Category: Where to Go

It’s Raining Cocktails at Melrose Umbrella Co.

Posted on August 17, 2017August 18, 2017 by stilettocity

Who says it never rains in Southern California? At Melrose Umbrella Co. in West Hollywood, you can always get a good downpour of drink.

With warm lighting that glows like candlelit shadows, textured walls, exposed brick, rustic wood accents, and a homey white picket fence around the outside, the bar gives the feeling of a historic venue. It all makes sense considering the actual building went up around that time. Along the walls, 13 upside-down umbrellas are hung, a tribute to the 13 dry years of prohibition and its demise with the promise of “Many Wet Days To Come.” The bar’s logo is a silhouette of co-owner James Melrose’s grandfather, known as the Grand Old Man and the mayor of York, who regularly carried an umbrella instead of using a cane.

Paying homage to the post-prohibition era and the celebration of the cocktail, Melrose Umbrella Co. offers a wide selection of craft cocktails and small bites to eat. The music is played for ambiance, not overbearing, so it’s great for conversation. The venue also offers coffee service, pastries, and sandwiches in the daytime hours. There is Wi-Fi if you want to just move in for the day – hey, my office doesn’t look this good!

What I Wore

On a warm summer evening, nothing beats grabbing a refreshing cocktail in a floral vintage dress. I picked up this beauty on the East Coast and paired it with a vintage basket-weave handbag and gold mule heels. This outfit can take me day to night – just like the Melrose Umbrella Co.!

What to Wear

Get out your summer florals before it’s too late with this bright splash of colorful petals on a white vintage reproduction swing dress. Pair it with a royal blue handbag and easy gold heels for an outfit that embodies the free spirit of the season! Click the links to shop* this look!

Melrose Umbrella Co. is located at 7465 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

When it rains, it pours,

Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, Stiletto City

Category: Where to Go

Reading and Drinking at the Wellesbourne

Posted on June 16, 2017July 9, 2017 by stilettocity

Nothing goes together like a good book and a cocktail. Tucked into a strip of shops along Pico Boulevard where the Westside Pavilion Shopping Center looms across the street and the bustling historic Apple Pan burger bar is just down the road, is a charming bar called the Wellesbourne. Step inside and experience the romantically darkened vibe of a cozy vintage library. A fireplace roars, even in the summertime. for some serious mood lighting, and offers a snuggly place to sit. A DJ spins ambient and soulful sounds played soft enough to allow for conversation. It’s the perfect place for a date or girls night out. The place is just classy and elegant.

They feature a wide assortment of traditional and creative cocktails and delicious nibbles. If that’s not enough, the walls are lined with vintage books, which are free to take down and tuck into a nice drink and read to escape into another world for a while. You can also head for the “game room” for a round of foosball. The staff is ultra-friendly and so is the crowd, as we easily made friends with the people sitting near us. And we loved that the check came in a hallowed-out book – so clever!

What I Wore

The speakeasy vibe of this bar called for a little vintage dress I picked up on a recent trip to London. I love the Harlequins in frames print and easy shift silhouette. I paired it with a brass finish, vintage style, heart-shaped clock locket that my love gave me and vintage style, brass-trimmed pearl earrings, t-strap heels and vintage brown leather handbag.

What to Wear

When entering a darkly-lit venue, the best way to stand out is to wear a light color. This summery white shift dress with fem vanilla-colored lace trim is sure to turn a few heads. Pair it with a gold, antique-looking statement necklace to add a bit of glamor for the evening. Two-tone oxford heels add a bookish touch as well as a book-shaped clutch purse. Click the links to shop this look!

The Wellesbourne is located at 10929 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Read on,
Kastle

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Category: Where to Go

What’s Striking at Highland Park Bowl

Posted on May 16, 2017May 17, 2017 by stilettocity

Bowling has always been a friendly way to hang out with friends for a little competitive spirit, drinks and snacks, and let’s not forget the funny shoes!

