Tag: Kastle Waserman

Leaving a Beauty Mark: Dita Von Teese Pinup Style

Posted on December 5, 2015December 6, 2015 by stilettocity

All hail the queen! Dita Von Teese is known as the queen of pinup style. She’s a model, burlesque dancer and all around icon to those who love retro glamour. With a shock of black hair, pale skin, red lips and curves for days, she embodies the elegance and sex appeal of classic movie starlets while still keeping a little underground edge. And now she’s sharing her beauty secrets in her new book, “Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour”* and gearing up to hit Los Angeles with a talk at Live Talks LA on December 9th.

The book is a step by step guide through Dita’s beauty routines and includes expert tips from her glam squad of makeup artists, hair stylists, nutritionists and fitness trainers. Co-written with Rose Apadaca (who also happens to be my former editor when I wrote for “Women’s Wear Daily.” Go Rose!), the book is bound to be the ultimate resource for pinup greatness from the best known woman in the business!

What I Wore

With Dita in mind, I recently went out in a Dita Von Teese-inspired pinup style look. When I think of her, I think of black lace, not only for her sexy pinup lingerie photos but she also wears a lot of black lace when she’s making red carpet appearances. See an inspiration photo here of a classic Dita look – black lace trimmed dress and red lips. So I pulled out a black lace, wrap-top over a black tank top and paired it with a silver-grey pencil skirt with front inverted pleats to get that sexy hourglass silhouette Dita is known for. I added some delicate rhinestone earrings, black gloves and tied the lace in with some black lace stilettos and a vintage bag with fun fringe trim. I also did my hair and makeup with pinup curls and of course, red lips!

What Would Dita Do? Get the Dita Von Teese Pinup Style Look

To get the Dita’s look, reach for a black lace dress like this form-fitting one with illusion top, add some glamour with rhinestone earrings and extra sex kitten appeal with velvet gloves and matching black velvet sky-high heels. Click the links* to shop this look!

And don’t forget some of Dita’s trademark beauty secrets such as porcelain, matte skin. I found Make Up For Ever’s Mat Velvet foundation is perfect for achieving that look – you hardly need primer or powder with it. And it wouldn’t be a Dita look without red lips. Go for Besame’s Red Velvet Lipstick, this brand is known for their makeup designed to recreate vintage looks. And you know you need some sexy lingerie so step into What Katie Did for your lacy underthings, this brand also appeals to those who love retro style. Click the links* to shop these brands!

Dita Von Teese will be appearing December 9^th at Live Talks LA at the Crest Theatre, 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Live Talks LA strives to bring great speakers to Los Angeles — authors, artists, musicians, scientists and business thought leaders. Check out future events.

And be sure to pick up a copy of her book, “Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour”*

Go glamorous or go home,
Kastle

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Tags: Dita Von Teese, Kastle Waserman, pinup style

Tag: Kastle Waserman

Award Winning Retro Style and Music at the Grammy Museum

Posted on November 29, 2015December 3, 2015 by stilettocity

One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is having the music industry in your own backyard. The Grammy Museum opened in 2008 as part of the LA Live entertainment complex downtown and provides a way for LA residents and visitors alike to get up close to wardrobe and artifacts belonging to the iconic music award winners, as well as explore music genres and history.

As a lover of vintage style, it’s fair to say I also love the music of past eras. On my visit the Grammy Museum I was excited that they were featuring exhibits by two of my all time favorite artists – Frank Sinatra and the Supremes.

When you enter the museum you start on the top floor and work your way down. I saw memorabilia from Elvis to Tupac, learned about Seattle’s music scene, and saw Michael Jackson’s sequined gloves.

But I have to say I stopped in my tracks when I hit the Supremes exhibit and a whole wall of their dresses! So. Many. Sequins! I must have left nose prints on the glass looking at the details of these beautiful gowns and the pictures of the ladies wearing them. They were so beautiful! What an amazing trio they were!

Then it was time for a little swagger and a sip of whiskey to enter the realm of ol’ blue eyes, himself, Frank Sinatra. From his humble beginnings in Hoboken, New Jersey to the becoming one of the first pop idols, they had items from both his musical legacy and his film career. Really makes you realize what an icon he was!

