Category: Fashion

Going Boho Chic at Inn of the Seventh Ray

Posted on January 10, 2016January 11, 2016 by stilettocity

Nestled in the trees of Topanga Canyon, a magical place twinkles in the night. Lovely garden furniture surrounds a flower-strewn fountain. Little gazebos and nooks twist off from the main area and down alongside a bubbling creek. Offering a mix of the Canyon’s boho chic aesthetic with a hearty dose of romance , the Inn of the Seventh Ray is one of the loveliest dining spots in Los Angeles and the perfect place to rock some boho chic style.

I had long heard of this place but visited only recently. Venturing down the cobblestone steps to be seated by the fountain, I found the food to be excellent and the setting, well, what can you say, take your sweetie and just bask in the beauty of it all. Near the entrance is a gift shop where you can load up on necessities to feed your spirit or just grab a token to remember your night – from candles and crystals to incense and oils.

What I Wore

It was a particularly chilly night in Los Angeles when I went, and the Canyon tends to get a breeze through it, especially by the creek. Thank goodness the place has heat lamps and a small indoor dining space with a fireplace! I wanted to put on my best boho chic look, so I busted out a fringe-trimmed poncho, leggings and boots that kept me snuggly and warm. I paired it with a purse made of 45 vinyl records I picked up on a trip to Buenos Aires and exotic round dangle earrings.

Get Your Boho Chic On

Let out your inner bohemian love child for a night of romance with a fringe-trimmed, sweater dress and leggings. A floppy black hat really makes the boho look as do these boots with the killer sun / moon cutouts on the toe. Punctuate the look with some feather and bead dangle earrings. Click the links to shop* this look!

Don’t miss out on a night of magical ambiance.

The Inn of the Seventh Ray is located at 128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA 90290

Peace and love,
Kastle

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Tags: boho chic style, Kastle Waserman, restaurants in Los Angeles

Category: Fashion

Pinup Style for a Rockin’ Dinner at Genghis Cohen

Posted on January 4, 2016May 2, 2016 by stilettocity

There are some places that are just so comfortable you find yourself going back again and again. For me, one of those places is Genghis Cohen. Established in 1983, this rockin’ Chinese restaurant has been a longtime fixture for rockers for their affordable food, and live music room. It’s a great place to put on some casual retro style and grab dinner.

I’ve been there so often the waiters always seem to recognize me and greet us with a friendly hello. The food is tasty (love the noodle dishes!) and comes in big portions. You can get your meal served with a strong drink from the bar. Plus, there’s always an opportunity to catch a good local act in the adjacent room.

What I Wore

You can’t go wrong with a pencil skirt to dress up or go casual. I teamed mine with a dotted, mesh illusion, black top and some groovy fashion-print boots I picked at a vintage store in Nashville. A gunmetal silver purse and chunky black earrings complete my casual pin up style look.

Casual Dinner Pinup Style

Create intrigue by mixing textures with a bold, blue and black print pencil skirt and dainty lace detailed blouse. Matching blue shoes keep the color going while drop earrings add to this casual pinup style look without being overpowering. A silver, pinup style handbag can be found for a steal on eBay. Click the links to shop* this look.

So get your style on for a dinner with a date or friends and catch a cool, local act while you’re at it!

Genghis Cohen is located at 740 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Delish!
Kastle

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Tags: Kastle Waserman, LA Nightclubs, Nightclubs, retro style, things to do in Los Angeles

Category: Fashion

Gettin’ Sassy Retro Style at the Sassafras Saloon

Posted on December 13, 2015January 29, 2016 by stilettocity

There’s nothing like heading out to a cool bar to see a good band, good friends, and have a drink to let any stress of the week roll off your back. I put on some casual, retro style and ventured out recently to the Sassafras Saloon in Hollywood to do just that.

This has to be one of the coolest looking bars in town. Remodeled a few years ago, it looks like it’s been there for decades with a down home, lovingly distressed, old New Orleans feel to it. They serve signature cocktails with their own house blend of ginger beer. Bottles of homemade sarsaparilla spin on rotating conveyer belt above the bar. I loved ordering my drink and watching the bartender mix the concoction with some of that sweet potion from the mysterious brown bottles of goodness. In case you aren’t familiar with sarsaparilla, it’s a sweet soda made popular in the 1930-’50s cowboy movies and it’s rootin’ tootin’ good!