Recently, Highland Park Bowl reopened with a new take on an old classic. Known as LA’s oldest bowling alley, the venue dates back to 1927, when the bowling alley was a clever front for serving alcohol during Prohibition. From there it went through several incarnations from a blue-collar bowling alley to the band venue Mr. T’s featuring punk and hip-hop indie bands playing in front of the shuttered bowling lanes throughout the 1990’s. The then owner passed away in 2003 and the place staggered on until 2014 when it shut down.

Thank goodness for the 1933 Group, who have brought many LA historical venues back to life, including the Valley’s Idle Hour, and created gorgeous vintage-inspired hangs such as Harlowe and Sassafras. They swooped in and gave the bowling alley a much-needed makeover to restore its antique beauty.

Now it’s simply breathtaking – from the front bar to the bowling area that features enormous horseshoe-shaped bars, bowling pin lamps, restored wood details and the original pin machines. Once again teams of fun-lovers fill the alleys and balls roar down the restored wooden lanes.

Even if you weren’t planning to play ball, the place is just an elegant hang and the perfect spot to flaunt your vintage wear. Indulge in signature cocktails, craft beers, pizza, salad and nibbles as you wallow in the ambiance. The Highland Park Bowl may have working class punk in its blood, but it definitely cleans up real nice!

What I Wore

Who says girls can’t bowl in a dress? While I didn’t plan to hit the lanes, I definitely could have in this velvet vintage repro dress in shades of dusty pink and brown with a zig-zag pattern. The full-skirt provided volume and enough fullness to comfortably bend if I decided to bowl a strike! But I decided to keep my t-strap shoes on and indulge in good company and cocktails instead!

What to Wear

Whether you plan to bowl or just hang out in the lovely setting, you’ll be ready to roll in a flirty jumper and sweet pink blouse with Peter Pan collar. Add some pinky retro-inspired heels and antique-style handbag and you are good to go! Click the links to shop this look!

Highland Park Bowl is located at 5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Rock ‘n’ roll!
Kastle

*Disclosure

Venue photos by Danielle Bernabe and Wonho Frank Lee courtesy of Highland Park Bowl

Category: Where to Go

Getting High on Poppies

Posted on March 27, 2017March 27, 2017 by stilettocity

Spring has officially sprung in California, and with all the rain we had in our actual winter weather this year, the wildflowers are in major bloom. Everybody has been talking about the poppies out in Antelope Valley, which are turning the hillsides into blankets of flaming orange. So it was time for a day trip to see them.

About an hour outside of Los Angeles is the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, a national park that protects the precious California state flower. Long trails wind around the hillsides, and you can take a gorgeous walk to admire the blooms. However, you are not allowed walk in, lie in or pick the flowers – it’s a reserve, people! Plus, there are rattlesnakes in them there hills, and you don’t want to meet one of those!

Since the flowers are particularly festive this year, it seems everyone and their baby was headed out to the reserve and the place was packed. We had better luck finding a field of poppies on the roads leading up to it, where we stopped and frolicked among the flowers with no rules. We just had to watch for those snakes!

If you go, bring water and snacks because there are not many places to make a pitstop for sustenance. Also, bring a jacket because the wind can be a bit chilly.

What I Wore

I wanted to dress for all the color we would see, but also be comfortable enough for a walk and warm enough for the chilly winds. So some capri pants, a vintage ‘60s floral top, my yellow Converse high-top sneakers and a denim jacket did the trick. I had a big sunhat, but I had to leave it the car as it would have been gone with the wind in a heartbeat!

What to Wear

What better way to celebrate poppy season than a bright poppy sundress? Throw on some low-heel matching sandals and a basket-weave sunhat with a sweet bow, and you’re good to go. Don’t forget the sunscreen and a sweater, like this cute cropped one that works with a swing dress! Click the links to shop* this look.

