OCC Makeup and Gail Potocki Present: Fragmented Alice

Posted on August 23, 2013 by

I’ve been an OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) fan since I discovered their Lip Tars about a year ago. These highly pigmented colors create a bold lip that lasts and is a favorite among pro makeup artists.

They recently launched a color collection in collaboration with Symbolist painter Gail Potocki called, “Fragmented Alice” – a twist on Alice in Wonderland where the makeup colors complement Potocki’s collection of Alice-inspired paintings that are hauntingly beautiful and have elements of gothic psychedelia.

“I’m thrilled with how Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics translated my work into the collection …it’s a unique way for others to physically inhabit the universe of ‘Fragmented Alice’,” said Potocki of the OCC collection.

OCC’s “Fragmented Alice” products were featured at the opening reception for Potocki’s exhibit at the Century Guild gallery, which was transformed into a surreal tea room for the night. Both the evening and the paintings had a juxtaposed sense of darkness and glamour that was beautiful.

See more of her paintings on the Century Guild website.

The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics products in “Fragmented Alice” include:

Lip Tar Metallic in “Fragmented”, a metallic acid green glaze that leaves a foil-like finish on the lips.

Nail Lacquers in “Severed”, a bright crimson crème and “Gryphon”, a cement grey crème.

Loose Colour Concentrates in “Inflicted”, a patinaed red/lavender; “Curved Sky”, an icy white to iridescent blue; and “Nevar”, a dirty golden olive. These micronized color pigments are fused with light- reflecting mica and can be used to apply shimmer on the eyes, lips, cheeks and body.

I got to try out the lip tar and loose colour concentrates* and created the look below. First, I primed my eyes with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Then I put down a base of Miliani Shadow Eyez cream stick shadow in “Winter White” to create a nice white canvas for the concentrates to really pop. Then I applied “Curved Sky” to the lids and “Nevar” to the crease and a little under the eyes. The “Fragmented” Lip Tar on its own is a little green for regular outings so I tempered it by applying a nude lipstick of Mac “Lush Amber” as a base and used the Lip Tar for a metallic finish.

Be sure to check out OCC’s uniquely inspired and gorgeous “Fragmented Alice” line and Gail Potocki’s collection at the Century Guild, 6150 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232. (Note: the Google Maps directions are incorrect! The gallery is across the street from the Helm’s Design District.)

Go ask Alice,
Kastle

*Makeup samples provided by OCC, see disclosure.

Tags: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Fragmented Alice, Gail Potocki, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic, OCC

Morphe Brushes Boutique: Grand Opening Party

Posted on August 15, 2013 by

A quiet little corner in Burbank, CA was thumping with big beats erupting from under a white tent, as a line wrapped down the block of eager makeup enthusiasts waiting to see the new Morphe Makeup Brush Store, the only one of its kind to feature entirely makeup brushes. Morphe threw a bash to celebrate its grand opening with DJs, a candy bar, fancy appetizers and a party crowd.

Every makeup lover knows, its not just the cosmetics you buy but the brushes you put it on with to get the right look. Morphe Brushes offers an extensive selection of cruelty-free natural and synthetic hair bristles at very reasonable prices.

I was eager to see the store, so I did a quick lap in the party tent and got in line. The Morphe Boutique is small so only a few people were allowed in at a time to allow room to shop. I’ll admit my patience was wearing thin, but I was rewarded when I heard my name called from the raffle announcer. I won a huge gift basket filled with skin, hair and nail products! What a treat!

I finally made my way into the store and it is truly a delight. Wall to wall brushes of every kind, cases, cleaners and palettes of makeup. Since I’m always changing my makeup and trying new looks, I’ll definitely be hitting this place to get the right tools.