What I Wore

I put on a little retro style that fit the period when Sinatra and the Supremes were at their peak with pinup hair, a leopard print top and circle skirt. Since this was a daytime event, I kept accessories simple with a pop of green in my Kelly bag-style purse and Mary Jane heels. My earrings brought a bit of glamour with gold, shell-shaped earrings accented with a gold bead.

Retro Style for Daytime Fun

If you’re headed out to a museum or daytime event, you might want to be a little more practical in your outfit (I know it’s hard to contain your glamorous, pinup self!) This outfit I styled after some of the photos of the teenyboppers in Frank Sinatra’s audience. They look so cute in their prim blouses and bobby socks while going wild over their music idol. So take a cue from their retro style with a sweet, yellow blouse with scallop neckline, double-layer circle skirt, oxford shoes and extra-dainty bobby socks with lace trim. Click the links to shop* this look!

Hope you get a chance to take in some musical culture at the Grammy Museum sometime soon!

The Grammy Museum is located at 800 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015

Fly me to the moon,
Kastle

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

Tag: Kastle Waserman

Vinyl Shopping in Rocker Chic Style at the Record Parlour

Posted on November 22, 2015January 18, 2016 by stilettocity

Treasure hunting in record stores is heaven for a music lover like me. While streaming is oh so convenient, it’s still nice to pick up an album cover and get lost in the photos, the artwork, the linear notes and song lyrics on the inside sleeve. There are few record stores left, but one little place in Hollywood is catering to those who still love their vinyl.

The Record Parlour held a little cocktail party this week and a crowd dressed in their best rocker chic came together to sift through their crates of vintage albums.

This groovy little store frequently hosts parties with a live DJ (with plenty of in-house records to spin!) and events such as their $1 weekend sales so collectors can fill in gaps of their faves.

In addition, they have a selection of audio tapes, music and film memorabilia, magazines, vintage radios and audio gear. I spotted some vintage “Disk Go” 45 record cases in pastel colors I was tempted to take home with me!

What I Wore

Of course I had to go rocker chic for this party. So I opted for edgy black with a pencil skirt and retro keyhole cutout top. My cool vintage white leather jacket used to belong to my mom (thanks mom!) and my checkered ska-lovers boots added some eye-catching interest, along with my mini guitar case purse and bright green, mod, hoop earrings.

And…I had to check out some vinyl and found a sweet album of early Who classics!

What To Wear

Any music lover can’t help but wear their style on their sleeve. Classic black and white never goes wrong. A sexy, retro inspired, off-the-shoulder top adds some sex appeal pair with a pencil skirt. Top it with a playful, fluffy white jacket and bright hoop earrings. Pull on some tough boots and sling a guitar purse over your shoulder and you’re ready to rawk! Click the links to shop* this look!

The Record Parlour is located at 6408 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Now go put on some good music!
Kastle

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Tags: Kastle Waserman, rocker style, What to do in Los Angeles

Tag: Kastle Waserman

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: Kastle Waserman

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: Kastle Waserman

Comfortable Retro Style for Movie Night

Posted on November 1, 2015November 8, 2015 by stilettocity

Whether I’m going out with my man or with some gal pals, movie nights are always a great time to relax and escape into a fantasy world. One of my favorite movie theaters in Los Angeles are the Arclight Cinemas. With a sophisticated atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to put on a little retro style and make it a night on the town.

One thing I’ve always hated about most movie theaters is they are filled with rambunctious groups of teenagers or noisy kids who disrupt my experience. The Arclight offers a more adult atmosphere. It may be because the ticket price is a little higher than most or that they have a restaurant and bar right in the theater that draws a more elegant crowd. Some of their locations even have theaters that allow you to take a drink in from the bar – that’s my kind of movie watchin’! They also often feature costumes from current films on display, which are always fun to see while waiting for your film to start or strolling out after.

