Vintage Clothing Fashion Show: 1940s Casablanca

Posted on March 17, 2014October 6, 2020 by Cider House Media

It was “A Night in Casablanca” with Clever Vintage Clothing when I was asked to model for them for a vintage fashion show. We gathered in a cabana at the W Hotel in West Beverly Hills to adorn ourselves in vintage fashion from the 1940s. We were channeling our inner Ingrid Bergman and getting up our motivation as well-do-Westerners visiting an exotic destination. Clever Vintage Clothing partnered with LA Wine Tasting to create an event that was a feast for the eyes with belly dancers, a display of 1940s vintage style and lots of wine as the theme was inspired by the movie, “Casablanca.”

Our poolside fashion show featured a round of day wear and a round of evening wear carefully curated by Clever’s Dave and Sabino. I got to wear a lovely green silk day dress with matching gloves and big straw hat. My evening wear consisted of a drop-dead gorgeous long, fitted gown with beaded accents at the neckline and buttons down the back. It was topped by an extraordinary gold brocade cape and gloves.

Casablanca-themed Vintage Clothing Fashion Show

Play it again Sam,
Kastle

Red Carpet Worthy Prom Dresses

Posted on March 12, 2014 by

Ahh the prom. It’s one of those milestone memories that can make or break your high school years. It’s important to have the right date and the right dress. I remember searching high and low for my ultimate prom dress – you want to be elegant, a little bit sexy but not too much so that the other girls “will talk” and most importantly, it has to be perfect.

Prom dresses have come a long way since the stereotypical scratchy, taffeta princess-sleeve numbers featured in bad prom pictures. Now you can look like you’re going on the red carpet to the Oscars and the dresses can double as formal wear for other occasions, including weddings.

I discovered the JenJenHouse* that has beautiful dresses for the glamour girl you want to be on that special night, with prices that won’t blow your parent’s bank account – especially if you catch one of the great sales! Here are some of my faves:

This keyhole, scoop neck chiffon dress is a stunner. I love the spring-like color of yellow. You’ll be the one standing out on the dance floor!

The unusual cut of this purple gown will set you apart from the pack. Wear your hair in an updo to show off the beading bling along the back straps.

This silver, one-shoulder dress with cutouts says star power all over it. No doubt you will catch the light when you walk in the room.

A lesson in sophisticated elegance, you can’t go wrong in this fitted strapless dress with beautiful brocade ruffles.

Something about prom makes you want to look like a goddess and this white chiffon number has just enough golden detail and subtle gathering at the top to make you look just that!

Lots of prom dresses will come in the classic strapless silhouette but you’ll be a downright doll with the gorgeous, flowing layered ruffles on this organza dress.

Be sure to note that most of the dresses pictured here come in a variety of colors, so if you like the cut, find the color that suits you best!

Makes me almost wish I could go back to high school just to go to the prom!

Sparkle and shine,
Kastle

Photos used by permission from JenJenHouse

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Tags: evening gown, formal dress, prom dress, prom dresses, prom season

OCC Parties with Plastic Passion and Deven Green

Posted on March 10, 2014 by

Spring is right around the corner and I’m so excited for new spring makeup collections. I got chance to take a look at Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics’ new collection, “Plastic Passion,” which features an array of lip and nail colors, and color pencils that can be used on lips and eyes.

Featuring different finishes (matte, crème, pearlescent and metallic) in unexpected colors of pastels and ultra brights, the “Plastic Passion” line is like having a crazy paint box to play with for a variety of looks from daring to sweet.

And to match their playful spirit, OCC selected performance artist Deven Green to be their spokeswoman for the collection.

Best known for her video parody videos and music performances, Deven was in person for the “Plastic Passion” launch at Sephora in Hollywood & Highland. Sporting big ‘60s-style hair and a long tangerine gown, Deven was easily the Queen Bee of the party with her rail-thin physique, cheekbones that could cut glass, huge Hollywood smile and welcoming personality. She didn’t hesitate to show off the neon green nail lacquer named after her, as she had each nail encrusted with the letters that spelled D-E-V-E-N G-R-E-E-N.

