Tag: bars in Los Angeles

Rock out at the Harvard & Stone

Posted on January 18, 2016May 2, 2016 by stilettocity

Around Hollywood, there is no shortage of cool bars and cool bands to play in them. Recently I’ve been itching to get out more in the late night hours and explore what’s happening on the rock scene.

There’s nothing like the energy of a cool local band and that feeling of being one of the first to discover them. I had a night like that when I went to rock out to Mid Coitus at the Harvard and Stone.

The night was hosted by indie rock online TV show Dirty Laundry TV and featured Mike Watt. But it was Mid Coitus who I came to see, a two-piece who sounds like a full band of four. Singer Sailor Alexander has the looks of a young Dave Navarro, plays both guitar and bass from his instrument and works the stage like master showman. Not bad considering this was the band’s third show.

Harvard and Stone is a great local bar to see gigs, with lots of cool industrial details, as well as lounge space and nooks in the back to escape the crush of the stage area when it gets crowded.

What I Wore

To go rock out in the night, you can’t go wrong in a good, music-related T-shirt like my Sun Records tee here. A pencil skirt slinks it up a bit, along with classic fishnet stockings and moto jacket. Then I added a pop of red in my hair scarf, purse and heels.

Rock Out in Style

Headed out to see a cool band? Grab your moto jacket and your favorite band graphic tee, like this one featuring The Who. Pair it with a pencil skirt and some fishnet stockings to add a little sex appeal. Add some bright, creeper shoes like these shiny red ones, and a fun purse like this racecar clutch to show you’re living life in the fast lane! Click the links to shop* this look!

Harvard and Stone is located at 5221 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Rock on!
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, LA Nightclubs, nightclub, rocker style

Tag: bars in Los Angeles

Gettin’ Sassy Retro Style at the Sassafras Saloon

Posted on December 13, 2015January 29, 2016 by stilettocity

There’s nothing like heading out to a cool bar to see a good band, good friends, and have a drink to let any stress of the week roll off your back. I put on some casual, retro style and ventured out recently to the Sassafras Saloon in Hollywood to do just that.

This has to be one of the coolest looking bars in town. Remodeled a few years ago, it looks like it’s been there for decades with a down home, lovingly distressed, old New Orleans feel to it. They serve signature cocktails with their own house blend of ginger beer. Bottles of homemade sarsaparilla spin on rotating conveyer belt above the bar. I loved ordering my drink and watching the bartender mix the concoction with some of that sweet potion from the mysterious brown bottles of goodness. In case you aren’t familiar with sarsaparilla, it’s a sweet soda made popular in the 1930-’50s cowboy movies and it’s rootin’ tootin’ good!

On this particular night, I was knockin’ it back to the sounds of Maureen and the Mercury 5, who I’ve been a fan of since I saw them at Viva Las Vegas a few years ago. They got the place jumpin’ with their mix of rockabilly and jive fronted with Maureen’s powerhouse vocals and sexy, sassy stage presence.

What I Wore

For my retro style look for the night, I brought out Elvis looking tough on a motorbike on my t-shirt atop a forest green swing skirt. Some high heeled saddle shoes had me ready for boppin’

Retro Style for Saddlin’ Up to the Bar

If you’re headed out to a cool bar or to see your local rockabilly act, keep it casual but cute in a black and white dotted tank with Peter Pan collar and bow neck tie. A bright yellow swing skirt will make you stand out and put everyone around in a cheerful mood. Lace up some saddle shoes and pack up your things in a bag featuring Elvis movie posters and you’ll be ready to rock! Click the links to shop* this look!

Sassafras Saloon is located at 1233 N. Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90038

See ya at the bar!
Kastle

Photos of Sassafras courtesy of the 1993 Group

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

Tag: bars in Los Angeles

Love Letter to Paris and French Style

Posted on November 15, 2015November 26, 2015 by stilettocity

The terrorist attacks on Paris hit close to home for many of us in the nightlife and music community in Los Angeles. Just a regular Friday night out on the town turned into a nightmare nobody expected. This, in the City of Lights, that I have had the pleasure of visiting twice. I fell in love with Paris for its beauty, its wealth of artistic spirit and its legendary French style. In my visits, there was nothing I enjoyed more than wondering the streets and just feeling a sense of passion for creativity among the people there. I had meals in the many lively cafes and cherished the undeniable pure romance of the scenery. When I learned of of Friday’s tragedy, my heart broke and I was sickened by the attacks on this beautiful city and its people.

Feeling helpless so many miles away, we sought solidarity in one of our favorite cafes in LA, The Figaro Bistrot in Los Feliz.

