Rock Those Heels: Chris Francis Shoe Designs at CAFAM

Posted on June 1, 2015August 15, 2015 by stilettocity

Most ladies know, a good pair of shoes is an art form. But self-taught designer Chris Francis takes shoemaking to a whole level. Creating awe-inspiring footwear from a variety of materials and found objects, he turns mere shoes into sculptural pieces.

I attended the opening reception for his current exhibit at the Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM), and felt like a little girl in a candy store – so many beautiful, theatrical pieces that stretch the boundaries and blow your mind as to what a shoe could be. From big chunky leather platform boots to delicate pieces with colorful textiles, each piece was a delight.

I especially loved the punk-inspired shoes, layered with scraps of leather to look like a motorcycle jacket, dotted with a Sex Pistols button, and giving attitude with broom bristle spikes. Reminded me a bit of my own mohawk back in the day (see image here!)

It’s not surprising to see such a piece from this designer, a former punk himself, he still carries himself with rock ‘n’ roll style and many of his clients include rockers such as Runaways’ Lita Ford and Motley Crue’s Mick Mars – whose last (foot mold) was seen hanging in his shop, set up in the CAFAM front room for the duration of the exhibit.

And I had to take a moment to pause in front of the shop to examine his tools of the trade. (Of course I had to wear my shoe print dress and killer heels for the event!) His shop looks like it’s a trip into a time machine of the type of craftsmanship almost left to the history books. Brushing aside the current techniques of mass production to create shoes, Francis instead uses vintage tools and makes each shoe by hand.

The results are clearly pieces made with love and passion for the art of the shoe.

Be sure to stop by and take a look at these masterful shoe creations and visit Francis in his shop there at the museum through the duration of the exhibit. Check the CAFAM website for his schedule.

The Craft & Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) presents Chris Francis: Shoe Designer through September 6, 5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Admission $7.

Kastle

Shoe photos courtesy of Chris Francis/CAFAM

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Tags: CAFAM, Chris Francis, events, fahion, Kastle Waserman, Los Angeles, museum exhibit, punk, shoe art, shoes, Stiletto City

Mad Men Finale Party at The Offbeat Bar

Posted on May 24, 2015February 11, 2016 by stilettocity

The time had to come. The end of “Mad Men,” the show that had everyone hooked on the styles, the social political revolutions and the changes in the corporate advertising world through the decade of the 1960s. We got to know all the characters, we identified with them, whether it was their personality, their aspirations, their defeats, or just their love of a drink and a great outfit. After seven seasons and numerous awards, the show cannot only say it changed the cultural landscape in the TV genre but impacted people’s lives.

Since I’ve been watching “Mad Men” via iTunes downloads, I knew I couldn’t wait until the required next day to watch the finale. I wanted to be among friends, to say goodbye to these characters I’d come to love. So I gathered my ‘60s loving pals to go to a screening party.

I wore a primary yellow with red pinstripes ‘60s vintage shift dress, vintage gold drop earrings, vintage watch pen necklace (a tribute to Joan who always wore something similar), vintage patent leather red heels and a folded magazine purse to give a nod to our advertising champs.

We entered The Offbeat Bar where they went all out to make a great night – a drink menu with cocktails named for the characters, two big screens to watch the show on, photo ops with cut-out faces of each of the characters and “Mad Men” logo backdrop and a drawing for prizes for those who dressed up. All this with no cover charge! My kind of place!

We grabbed a cocktail to loosen up before the show. I had a “Roger That” – a strong mix of whiskey, soda and fruit.

Then we gathered in front of the screens as the last episode EVER played before us. It was so much fun to be in a room full of people who adore this show. We cheered for Pete and Trudy when they boarded the plane to their new life. We turned into mushy messes when Stan and Peggy got together. We clapped for Joan and her strength to start her own business. And we cried with Don when he talked to Betty about her cancer diagnosis. We were with them for every moment! And now we’ll miss them that they’re gone. Thank you to everyone with the Mad Men cast and crew for an amazing viewing experience!