Congrats Morphe on your new home! Check out the party pix below:

Visit Morphe Brushes Boutique at 616 South Victory Blvd. Burbank, CA 91502

Brush on!
Kastle

Pinup Girl Boutique: 1 Year Anniversary Party

Posted on August 1, 2013 by

It was an extra special night at the Pinup Girl Boutique. Celebrating the store’s 1-year anniversary, the clothing brand proved they successfully have made the leap from an online retailer to a couture fashion name with an international following of pinups. They have not only created a clothing line but a glamorous, retro-inspired lifestyle to aspire to that is lived everyday by “Team Pinup,” the models who not only show the looks in the catalog but also work in the store, design the clothes, create the hairstyles, and offer their talent as makeup artists. They created this one-stop-shop to allow everyone be the pinup bombshell they always wanted to be!

And they’ve clearly struck a cord with their audience, who love their monthly parties as a night to dress up and wear those fabulous Pinup Couture fashions. These gatherings are always a great night to go shopping because it’s like a living fashion show, seeing so many people in the Pinup Girl Clothing. My wish list always grows when I see what dress look good in real life. Fortunately, the parties coincide with Magnolia Park’s Ladies Night Out shopping nights when discounts of 10% and up make these fabulous fashions a little easier on the pocketbook.

For the anniversary party, the place was jam-packed. Drinks flowed, new friends were made and I was blown away by the talent lined up for the night. On the small stage in the center of the store, comedienne April Richardson, who sports her own retro flair and Bettie bangs, opened up the night and was hilarious.

Next up was Andra Day whose soulful voice was so moving and she got us all grooving! She was discovered after going viral on YouTube with her covers of pop song mashups. She is currently signed with Warner Bros. Records and working her debut album.

Lastly but certainly not least, was Katrina Parker who gained attention for coming in 2^nd place on “The Voice” TV show. She looked so sweet in her big ‘60s-style hairdo and her voice blew the place away. Katrina is gearing up to release an album funded by Kickstarter.

Both singers are right on the cusp of big time fame and now we can say we saw them early on!

I always find it funny when the Pinup Boutique has performers in the store, they always comment, “this is the best looking crowd we’ve ever played to!” And it’s true, the pinup customer knows how to dress up for a night! The store was filled with beauties working their retro-inpsired look, which is elegant and sexy. Talk about some great people watching! And the night was capped with a toast as Team Pinup gathered on stage to thank their customers, raffle off some prizes and introduce a new line of Pinup Couture handbags for which the crowd gave a loud cheer. Did I mention my wish list was growing?

Check out the party pix below and more on Flickr.

Click here for more PARTY PIX!

Congrats Pinup Girl Boutique and thank you for your fabulous fashions and super-fun events!

I wish you many more years to come – ’cause I have some shopping to do! 🙂
Kastle

Tags: Fashion, Pinup Girl, Pinup Girl Clothing, vintage inspired clothing

Tonga Hut Celebrates 55 Years

Posted on July 26, 2013 by

I love a good Tiki bar – the fruity cocktails, fun exotic décor and the groovy people who frequent the tiki scene. Sadly many of the good authentic Tiki bars of the ‘50s and ‘60s have met the wrecking ball, but still going strong after 55 years is the Tonga Hut in North Hollywood. Holding the prestigious title of being the oldest operating Tiki bar in Los Angeles, Tonga has seen many trends come and go, but Tiki is forever!

They celebrated their 55^th Anniversary with a bash worthy of the place’s history and reputation. The place was PACKED! A commemorative, limited edition Tiki mug designed by renown Tiki artist Shag sold out in a flash and vendors in the back parking lot sold Tiki treasures and clothing as bands rocked the tiny stage inside for the enthusiastic crowd.

I got to chat for a bit with artist Shag, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, who I had the pleasure of interviewing at his home (which looks like a Shag painting BTW!) about his inspiration and success a couple of years ago (read here)

And I made lots of new friends in this crowd that just loves the retro spirit and tropical flair of Tiki, including Dollie the Rockabilly Socialite, who you may know from the brief reality show “Wives With Beehives.” She’s gorgeous in person!

