Horton’s Hayride: How to Dress Rockabilly Style

Posted on August 31, 2015October 5, 2015 by stilettocity

Horton’s Hayride came to town y’all and the Reverend Horton Heat didn’t disappoint with a day full of rockabilly music festivities for the SoCal scene.

I interviewed the Reverend years ago when I was working as a music journalist and he is as rowdy as a shot of whiskey in person as on stage but with a good dose of elegant Southern charm thrown in, so I was excited to put on some of my best rockabilly style and go see him again!

It was a perfect 78 degree day out on the San Pedro coastline. The wind was whipping up the girls’ circle skirts and retro-styled hairdos. The lines for drinks were long, the food trucks were a plenty and the vendors made for some good shopping – I’ll be showing my scores in future blog posts!

What I Wore

For the day I decided to go bad-girl-billie in all black with capri pants, a cool cotton t-shirt top with swallow tattoos on the shoulders, flaming head scarf, a nice big bag for all my goodies, some spiky punk jewelry, cat-eye sunglasses, and comfy black flats.

But the main attractions were the many customized classic cars on display and of course, the bands. While I only caught a few songs here and there of most of the acts, which included The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Nekromantics, Cadillac Tramps, The Henchmen, The Hurricanes as we mingled ate, shopped and drank throughout the day, when the Reverend took the stage, we were front and center.

He’s the baddest of the bad that Reverend, and he brought up some special guests to help him with his “Pyschobilly Freakout” including comic country crooner the Unknown Hinson (who has the most bizarre eyebrows I’ve ever seen!), Big Sandy and Deke Dickerson.

We had a great time rockin’ along and though we were there all day and didn’t sit down ONE time, the time flew by cause we were having fun!

How to Dress Rockabilly Style for a Music Festival

Here’s how to dress rockabilly style to bring out your inner bad girl. Remember, for day-long music festivals, comfort is key, especially your shoes! (Click the links to shop* the look!)

Wear a light top for keeping cool in the sun such as the Sparrow Tattoo Top that I wore or the classic Ooh La La Lady Black Top

I opted for pants instead of a skirt, which was a smart move with the wind blowing! Black capri pants are always comfortable and stay cool during the day and keep you warm after the sun goes down. Denium capris are just as cute and very rockabilly!

A patterned headscarf is alway cute and will keep your hair in check for a long day such as these darling scarves in red polka dots or black gingham.

The shoes you wear will make a difference between a good day or a bad day. While I love to put on the heels, especially for a retro look, I opted for simple black flats or you can make a statement with these tattoo-style bird sandals.

Baby, it’s bright out during the day so don’t forget your sunglasses like these cool cateye shades. Also, be sure to bring a purse that will hold all your needs for the day such as touch-up makeup, your phone, some shopping and snacks. Lux Deville bags always come in big sizes and look great!

Hope you get a chance to catch the Reverend in you hometown or any other cool rockabilly show!

Dress to impress!
Kastle

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Tags: Kastle Waserman, retro style, rockabilly music, rockabilly style

Party Time with NicCoCo Creations Hair Flowers

Posted on August 9, 2015November 25, 2015 by stilettocity

Every fashion look can use one or two accessories to really make it pop and give it a touch of your own personality. A hair flower accessory is often the piece of choice for the retro pinup crowd and can be worn by anyone who wants to add a pretty flair to their outfit.

Nicolle Saccone of NicCoCo Creations has been making beautiful custom hair flower accessories for three years. While she can be found on Etsy like so many other crafty folks, she held a party to celebrate the launch of her own website.

I went to celebrate her big launch and catch up with her for few questions on how she started her business:

What inspires your hair flower pieces?

“Definitely retro/pinup style because the flower piece should become a part of the whole picture of the look you are going for. Also the burlesque scene – I love me some glitter and rhinestones!”

How did it start, was it a hobby or did you always plan for it to be a business?

“Total hobby/extra income. I work a full time stressful job so it was almost my therapy. An escape.”

Your pieces are really popular with the pinup lifestyle crowd. When did you feel it was taking off?

“Well thank you. I still don’t feel like it’s ‘taking off.’ It’s always a pleasant surprise when someone loves my pieces or say that they follow my social media pages. I’m like, ‘I just make hair flowers!’”

Held at the at Audrey K. Boutique in Burbank, a super cute little store where her hair flowers can also be found, local friends and customers of Nicolle’s showed up – many dressed in their pinup finest – to celebrate with her and witness a hair demo by Miss Rockabilly Ruby, who gave Nicolle a fancy update, accessorized with some NicCoCo Creations, of course!