The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is located at 15101 Lancaster Rd, Lancaster, CA 93536.

The poppies should be in bloom through mid-April.

Take time to stop and smell the poppies!
Kastle

*Disclosure

Category: Where to Go

Gabba Gabba Hey! The Ramones at the Grammy Museum

Posted on February 21, 2017February 21, 2017 by stilettocity

Hey ho, let’s go! The Ramones have been one of my longtime favorite bands. I’ve been a punk since my high school years and this band gave me strength to let my misfit flag fly. As one of the originators of the punk movement in the late 1970’s, the Ramones are iconic for their breakneck sound mixed with hints of ‘50s bop to their look of shaggy hair, leather motorcycle jackets, torn jeans and high top black sneakers.

I was lucky enough to interview Joey Ramone in 1995, and we kept in touch after, as he emailed me about bands he was excited about until about a year before his passing from cancer in 2001. He’ll always hold a special place in my heart for inspiring the music that got me through my formative years and beyond.

Admittedly, I was late to get to this much-publicized exhibit at the Grammy Museum, put together by Johnny Ramone’s widow Linda with help from fan collections and the estate of Joey Ramone, run by his brother Mickey. But I’m so glad I caught it before it was over. Filled with loads of memorabilia including Joey’s leather jacket and Marky’s iconic black high top sneakers, handwritten lyrics, backstage passes, rare photos and much more. I loved the portraits of each member by artist Shepard Fairey and reading the behind-the-scenes notes on each album on the discography wall.

For any Ramones or punk fan, this is exhibit is worth catching in its last week at the Grammy Museum.

What I Wore

While punk is about tough leather and all black, which Joey told me, “Hey, we wear all black because it gets dirty walking around New York City!” Punk also had a thing for the dorky coolness of a striped t-shirt, so my striped sweater was in order. (You can’t see but I do have a Ramones t-shirt on underneath!) And what better place to wear some rebel leggings by Christopher Lee Sauve for Ona Saez that I picked up in Buenos Aires (of all places!), a black mini skirt and some Chelsea boots.

What to Wear

You just gotta have a moto jacket to achieve the punk look but why not give it girly twist in a powder blue color. The requisite Ramones t-shirt also gets an update with some sparkle lettering. And nobody is going to mess with you when you have spikes on your skinny black jeans and classic Dr. Martens combat boots. Click the links to shop this look.

The Grammy Museum is located at 800 W Olympic Blvd A245, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The Ramones and the Birth of Punk runs through February 28.

Punk lives!

Kastle

*Disclosure

Tags: Grammy Museum, Kastle Waserman, Stiletto City, The Ramones

Category: Where to Go

Getting Historic at The Edmon Bar

Posted on February 4, 2017February 6, 2017 by stilettocity

One thing vintage enthusiasts share is a love for the aesthetics of eras past in architecture, design and fashion. We love the quality, the attention to detail, the textures and elegant sensibilities that we just don’t see in buildings or clothing style anymore. With such a disposable culture all around us, it’s nice to find a few places that still appreciate old world charm. One of those places is the recently opened Edmon Bar.

Located inside the Hollywood Historic Hotel, built in 1927 by architect S. Charles Lee, the Edmon invites those who long for an atmosphere of sophistication. The hotel itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is worth a peek inside the red lobby. Definitely take a selfie in front of the stunning, ornate red and gold double door entry. The Edmon is the adjacent bar that was lovingly brought back to life, fully embracing its historic past but modern enough for today’s trendy crowds and studio folks who work just down the street.

I went with a pack of my vintage-loving gal pals who have been curious about the Edmon since we heard rumors of it bringing back the original Art Deco style of the building. As soon as we entered from the awe-inspiring elaborate iron door, we knew we stepped foot in heaven. From the elegant lighting of gorgeous chandeliers and sconces to the massive bar with vintage fixtures to the details design on the columns, we were wrapped in the elegance of a bygone era.