The owner of Tonga Hut got up and thanked the crowd and announced a new partnership with Kevin and Claudia Murphy to open the second Tonga Hut in Palm Springs. Yay!

What a fantastic party! See more party pix below.

Thanks to the Tonga Hut for 55 fabulous years and I wish you 55 more!

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

Tiki on,
Kastle

Tags: Dollie DeVille, Shag, Tiki, Tonga Hut

Clever Vintage: ’60s Soiree Fashion Show

Posted on July 22, 2013 by

There couldn’t be a more glamorous way to spend a summer evening than recreating a night in the French Riviera in the 1960s. I was modeling as part of a fashion show for Clever Vintage Clothing and LA Wine Tasting’s Mingling Soiree series. On the agenda was a collection of to-die-for ‘60s vintage fashions, great drinks and entertainment by French-born singer Adele Jacques performing French pop with her group Paris Loves LA, all poolside at the Luxe Hotel in Bel Air. It really felt like we had been transported for a night to elegant and carefree St. Tropez.

Backstage in the Clever Vintage dressing room, there it was a girl bomb of makeup, hairspray, false eyelashes, bauble jewelry and shoes everywhere as we got dressed in the exquisite collection curated by Dave Temple and Sabino Gutierrez. I had my hair done earlier in the afternoon by stylist Tony Medina of His Vintage Touch in a giant swirl of a beehive that went perfectly with my outfits for the night. See the photo on Instagram!

My daywear outfit was a melon-colored, mod, A-line dress with scoop neck and side pockets. My evening outfit was a stunning paisley jumpsuit with harem paints, bead-trimmed tie belt and beaded neckline that was part of the Malcolm Starr “Home Collection” of the ‘60s when people threw fabulous cocktail parties in their stylish living rooms.

Our runway was along the pool and the fashions could not have had a more pecfect setting. There were many French people, dressed up in ‘60s inspired cocktail attire. The audience cheered for each model that passed and we smiled for a sea of phone cameras.

CLICK HERE SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW >>

After each run we got to mingle with the audience and answer questions about our outfits. I had a hard time keeping my feet still because the music by DJ Marlon Fuentes was a mix of ‘60s pop, dance music and garage rock. I just wanted to hit the makeshift poolside dancefloor and shake and shimmy all night long! And I got to get a peek at Adele Jacques’ performance, which I adored. She embodied the endearing sexy bubbliness of Brigitte Bardot for sure! See a video from a past show:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1voxjxkNsU&w=560&h=315]

At the end of the night it was hard to take off the fabulous outfits and go back to reality. I wish every night could be like a night in 1960s St. Tropez. Perhaps that’s what made it so special.

Au revoir!
Kastle

Photos courtesy of Deanna Hodges and Clever Vintage

Tags: "60s Fashion, Clever Vintage, French Riviera, His Vintage Touch, Kastle Waserman, LA Wine Tasting, Stiletto City, Tony Medina, Vintage clothing

The Perfect Red Lipstick

Posted on July 11, 2013 by

Almost every girl I know is always on the hunt for the perfect red lipstick. Every time I hear of a new long-lasting lipstick, I want to try it and the first color I buy is red. Well ladies, I think I finally found my perfect red.

While at the PHAMExpo last week, I purchased a number of Stila products, one of them was their Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in the color Beso.

I was pleasantly surprised when I applied it. Drying to a velvety matte finish, the color is a deep, true red and highly pigmented. I applied a little bit of Stila Lip & Cheek Stain in Cherry Crush underneath to keep lips red but I don’t know that it was necessary because the lipstick stayed strong for hours. And a bonus, it doesn’t transfer! That means I can give my boyfriend (light) kisses and not get red all over him!

However, because it’s matte, it might feel a little dry to some. I applied some lip gloss over it and I have found most other matte lipsticks break down and get gummy or slide off when you do this. Not my Beso, the color seemed to rejuvenate and kept going!