What I Wore

For Nicolle’s party I wore a floral ‘60s vintage dress that I paired with a vintage purse, jeweled sandals and one of Nicolle’s double hair flower combs.

How To Wear Flower Hair Accessories

Here’s how to put together some fashion looks with NicCoCo Creations hair flower accessories. (Click the links to shop* the look!)

Pinup Look

Pair the fluffy Elle Peony Princess Flower with a nautical-style dress that says 1950s with a modern flair.

Tiki Look

The fruity Holiday Flower pairs perfectly with a pineapple print maxi dress that will leave you longing for the islands.

Feminine Date Night Look

Delight your date in the flirty Laughy Daffy Hair Flower paired with a colorfully feminine floral print dress.

Little Black Dress

Jazz up a little black dress with a pop of color wi

The Southern Belle hair flower will jazz up a little black dress with a pop of color and pearl accents.

Up your fashion game with hair flowers!
Kastle

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Tags: designer interview, hair, hair accessories, Kastle Waserman, Niccoco Creations, pinup style, retro style, shopping in LA

Summer Dance Party: Tips on Dressing Rockabilly Style

Posted on August 2, 2015October 5, 2015 by stilettocity

Eddie Cochran once sang, “there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues,” but I think I found one. Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill in Burbank served up their summertime dance party with a full lineup of rockabilly music so I pulled out my rockabilly style dress and joined a pack of gal pals to head down there for an afternoon of fun.

We got there in time for Lil’ Mo & the Dynaflos and both the summer weather and the dancefloor were heatin’ up. Then it was time for the Brian Hogan Band, some classic rockabilly sounds with Hogan’s big ol’ Johnny Cash meets Elvis presence up front.

Brian Hogan Band at Joe's Burbank — Brian Hogan Band

They were followed by the Crown City Bombers led by blond crooner Dave Bertiz. I really enjoyed watching singer Mandy McMillian tear it up with some dirty, bluesy backup vocals and great shimmying moves!

What I Wore

For my OOTD (Outfit of the Day) I wore a rockabilly style pinup look with a dress I scored on a recent trip to Nashville at the Tatyana Boutique, along with a handbag I picked up at a hot rod show a few years ago, some vintage shoes and earrings, and a hair flower by my pal Nicole of NicCoCo Creations. I have to say the custom cars out front sure made a pretty backdrop for my wardrobe!

How to Dress Rockabilly Style for a Show

For a night of rockabilly bands, get yourself a classic swing dress such as this little polka dot number that will have lots of movement when you twirl on the dance floor! You’ll be ready for some fancy footwork in a pair of great retro shoes like these in cherry red. Only the cutest cat purse like this one will be perfect for you, cool kitten. Plus, you can strap this one across your body so you don’t have to worry about while you dance the night away! (Click the links to shop* the look!)

Hope you hit the nightclubs in Los Angeles soon for some great rockabilly music!

Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill is located at 4311 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Let’s dance!
Kastle

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Tags: clubs in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, Niccoco Creations, pinup style, retro style, rockabilly music, rockabilly style

Pinup Hairstyles and Makeup Tutorial at Playclothes Vintage

Posted on July 26, 2015October 5, 2015 by stilettocity

I’ll never pass up a lesson in hairstyles and makeup. Us girly girls just can’t get enough of it, especially when it comes to creating retro pinup looks. One of my favorite vintage stores Playclothes Vintage hosted a cocktail party and brought in a couple of beauty pros to do pinup hairstyles and makeup tutorials for achieving that vintage era look.

First up was makeup artist Gloria Alex creating a 1940s pinup makeup look using mostly Besame products, a brand known for making spot-on vintage recreation makeup. She explained every step of the way how and why the ’40s look was the way it was – from patriotic red lips to keep-it-simple eye makeup. No winged liner yet ladies! That came in the ’50s!

Next up was hairstylist Sandra Dee who showed how to do a dry set using a curling iron to roll the entire head of hair. Then she amazed us all with her speed teasing using a bore bristle brush to create a GIANT nest of hair. Then she magically smoothed it into a lovely ’40s pinup hairstyle complete with victory roll.

The two also walked us through a ’60s looked they completed earlier on one of the shop girls.

Then it was shopping time! Playclothes is a beautifully laid out store filled with vintage dresses, hats, shoes, handbags and housewares. Not only do they have great stuff at great prices but it’s lovingly art decorated in a gorgeous setting that makes shopping a joy. The staff is super helpful too if you are looking for a particular item or era.