The wait staff was friendly and accommodating. While they have a generous list of signature cocktails, the bartender was happy to whip up a special drink for me when I mentioned I had a craving for something creamy and festive.

Classic jazz music played in the background at a volume suitable for conversation (thank goodness they didn’t spoil the setting with techno!)

The place is perfect for a romantic dinner date or a stop in for a classy drinking experience. The night we went, it was crowded but still comfortable to hang at the bar, where they will also serve your meal if can’t pull yourself away from the illuminated view of the wall of alcohol. You can also watch the bartender climb a ladder to reach for a special libation.

Vintage Girl Squad Drinks at the Edmon — With my girl squad

What I Wore

Out for dress-up night with the girls, meant pulling out something special. I went with creamy winter white in a brocade swing dress with belted waistline. Gold heels and a vintage gold handbag with rhinestone detail played off the golden shimmer of the brocade in my dress. A vintage red velvet wrap with tassel trim and gold silk lining completed the look.

What to Wear

With Valentine’s day coming up, I highly recommend the Edmon for a romantic dinner. While I normally don’t advise going too matchy with your outfit and accessories, it’s the one night you can truly be the lady in red and look just right. A red, off-shoulder, wiggle dress with fishtail hemline is the perfect sexy look. A heart-shaped purse is a playful touch while red and black, lace-trim heels add just the right touch of romance.

The Edmon is located at 5168 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Think love,
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, restaurants in Los Angeles, Stiletto City, The Edmon

Category: Where to Go

Playing Games at the Vintage Arcade Superstore

Posted on January 3, 2017January 2, 2017 by stilettocity

It’s a new year so let’s kick it off with a party! I recently attended a private birthday party at where you can play unlimited vintage arcade games! The Vintage Arcade Superstore is a warehouse space filled with pinball machines, Pac-Man machines, race car games, shoot ‘em up games and more! I never knew this place existed until my friend rented it to celebrate his birthday.

The space holds the carefully curated collection of owner Gene Lewin, a games enthusiast who ran arcades from 1980-2003. Now he lovingly buys up what vintage games can find, repairs them to top form and makes them available to play and purchase from his store.

His Vintage Arcade Superstore is located in Glendale and is available to rent for private parties and film locations. My friend and I had a blast running around playing all the games from the Fast and Furious race car driving machine where you could drive as fast and crazy you want, wreck into all kinds of things and never get a ticket! My friend was loving the Elvis pinball machine where a mini Elvis figurine come out and does some hip-shaking moves! And we spent serious time with the Revenge From Mars and Star Wars pinball machine with their own moving creatures celebrating your dings and whacks of the flipper.

Gene makes all of his machines available to play without having to put in any quarters or tokens. So let the unlimited play party begin!

What I Wore

An arcade calls for a playful outfit so what better than my two-tone 1960s, mod, A-line shift dress, topped with a yellow brocade coat and accessorized with a gold vintage tassel pendant necklace. Whenever I wear a lot of color, I like to ground my accessories in basic black instead of trying to find shoes and purses that match my outfit colors, which can come off as a bit too much. A big ol’ fun bun style kept my hair in check so I could focus on the games!

What to Wear

Since I got the chance to play a Star Wars pinball game and the series has been on everyone’s mind with “Rogue One” in theaters and the recent passing of Princess Leia herself, Carrie Fisher, I thought an outfit paying tribute was in order if you’re headed out for a fun night at your nearest arcade. Go Winter white with a Star Wars print skirt featuring snowspeeders and AT-AT’s. A retro-inspired, off-the-shoulder top adds a playful sex appeal while go-go boots will keep you ready for all the action! Top it off with a fun polka dot trench coat. Click the links to shop* this look!