A tip on application – a little goes a long way and the sponge wand applicator isn’t the best way to go. Dab a little on the back of your hand or a palette (I use a small plastic plate from Target) and use a lip brush. The lipstick is thick enough to line your lips with, but I like using a separate liner. I found Sephora’s Real Red Liner to be a perfect match.

So go get your red on!

S.W.A.K.
Kastle

Tags: Cosmetics, Kastle Waserman, Makeup, red lipstick, Stila, Stiletto City

PHAMExpo: Beauty Bonanza

Posted on July 8, 2013 by

If you can imagine Sephora on steroids, you can imagine what a beauty convention is like. For the first time ever, PHAMExpo put down stakes in Pasadena, CA and opened its doors to makeup pros, beauty bloggers and the public alike. Inside, was a giant candy store of cosmetics, pro artist demos and deep discounts on product purchases.

As a beauty junkie and avid watcher of YouTube makeup tutorials, I have to say there’s nothing like having a roomful of pro artists providing tips and answering questions, and the makeup right there for you test and purchase.

When I walked in, Doe Deere from Lime Crime was doing a Q&A on the main stage. With her long lavender hair and doll-like style, Doe and her fun, colorful cosmetics line have amassed a huge following. The audience was packed with girls with funky hair colors and bright makeup eager to ask a question. The most popular question turned out to be turning Doe’s favorite question back to her “What is your daydream?” to which she answered, “To give all my Lime Crime fans a big hug!”

Following the her Q&A, fans lined up to get a photo with Doe in front of the daydream board where the entrepreneur encouraged them to pen their own dream.

I took some time to walk around and see what was available. There were known brands such as MAC, Stila, Inglot, OCC and Makeup Forever and lots of up and coming brands that specialize in lashes, nails and brushes and other pro tools. I spotted a couple of Vanity Girl Makeup Mirrors and got to say hello to founder, Maxine. A few beauty schools were also there to help makeup enthusiasts enroll and go pro.

Some of the displays were pretty over-the-top, especially to exhibit some of the character makeup and artist airbrushing. MAC’s display probably drew the most attention. While all the other booths had female models, MAC lined up five hunky guys in nothing but their boxer briefs to airbrush for what was mostly a crowd of women in attendance. Yeah, that went over well!

My favorite part of the weekend had to be the pro artist demos. Nothing encourages me to try new products more than an explanation on how to use them to get a specific look. At this expo, the running theme seemed to be how to get HD-ready skin. All of these makeup experts work to prep models and actresses for photo shoots and TV and film work, but were well aware that with the popularity of Instagram and YouTube and having an HD camera on that phone in your pocket, EVERYBODY needs to be camera ready!

Some of the most inspiring pro artist demos I checked out included:

Cory Bishop, Stila Cosmetics – really knowledgable about HD-ready makeup. Loved that he used a mature model for his demo (anyone can make a thin, 20-year-old with high checkbones and perfect skin look good!) His tip on using silicon-based products and non-talc powder changed my thinking on my makeup. I was lucky enough to catch him at the Stila counter and he helped me pick out some color matches for my foundation overhaul – thanks Cory!

Caitlin Callahan, MAC Senior Artist – a real pro in knowing how to make skin look like skin, not made-up or powdery. “Creams look like skin, powder looks like makeup.” Really knew her stuff. Offered the great suggestion of taking a quick photo or video of your makeup as you’re doing it or after you’re done to see how it reflects on camera and with a flash.

Tracey Taylor, Temptu Pro Artist – a lesson in airbrush makeup, the ultimate in making skin look smooth with a long-lasting look. Tracey talked about how air-brushing needs very little touch up, is waterproof (yes, you can swim in it!) and covers everything. If you are willing to invest in the equipment and the learning curve, it’s probably the best solution for a flawless face. If you are a pro artist, knowing airbrushing allows you to charge more for your service.

