Tag: Kastle Waserman

Unique Vintage Fashion Show with the Satin Dollz and Hollywood Hotshots

Posted on June 14, 2015August 15, 2015 by stilettocity

Summer in California can be magical. The sun is so bright it seems to make everything sparkle. On a Saturday afternoon in Santa Monica, the vintage-loving crowd didn’t really need any help looking bright and cheerful in their retro threads as they gathered for a rare daytime event that included a fashion show from Unique Vintage and entertainment from the Satin Dollz, and wild, swingin’ dance moves from the Hollywood Hotshots.

Taking place poolside at the Shangri-La Hotel, with the sweet sounds of the Dean Mora Band and DJ Dr. Nate playing in the background, the acts rotated from singing numbers, the fashion show and dances. It was never a dull moment and I’m not even counting the great people watching in the fine-dressed crowd. The leader of the Satin Dollz took a moment to thank everyone for coming and marking their 10^th anniversary by stating Los Angeles has the country’s best vintage scene. Well I can vouch that it certainly is a lot of fun! And it was a good opportunity to wear my new Voodoo Vixen spectacle-print dress with the cross-strap detail I love! Check out the pix:

Outfit of the Day - Dress by Voodoo Vixen — Outfit of the Day – Dress by Voodoo Vixen

The Hollywood Hotshots, Satin Dollz, Dean Mora Band and DJ Dr. Nate are available to book for events. Shop Unique Vintage* at the Burbank store or online.

Until the next event,
Kastle

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Tags: Dean Mora Band, DJ Dr. Nate, Fashion, Hollywood Hotshots, Kastle Waserman, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Fashion Blog, retro, Satin Dollz, Stiletto City, Unique Vintage, vintage fashion, vintage inspired fashion

Tag: Kastle Waserman

Rock Those Heels: Chris Francis Shoe Designs at CAFAM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kastle

Shoe photos courtesy of Chris Francis/CAFAM

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

Tag: Kastle Waserman

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

Tag: Kastle Waserman

Tonga Hut’s 10-Year Reawakening Party

Posted on March 21, 2015 by

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

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

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

Tiki on!

Kastle

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

Tag: Kastle Waserman

It’s Wedding Season: Dress Ideas for Brides and Guests

Posted on March 15, 2015 by

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

Attention, wedding belles and gorgeous guests – spring is at our feet and that means wedding season is right around the corner. Whether you are a bride to be or wedding guest, Modcloth’s Wedding Styles Collection has what you need to make the day as stylish as it is lovely.

Explore Modlcloth for beautiful dresses such as these to wear as a guest, which also work for great bridesmaid dresses that can be worn again long after the big day. Click the images and links below to shop:

Time and Grace Dress
Geode Fleur the Dramatic Dress
Watercolors of the Wind Dress

For the bride herself, I love unconventional wedding dresses, especially when they are far more affordable than extravagant wedding gowns that will just sit in the closet after the event because they’re just not wearable in real life. Why not invest in a dress you can wear again and again, especially on special occasions such as your anniversary? Here are some styles I adore:

Blissful Moment Dress
Fun One Like You Dress
Breathtaking Bride Dress

Don’t forget to share your Modcloth wedding look by using the hashtag #marriedinmodcloth!

Say “I do” to Modcloth for your wedding plans
Kastle

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Tags: Bridesmaid Dress, Fashion, Kastle Waserman, ModCloth, Stiletto City, Wedding Dress, Wedding Guest Dress, Wedding Season, What to wear to a wedding

Tag: Kastle Waserman

Oscar Night: The Winners and Fashions

Posted on February 22, 2015 by

The Oscars are always a big night, especially in LA. So I couldn’t turn down a chance to watch all the fashions on the big screen when I was invited to a private viewing party at the Egyptian Theatre.

LA has barely had any rain this year, but it decided to start literally the same time as the arrivals. That didn’t dampen my spirits as I threw on a little vintage ‘60s leopard, number, a high ponytail, rhinestone hoop earrings, retro-style stacked pearl bracelet, and some rain booties.

I joined a few friends who turned the theater into a giant living room vibe, bringing their own picnics to munch on. Some dressed cozy in sweaters and others busted out the evening wear – it is the Oscars after all!

I watched the arrivals on the big screen then headed home to watch the full show at home where I could snuggle by the fire, tweet and holler for the winners, and check the fashions on multiple websites.

I’m a big movie watcher, which makes the awards shows fun because I’ve seen most of the nominees. My favorites this year were “The Imitation Game,” Theory of Everything,” “Selma” and “Finding Vivian Maier.” I was happy to see the song from “Selma” win, and Eddie Redmayne and Julianne Moore for best actor/actress. But I was not happy with seeing “Birdman” taking best picture. I really didn’t get that movie at all and didn’t enjoy it. Oh well.

