, the only one of its kind to feature entirely makeup brushes. Morphe threw a bash to celebrate its grand opening with DJs, a candy bar, fancy appetizers and a party crowd.

Every makeup lover knows, its not just the cosmetics you buy but the brushes you put it on with to get the right look. Morphe Brushes offers an extensive selection of cruelty-free natural and synthetic hair bristles at very reasonable prices.

I was eager to see the store, so I did a quick lap in the party tent and got in line. The Morphe Boutique is small so only a few people were allowed in at a time to allow room to shop. I’ll admit my patience was wearing thin, but I was rewarded when I heard my name called from the raffle announcer. I won a huge gift basket filled with skin, hair and nail products! What a treat!

I finally made my way into the store and it is truly a delight. Wall to wall brushes of every kind, cases, cleaners and palettes of makeup. Since I’m always changing my makeup and trying new looks, I’ll definitely be hitting this place to get the right tools.

Congrats Morphe on your new home! Check out the party pix below:

Visit Morphe Brushes Boutique at 616 South Victory Blvd. Burbank, CA 91502

Brush on!
Kastle

Category: Event Reviews

Pinup Girl Boutique: 1 Year Anniversary Party

Posted on August 1, 2013 by

It was an extra special night at the Pinup Girl Boutique. Celebrating the store’s 1-year anniversary, the clothing brand proved they successfully have made the leap from an online retailer to a couture fashion name with an international following of pinups. They have not only created a clothing line but a glamorous, retro-inspired lifestyle to aspire to that is lived everyday by “Team Pinup,” the models who not only show the looks in the catalog but also work in the store, design the clothes, create the hairstyles, and offer their talent as makeup artists. They created this one-stop-shop to allow everyone be the pinup bombshell they always wanted to be!

And they’ve clearly struck a cord with their audience, who love their monthly parties as a night to dress up and wear those fabulous Pinup Couture fashions. These gatherings are always a great night to go shopping because it’s like a living fashion show, seeing so many people in the Pinup Girl Clothing. My wish list always grows when I see what dress look good in real life. Fortunately, the parties coincide with Magnolia Park’s Ladies Night Out shopping nights when discounts of 10% and up make these fabulous fashions a little easier on the pocketbook.

For the anniversary party, the place was jam-packed. Drinks flowed, new friends were made and I was blown away by the talent lined up for the night. On the small stage in the center of the store, comedienne April Richardson, who sports her own retro flair and Bettie bangs, opened up the night and was hilarious.

Next up was Andra Day whose soulful voice was so moving and she got us all grooving! She was discovered after going viral on YouTube with her covers of pop song mashups. She is currently signed with Warner Bros. Records and working her debut album.

Lastly but certainly not least, was Katrina Parker who gained attention for coming in 2^nd place on “The Voice” TV show. She looked so sweet in her big ‘60s-style hairdo and her voice blew the place away. Katrina is gearing up to release an album funded by Kickstarter.

Both singers are right on the cusp of big time fame and now we can say we saw them early on!

I always find it funny when the Pinup Boutique has performers in the store, they always comment, “this is the best looking crowd we’ve ever played to!” And it’s true, the pinup customer knows how to dress up for a night! The store was filled with beauties working their retro-inpsired look, which is elegant and sexy. Talk about some great people watching! And the night was capped with a toast as Team Pinup gathered on stage to thank their customers, raffle off some prizes and introduce a new line of Pinup Couture handbags for which the crowd gave a loud cheer. Did I mention my wish list was growing?

Check out the party pix below and more on Flickr.

Click here for more PARTY PIX!

Congrats Pinup Girl Boutique and thank you for your fabulous fashions and super-fun events!

I wish you many more years to come – ’cause I have some shopping to do! 🙂
Kastle

Tags: Fashion, Pinup Girl, Pinup Girl Clothing, vintage inspired clothing

Category: Event Reviews

Tonga Hut Celebrates 55 Years

Posted on July 26, 2013 by

I love a good Tiki bar – the fruity cocktails, fun exotic décor and the groovy people who frequent the tiki scene. Sadly many of the good authentic Tiki bars of the ‘50s and ‘60s have met the wrecking ball, but still going strong after 55 years is the Tonga Hut in North Hollywood. Holding the prestigious title of being the oldest operating Tiki bar in Los Angeles, Tonga has seen many trends come and go, but Tiki is forever!