The Vintage Arcade Superstore is available to rent for private parties. It is located at 4334 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA 91204

Game on!
Kastle

*Disclosure

Tags: 1960s fashion, Los Angeles Attractions, Mod Style, Vintage Arcade Superstore

Category: Where to Go

Celebrating the Holidays in Style at the Biltmore Gallery Bar

Posted on December 16, 2016December 15, 2016 by stilettocity

Just walking through the doors takes your breath away. The majestic columns, the frescos on the ceilings, the ornate chandeliers, the exquisite details dripping in gilded gold embrace you in elegance as you enter the Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles.

This historic downtown hotel is always a feast for the eyes and one of my favorite places to visit. Built in 1923, the hotel offers a variety of features from ballrooms to the spectacular Rendezvous Court (which hosts afternoon teas I previously wrote about, see here.) The Biltmore’s beauty has served as a backdrop for multiple movies and television shows.

I stopped in for cocktails at the gorgeous Gallery Bar recently. The golden grace of this bar is something to behold. A long granite bar flanked by golden angels serves up a sophisticated cocktail list to hotel guests and local residents to come and be steeped in Hollywood history and glamor. You can also order light fare to nosh on in secluded leather banquettes, or lounge in the adjacent to the Cognac Room with its comfortable couch seating area.

It’s a perfect place to put on your best vintage and celebrate the holidays. During the month of December, the hotel is all decked out in Christmas trees, garland and sparkles. The lobby itself is a winter wonderland of Christmas trees and a golden throne surrounded by nutcrackers for that perfect holiday selfie.

I sipped on a delicious Mango-Cucumber Cosmopolitan as I watched several scenes of people enter the bar, including a birthday party, a formal wedding party and an entire flight crew in full uniform taking photos under the giant Christmas trees.

Don’t miss an opportunity to go there for your next special occasion and take in the atmosphere, a good cocktail and people watching!

What I Wore

The evening called for some Christmas color so my green vintage, estate-sale find was the perfect dress. I love the light, flowing fabric of this 1930’s era frock with padded shoulders and art deco-style accent on the front pockets. I paired it with some texture via leopard faux fur purse and my trusty Mary Jane heels.

What to Wear

Celebrate the holidays in style with an outfit that brings back the elegance of bygone eras. This navy wiggle dress is chic and svelte with a 1940’s silhouette and dramatic (removable) snowy white faux fur collar. It’s perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations or those office holiday parties – you’ll be the one who brings the glamor! Plus it’s versatile enough to wear anytime. Pair it with white heels with mesh side panels topped with beaded floral and rhinestone detail. Hold your essentials in a beaded, shell-shaped evening bag. Click the links to shop* this look.

The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is located at 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Photo of the Gallery Bar courtesy of The Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles.

Here’s to holiday cheer!
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Downtown LA, bars in Los Angeles, Biltmore Gallery Bar, Kastle Waserman, Stiletto City

Category: Where to Go

Gift Shopping at Wacko

Posted on December 6, 2016December 29, 2016 by stilettocity

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping. One of my favorite places for finding cool and unique gifts is Wacko (aka Soap Plant.) This store has a long history as an icon of Los Angeles for their massive selection of pop culture-related toys, books, candles, housewares and just plain oddities. I usually find something crazy or humorous for my offbeat, rock ‘n’ roll friends.

Wacko began as a family run business called Soap Plant in Los Feliz. The store specialized in hand-crafted soaps made by founder Barbara Shire. Her husband Hank designed the graphics and their sons Billy and Peter contributed authentic leatherwear and ceramics.

Billy’s unique leather designs caught the attention of rock stars including Elton John and The New York Dolls and he earned fame for his creativity and vision. In the 1980s, Billy became the sole owner of the store and moved it to Melrose where he could see the area was becoming an explosion of unique boutiques that would soon earn world fame. Melrose became the epicenter of Los Angeles’ offbeat, rock ‘n’ roll culture, frequented by budding rock stars including members of Guns N’ Roses, Faster Pussycat, Jane’s Addition and the Red Hot Chili Pepper. You couldn’t shop or work there without being dressed to the hilt in your punk, goth or glam gear. Read more on the history here.