Then it was time for the prize drawing as my friends and I twisted the night away to some great ‘60s tunes. I won a print from the character Lou Avery’s “Scout’s Honor” comic book, from part 1 of Season 7, signed by the artist Christian Cordella. And of course I had to take some snaps of all the people with great outfits! Check out the photos:

It was the the perfect way to spend the evening and say goodbye our beloved series. Thank you to the Offbeat Bar for creating a great night. Be sure to check out this groovin’ little place in Highland Park. They offer different theme nights around the sounds and pop culture of the ‘60s, revolving art installations and cocktail specials.

The Offbeat Bar, 6316 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Dance to the beat,
Kastle

Tags: 1960s fashion, bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, Mad Men

Cocktails in the Historic Tap Room

Posted on May 16, 2015September 19, 2015 by stilettocity

I always love a chance to dress up and head out to an elegant setting. Recently the Art Deco Society had a gathering at the Tap Room, located inside the historic Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. A rare, surprise cold snap in LA had me ditching what I was going to wear and reaching for my velvet dresses. I opted for this slinky, black Film Noir Dress from Pinup Girl Clothing, black fishnets, stilettos and a vintage orange hat with pearl and rhinestone details.

I met my friends inside the lovely lounge setting designed after the hotel’s original bar, which opened in the 1930s, shortly after the end of Prohibition. The Tap Room features innovative cocktails and upscale bar food. The room opens up onto a terrace deck area that overlooks the sprawling hotel garden framed by palm trees and hilltop view of LA.

If you are interested in having a sit-down dinner before or after Tap cocktails, be sure to check out the hotel’s award-winning steakhouse, The Royce.

The Langham Hotel just celebrated its 100th anniversary last year and thankfully has not gone the path of so many modern-obsessed renovators. It’s maintained its style and preserved its history. There is a choice of classic rooms, historic suites, and cottages. I can tell you first-hand, it’s fabulous place to kick up your feet. I had a staycation there a couple of years ago and it really feels like you are away from the bustle of Los Angeles and in the heart of luxury.

The Langham Huntington Hotel is located at 1401 South Oak Knoll Ave in South Pasadena.

Kastle

Bar photos courtesy of The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, hotels in Los Angeles, retro style

Endless Summer Style

Posted on May 11, 2015August 15, 2015 by stilettocity

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.

Looking for awesome summer style? When it comes to summer essentials like women’s tees, tanks, sundresses, and shorts, ModCloth has you covered. Never before has ModCloth added SO MANY summer styles to New Arrivals all at once. Dive in to an endless assortment of playful patterns, colors, and silhouettes that’ll have you lookin’ fierce till fall!

Now I always like to kick off the summer with at least one new light and playful dress for the season. Here are some of my favorites, click the image to shop*

Rock the retro look in a bright color for summer with the Topiary Tour Dress or put on a colorful a cheerful print like the Haute Flair Balloon Dress.

You can’t go wrong with classic black and white polka dot print dress or skip through town in the playful sun umbrella pattern of the Day in the Shade Dress.

Enjoy fun in the sun in style!
Kastle

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Tags: fashion blog, ModCloth, summer dresses, summer fashion

Rebel Bingo: Old Game with a New Twist

Posted on May 9, 2015 by

For many people, hearing the word bingo brings to mind images of silent septuagenarians hunched over stacks of bingo cards and straining to hear the numbers on their cards get called. It’s a game that’s much more commonly known as an idle, quiet pastime, and having existed since the 1500s, it’s hardly anything anyone would call revolutionary.

A London-born version of the game, however, is set to change this and the way that we view bingo in general. Finding its new home in Los Angeles and New York, the elusive Rebel Bingo* had been an underground show for a while, before finally “coming out of the shadows”.