She entertained the crowd with a musical performance, including a song that included each of the “Plastic Passion” color names.

Shop the collection of “Plastic Passion” nail lacquers, lip tars and color pencils at Sephora.

Spring forward,
Kastle

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Tags: Deven Green, Lip Tar, obsessive compulsive cosmetics, OCC, Spring Collection, Spring Makeup

Oscars 2014

Posted on March 3, 2014 by

The Oscars is always a good excuse for a party. I was lucky to be invited to watch the big show on a big screen at the annual private party at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, right across the street from the real action on the red carpet at the Dolby Theater. This year’s party was a little more toned down than more dressed-up year’s past, but I couldn’t resist pulling out a gold-toned vintage dress, cocktail-length to keep it casual. I spent the evening with my pals Dave and Sabino of Clever Vintage to review the best fashion moments, and my friend and host for the evening, Margot, who handles marketing for the Egyptian.

While my picks, Jared Leto, Matthew McConaughey and Cate Blanchett were big winners, I was a little disappointed “American Hustle” was a complete shut out. (Disco K. was spotted throwing down her cigarette and headed for the bar!) But enough about the winners, what about the fashion? Here are my picks for best dressed.

Lupita Nyong’o has been beautifully dressed all through awards season, this baby blue, Grecian-style dress was stunning. And I loved her simple gold earrings, headband and bracelet. Cate Blanchett is another star who is always elegantly dressed and I loved her ethereal, jewel-sprinkled dress. The one fashion don’t — her earrings — too big, the colors don’t match. I would have preferred some simple diamond studs to let the dress be the showpiece.

I absolutely adored Jennifer Garner’s fringe-layered dress that shimmied when she walked like a graceful go-go dancer. And Kate Hudson was classic Hollywood gorgeous in a plunging, perfectly-tailored gown. Plus 10 points for knowing how to pose in it. Both were working the big trends of the night – metallic and nude color tones and side-swept hair.

And as host Ellen Degeneres literally broke Twitter (yes, I was having trouble getting on the social site to send Tweets for a while) by having her selfie loaded with A-listers re-tweeted by millions, we couldn’t resist doing our own group selfie, which we all reposted, of course!

Another great Oscar party!
Kastle

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Rainy Day Style

Posted on February 28, 2014 by

After months of dry, draught conditions, we’re finally getting some rain in Los Angeles. But have you ever been caught in wet weather and found you have nothing in your closet to keep you dry? Or worse, what rain gear you do have looks awful and covers that fabulous outfit you just put together? These rain day accessories will keep off the raindrops and the clever, clear material will allow people to still see your outfit. Throw on some funky rain boots and don’t forget a waterproof rainy day messenger bag to keep your computer gear safe and dry. A groovy, clear bubble umbrella will keep the raindrops at bay while allowing you see where you’re going and others to see your stylish self.

Click the image to shop* the items below:

Be stylish rain or shine,
Kastle

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Tags: Fashion, rain gear, rainy day style

Look of the Day: Carnaby Street

Posted on February 24, 2014 by

Today’s look brings back the days of swinging London in the 1960s. I enjoyed some of the warm Los Angeles weather to don a vintage, color-block, A-line dress, vintage low-heeled shoes with a dainty front tie, ball-drop earrings and big frame Jackie O.-style sunglasses. The circle-pattern purse is direct from Carnaby Street. I picked it up on a trip I took to England a few years back.

For this photo shoot, I got to work with photographer Erica Hampton, be sure to check out her work.

Dress from Clever Vintage Clothing
Shoes from Vintage Playclothes

Shop* similar items:

1960s-style Dresses

Vintage Shoes

Dot Purse

Jackie O-style sunglasses

Ball Drop Earrings

Swing it!
Kastle

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Tags: 1960s, 1960s style, Carnaby Street, look of the day, MOD, Vintage

Go Wild: Animal Flats

Posted on February 19, 2014 by

It’s a jungle out there, so get your animal on. These super cute women’s flats from ModCloth feature some of the friendliest creatures to take your tootsies around town in. These shoes really liven up an outfit and make a great conversation starter.