They celebrated their 55^th Anniversary with a bash worthy of the place’s history and reputation. The place was PACKED! A commemorative, limited edition Tiki mug designed by renown Tiki artist Shag sold out in a flash and vendors in the back parking lot sold Tiki treasures and clothing as bands rocked the tiny stage inside for the enthusiastic crowd.

I got to chat for a bit with artist Shag, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, who I had the pleasure of interviewing at his home (which looks like a Shag painting BTW!) about his inspiration and success a couple of years ago (read here)

And I made lots of new friends in this crowd that just loves the retro spirit and tropical flair of Tiki, including Dollie the Rockabilly Socialite, who you may know from the brief reality show “Wives With Beehives.” She’s gorgeous in person!

The owner of Tonga Hut got up and thanked the crowd and announced a new partnership with Kevin and Claudia Murphy to open the second Tonga Hut in Palm Springs. Yay!

What a fantastic party! See more party pix below.

Thanks to the Tonga Hut for 55 fabulous years and I wish you 55 more!

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

Tiki on,
Kastle

Tags: Dollie DeVille, Shag, Tiki, Tonga Hut

Category: Event Reviews

PHAMExpo: Beauty Bonanza

Posted on July 8, 2013 by

If you can imagine Sephora on steroids, you can imagine what a beauty convention is like. For the first time ever, PHAMExpo put down stakes in Pasadena, CA and opened its doors to makeup pros, beauty bloggers and the public alike. Inside, was a giant candy store of cosmetics, pro artist demos and deep discounts on product purchases.

As a beauty junkie and avid watcher of YouTube makeup tutorials, I have to say there’s nothing like having a roomful of pro artists providing tips and answering questions, and the makeup right there for you test and purchase.

When I walked in, Doe Deere from Lime Crime was doing a Q&A on the main stage. With her long lavender hair and doll-like style, Doe and her fun, colorful cosmetics line have amassed a huge following. The audience was packed with girls with funky hair colors and bright makeup eager to ask a question. The most popular question turned out to be turning Doe’s favorite question back to her “What is your daydream?” to which she answered, “To give all my Lime Crime fans a big hug!”

Following the her Q&A, fans lined up to get a photo with Doe in front of the daydream board where the entrepreneur encouraged them to pen their own dream.

I took some time to walk around and see what was available. There were known brands such as MAC, Stila, Inglot, OCC and Makeup Forever and lots of up and coming brands that specialize in lashes, nails and brushes and other pro tools. I spotted a couple of Vanity Girl Makeup Mirrors and got to say hello to founder, Maxine. A few beauty schools were also there to help makeup enthusiasts enroll and go pro.

Some of the displays were pretty over-the-top, especially to exhibit some of the character makeup and artist airbrushing. MAC’s display probably drew the most attention. While all the other booths had female models, MAC lined up five hunky guys in nothing but their boxer briefs to airbrush for what was mostly a crowd of women in attendance. Yeah, that went over well!

My favorite part of the weekend had to be the pro artist demos. Nothing encourages me to try new products more than an explanation on how to use them to get a specific look. At this expo, the running theme seemed to be how to get HD-ready skin. All of these makeup experts work to prep models and actresses for photo shoots and TV and film work, but were well aware that with the popularity of Instagram and YouTube and having an HD camera on that phone in your pocket, EVERYBODY needs to be camera ready!

Some of the most inspiring pro artist demos I checked out included:

Cory Bishop, Stila Cosmetics – really knowledgable about HD-ready makeup. Loved that he used a mature model for his demo (anyone can make a thin, 20-year-old with high checkbones and perfect skin look good!) His tip on using silicon-based products and non-talc powder changed my thinking on my makeup. I was lucky enough to catch him at the Stila counter and he helped me pick out some color matches for my foundation overhaul – thanks Cory!

Caitlin Callahan, MAC Senior Artist – a real pro in knowing how to make skin look like skin, not made-up or powdery. “Creams look like skin, powder looks like makeup.” Really knew her stuff. Offered the great suggestion of taking a quick photo or video of your makeup as you’re doing it or after you’re done to see how it reflects on camera and with a flash.

Tracey Taylor, Temptu Pro Artist – a lesson in airbrush makeup, the ultimate in making skin look smooth with a long-lasting look. Tracey talked about how air-brushing needs very little touch up, is waterproof (yes, you can swim in it!) and covers everything. If you are willing to invest in the equipment and the learning curve, it’s probably the best solution for a flawless face. If you are a pro artist, knowing airbrushing allows you to charge more for your service.