We arrived and found this little French restaurant and bar packed, many having the same idea as we did – to not cave to the fear, to go out, have dinner in a café, be among friends and neighbors and live life to fullest despite the attempts of evil-doers who try to scare us.

The restaurant had a candle-lit memorial burning outside its doors, which moved us greatly. While having a meal doesn’t make up for the many lives lost, we hoped it would make a small statement in a huge tragedy.

The Figaro Bistrot is lovely inside, which its checkered floors, cast iron chandeliers, French antiques, patisserie bar, cocktail bar and little, red, banquette booths. There is seating out on the sidewalk, as well as an intimate annex room. The place is so gorgeous that designer Marc Jacobs had Madonna photographed wearing his collection there. See the photos. And yes, the food is delicious. I indulged in red wine, Coq au Vin and coffee and sweets for dessert.

What I Wore

As my personal tribute to Paris, I wore a dress and necklace I picked up on my travels there. Wearing all black seemed appropriate on this night of mourning, but I wanted to add a pop of color as a show of hope and optimism. The A-line dress is delicate like an elegant, baby-doll nightie, detailed with romantic ruffles on the neckline, sleeves and hemline. My one, glamorous, rhinestone, bib, statement necklace was enough jewelry so I didn’t add any other pieces to prevent looking overdone. I punctuated the look with bright pink from my retro style handbag and hair flower made by my pal Nicole of NiccocoCreations. My vintage leopard coat kept me warm on this chilly fall night.

Dressing with French Style

French style has always been known for being chic and looking effortless. Classic lines and simplicity are key, with an undeniable cool factor and subtle sex appeal. A romantic, vintage style, mesh overlay dress detailed with florals and scallops will bring Parisian charm to your look, while a coat with a strong A-line silhouette and pop of color adds sophistication. Keep accessories to a minimum with just one bold statement necklace in a color that blends with the outfit rather than adding more color or complexity. And of course, an Eiffel Tower charm bracelet doesn’t hurt to show your solidarity and love for the amazing city of Paris.

Then go out, enjoy life and visit a French-inspired place near you.

If you would like to contribute to the victims, donate to The Sweet Stuff Foundation or the memorial fund for Nick Alexander, the merchandise manager for the band Eagles of Death Metal who was killed in the attack.

The Figaro Bistrot is located at 1802 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

We love you Paris. Stay strong.
Kastle

Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, restaurants in Los Angeles, where to go in Los Angeles

Tag: bars in Los Angeles

Dress like a Boss in Pinup Style for Drinks at Little Dom’s

Posted on November 8, 2015November 30, 2015 by stilettocity

There aren’t many places you can walk around in Los Angeles because it’s so spread out, which is why I love the Los Feliz area. Lots of cafes, bars and shops to make the district your runway to show off some pinup style while out in the action.

My BFF and I recently popped into Lil’ Doms for a drink. This Italian restaurant has a New York City feel, bustling with hipsters seated in railroad booths taking in the sumptuous Italian grub, while we hung by the vintage wooden bar. Upstairs, the dining room looks like a place the Rat Pack might have held court with circular booths and retro touches of black and white photos on the walls. Lil Dom’s owner also owns the 101 Coffee Shop and Dominick’s, which have similar classic Hollywood vibes.

What I Wore

I was feeling very much like an Italian gangster’s moll in my pinup style wiggle dress and fascinator hat. To soften the look, I added a delicate, black beaded necklace. When the evening got chilly, I pulled on a little short sweater that ties in front. I just happened to come across a cool, classic car to pose in front of. I think this ride goes nicely with my outfit – wish I could’ve taken it home with me!

Dressing in Sexy Pinup Style for Cocktails

Dressing pinup style shows the world you’re in charge and can you can rock the retro look in a fierce red wiggle dress with flirty peplum detail. A hat always commands attention and this cocktail hat with net overlay is no exception. Add some ladylike charm with a dainty beaded necklace and we all know red lipstick means business, so why not carry a tube as your purse with this fun novelty bag! Click the links to shop* this look!

So reach for some pinup style next time you want to feel in charge and head out on the town. Everyone will know who’s boss!

Little Dom’s is located at 2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Wear it like you mean it,
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, pinup style, restaurants in Los Angeles, where to go in Los Angeles

Tag: bars in Los Angeles

Dressing Vintage Style to Historical Union Station

Posted on October 18, 2015March 3, 2016 by stilettocity

When dressing in vintage style, there’s nothing like a historical landmark to provide the perfect setting for your outfit. Luckily, Los Angeles still has a few beautiful buildings that have been preserved insteand of torn down to make way for ugly development projects.