What I Wore

For the evening, I wore a ’60s era dress that I had purchased there previously teamed with a vintage basket purse and earrings I picked up off eBay and shoes from Bait Footware.

If you’re in LA, be sure to pop into Playclothes Vintage for a great shopping experience. No fantastic vintage shops near you? You can always shop* eBay for some great finds!

Playclothes Vintage is located at 3100 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505 (818) 557-8447

Hairstylist Sandra Dee can be booked for appointments at The Local Salon 5229 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 (818) 763-2977

Makeup artist Gloria Alex can be reached via Playclothes Vintage or http://makeupbygloriaalex.com.

Stay stylish,
Kastle

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Tags: hair tips, Kastle Waserman, makeup tips, pinup style, Playclothes Vintage, retro style, shopping in LA, vintage stye

Exploring Lakeside Cafe: How to Dress in Pinup Style

Posted on July 18, 2015October 5, 2015 by stilettocity

There are so many hidden gems around Los Angeles it’s almost impossible to know them all. That’s one of the many reasons I enjoy being part of the Art Deco Society and their monthly Cocktails in Historic Places. Not only is it a good excuse to dress up vintage and pinup style, but I get to discover some of the city’s best kept secrets.

The latest gathering took place at The Lakeside Cafe, a newly opened restaurant in Encino located adjacent to the charming grounds of Los Encinos State Historic Park. A little gateway leads you out to a path to explore one of Southern California’s most historic sites.

The exceptionally nice park ranger on duty took us on tour along the beautiful natural spring and duck pond and into the newly-refurbished De la Ossa Adobe, where displays showed how the families lived here in the late 1800s. We were able to get a peek at the decorative, French country-inspired, hand-painted finish on the walls, revealed through severe damage suffered in the Northridge earthquake. Learn more in this little film on the restoration.

In the 1920s, the bunkhouse became a restaurant where locals were able to sip wine with their meals away from the watchful eyes of prohibition agents, that is until they were caught!

The Rancho remained vacant until 1944, when it was saved from developers by the Encino community and turned into this lovely café and grounds.

What I Wore

For the evening I wore my Tatyana Megan dress. I waited FOREVER for this dress to come back in stock and it was so worth it. This slim-fitting retro shift dress comes with to-die-for details of a little keyhole in front and surprise of flaps revealing a low cut back. I paired the monochrome look with black and white heels from Pinup Girl Clothing and a Tiki-print, bamboo handled bag from Viva Dulce Marina.

What To Wear for Pinup Style

If you happen to make it out to Lakeside Cafe or any other romantically set restaurant in Los Angeles, here’s an idea of what to wear* with a little pinup style. You’ll turn heads in this emerald green retro dress with gorgeous details. Some cherry earrings are classic 1950s style. A pair of nude retro shoes with a high heel will put some elegance in your step, as will a cream-colored, vintage-style purse. (Click the links to shop* the look!)

Make history,
Kastle

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

Getting Nutty at the Edison in Punk Pinup Fashion

Posted on July 11, 2015October 5, 2015 by stilettocity

It’s not often I venture out clubbing on a weeknight but every once in a while the stars align for a cool event at an early enough time that I can still get my beauty sleep.

The Edison is one of my favorite bars in Downtown LA for the visual pleasure alone. Featuring award winning interior design by Andrew Meieran, the nightspot is located in the subbasement of the historic Higgins Building and retains the architectural and mechanical artifacts of the original space that served as Downtown LA’s first private power plant. The design works around industrial generators and furnaces lavishly layered with a combination of art nouveau touches and gothic textures and lit in deep shades of gold and red. It just feels decadent and elegant at the same time. Check out the scene:

The bar often features live music and performances that fit the atmosphere in the form of cabaret, burlesque and jazz acts. On this particular night I went down to see the band Nutty, who call themselves a “hard-swingin’ octet” who create jazz arrangements around classic pop and rock song performed with the swagger and style reminiscent of the Rat Pack. I especially liked their versions of “Ballroom Blitz”, “Detroit Rock City” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday.”

Singer Sonny Moon definitely got looser as the night went on the and the drinks went down, dancing with the girls on the dancefloor and struttin’ his stuff on stage. His cocky character fit the bill perfectly and got a few laughs when he stopped in the middle of their version of “Knights In White Satin” to do a little spoken word read from “The One Hour Orgasm.”