On this particular night, I was knockin’ it back to the sounds of Maureen and the Mercury 5, who I’ve been a fan of since I saw them at Viva Las Vegas a few years ago. They got the place jumpin’ with their mix of rockabilly and jive fronted with Maureen’s powerhouse vocals and sexy, sassy stage presence.

What I Wore

For my retro style look for the night, I brought out Elvis looking tough on a motorbike on my t-shirt atop a forest green swing skirt. Some high heeled saddle shoes had me ready for boppin’

Retro Style for Saddlin’ Up to the Bar

If you’re headed out to a cool bar or to see your local rockabilly act, keep it casual but cute in a black and white dotted tank with Peter Pan collar and bow neck tie. A bright yellow swing skirt will make you stand out and put everyone around in a cheerful mood. Lace up some saddle shoes and pack up your things in a bag featuring Elvis movie posters and you’ll be ready to rock! Click the links to shop* this look!

Sassafras Saloon is located at 1233 N. Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90038

See ya at the bar!
Kastle

Photos of Sassafras courtesy of the 1993 Group

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, retro style, things to do in Los Angeles

Category: Fashion

Leaving a Beauty Mark: Dita Von Teese Pinup Style

Posted on December 5, 2015December 6, 2015 by stilettocity

All hail the queen! Dita Von Teese is known as the queen of pinup style. She’s a model, burlesque dancer and all around icon to those who love retro glamour. With a shock of black hair, pale skin, red lips and curves for days, she embodies the elegance and sex appeal of classic movie starlets while still keeping a little underground edge. And now she’s sharing her beauty secrets in her new book, “Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour”* and gearing up to hit Los Angeles with a talk at Live Talks LA on December 9th.

The book is a step by step guide through Dita’s beauty routines and includes expert tips from her glam squad of makeup artists, hair stylists, nutritionists and fitness trainers. Co-written with Rose Apadaca (who also happens to be my former editor when I wrote for “Women’s Wear Daily.” Go Rose!), the book is bound to be the ultimate resource for pinup greatness from the best known woman in the business!

What I Wore

With Dita in mind, I recently went out in a Dita Von Teese-inspired pinup style look. When I think of her, I think of black lace, not only for her sexy pinup lingerie photos but she also wears a lot of black lace when she’s making red carpet appearances. See an inspiration photo here of a classic Dita look – black lace trimmed dress and red lips. So I pulled out a black lace, wrap-top over a black tank top and paired it with a silver-grey pencil skirt with front inverted pleats to get that sexy hourglass silhouette Dita is known for. I added some delicate rhinestone earrings, black gloves and tied the lace in with some black lace stilettos and a vintage bag with fun fringe trim. I also did my hair and makeup with pinup curls and of course, red lips!

What Would Dita Do? Get the Dita Von Teese Pinup Style Look

To get the Dita’s look, reach for a black lace dress like this form-fitting one with illusion top, add some glamour with rhinestone earrings and extra sex kitten appeal with velvet gloves and matching black velvet sky-high heels. Click the links* to shop this look!

And don’t forget some of Dita’s trademark beauty secrets such as porcelain, matte skin. I found Make Up For Ever’s Mat Velvet foundation is perfect for achieving that look – you hardly need primer or powder with it. And it wouldn’t be a Dita look without red lips. Go for Besame’s Red Velvet Lipstick, this brand is known for their makeup designed to recreate vintage looks. And you know you need some sexy lingerie so step into What Katie Did for your lacy underthings, this brand also appeals to those who love retro style. Click the links* to shop these brands!

Dita Von Teese will be appearing December 9^th at Live Talks LA at the Crest Theatre, 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Live Talks LA strives to bring great speakers to Los Angeles — authors, artists, musicians, scientists and business thought leaders. Check out future events.

And be sure to pick up a copy of her book, “Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour”*

Go glamorous or go home,
Kastle

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Tags: Dita Von Teese, Kastle Waserman, pinup style

Category: Fashion

Award Winning Retro Style and Music at the Grammy Museum

Posted on November 29, 2015December 3, 2015 by stilettocity

One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is having the music industry in your own backyard. The Grammy Museum opened in 2008 as part of the LA Live entertainment complex downtown and provides a way for LA residents and visitors alike to get up close to wardrobe and artifacts belonging to the iconic music award winners, as well as explore music genres and history.

As a lover of vintage style, it’s fair to say I also love the music of past eras. On my visit the Grammy Museum I was excited that they were featuring exhibits by two of my all time favorite artists – Frank Sinatra and the Supremes.

When you enter the museum you start on the top floor and work your way down. I saw memorabilia from Elvis to Tupac, learned about Seattle’s music scene, and saw Michael Jackson’s sequined gloves.