Soap Plant was in the middle of it all and Billy was a sharp businessman catering to the eclectic tastes of his shoppers, adding an inventory of pop culture books, jewelry, kitschy housewares and curiosities. He then opened an adjacent store called Wacko and filled it with what they called “toys with a punk rock attitude.” In 1986 they opened an art gallery upstairs called La Luz de Jesus showcasing alternative and underground art.

I distinctly remember the gallery reception parties because this was about the time I moved to Los Angeles and frequented the lively scene happening along Melrose. I would usually see an aspiring or established rock star behind the counter, most notably Andy Prieboy and the assortment of characters and scenesters who would become my friends.

Today, Wacko is located back in Los Feliz along Hollywood Boulevard and combines all of the beloved quirkiness of Soap Plant, Wacko and the La Luz gallery combined. They still host regular gallery reception parties, and it is the perfect place to find unique gifts for friends and family, whether you need a guitar-shaped spatula, a set of Tiki mugs, an incense burner or an Albert Einstein doll.

What I Wore

I stopped by recently to do a little gift shopping of my own. A day out shopping calls for a casual but stylish look such as this fun face-print dress, colorful, vintage bakelite bracelet and big pink statement earrings. I kept the purse simple with a vintage patent leather handbag and patent leather Mary Jane shoes.

What to Wear

You’ll want to dress with some personality when shopping at a store like Wacko. With its dazzling array of colorful items, you’ll fit right in with this geometric print sweater dress with a mod silhouette. Bold statement earrings balance the look. Silver booties and handbag can take you from daytime shopping to one of their evening art gallery receptions. Wacko is also open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights for you night owls like myself! Click the links to shop* this look!

Wacko is located at 4633 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Happy shopping,

Kastle

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Category: Where to Go

A Night Of Retro Parisian-Style Glamour at Pour Vous

Posted on November 22, 2016December 29, 2016 by stilettocity

If your private jet can’t whisk you off to Paris for cocktails, you can find a worthy substitute down on Melrose Avenue at a little speakeasy-style bar called Pour Vous. Opened by the Houston brothers bar aficionados who brought us La Descarga and Harvard & Stone (click the links to check out my previous reviews), this place doesn’t disappoint when it comes to atmosphere.

The place looks like a vintage bar with old Hollywood glamour and touch of decadence with dark lighting, brocade wallpaper, velvet booths, chandeliers and retro fixtures, creating a stunning setting. On the back patio, an old red railcar serves as a private seating area, adding even more character to the interior design.

If you plan to go, keep in mind there is a dress code, so the crowd looks as pretty as the bar itself (never a problem for me dahhhlings!) So wear some stylish evening threads. The doorman will pick who is let in based on their style. That means no sweat pants or flip-flops – who does that?

But wait there’s more! Once the bar really gets going around 11 p.m., the roof is literally blown off the place. The ceiling opens up and a lady adorned in seductive lingerie and feathery finery is lowered in an oversized birdcage above the crowd. There is a variety of burlesque performances that take place every hour at Pour Vous from singers to aerial silk dancers.

Check out one of the shows here:

What I Wore

A little black dress is always an elegant choice. I particularly like this one with the crisscross detail and full skirt. I added a vintage brooch, a feathery floral fascinator and light-catching silver pumps and vintage handbag.

What To Wear

This beaded, fringe, art deco-inspired dress will put you in the mood for cocktails and some sultry burlesque. Don’t forget the long gloves for added a drama, and a faux fur wrap to keep the chill away. Click the links to shop* this look.

Pour Vous is located at 5574 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

à votre santé
Kastle

Photo credits: bar by Frankn Ishman, courtesy of Pour Vous, performer by Mary Lisa Allen-Bolton, trolley car by Kastle Waserman

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Tags: Pour Vous, vintage fashion, Vintage Fashion blog