The Arclight has several locations around Los Angeles – Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Culver City, Pasadena. Each one maintains the same world class environment. The one in Hollywood is a standout since it was built onto the historic Cinerama Dome theater where the 86-foot wide screen is curved and huge!

What I Wore

I’m all about adding a little retro vibe to any outfit to make it stand out in sea of people dressed overly casual or super trendy, and to bring back a little glamor of some of the icons of the silver screen. On this night, I put on a comfy black t-shirt with pinup-inspired keyhole detail. I paired it with a colorful pencil skirt in royal purple and added a pop of leopard print – my go-to neutral! Lastly, I put on some statement jewelry with chunky earrings and cuff bracelet featuring movie starlet.

Put On A Retro Style Movie Night Outfit

Movie night means getting comfortable – but never sacrifice style. This casual little black dress with keyhole cutout has a touch of retro style and works both for a night out with the girls or a date. Jazz it up with some dramatic statement earrings, a purrrfect leopard print purse and chunky cuff bracelet for a look the can take you through drinks, a movie and dinner! Click the links to shop* this look!

The Arclight Cinemas are located all around Los Angeles. Check their website for addresses and movie times.

It’s showtime!
Kastle

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

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Dress Up Date Nights with Pinup Style and Ice Cream

Posted on October 25, 2015October 26, 2015 by stilettocity

Every time my man and I passed by a little ice cream shop called the Salt & Straw on Larchmont Boulevard, there was a long line out front and loads of people sitting around chatting and taking selfies with their ice cream. ‘What is it about that place?’ we asked ourselves. Finally one night we decided to try it out.

We waited in line and finally got in the door to see the menu. They had a regular menu of all kinds of delicious sounding, and unusual, combinations such as sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbons, honey lavender and avocado and strawberry sherbet. Plus, they had a monthly menu of specialty flavors. The month we came it was all fruity combos as summer fruits were just coming in season. We got to the counter and got to try as many flavors as we liked then order our pick in a cup or cone. The ice cream was fresh, delicious and so unique. Yum! So THIS is what the fuss is about!

The Salt & Straw started in Portland Organ as an entrepreneurial business by two people who wanted to make good quality ice cream in lots of interesting flavors. Judging by the lines and our own taste test, they’ve definitely succeeded and thank goodness they brought it to LA! It’s so fun to get all dressed up pinup style for a date and cap the night with the childlike indulgence of ice cream – especially these wild flavors with something new to try each month! Be sure to check out October’s menu, which has lots of Halloween candy inspired flavors!

What I Wore

Date nights seem to call for a sexy, yet playful pinup look. On this night I brought out one of my fave dresses, the Alika classic swing dress from Tatyana. I just love the crisscross detail around the neckline and the way the dress feels on. I got it in black so I can work it pinup style or rocker style. I paired it with a pop of color with a burgundy rose comb in my hair, and shopped by closet to rediscover a purse I purchase in Italy a few years ago that has the same color and feathery texture. My shoes are another treasure from my travels, actual Tango shoes from Buenos Aires. They are so comfortable because they are made for dancing! And I love the leopard print on the heel! I took a moment to pose with the mural on Larchmont by graffiti artist Punk Me Tender.

How to Wear a Swingin’, Date Night Pinup Look

Date night means a little romance and lots of fun so why not combine both in your outfit? Show your sultry pinup style in a lace swing dress like this one in stunning eggplant with beige lining. Beige vintage style heels play off the dress color without being overpowering. Bring along an ice cream purse to show you don’t take life too seriously. Who knows, your date just might take you to taste some new taste sensations at a place like the Salt & Straw! Click the links to shop this look!

Hope you get to taste al the flavors life has to offer!

The Salt & Straw is located at 240 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

I scream, you scream
Kastle

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Tags: date night look, Kastle Waserman, pinup style, things to do in Los Angeles

Tag: Kastle Waserman

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: Kastle Waserman

Ladies Tea Party with Vintage Style

Posted on October 11, 2015November 21, 2015 by stilettocity

Ladies who get together for afternoon tea time is a classic social tradition that dates back to royal Britain’s Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who started drinking tea and eating light snacks when she became peckish in the afternoons.