But I have to say I stopped in my tracks when I hit the Supremes exhibit and a whole wall of their dresses! So. Many. Sequins! I must have left nose prints on the glass looking at the details of these beautiful gowns and the pictures of the ladies wearing them. They were so beautiful! What an amazing trio they were!

Then it was time for a little swagger and a sip of whiskey to enter the realm of ol’ blue eyes, himself, Frank Sinatra. From his humble beginnings in Hoboken, New Jersey to the becoming one of the first pop idols, they had items from both his musical legacy and his film career. Really makes you realize what an icon he was!

What I Wore

I put on a little retro style that fit the period when Sinatra and the Supremes were at their peak with pinup hair, a leopard print top and circle skirt. Since this was a daytime event, I kept accessories simple with a pop of green in my Kelly bag-style purse and Mary Jane heels. My earrings brought a bit of glamour with gold, shell-shaped earrings accented with a gold bead.

Retro Style for Daytime Fun

If you’re headed out to a museum or daytime event, you might want to be a little more practical in your outfit (I know it’s hard to contain your glamorous, pinup self!) This outfit I styled after some of the photos of the teenyboppers in Frank Sinatra’s audience. They look so cute in their prim blouses and bobby socks while going wild over their music idol. So take a cue from their retro style with a sweet, yellow blouse with scallop neckline, double-layer circle skirt, oxford shoes and extra-dainty bobby socks with lace trim. Click the links to shop* this look!

Hope you get a chance to take in some musical culture at the Grammy Museum sometime soon!

The Grammy Museum is located at 800 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015

Fly me to the moon,
Kastle

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Tags: Kastle Waserman, retro style, things to do in Los Angeles

Category: Fashion

Vinyl Shopping in Rocker Chic Style at the Record Parlour

Posted on November 22, 2015January 18, 2016 by stilettocity

Treasure hunting in record stores is heaven for a music lover like me. While streaming is oh so convenient, it’s still nice to pick up an album cover and get lost in the photos, the artwork, the linear notes and song lyrics on the inside sleeve. There are few record stores left, but one little place in Hollywood is catering to those who still love their vinyl.

The Record Parlour held a little cocktail party this week and a crowd dressed in their best rocker chic came together to sift through their crates of vintage albums.

This groovy little store frequently hosts parties with a live DJ (with plenty of in-house records to spin!) and events such as their $1 weekend sales so collectors can fill in gaps of their faves.

In addition, they have a selection of audio tapes, music and film memorabilia, magazines, vintage radios and audio gear. I spotted some vintage “Disk Go” 45 record cases in pastel colors I was tempted to take home with me!

What I Wore

Of course I had to go rocker chic for this party. So I opted for edgy black with a pencil skirt and retro keyhole cutout top. My cool vintage white leather jacket used to belong to my mom (thanks mom!) and my checkered ska-lovers boots added some eye-catching interest, along with my mini guitar case purse and bright green, mod, hoop earrings.

And…I had to check out some vinyl and found a sweet album of early Who classics!

What To Wear

Any music lover can’t help but wear their style on their sleeve. Classic black and white never goes wrong. A sexy, retro inspired, off-the-shoulder top adds some sex appeal pair with a pencil skirt. Top it with a playful, fluffy white jacket and bright hoop earrings. Pull on some tough boots and sling a guitar purse over your shoulder and you’re ready to rawk! Click the links to shop* this look!

The Record Parlour is located at 6408 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Now go put on some good music!
Kastle

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Tags: Kastle Waserman, rocker style, What to do in Los Angeles

Category: Fashion

Love Letter to Paris and French Style

Posted on November 15, 2015November 26, 2015 by stilettocity

The terrorist attacks on Paris hit close to home for many of us in the nightlife and music community in Los Angeles. Just a regular Friday night out on the town turned into a nightmare nobody expected. This, in the City of Lights, that I have had the pleasure of visiting twice. I fell in love with Paris for its beauty, its wealth of artistic spirit and its legendary French style. In my visits, there was nothing I enjoyed more than wondering the streets and just feeling a sense of passion for creativity among the people there. I had meals in the many lively cafes and cherished the undeniable pure romance of the scenery. When I learned of of Friday’s tragedy, my heart broke and I was sickened by the attacks on this beautiful city and its people.

Feeling helpless so many miles away, we sought solidarity in one of our favorite cafes in LA, The Figaro Bistrot in Los Feliz.