Keynote, Pro Artist Valente Frazier – Emmy award winning makeup artist who has worked with Tyra Banks, Michelle Obama, Rhianna Heidi Klum and more. Has a super fun personality. Created a glamorous but natural look. And thanks for the compliment on my 1940’s hairdo Valente!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW FOR MORE PHOTOS!

Here’s what I learned:

HD shows everything!
Silicone-based products look closest to skin, have light reflective qualities, don’t break down, need primers, powder or setting spray.
A moisturizer with mineral oil gives silicon something to cling to.
If you’re getting camera-ready, don’t use products with sunscreen, it will make skin appear white with a flash.
Buff foundation on with a kabuki brush for an airbrush finish or use a damp Beauty Blender sponge.
Synthetic brushes are better from cream products. Won’t absorb product into the bristles so applies smoother and are easier to clean.
A foundation in a warmer color can used as a bronzer.
Blue and purple-based colors can make you look older. Go for orange-base to look younger.
Strengthen the natural lines of your face – hairline, brows, and lash line and it will make you look younger.
Play-up the features you like about your face (such as eyes or lips) deflect from flaws.
For mature eyes, use browns. They won’t turn grey or ashy. Brown shadow and liner, then a pop of black liner in the waterline.
Use cream blush, it has the same texture as skin, especially on mature skin. Put on hand to warm it, mash into bristles of brush, or dab on cheeks and blend with fingers.
Eye pencils are creamy and reflect like skin. Powder shadow looks like makeup.
Don’t use talc-based powders with silicon-based foundation, it will look cakey. Use low or no talc loose powder to dust on just areas prone to shine to set.
Put concealer under the eye only where it’s dark, not in a big “U”. Then blend with a brush.
After applying concealer under the eye, take a folded tissue to blot and absorb excess concealer to prevent creasing.
Take a photo of your makeup when it’s done to see how it looks to others and with a flash. Nobody wants to be caught out like Nicole Kidman’s famous red carpet flub.

Here’s my haul:

Stila Stay All Day Foundation, Fair #2
Stila Convertible Color, Gladiola
Stila convertible color, Camilia
Stila Lip Stain, Cherry Crush
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, Beso
Stila In the Know Eyeshadow Palette
Stila Kajal Eyeliner, Oynx
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, Black
Stila Smudge Stick, Silver Dollar (free gift!)
Makeup Forever Aqua Brow
Purely Cosmetics Diamond Perfect Finish Powder
Embryoisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturizer
Beauty Blender Sponge
Beauty Blender Sponge Cleaner (free gift!)
SILK Flat Powder Brush
SILK Complexion Brush
Karen Zander Pro Brush Soap
J. Cats Nail Art Strips

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog on getting my HD look!

Be your best self,
Kastle

Tags: Caitlin Callahan, Cory Bishop, Doe Deere, Kastle Waserman, Lime Crime, MAC, Maxine Tatlonghari, PHAMExpo, Stila, Stiletto City, Temptu, Tracey Taylor, Valente Frazier, Vanity Girl, Vanity Girl Hollywood

Category: Event Reviews

Drink Like “Mad Men”

Posted on June 8, 2013 by

We’ve enjoyed six fabulous seasons of “Mad Men,” watching Don, Roger, Peggy, Joan and the gang saunter stylishly through offices and bars. Now with the series ending (season 7 will be the last), we just can’t let the party go. I discovered several bars throughout Los Angeles where “Mad Men” actually filmed so you can go out and drink like Don and let the madness live on.

In case you didn’t know, though Mad Men is set in New York City, most of the locations are actually filmed in Los Angeles. And I have to tip a fedora hat to their location scouts for finding some of the most esthetically pleasing watering holes in town, many which are historical landmarks.

So keep the scandal, mystery and intrigue going, cocktail in hand, and live like “Mad Men.” And don’t forget to dress to impress.

Here’s where to go:

Casey’s Irish Pub

A classic dark wood interior and saloon-style bar is given extra appeal by having to descend a set of stairs to the basement level get to it. Located in downtown LA, this bar is dark, cozy and relaxed with a solid Irish influence.

Millennium Biltmore Hotel

The ornate décor screams money, baby and you’ll feel like a million bucks when you saddle up to the Gallery Bar and Cognac Room here or take a meeting over a light meal in the gorgeous Rendezvous Court. This hotel opened its doors in 1923 and its mix of Spanish-Italian Renaissance and Mediterranean Revival, Beaux Arts styles made it an instant sensation. Frescos, marble and bronze provide elaborate texture to make this place feel like the utmost in vintage luxury.