What I Wore

For the night I decided to do my own outfit mashup of punk pinup fashion, combining a vintage dress, retro hair, studded belt and spike earrings. My gal pal Eva went for a vintage Polynesian look and sampled the bar’s fantastic cucumber cocktail.

How to Dress in Punk Pinup Fashion

Punk and Pinup style seem to be go well together. I know lots of pinup girls who love punk rock as well as rockabilly and both looks go to the extreme in their subculture aesthetics. For a look of punk pinup fashion, try pairing a sweet, retro dress like this floral one or search for a vintage dress on Ebay. Juxtapose punk accessories with it to toughen it up. Here, a studded black belt plays off the grey tones in the floral print for an edgy fashion statement. A leather barbed wire accented bracelet cuff toughens the look further. For shoes, slip on some classic black pumps with studs to continue the punk theme that says you’re a rocker chick with an elegant touch. Then carry all your necessities for the night in a black, leather-style purse with silver chair detail. (Click the links to shop* the look!)

Try out this fun fashion statement next time you head to the bars in downtown LA or wherever you are!

The Edison is located at 108 W 2nd St #101, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Check the website for upcoming events.

Go get nutty,
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Downtown LA, bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, pinup style, punk style, vintage style

Dressing Vintage Style at the HMS Bounty

Posted on July 4, 2015October 5, 2015 by stilettocity

TGIF! There’s nothing like going out with friends after a long week at work, getting dressed up in a great vintage style dress and wearing it out on the town. On a recent weekend I gathered my pals to meet at the HMS Bounty in Koreatown.

The Bounty is an old-school, barfly bar. With its red circular booths and classic nautical décor, it feels like the kind of place Charles Bukowski would have hung out in coming up with his next great novel.

The bar is adjacent to the Gaylord Apartments, a beautiful, Italian Renaissance-style building from 1924. To use the ladies room you have to pass through the lobby of the Gaylord, which is a treat in itself and great for photos ops! The area was once the hub of the famous and powerful with the Ambassador Hotel across the street and the Brown Derby restaurant around the corner. Later, The Bounty became the off-the-beaten path place to be for Hollywood rock ‘n’ roll scenesters. Now it’s in the middle of the bustling nightlife of Koreatown nightlife as the sidewalks fill with bar hopping 20-somethings. But inside The Bounty, things are mellow with local hipsters just there for a drink and conversation and maybe some of the classic meals such as a Monte Cristo sandwich or fish ‘n’ chips.

What I Wore

It was the perfect setting for some vintage looks and classic drinks. I wore my vintage style Bettie Page by Tatyana Sierra dress that I was lucky enough to score on eBay since they don’t make it anymore.

How to Put Together a Vintage Style Look

Round up your friends and head out in a vintage style wiggle dress like this plaid number with flirty little keyhole cutout. Add a pop of bright color to stand out in the dark bar with yellow retro style shoes and some girly fun with this purse shaped like a pretty perfume bottle. (Click the links to shop* the look!)

Hope you add some vintage style to next night out for a drink! Looking for some bars in Los Angeles? Be sure to check out the Where to Go section in Stiletto City!

The HMS Bounty is located at 3357 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010

Make mine strong and on the rocks,
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, retro style, vintage style

Mods Rule at the Lambretta Jamboree 2015

Posted on June 28, 2015August 15, 2015 by stilettocity

It was Mods weekend as the Lambretta Jamboree rolled through town, a four-day scooter rally put on by the Lambretta Club USA that included festivities from group rides to live bands to dinners and pool parties. I attended Friday night’s party scene at T. Boyle’s Tavern in Pasadena.

It was a rowdy night of scooter boys and groovy girls with the band The Bassics revving things up with a rawkin’ mix of early Who and Jam-inspired music. I couldn’t help but take pix of some of the best ‘60s era looks of the night. I had to debut my latest outfit from Tatyana, a form-fitting shift dress with crisscross straps on top and shimmery dark blue material with gold detail.

Check out the scene:

See ya “In the City”
Kastle

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Tags: 1960s, Labretta Jamboree, MOD, vintage fashion

Trip Report: Hello Nashville!

Posted on June 22, 2015August 4, 2019 by stilettocity

Yeehaw! I was lucky enough to make a quick getaway to Nashville, TN recently. The Music City seriously lived up to its name as I happened to drop into town during two huge music awards shows and events happening all over town.