We arrived and found this little French restaurant and bar packed, many having the same idea as we did – to not cave to the fear, to go out, have dinner in a café, be among friends and neighbors and live life to fullest despite the attempts of evil-doers who try to scare us.

The restaurant had a candle-lit memorial burning outside its doors, which moved us greatly. While having a meal doesn’t make up for the many lives lost, we hoped it would make a small statement in a huge tragedy.

The Figaro Bistrot is lovely inside, which its checkered floors, cast iron chandeliers, French antiques, patisserie bar, cocktail bar and little, red, banquette booths. There is seating out on the sidewalk, as well as an intimate annex room. The place is so gorgeous that designer Marc Jacobs had Madonna photographed wearing his collection there. See the photos. And yes, the food is delicious. I indulged in red wine, Coq au Vin and coffee and sweets for dessert.

What I Wore

As my personal tribute to Paris, I wore a dress and necklace I picked up on my travels there. Wearing all black seemed appropriate on this night of mourning, but I wanted to add a pop of color as a show of hope and optimism. The A-line dress is delicate like an elegant, baby-doll nightie, detailed with romantic ruffles on the neckline, sleeves and hemline. My one, glamorous, rhinestone, bib, statement necklace was enough jewelry so I didn’t add any other pieces to prevent looking overdone. I punctuated the look with bright pink from my retro style handbag and hair flower made by my pal Nicole of NiccocoCreations. My vintage leopard coat kept me warm on this chilly fall night.

Dressing with French Style

French style has always been known for being chic and looking effortless. Classic lines and simplicity are key, with an undeniable cool factor and subtle sex appeal. A romantic, vintage style, mesh overlay dress detailed with florals and scallops will bring Parisian charm to your look, while a coat with a strong A-line silhouette and pop of color adds sophistication. Keep accessories to a minimum with just one bold statement necklace in a color that blends with the outfit rather than adding more color or complexity. And of course, an Eiffel Tower charm bracelet doesn’t hurt to show your solidarity and love for the amazing city of Paris.

Then go out, enjoy life and visit a French-inspired place near you.

If you would like to contribute to the victims, donate to The Sweet Stuff Foundation or the memorial fund for Nick Alexander, the merchandise manager for the band Eagles of Death Metal who was killed in the attack.

The Figaro Bistrot is located at 1802 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

We love you Paris. Stay strong.
Kastle

Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, restaurants in Los Angeles, where to go in Los Angeles

Category: Fashion

Dress like a Boss in Pinup Style for Drinks at Little Dom’s

Posted on November 8, 2015November 30, 2015 by stilettocity

There aren’t many places you can walk around in Los Angeles because it’s so spread out, which is why I love the Los Feliz area. Lots of cafes, bars and shops to make the district your runway to show off some pinup style while out in the action.

My BFF and I recently popped into Lil’ Doms for a drink. This Italian restaurant has a New York City feel, bustling with hipsters seated in railroad booths taking in the sumptuous Italian grub, while we hung by the vintage wooden bar. Upstairs, the dining room looks like a place the Rat Pack might have held court with circular booths and retro touches of black and white photos on the walls. Lil Dom’s owner also owns the 101 Coffee Shop and Dominick’s, which have similar classic Hollywood vibes.

What I Wore

I was feeling very much like an Italian gangster’s moll in my pinup style wiggle dress and fascinator hat. To soften the look, I added a delicate, black beaded necklace. When the evening got chilly, I pulled on a little short sweater that ties in front. I just happened to come across a cool, classic car to pose in front of. I think this ride goes nicely with my outfit – wish I could’ve taken it home with me!

Dressing in Sexy Pinup Style for Cocktails

Dressing pinup style shows the world you’re in charge and can you can rock the retro look in a fierce red wiggle dress with flirty peplum detail. A hat always commands attention and this cocktail hat with net overlay is no exception. Add some ladylike charm with a dainty beaded necklace and we all know red lipstick means business, so why not carry a tube as your purse with this fun novelty bag! Click the links to shop* this look!

So reach for some pinup style next time you want to feel in charge and head out on the town. Everyone will know who’s boss!

Little Dom’s is located at 2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Wear it like you mean it,
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, pinup style, restaurants in Los Angeles, where to go in Los Angeles

Category: Fashion

Comfortable Retro Style for Movie Night

Posted on November 1, 2015November 8, 2015 by stilettocity

Whether I’m going out with my man or with some gal pals, movie nights are always a great time to relax and escape into a fantasy world. One of my favorite movie theaters in Los Angeles are the Arclight Cinemas. With a sophisticated atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to put on a little retro style and make it a night on the town.