Keynote, Pro Artist Valente Frazier – Emmy award winning makeup artist who has worked with Tyra Banks, Michelle Obama, Rhianna Heidi Klum and more. Has a super fun personality. Created a glamorous but natural look. And thanks for the compliment on my 1940’s hairdo Valente!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW FOR MORE PHOTOS!

Here’s what I learned:

HD shows everything!
Silicone-based products look closest to skin, have light reflective qualities, don’t break down, need primers, powder or setting spray.
A moisturizer with mineral oil gives silicon something to cling to.
If you’re getting camera-ready, don’t use products with sunscreen, it will make skin appear white with a flash.
Buff foundation on with a kabuki brush for an airbrush finish or use a damp Beauty Blender sponge.
Synthetic brushes are better from cream products. Won’t absorb product into the bristles so applies smoother and are easier to clean.
A foundation in a warmer color can used as a bronzer.
Blue and purple-based colors can make you look older. Go for orange-base to look younger.
Strengthen the natural lines of your face – hairline, brows, and lash line and it will make you look younger.
Play-up the features you like about your face (such as eyes or lips) deflect from flaws.
For mature eyes, use browns. They won’t turn grey or ashy. Brown shadow and liner, then a pop of black liner in the waterline.
Use cream blush, it has the same texture as skin, especially on mature skin. Put on hand to warm it, mash into bristles of brush, or dab on cheeks and blend with fingers.
Eye pencils are creamy and reflect like skin. Powder shadow looks like makeup.
Don’t use talc-based powders with silicon-based foundation, it will look cakey. Use low or no talc loose powder to dust on just areas prone to shine to set.
Put concealer under the eye only where it’s dark, not in a big “U”. Then blend with a brush.
After applying concealer under the eye, take a folded tissue to blot and absorb excess concealer to prevent creasing.
Take a photo of your makeup when it’s done to see how it looks to others and with a flash. Nobody wants to be caught out like Nicole Kidman’s famous red carpet flub.

Here’s my haul:

Stila Stay All Day Foundation, Fair #2
Stila Convertible Color, Gladiola
Stila convertible color, Camilia
Stila Lip Stain, Cherry Crush
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, Beso
Stila In the Know Eyeshadow Palette
Stila Kajal Eyeliner, Oynx
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, Black
Stila Smudge Stick, Silver Dollar (free gift!)
Makeup Forever Aqua Brow
Purely Cosmetics Diamond Perfect Finish Powder
Embryoisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturizer
Beauty Blender Sponge
Beauty Blender Sponge Cleaner (free gift!)
SILK Flat Powder Brush
SILK Complexion Brush
Karen Zander Pro Brush Soap
J. Cats Nail Art Strips

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog on getting my HD look!

Be your best self,
Kastle

Tags: Caitlin Callahan, Cory Bishop, Doe Deere, Kastle Waserman, Lime Crime, MAC, Maxine Tatlonghari, PHAMExpo, Stila, Stiletto City, Temptu, Tracey Taylor, Valente Frazier, Vanity Girl, Vanity Girl Hollywood

Retro Hair Class with Miss Rockabilly Ruby

Posted on June 29, 2013 by

One of the key parts of a vintage look is having the right hair. I recently discovered hairdresser Miss Rockabilly Ruby who has styled looks for Pinup Girl Clothing and works out of Lola and Roxy’s Salon in Burbank. I had her give me one of her famous updo’s a few weeks back that came out simply spectacular (see the photo on Instagram) and I was excited to check out her pinup hair class to share her awesome talent here on Stiletto City and get some tips on how to create those amazing Ruby do’s!

I joined about 25 other aspiring pinups in the back room of the Pinup Girl Boutique as Ruby created three different looks: a ‘60s bubble flip, a beehive and an elegant ‘50s faux bob. Ruby hails from Minnesota and just moved to LA last year so we are lucky to have her! She trained at the Aveda Institue after studying graphic design and finding she hated it. But she definitely has an artistic touch to her hair designs! Here are some of the amazing creations she did that day. Click on each image to see the transformation slideshow.