Calling Rebel Bingo the “Black sheep of the bingo family,” Freddie “Fortune” Sorensen and James “Flames” Gordon accidentally developed the game in a church basement, after chancing upon a bingo set. According to an article on the LA Times: “After the night was over and we would relax with a few drinks, we noticed there was an old bingo kit stored down in the basement, and one night we started fooling around,” says Sorensen, who prefers to go by Fortune. “We didn’t know the rules, so we made it up and gave away silly prizes. It spread through word of mouth and turned into this cult thing.”

How exactly is Rebel Bingo different from “traditional bingo”? Fortune says that the point is to be as different from traditional bingo as possible. More a show than an actual game, Rebel Bingo is standing up against the traditional, established form of bingo – the one that we all imagine as soon as we hear the word. Paul Bradley of the LA Weekly writes, “Fortune’s telling, there’s the bingo 99 percent and the bingo 1 percent, and this rigid order is kept in place by a boring old guard that’s intent on stopping the lively young upstarts represented by Fortune’s ilk who want bingo to be fun, freaky and flirtatious. “We do have pretty hard and fast rules … as every rebel should,” he says. No. 1 is “no old people” — followed by “no boring people.””

It may seem a bit odd that someone should have such strong feelings for bingo, but it’s worth noting that Fortune and his crew hail from the UK, where bingo is quite a big part of their lives. There are TV advertisements for online bingo portals, and the BBC reports that there are now over 350 websites offering online bingo to Brits. Information on Free Bingo Hunter, a website dedicated to cataloguing these bingo portals, shows that they often have events and promotions that play on world events. What is nothing more than an idle pastime for most of the world is a force to be reckoned with in the UK, and Fortune and his friends have sought to subvert the established order of traditional bingo and turn the game into something more in line with the interests of the youth.

Now what to wear to an event like this? In sticking with the non-traditional bingo theme, something sexy with a rebel spirit would be a good fit, like this form-fitting scuba knit dress with deep-V mesh neckline, paired with a bright blue moto jacket*.

Don’t forget accessories* like this fun bingo charm bracelet and tote bag.

Already having been held in 25 cities all over the world, Rebel Bingo continues to play shows in Los Angeles and New York regularly.

Though the show began as invite-only, you can get tickets to the show and sign up for their mailing list on the Rebel Bingo website to see where they’ll be playing next.

BINGO!
Kastle

Rebel Bingo photos courtesy of Flames and Fortune/Rebel Bingo

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Tags: bingo, events, Fashion, Los Angeles, Rebel Bingo

A Toast to Mad Men at The Prince

Posted on May 3, 2015April 20, 2016 by stilettocity

With the hit TV show Mad Men coming to an end, so many of my friends are sad to see it go – we can’t get enough of the style and the scandal, and the suburb detail of the period-perfect fashions and interior design. I’ve especially enjoyed the smart writing and clever twists and turns of each character punctuated with both humor and drama and a soundtrack that always hits the right note at pivotal moments.

So in tribute, I gathered my vintage-loving pals for a night of cocktails celebrate our love of the show. After doing research for previous blogs on places around Los Angeles where the show actually filmed, I decided we should meet at The Prince Bar and Restaurant. Lit with red lights, red circular booths, velvet baroque wallpaper with noble accents of knights in shining armor and romantic paintings, The Prince looks like a place where time stands still. Even calling on the waiter harkens back to another time – little butler lamps with buttons at each table to ring when you want service.

A beautiful horseshoe wood bar is a focal point and where my pals met up. While the bartender could have been a little better (my friends had to instruct him how to make drinks like a Sidecar and a Tom Collins and I found the wine selection limited to cheap chardonnay and merlot), we were all in awe of the surroundings – especially after seeing Don, Betty, Roger and Joan sitting at the bar and booths on the show.

For the evening I wanted to wear something special so I brought out my turquoise and gold shimmery wiggle dress by Tatyana and gold sparkle stilettos.

My pal Sandra D. didn’t disappoint in a customized vintage dress actually worn on Betty Draper on the show, which she scored at a costume sale. Word has it both Mad Men actress January Jones and costume designer Janie Bryant have been trying to get that dress back. But Sandra isn’t selling – and seeing her look so good in it, it’s clear why!