Click the image to shop* these critters:

Go wild,
Kastle

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Tags: animal shoes, flats, fun shoes, shoes

Look of the Day: Be My Valentine

Posted on February 17, 2014 by

Valentine’s Day is the chance to break out all of your favorite red items in your wardrobe. I was excited to wear a pair of my favorite strappy stilettos and rose print slip dress – which just happened to match the dozen beautiful roses my boyfriend presented me with!

We went for a cozy dinner at the Marmalade Café in Sherman Oaks. I really like the charming, shabby chic décor of this place. Plus, the food is really good! Check out the look below:

Shop* similar items:

Dress

Shoes

Be mine,
Kastle

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Late Nights at Canter’s Deli

Posted on February 12, 2014August 18, 2015 by stilettocity

I recently stopped into Canter’s to grab a late night meal and a flood of memories came back to me. Canter’s Deli is a historical spot in Los Angeles. Opening in 1953 on Fairfax Avenue, its been serving up mile-high sandwiches, breakfast round the clock, coffee and cocktails to hipsters, the Jewish district and seniors who love it for its classic ambience and rock ‘n’ roll cool factor.

I spent many post-clubbing late nights in Canter’s when I first moved to Hollywood. I remember hanging with all my pals until we could see the sun coming up out of Canter’s glass doors. It wasn’t uncommon to see plenty of actors and rock stars also stopping in to grab a bite.

I’ve also rocked out in the adjacent bar, The Kibitz Room, seeing the Wallflowers, featuring Bob Dylan’s son, Jakob, before they put albums out. They made the place a really fun regular club night and you never knew who would show up for a jam session.

And of course, there’s Rodney Bingenheimer. The KROQ DJ who has broken bands from the Ramones to The Cure to Coldplay on his show Rodney on the ROQ, has been a fixture at Canter’s for what must be decades now. You can always spot him having dinner around 10:30 p.m. in his regular booth that now bears a plaque with his name on it.

Flashback! With Rodney Bingenheimer and LA Weekly’s Lina Lecaro
at Rodney’s English Disco, 2000.

I got to bump into Rodney when I went there this week and it was great to catch up. I hadn’t seen him since I was clubbing regularly as a music journalist for the Los Angeles Times and he had reopened his club Rodney’s English Disco, an iconic hot spot in the early ‘70s where Bowie, The New York Dolls and Iggy Pop were regulars. Rodney brought it back for a short time in the early 2000s.

And one more rock ‘n’ roll sidenote, Guns N’ Roses also spent a number of late nights at Canter’s. During those days Marc Canter, a member of the Canter family who runs the Deli, was a regular scenester taking photos. He put out a book about GNR called “Reckless Road.” I have a copy of it and it’s an excellent chronicle of those crazy times, with amazing photos of the band. You can pick it up at the deli to have a great read with your meal!

Nosh ‘n rock,
Kastle

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Tags: Canter's Deli, GNR, Guns N' Roses, Lina Lecaro, Marc Canter, Reckless Road, Rodney Bingenheimer, Rodney on the ROQ

Look of the Day: Romantic Night at the Dresden

Posted on February 10, 2014 by

There are special occasions and then there are very special occasions worth getting dressed up for. For me and my boyfriend’s anniversary, I wanted to pull out a look that was classic pinup and loaded with sex appeal. I reached for my dress by the brand who knows how to make women look va-va-voom, Pinup Girl Clothing. I added a glamourous statement necklace of big rhinestones that I purchased on a trip to Paris, and a little texture with some fishnet stockings. I finished the look with my pointiest black stiletto pumps.

The look was perfect for our romantic meal at The Dresden Room. This restaurant looks like a set from the TV show “Mad Men,” with its elegant white circular booths and ambiance that’s been untouched since the 1950s. I’m sure before there was Don Draper, the Rat Pack may have spent some time in this place. And of course there is the endearing music of the classics performed in the adjacent lounge bar by the duo Marty and Elayne, who have been performing at the Dresden since 1982. They are a little campy and a whole lot of groovy. Yes, we did hear “Staying Alive” while clinking our glasses in a toast! The Dresden is a great place for a romantic night – something to keep in mind with Valentine’s Day coming up.