Look 1: Bubble Flip

Look 2: Beehive

Look 3: Faux Bob

Here are a few things I learned:

These do’s will keep hairspray companies in business!

Use duck clips to section off hair and work with one section at a time.

Each of these looks was set the same way using a GHD 1 inch flat iron to curl each piece of hair under and clip. Let set until cool.

Mist each section before you take that flat iron to it to protect the hair. Kenra Platinum Hot Spray works well and is available at the Pinup Girl Boutique.

Your set do can last you a few days if you sleep very still or use satin pillow cases.

Teasing is your friend but will be your enemy when you try to get it out – get in the shower, use lots of conditioner and wide-tooth comb.

Ruby loves doing BIG HAIR, the bigger the better, especially ’60s hair. (My kind of gal!)

Ruby loves talking “Toddlers & Tieras” and “Honey Boo Boo” – don’t get her started!

Now that class is over, I’m hoping I have at least a pinky-full of Ruby’s talent to try to create these looks myself. If not, I know she’s just an appointment away! One thing I know for sure is that it’s a delight to sit in Ruby’s chair. Besides her fabulous end product, her spunky personality will have you laughing the whole time!

Go big or go home!
Kastle

Tags: Kastle Waserman, Miss Rockabilly Ruby, Pinup Girl Boutique, Pinup Girl Clothing, Retro Hair, Stiletto City

Get Your Skin Summertime Glowing

Posted on June 21, 2013 by

It’s the official start of summer, that means showing more skin during the hot months ahead. But is your skin ready to be seen or is it still suffering from the dry winter season? Get it in shape! I’ll fill you in on how to exfoliate , moisturize, add a little shimmer, and (gasp) get rid of that ghost-white skin! Here are some tips I put together for my report on Yahoo!

Click here for summer-ready skin.

Bring it on summer!
Kastle

Photo by Calliopejen from Wikimedia Commons

Wine & Mid-Century Fashion Soiree

Posted on June 17, 2013 by

It was a seductive Friday night in downtown. The temperature was perfectly mild and people were ready to shake off the work week, get dressed up and go out. The Los Angeles Athletic Club provided a delicious, historic backdrop for an evening of elegant vintage fashion. The wine flowed from Los Angeles Wine Tasting, a silent auction brought bids for rarely seen candid photos of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra from the Frank Worth Collection, and the crowded room was ready to be dazzled by mid-century offerings from Clever Vintage Clothing from the era when glamour was definitely IN.

I was honored to be asked to be one of the models working the nightclub’s catwalk. After several fittings, each dress more beautiful than the next, it was decided I would wear two classic 1950’s silhouettes. First: a floral-print wiggle dress with a copper sheen Second: a black brocade, wide-collar, full-skirted party dress that buttoned down the front with a pop of a purple petticoat underneath.

It was all kinds of girliness backstage as we prepped hair and makeup (we all did our own) and slipped into this gorgeous cocktail attire. Then there was the lineup for Dave and Sabino of Clever Vintage to assess every fit and color and order in which we would appear. We carried numbers so the audience members could easily remember which dress they would like to purchase for themselves.

What was great about this show was that all the models have been customers of Clever Vintage. We are all regular scenesters at vintage style events around town and we mostly all knew each other. We were real girls who live it and love it. Authentic pinups for sure and not a diva in the room, lots of girl bonding support in helping to fine-tune every detail.

Then it was time for our big moment. A walk through the room, a few spins, some poses for the cameras. Then a quick change to our second outfit to do it all over again. And the clothes were a hit! We all had a great time showing them off. Special thanks to Dave and Sabino for letting us all be supermodels for the night and to Jean-Baptiste Dhalluin of LA Wine Tasting for putting on this extraordinary event!

From the runway,
Kastle

Photos by Mr. Mojo Würkin (1,2,7) Susan Londoner (3,4,5) and Clever Vintage (6)