So with a toast to good friends and an amazing show, we say thank you to Mad Men for years of smart, stylish, entertaining television. I look forward to binge-watching it again and again!

The Prince Bar and Restaurant is located 3198 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Cheers!
Kastle

Tags: 1960s fashion, bars in Los Angeles, Mad Men

Walking the Catwalk for LA Wine Tasting

Posted on April 27, 2015August 15, 2015 by stilettocity

There’s nothing like spending an evening sipping fine wine amongst glamorous movie starlets. LA Wine Tasting created another in their series of evening soirees, this time around the theme of Femmes d’ Hollywood in celebration of some of Hollywood’s most iconic women of the classic film era.

The event partnered with Clever Vintage Clothing for a fashion show as part of the evening’s entertainment. I was asked to be a model along with 7 other regular “Clever Girls” who all share a love for retro looks.

While Clever’s Dave Temple and Sabino Gutierrez lined up our outfits for two changes, we set to work channeling Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth and Audrey Hepburn among others.

There was a full house gathered poolside at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel as we lined up to walk our catwalk.

For my first run I was the night’s “Marilyn” in a cream-colored beaded wiggle dress and faux fur stole. My next walk on the runway was a gorgeous off-the-shoulder, wine-colored sharkskin ballgown. All the girls were raving about the beautiful fashions for this show – Dave and Sabino really outdid themselves!

Check out the looks of the night:

While we mingled with the guests and chatted up our outfits, we checked out the exclusive exhibition and silent auction presented by the Andrew Weiss Gallery. The gallery specializes in rare Hollywood fine photography from the 1920’s to 60’s. The photos on display were some of the most beautiful shots of Marilyn Monroe I’ve ever seen – my inspiration for the night and for a lifetime!

Poolside Fashion Show photos by Jenna Schoenefeld

LA Wine Tasting events take place every few months. Check their website for upcoming events.

Clever Vintage Clothing sells at local LA vintage expos and by appointment. Check their website for details.

Work it!
Kastle

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The Makeup Show LA 2015

Posted on April 19, 2015August 15, 2015 by stilettocity

The Makeup Show returned to Los Angeles for a full weekend of makeup artistry, brands showcasing their best products, demonstrations, makeup tips and business advice for those working to make a career in the industry.

Taking place at California Mart downtown, the show drew cosmetics enthusiasts as well as professionals to take it all in, many of whom come as walking advertisements for their style and best makeup looks. Of course, I had to put a cute outfit together for the occasion, with my new Unique Vintage dress featuring faces all over it. I always enjoy the makeup demos and a chance to check out the best of the brands that are hoping makeup artists will take advantage of the show discounts to load up their kits and bloggers like me with try something new to write about.

The show was packed for both days and it seemed everywhere you turned there was another exciting makeup demo taking place from classic looks to airbrush art to over-the-top editorial looks.

I caught a few demos including one from Shanna Cistulli for Cinema Secrets working her magic on my pal Doris Mayday (also known as model manager for Pinup Girl Clothing.) The demo also included some words of wisdom from Makeup Artist Legend/Cinema Secrets Founder Maurice Stein who stressed the importance of cleaning makeup brushes after every use! I caught up with Maurice after the demo and asked if makeup artists really don’t clean their brushes – he said some reuse brushes on SEVERAL clients before cleaning them. YUCK – can you say breakouts and illness!

On Sunday, I caught a great demo by Helen Philips for Sephora using Sephora’s impressive collection of colorful eyeshadows that come in different finishes from matte to shimmer to mirror to glitter. She also gave a pro tip for makeup goofs – if you use makeup remover to fix a mistake and have a hole left in your foundation – use primer to fill it. I tried this a few days later and it works like a charm!

Out in the booths I checked out Sephora’s eyeshadow and blushes that can be easily take out of their packaging and put in a customized palette. I also liked the T3 Micro’s line of curling irons and hot rollers that promise to leave hair shiny and smooth with bouncy curls. And I caught up with the Besame booth to find out what lipstick is seen on my new favorite show “Agent Carter.” Her secret weapon? Besame’s Red Velvet!