One of them is LA’s Union Station, which opened in 1939 and is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. Conceived on a grand scale, it became known as the “Last of the Great Railway Stations.” It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Designed by John Parkinson and Donald B. Parkinson (the Parkinsons) with the assistance of supporting architects. Union Station’s look combines Art Deco, Mission Revival, and Streamline Moderne style, with elements of Dutch Colonial Revival architecture.

The waiting area has the feeing of elegant grandeur of a time long ago. Nestled in the corner is a place for passengers to grab a drink and rest a spell at Traxx bar. The bar is a comforting repute and also opens up to a fabulous view to appreciate the station’s lovely architecture. Across the way is a full restaurant for those on long layover from their train rides or just wanting to escape the bustle of downtown LA.

What I Wore

For this night of having a drink at one of America’s great crossroads, I put on some comfortable yet elegant, vintage style that seemed appropriate for visiting a historical landmark. I opted for a vintage dress in warm fall colors. I actually purchased this dress from Pinup Girl Clothing’s Micheline Pitt who noted how much she loved the details of circus characters in the print and the pearl studded details in the front. I paired it with a vintage cigar box purse and t-strap vintage inspired heels. It set nicely against the background the Union Station’s tile and for a drink at the bar.

Dressing Vintage Style for a Night Out with History

If you’re headed out to your own local historic landmark or any place that makes you feel transported back in time, bring a bit of vintage style just as ladies did a few decade ago when looking classy and feminine was de rigueur. This classic 1940s inspired chiffon swing dress features a vintage caped bodice with a teasing and pleasing keyhole, fitted waist with sash tie, and crepe lined swing skirt. A cream-colored, vintage style purse and t-strap shoes complete the look. Click the links to shop* the look!

Hope you get a chance to take in a bit of history at a landmark near you!

Union Station is located at 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Traxx Bar is just inside the main front doors in the waiting area.

To the past,
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Historical Sites, Kastle Waserman, things to do in Los Angeles, vintage style

Tag: bars in Los Angeles

Bringing Retro Style for Cocktails at the Idle Hour

Posted on September 26, 2015March 3, 2016 by stilettocity

There’s nothing like a drink with a good gal pal to help you blow off steam from a long week and provide an excuse to get dressed up in some cute retro style and gab about clothes, makeup and upcoming events.

Recently, a very cool bar opened in the North Hollywood area and you can’t miss it driving down the street. Shaped like a huge wooden barrel, Idle Hour was originally built in 1941 following on the heels of “programmatic architecture,” in which buildings were designed in unusual shapes to catch the attention of passersby.

It served as a tap room for several decades, then a Flamenco bar in the 1970s. The place then began to fall into disrepair. It wasn’t until LA Magazine columnist Chris Nichols petitioned to get the venue historical status in 2010 that it was set to make a comeback.

Purchased by the 1933 Group in 2011, the place underwent a massive renovation and emerged this past February with a shiny new look both inside and out. Pull up a seat inside the huge barrel and you’ll feel as though you want to drink the whole thing when you see the variety of beers and ales on tap. The place also serves light meals, lunch and brunch. There is a lovely patio out back surrounded by twinkling lights. Looking over everyone is a giant bulldog structure, a replica of the 1920’s era Bulldog Café.

The place is perfect for getting an eyeful of the beautiful architecture and the crowd of hipsters that frequent it.

What I Wore

For this historical landmark that spans several decades, I put on a little retro style with a Tiki-inspired ‘60s look. I paired a bright green vintage shift dress with bamboo hoop earrings with matching bracelets and a colorful swirl colored Bakelite bracelet. My purse has a Tiki print with bamboo handles, and gold mule slide shoes kept me light on my feet.

What to Wear to a Hipster Bars in Los Angeles

In LA, it can be tough to stand out in a crowd of beautiful people. For a long time, wearing black was a way to look cool but I say make a statement in a bright color and a bit of retro style to show your fun personality on a night out. This bright green dress with very California palm tree fronds will catch the light in a dark bar as will your colorful heels. Keep accessories simple with a textured black clutch and gold bracelet that says your in for a good time day or night!

Hope you get a chance to check the Idle Hour. Want to try out some other bars in LA? Be sure to hit the tag below for more blogs on bars!

Idle Hour is located at 4824 Vineland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91601

Cheers,
Kastle

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Tags: 1960s fashion, bars in Los Angeles, Historical Sites, Kastle Waserman, retro style, things to do in Los Angeles

Tag: bars in Los Angeles

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

Tag: bars 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

Tag: bars in Los Angeles

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

Tag: bars in Los Angeles

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