HMS Bounty

Red booths a-plenty but with dive bar appeal, the HMS Bounty has been a staple for Hollywood scenesters venturing into the edge of Koreatown. Located on the ground floor of the historic 1920’s Gaylord Apartments, you can have no-frills, greasy spoon of a meal washed down with a stiff classic cocktail (no fancy mixology going on here) or just mingle with the array of hipsters and regular barflies at the bar.

La Villa Basque

Probably the only cool place in the industrial area of Vernon, which is East of Downtown LA. La Villa Basque’s charm is in the fact that it looks like it hasn’t changed since the ‘60s. Inside, is a gorgeous bar and round booths with colorful upholstery that you could easily see the Rat Pack holding court in. Definitely an outside-of-the-party-zone destination location but worth a visit.

Musso And Frank

It doesn’t get more classic Hollywood than this. Musso and Frank is an icon of Hollywood’s Golden Era. Opening in 1919, the place has been a watering hole and dining spot to famous authors and movie stars — F. Scott Fitzgerald, Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor to name a few. So even if you go there to slip in the same buttery red leather booth as Don Draper, know that it was warmed by many stars before him.

Cicada

One word: glamour. Located in the historic 1928 Oviatt Building, the Cicada provides the luxurious setting of art deco elegance with its gold trim and cubist flourishings. This dance and supper club offers a chance to step into a time capsule for a night of decadent sophistication. Check the calendar for host Maxwell DeMille’s many retro-inspired events featuring jazz and swingin’ big bands.

The Prince

Tucked in an unlikely corner of residential Koreatown, The Prince envelopes you in tones of red (a color that makes everyone look good, even before a few cocktails!) From the red lighting, to the red leather booths, and red velvet flocked wallpaper, it’s a generous space, punctuated with a gorgeous horseshoe bar and grand piano. I’ve seen many scenes of Don having dinner here on the show. It’s been written that The Prince once served celebrities and royalty. These days its more of a best kept secret for those wanting a taste of bygone eras when everything seemed just a bit more glamorous.

I think I see a bar crawl in my future!

Kastle

Photos via Pinterest, click ’em to go to the source

Tags: Mad Men

Category: Event Reviews

Derby Dolls and All-Stars

Posted on May 28, 2013August 18, 2015 by stilettocity

A night with the Derby Dolls is always a knock-down good time. These girls on wheels are tough, strong and gorgeous. I personally know a few Dolls myself and I’m in awe of their spirit and stamina! It’s not an easy sport – the girls skate at high speeds on an angled, “banked” rink (I can barely make it down a flat sidewalk on skates!) and work to block and knock each other to take out the other team’s “jammer” working to score points by passing opposing players.

On a recent Saturday night I headed down to the “Doll Factory,” a great big warehouse near downtown LA that features the rink, a vendor room and a stage for bands during intermission. On this particular night were two bands with some well-known musicians and icons of the LA’s rock legacy. First up Forty Volume, an all-girl band featuring Iris Berry, best known as the hottie scenester and creative writer in LA’s early ‘80s punk/ rock scene who sang in bands including The Ringling Sisters and the Lame Flames and lived at the infamous Disgraceland punk house. (She still looks amazing, by the way!) Backed by rock photographer/manager Dawn Laureen and Jill Guido, they busted out a few punk covers such as Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger.”

Then it was time for some Doll action! It was the LA Ri-ettes in competition in with each other – half the team dressed in pink, half in black and pitted in fierce fighting for the win. What was great about this bout was the friendly competition, you could see them laughing and chatting with each other before they lined up to do some pounding. And what I loved was that great Doll spirit when one went down injured, they all dropped to the floor in camaraderie.

During intermission it was back over to the “Doll Mall” where venders were set up selling drinks, snacks, jewelry, knick-knacks and of course, Derby Dolls Merchandise. And a special treat tonight, The International Swingers took the stage. This all-star band features, Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Gary Twinn (20 Flight Rockers) Clem Burke (Blondie) and James Stevenson (Gene Loves Jezebel, The Cult). Now you can’t say they did covers songs since most of the songs were from bands they’ve been in, mixed with a bit of Bowie and some originals as well. Twinn’s voice pulled off the range from Johnny Rotten to Debbie Harry, while they all kept the super-cool presence and awesome playing of seasoned rockers on stage.

Be sure to check out the Derby Dolls’ upcoming bouts held on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. For the schedule and more info, visit their website: www.derbydolls.com

Go dolls!
Kastle

Tags: Clem Burke, Derby Dolls, Doll Factory, Glen Matlock, International Swingers, Iris Berry, James Stevenson

Category: Event Reviews

Flying High with Pam Ann

Posted on May 21, 2013August 18, 2015 by stilettocity

Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seatbelt, we are expecting a bumpy ride…

I was prepared for takeoff at the Saban Theatre last week as the one-woman show from Pam Ann touched down to give us a full evening of airline humor. With her image taking a hilarious spin on the 1960’s Pan Am stewardess, Pam Ann brings it with BIG hair, exaggerated pinup makeup, and a whole lot of attitude.

Source: gay-sd.com via Stiletto on Pinterest

On this leg of her tour through the States, she came out in a bright yellow, skin tight mod dress with gigantic hair and a tiny hat and proceeded to let loose with her Australian accent and outrageous humor, sharing her recent escapades of adding another notch on the cockpit of her “mile high club.” The audience, filled with practically every gay man in Los Angeles, roared with laughter. From there she went on a roll about the various airlines and anyone who has spent a few miles flying the not-so-friendly skies will appreciate her humor, especially the jokes about teasing the coach flyers with “peeks through the curtain” of bottles of wine and glasses clinking in First Class.

The show quickly went into improv mode as she began conversing with the front row and came across a pilot from Alaska Airlines, who came to the show dressed in his uniform and quickly became the source of jokes the rest of the show. “I fly INTERNATIONAL, do you know what that means Alaska?” Pam Ann quipped. Another high point was when an Asian woman who appeared to have had a few too many drinks to contain her love for Pam Ann approached the stage “You want to have one of those as every show!” Pam professed.

At the end of the night she thanked the LA audience for a good time “you all made ME laugh tonight!”

And of course, Pam Ann’s look got me inspired to dress to the nines for the evening. Check out my look HERE.

If you missed the show, you can catch a few clips of past tours on YouTube or pickup her DVD.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge_x1U2rYBo&w=420&h=315]

Strap in,
Kastle

Photo of Pam Ann via Pinterest

Tags: Pam Ann

Category: Event Reviews

Oh the Drama! The 15th Annual Film Noir Festival

Posted on April 30, 2013August 26, 2015 by stilettocity

It was a dark and mysterious evening, the dames were dressed to the nines, you knew half of them were gun molls for the sharp-dressed gents hangin’ in shadows, hats tipped low, cigarette smoke filling the air as the music played. Oh a few danced like it was the best night of their lives, but others were on the hunt, looking for clues like scavengers. They were told they were part of a team but I knew it was every man for himself as I circled the gamblin’ tables. I was lady luck and the only one in the joint probably not headed for the state pen’. The dancing girls inside the theater were offering up there best burlesque tease, a few mugs hung around the bowling alley, and the band played on.

The Egyptian Theatre was transformed into Noir City for the closing night of the two-week long, 15th annual Film Noir Festival. There was an Italian food buffet, cocktails, a burlesque show, a scavenger hunt, music by Dean Mora and his Swingtet, mock mug shots by Paper Moon Vintage Photography, even a play bowling alley as the place was set up to resemble Jefty’s club featured in the film centerpiece, “Road House,” a gem of a film noir black ‘n’ white flick with the requisite dramatic ending, starring Ida Lupino, Cornel Wilde, Celeste Holm and Richard Widmark.

Film Noir is a genre that was created in the early ‘40s to the late ’50s, with its signature high-contrast, black ‘n’ white look and plots filled with scandal to the point it’s almost funny to watch. It was great to see some of these films restored and on the big screen. I had the pleasure of catching “Sunset Blvd” and it was even better than the first time I saw it years ago. I was loving the Edith Head costumes, Billy Wilder’s direction and the engaging story that is oh so Hollywood. And what great fun to be in a crowd that applauded over those classic lines: “I AM big, it’s the pictures that got small.” And “Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”

The closing night party really drew a big crowd as the entire courtyard of the Egyptian Theatre filled with people, dressed in their finest vintage to reflect the era to watch the movie, have a cocktail and good time! Check out the party pix:

The Annual Film Noir Festival is presented by The American Cinematheque. Be sure to catch it next year by following festival updates on the Film Noir Los Angeles Facebook page.

Here’s mud in your eye,
Kastle

“Road House” photo via Pinterest

Tags: American Cinematheque, Egyptian Theatre, Film Noir Festival