After a very long, trouble-ridden flight into town, we had just enough time to grab some dinner and hit the heart of the city – Broadway where the lights do indeed shine bright. I was enamored with all the old-style neon signage and slightly floored by the amount of boot stores, BBQ and little honky tonk bars.

While there was a different country singer crooning away every 10 feet inside all of the venues, there were also massive stages erected in the for the CMT (Country Music Television) and CMA (Country Music Awards) events where anyone from Kenny Chesney to Darius Rucker could appear on stage performing their latest hit. And there was a healthy crowd for it packing the street, which was blocked off from any cars during the week. While Nashville has always been beloved city for music lovers, the current popularity of country music is making Music City quite the industry boomtown.

The next night I was lucky enough to attend the CMT Awards, the show awarding the best country music videos for the year. I got to hang in the backstage area and met some amazing people including the boys from Florida Georgia Line (who won for Best Duo Video!) and their stylist Gina Ketchum. I also hit the after-party at Big Loud Shirt Management offices on Nashville’s Music Row

Gina spotted my love for vintage as I was wearing a vintage ‘60s gown I picked up after modeling for Clever Vintage Clothing, and she turned me on to one of Nashville’s local vintage store’s Savant, which I hit the next day along with Local Honey and Pre to Post Modern where I found the best prices and picked up these amazing boots and cigar box purse.

Another great shopping experience came at Tatyana on Broadway, the makers of ultra cute vintage reproduction fashion. They’ve seemed to have cornered the market on the pinup scene in Nashville and run a pinup photo studio upstairs from the shop. I have a couple of Tatyana dresses and I love the way they fit me. So I hit the store to see what else I could find. I lost count of how many dresses I tried on and salesman Ryan was so helpful in finding my size in various styles. I finally settled on this darling leopard print dress with full circle skirt – what sold me was the pop of red on the back flap detail, so unique and so cute!

And I can’t mention Nashville without talking about the food – it’s Southern cooking all the way here and you can’t go more than about two blocks without spotting a BBQ joint. I had my first taste — for breakfast of all things — at Jack’s on Broadway. But the best meal of the trip had to be the Loveless Café – a little bit outside of the city, this famous cafe has been around since the ’50s and still has that charming vintage feel. I had grilled pork with peach preserves and oh those biscuits and jam! I could eat a whole plate of them! Their adorable gift shop will allow you to purchase their amazing “hams and jams” to bring home as well! Yum!

We also had a more formal dining experience at the gorgeous Union Station Hotel, built inside a historic train station that was perfect for some photo ops. We were surprised to find that because of all the CMT/CMA events around town, the restaurant was absolutely empty aside from us – we had the whole Prime 108 Restaurant to ourselves and the service and food were excellent!

Lastly, I got in a couple of cultural experiences, or should I say pop culture, by visiting the Johnny Cash Museum and getting to know all about the “Man In Black” and the Frist Center for Visual Arts was having an exhibit on Italian Style that I couldn’t pass up. It was room after room of jaw-dropping outfits and gowns by designers from leading Italian fashion houses, including Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Gucci, Missoni, Prada, Pucci, Valentino and Versace. I was in heaven! So worth the visit!

And thus ended my quick little trip to Nashville. So much going on there and I didn’t even get a chance to hit the clubs the ladies at Tatyana told me about. Guess I’ll just have to go back!

See ya again soon Music City!
Kastle

Tags: Nashville, Travel

Unique Vintage Fashion Show with the Satin Dollz and Hollywood Hotshots

Posted on June 14, 2015August 15, 2015 by stilettocity

Summer in California can be magical. The sun is so bright it seems to make everything sparkle. On a Saturday afternoon in Santa Monica, the vintage-loving crowd didn’t really need any help looking bright and cheerful in their retro threads as they gathered for a rare daytime event that included a fashion show from Unique Vintage and entertainment from the Satin Dollz, and wild, swingin’ dance moves from the Hollywood Hotshots.

Taking place poolside at the Shangri-La Hotel, with the sweet sounds of the Dean Mora Band and DJ Dr. Nate playing in the background, the acts rotated from singing numbers, the fashion show and dances. It was never a dull moment and I’m not even counting the great people watching in the fine-dressed crowd. The leader of the Satin Dollz took a moment to thank everyone for coming and marking their 10^th anniversary by stating Los Angeles has the country’s best vintage scene. Well I can vouch that it certainly is a lot of fun! And it was a good opportunity to wear my new Voodoo Vixen spectacle-print dress with the cross-strap detail I love! Check out the pix: