Category: Where to Go

Senorita Style at Viva Cantina

Posted on February 8, 2016May 2, 2016 by stilettocity

Along a tree-lined boulevard in Burbank, CA, you can find homes that have horses in their backyards instead of dogs. It’s a neighborhood of equestrians and a perfect spot for a honky-tonk style watering hole that serves up some classic Mexican grub and cocktails. Viva Cantina has long been a hangout for locals and music lovers and it just felt right to put on a little Senorita style to go check out some music.

Directly adjacent to the LA Equestrian Center, you have to watch out for horses crossing the road while you look for street parking, as the tiny parking lot usually fills up early. Viva Cantina has two music rooms and two bars so you can catch an abundance of music on any given night. The place used to get packed out on the weekends with the rockabilly crowds, now it’s mostly local blues, country and jazz acts. On any given night you can catch a local act such as Jimmy Angel or on the night I went, Gary Myrick.

What I Wore

Since it was Mexican food and bluesy tunes, I felt a little Senorita style was in order. So I grabbed my ruffled top, that sits seductively on my shoulders, and a classic pencil skirt in jewel-tone purple hue. A big ol’ hair flower behind my ear adds the finishing touch.

Style Your Night

To add a little Senorita style to a night out, think ruffles or lace. This wonderful necktie top with lace trim that matches a colorful lace overlay skirt will have you looking elegant and ready to take a spin on the dance floor. Don’t forget some comfortable dancing shoes with unique detail. Add a colorful hair flower from a huge selection on eBay for a feminine touch. Click the links to shop* this look!

Viva Cantina is located at 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506

Cha, cha cha,
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, LA Nightclubs, Nightclubs, restaurants in Los Angeles, senorita style

Category: Where to Go

Swingin’ with the Blues at the Smoke House

Posted on January 24, 2016May 2, 2016 by stilettocity

There aren’t many places left in Los Angeles where you can enjoy some true Hollywood history, but one little gem in Burbank is chock full of it. I slipped into a pinup style swing dress to take in some blues, great food and the old Hollywood vibe of The SmokeHouse.

Established in 1946, this vintage supper club moved to its current location in 1948. Designed by reknown architect Wayne McAllister, the building features an English Tudor style on the outside. Inside, the first thing you want to do is cozy up in one of the classic, round, red, leather booths in the dining room or check out the lively bar area where a regular roster of blues acts hit the stage. Black and white photos of some of Hollywood’s beloved glamour stars line the walls watching over the action. For those who don’t care to see and be seen, there’s discreet, private dining space in the back.

Located right across from Warner Bros. studios, it’s easy to see why this place became a favorite of actors, entertainers and industry movers and shakers who come over for lunch and dinner after a day on the stages. You just might sit in the same spot as Errol Flynn, Cary Grant, Robert Redford, Lana Turner or Brad Pitt.

You can just feel the spirit of the entertainment business here you and can’t help but do a few scans of the room to look for some star names. It’s been said pre-married George Clooney often brought his dates here and canoodled in the dark area of the bar.

And while the atmosphere is top notch, so is the food. You can dig into a prime steak, BBQ, or seafood, served in generous portions or try out their famous Sunday buffet. Don’t forget to start out with their cheesy, garlic bread, which is the stuff of legend!

What I Wore

I put on some festive, pinup style glamour for this showbiz hotspot in a royal blue, vintage reproduction, swing dress, silver metallic shoes and vintage handbag and rhinestone necklace. I love metallics because they go with everything and always add a touch of sparkle. I was ready to grab a drink at the bar and take a spin on the dance floor!

Get a Swingin’ Pinup Style Look

Since it’s time to start thinking about a Valentine’s Day outfit, I picked out something red for you. Make note, The SmokeHouse is a great choice for a special romantic dinner, hint, hint! There could be a roomful of stars and your date won’t take their eyes off you if you show up in this captivating cherry color swing dress, retro tuxedo shoes and whimsical heart-shaped purse. Black and crystal earrings add a touch of glamour without trying too hard. You’ll look as elegant across the table as you will during a lovely slow dance. Click the links to shop* this look!

The SmokeHouse is located at 4420 Lakeside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505

Now that’s hot,
Kastle

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

Category: Where to Go

Rock out at the Harvard & Stone

Posted on January 18, 2016May 2, 2016 by stilettocity

Around Hollywood, there is no shortage of cool bars and cool bands to play in them. Recently I’ve been itching to get out more in the late night hours and explore what’s happening on the rock scene.

There’s nothing like the energy of a cool local band and that feeling of being one of the first to discover them. I had a night like that when I went to rock out to Mid Coitus at the Harvard and Stone.

The night was hosted by indie rock online TV show Dirty Laundry TV and featured Mike Watt. But it was Mid Coitus who I came to see, a two-piece who sounds like a full band of four. Singer Sailor Alexander has the looks of a young Dave Navarro, plays both guitar and bass from his instrument and works the stage like master showman. Not bad considering this was the band’s third show.

Harvard and Stone is a great local bar to see gigs, with lots of cool industrial details, as well as lounge space and nooks in the back to escape the crush of the stage area when it gets crowded.

What I Wore

To go rock out in the night, you can’t go wrong in a good, music-related T-shirt like my Sun Records tee here. A pencil skirt slinks it up a bit, along with classic fishnet stockings and moto jacket. Then I added a pop of red in my hair scarf, purse and heels.

Rock Out in Style

Headed out to see a cool band? Grab your moto jacket and your favorite band graphic tee, like this one featuring The Who. Pair it with a pencil skirt and some fishnet stockings to add a little sex appeal. Add some bright, creeper shoes like these shiny red ones, and a fun purse like this racecar clutch to show you’re living life in the fast lane! Click the links to shop* this look!

Harvard and Stone is located at 5221 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Rock on!
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, LA Nightclubs, nightclub, rocker style

Category: Where to Go

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: Where to Go

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: Where to Go

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: Where to Go

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: Where to Go

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: Where to Go

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: Where to Go

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