Check out more pix from the scene:

And now for my Makeup Show haul! I came home with lots of exciting new products to try including:

Senna’s Brow Shaper Duo – Eyebrow Coloring Powder (with growth enhancers) and Pomade in Blonde
Senna’s Form A Brow Palette in Ash Blonde
Senna Lip Lacquers in Bling Bling and Meltdown
Beauty Blender Sponge Collection* including the Original, Pro, Pure, Miro Mini and cleanser
Le Maquillage Professionnel Contour Palette
Le Maquillage Professionnel Makeup Mixer
Gold Sin Jewels Metallic Temporary Tattoos
Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer*
Cinema Secrets Ultralucent Mineral Powder in Warm Light (Best Powder EVER!)
Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner* – keep those brushes clean!
Dollup Beauty Case – innovative case with magnetic side for color palette, makeup brush holder and pop up mirror – perfect for travel or taking to work. Love this!

The Makeup Show takes place in cities including LA, New York, Orlando, Dallas and Chicago as well as pop up shops, throughout the year. Check the website for the next one near you!

For the love of makeup,
Kastle

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Tags: Beauty, Cinema Secrets, Cosmetics, Doris Mayday, Helen Phillips, Los Angeles, Makeup, Maurice Stein, Shanna Cistulli, The Makeup Show

Modcloth: In Real Life

Posted on April 10, 2015 by

Modcloth did it again. Hands-down one of my favorite places on the web to shop for their super cute selection of retro inspired fashion. This week, Modcloth brought their to-die-for inventory to Los Angeles for a weekend pop-up shop. I was one of the lucky few who scored a ticket for the sell-out opening day (they limited entry so there would be room to shop) and from the moment I walked in, I was immersed in Modcloth-land filled with displays of adorable dresses and playful accessories.

The shopping experience was set up so you shopped “looks” on display, pulled cards for each item you wanted to try on. The fitting room had one of each size of each item. You find out what fits and then order it with assistance from their helpful staff and get it shipped with FREE express shipping!

I tried on a killer bad girl top, the prettiest spring dress (part of Modcloth’s original designs) and a netted-top dress I absolutely fell in love with.

Shop* the looks:

With Only a Wink Dress

Make the Most of It Top

Down To a Fine Art Dress

Accessories were available to buy on the spot and I went home with some black roses earrings and sassy heart-shapped sunglasses.

Oh Modcloth, please open a permanent store. So much fun! Thank you!

Modcloth IRL runs through April 11 in downtown LA. Get tix.

Stay stylish,
Kastle

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Tags: Fashion, Los Angeles, Modcloth IRL, pop-up store

Tonga Hut’s 10-Year Reawakening Party

Posted on March 21, 2015 by

When Jeremy Fleener purchased the Tonga Hut in 2005, he also bought a lot of history. The bar, with it’s Polynesian décor that was the trend in 1958 when the place first opened its doors, has endured a few rounds of generations rediscovering Tiki culture and coming to the otherwise sleepy strip mall in North Hollywood for fruity libations and a good dose of relaxed escapism. In the 10 years that Fleener has been in charge, the bar has grown in popularity, boosted by theme parties that include vendors and cookouots in the back parking lot, bands playing, a killer jukebox, great bartenders, and adding names to its Royal Order of the Drooling Bastard club who drink from the legendary “Grog Log.” They’ve even expanded to a Palm Springs location.

To celebrate the 10th year of its “reawakening,” Tonga had, what else, a big ol’ party with a parking lot vendor sale, coconut-themed art show, Durangos Tacos and DJ Tonga Tom spinning outside while DJ Dan Moses kicked off an evening 60s dance party inside. I went to check it out and came across some great Tiki fashion while hanging with pal and fellow writer Lina Lecaro. Check out the scene:

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

Tiki on!

Kastle

Tags: Kastle Waserman, Lina Lecaro, Los Angeles, Stiletto City, Tonga Hut