Now it’s a great excuse to get dressed up with some vintage style and get together with the girls. Recently, a bunch of us got together at one of Los Angeles’ prettiest tea rooms at the Biltmore Hotel.

About 20 of us graced into the Biltmore’s glorious Rendezvous Court in full vintage outfits, including hats and gloves . The hotel patrons didn’t quite know what hit them as we snapped photos and took our seats at the round tables. The waiter served us tiered trays of little fingers sandwiches of salmon and egg salad as well as so many yummy cakes, cookies, scones and macaroons! We chose from a generous selection of black, white, green, oolong and herbal teas that made it all go down heavenly!

And we all really enjoyed the beautiful surroundings – and I don’t just mean all my lovely gal pals! The Biltmore’s Rendezvous Court was designed by Anthony Heinsbergen. The three-story ceiling is Moorish plaster with hand-painted beams, carved wood and 24-carat gold accents. The bronze and crystal chandeliers were imported from Italy in 1923; the fountain was added in 1986 and is made of Tennessee rose marble.

The grand bronze doorway is designed in the Spanish Baroque style, with an astrological clock installed in 1923. It’s been seen in films “Daredevil,” “The Nutty Professor” and “Beverly Hills Cop” as well as TV shows “Without a Trace, ““Mad Men” and “Heroes.”

What I Wore

Our ladies tea was clearly a vintage style, dress-up event with hats and gloves recommended. We wanted to go back to a time when people dressed in their best for a special occasion. I paired a red lace vintage dress with some dramatic black accessories including a vintage, wide-brimmed hat and black silk short gloves. I added some red flower hair clips to the hat band to tie the look together.

How to Dress for a Vintage Style Tea Party

Plan a tea party with your girls and use it as an excuse to put on some glamorous vintage style of your own. This stunning dress is both feminine and unique with a beige lining topped by a black mesh overlay and velvety swirls. While it is new, vintage reproductions style, you can also search for an authentic vintage dress on eBay. Add in some color with burgundy accessories such as a feathered hat and gloves with a black bow detail to tie back into the color of the dress. Click the links to shop* this look!

Hope to get a chance to take in an afternoon tea soon!

The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is located at 506 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071-2607. Traditional afternoon tea is served here Saturdays and Sundays. 2-5 p.m.

Tea time!
Kastle

Photos courtesy of the Biltmore Hotel.

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Tags: Kastle Waserman, retro style, vintage style, where to go in Los Angeles

Tag: Kastle Waserman

Doing Donuts with Rocker Style

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

I recently attended a dinner party and offered to bring a dessert. Since my pal was a friend from my rock ‘n’ roll club days, I knew there was one place I had to go to bring some rocker style to the event – Donut Friend on the now-trendy York Blvd., where the donuts are unique concoctions named after alternative bands.

The quaint little donut bar smells instantly of the sugary goodness when you walk in the door. And it’s hard to choose between picking your favorite band and all the yummy flavors. With names like the S’Morrissy and Stiff Little Butterfingers, it’s a rocker’s dream and clearly run by some pretty cool people with good taste in music! You won’t find boring ol’ glazed and sprinkles, but rather a taste-bud tingling mix of inspired ingredients. Got an idea for a donut? Tell ‘em! They’ll even custom make it for you from their collection of fillings and toppings.

What I Wore

I put together a rocker style look with my favorite Ramones t-shirt and pencil skirt. Some rockin’ accessories pulled the look together with leopard print hair clips, spikey statement necklace, silver bracelets and strappy buckled heels.

Put On Some Rocker Style

Show off your rocker spirit with a t-shirt featuring your favorite band, like this one with Billy Idol, paired with a slinky pencil skirt that plays off the colors in the shirt. Don’t forget the details such as this bold, silver statement necklace, cute, rockin’, leopard-print hair bows, multiple silver bracelets, and studded, strappy high heels. Click the links to shop* the look!

Then party on! Hope you get a chance to check out the rocker style treats of Donut Friend soon!

Donut Friend is located at 5107 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Rock out,
Kastle

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