One thing I’ve always hated about most movie theaters is they are filled with rambunctious groups of teenagers or noisy kids who disrupt my experience. The Arclight offers a more adult atmosphere. It may be because the ticket price is a little higher than most or that they have a restaurant and bar right in the theater that draws a more elegant crowd. Some of their locations even have theaters that allow you to take a drink in from the bar – that’s my kind of movie watchin’! They also often feature costumes from current films on display, which are always fun to see while waiting for your film to start or strolling out after.

The Arclight has several locations around Los Angeles – Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Culver City, Pasadena. Each one maintains the same world class environment. The one in Hollywood is a standout since it was built onto the historic Cinerama Dome theater where the 86-foot wide screen is curved and huge!

What I Wore

I’m all about adding a little retro vibe to any outfit to make it stand out in sea of people dressed overly casual or super trendy, and to bring back a little glamor of some of the icons of the silver screen. On this night, I put on a comfy black t-shirt with pinup-inspired keyhole detail. I paired it with a colorful pencil skirt in royal purple and added a pop of leopard print – my go-to neutral! Lastly, I put on some statement jewelry with chunky earrings and cuff bracelet featuring movie starlet.

Put On A Retro Style Movie Night Outfit

Movie night means getting comfortable – but never sacrifice style. This casual little black dress with keyhole cutout has a touch of retro style and works both for a night out with the girls or a date. Jazz it up with some dramatic statement earrings, a purrrfect leopard print purse and chunky cuff bracelet for a look the can take you through drinks, a movie and dinner! Click the links to shop* this look!

The Arclight Cinemas are located all around Los Angeles. Check their website for addresses and movie times.

It’s showtime!
Kastle

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Tags: Kastle Waserman, retro style, things to do in Los Angeles

Category: Fashion

Dress Up Date Nights with Pinup Style and Ice Cream

Posted on October 25, 2015October 26, 2015 by stilettocity

Every time my man and I passed by a little ice cream shop called the Salt & Straw on Larchmont Boulevard, there was a long line out front and loads of people sitting around chatting and taking selfies with their ice cream. ‘What is it about that place?’ we asked ourselves. Finally one night we decided to try it out.

We waited in line and finally got in the door to see the menu. They had a regular menu of all kinds of delicious sounding, and unusual, combinations such as sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbons, honey lavender and avocado and strawberry sherbet. Plus, they had a monthly menu of specialty flavors. The month we came it was all fruity combos as summer fruits were just coming in season. We got to the counter and got to try as many flavors as we liked then order our pick in a cup or cone. The ice cream was fresh, delicious and so unique. Yum! So THIS is what the fuss is about!

The Salt & Straw started in Portland Organ as an entrepreneurial business by two people who wanted to make good quality ice cream in lots of interesting flavors. Judging by the lines and our own taste test, they’ve definitely succeeded and thank goodness they brought it to LA! It’s so fun to get all dressed up pinup style for a date and cap the night with the childlike indulgence of ice cream – especially these wild flavors with something new to try each month! Be sure to check out October’s menu, which has lots of Halloween candy inspired flavors!

What I Wore

Date nights seem to call for a sexy, yet playful pinup look. On this night I brought out one of my fave dresses, the Alika classic swing dress from Tatyana. I just love the crisscross detail around the neckline and the way the dress feels on. I got it in black so I can work it pinup style or rocker style. I paired it with a pop of color with a burgundy rose comb in my hair, and shopped by closet to rediscover a purse I purchase in Italy a few years ago that has the same color and feathery texture. My shoes are another treasure from my travels, actual Tango shoes from Buenos Aires. They are so comfortable because they are made for dancing! And I love the leopard print on the heel! I took a moment to pose with the mural on Larchmont by graffiti artist Punk Me Tender.

How to Wear a Swingin’, Date Night Pinup Look

Date night means a little romance and lots of fun so why not combine both in your outfit? Show your sultry pinup style in a lace swing dress like this one in stunning eggplant with beige lining. Beige vintage style heels play off the dress color without being overpowering. Bring along an ice cream purse to show you don’t take life too seriously. Who knows, your date just might take you to taste some new taste sensations at a place like the Salt & Straw! Click the links to shop this look!

Hope you get to taste al the flavors life has to offer!

The Salt & Straw is located at 240 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

I scream, you scream
Kastle

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Tags: date night look, Kastle Waserman, pinup style, things to do in Los Angeles