Now for the fashions…I saw lots of nude hues and red dresses. I have to say, I’m over the trend of the super plunging neckline and side boob cleavage – I’m talking to you JLo! I don’t need to see that much of you! Here’s who I think won best dressed:

And I really liked seeing the men show some style this year, working some colored tuxes.

Now, I’m on to movie watching for next year!

And that’s a wrap,
Kastle

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Tags: academy awards 2015, Fashion, Kastle Waserman, movies, oscars 2015, Stiletto City

Tag: Kastle Waserman

Unique Vintage – “I Am Unique” Party

Posted on February 8, 2015 by

t’s pretty clear that any girl who wears vintage-inspired fashion is usually a unique personality. For this reason, the store Unique Vintage, which a caters to retro fashion lovers, decided to showcase their customers and employees who live in looks from the 1920s-70s and also lead unique lives.

They kicked off their “I Am Unique” Campaign with a party in their Burbank store. Cocktails, photos ops and deep discounts does a party make! So I went to check out the scene and a say hello to my pal Nicolle of Niccoco Creations who had her own table selling her gorgeous flower hair clips.

Also in attendance were many of the women featured in the Unique Vintage commercial and I have to say Queenie the pitbull stole the show in her pink tutu, pearls and sweet disposition. Queenie, and her owner Michelle Choi, represent Pinups for Pitbulls, an organization whose mission is to to educate people about the history, temperament, and plight of pitbulls, who often get a bad rap as being overly-aggressive animals.

I did some shopping from the sale rack (I love a good deal!) and scored a fabulous dress for a steal. Look for it featured in an upcoming blog post!

Great party all around. Look for Unique Vintage to build on the “IAmUnique” Campaign every month and if you have a photo you want to share with your “Unique” look, be sure to tag it #IAmUnique

Be you – nobody else can be!
Kastle

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Tags: Kastle Waserman, MOD, Niccoco Creations, retro fashion, rockabilly, Stiletto City, Unique Vintage, vintage fashion

Tag: Kastle Waserman

Discovering Little Osaka in DVF

Posted on December 6, 2014August 18, 2015 by stilettocity

I discovered yet another exciting area of Los Angeles this past weekend as I set out to support Small Business Saturday, or in this case “Caturday,” as Giant Robot and the gallery annex GR2 next door, featured a collection of writers and illustrators who prominently feature cats in their work.

Giant Robot has been a long-standing destination for Japanese toys, comics, books, art prints and novelties on the once desolate Sawtelle Boulevard in West LA. I was surprised to find the area has erupted in the past year as a street full of shops and restaurants. Known as Little Osaka, for catering to local Japanese-American residents and being to the west of (and rivaling) downtown’s Little Tokyo, it was quite the hot spot on this clear Saturday night with locals out in search of unique gifts, some karaoke or a taste for the boba tea, Korean tofu, traditional Japanese ramen or BBQ.

It was the perfect night to show off my first Diane von Furstenberg DVF dress. I finally scored one at a price I could afford on eBay and learned why everyone has talked about her silky jersey fabrics. It just fell so nicely around my body the minute I put it on and I just love the bold print. It made me realize why the brand claims to be for the girl who is “effortless, sexy and on the go.” I was so happy to finally be able to wear one of DVF’s designs after meeting her a couple of weeks ago. [See the report here.]

Inside GR2, authors Mari Naomi, Zoe Ruiz, Yumi Sakugawa and Jen Wang read from their books under a slideshow of some of their illustrations. I have the say Mari Naomi’s reading had me laughing the hardest with her witty writing and animated presence. I was also especially excited about the refreshments served – Hello Kitty Lotte Pies – meow!

After the reading, we strolled the bustling district in search of a good place for dinner and ended up at Hide Sushi for some super fresh and very affordable rolls. I highly recommend the yellowtail roll. Yum!

The best thing about this new lively area of Los Angeles is an opportunity to take a walk before and after dinner, and do some people watching, window shopping – and maybe show off a new DFV dress!

Little Osaka is located just north of the intersection of Sawtelle and Olympic in West Los Angeles.

Go fashionable or go home,
Kastle
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Tags: books, Diane Von Furstenberg, DVF, Fashion, Gian Robot, Kastle Waserman, Little Osaka, Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles, Stiletto City

Tag: Kastle Waserman

Streamline Superheroes

Posted on November 29, 2014 by

My love of vintage style and comic books finally crossed paths at the “Streamline Superheros” event at the Egyptian Theatre. With a lecture by film history writer Ann Marie Kelly, I learned how the origin of characters such as Superman began in the optimism of the between-the-wars era of the 1930s and how Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” inspired Gotham City. I also discovered why Superman wears his underwear on the outside – to model the strong men of the circus, and why he wears a cape – to show fast motion in the two-dimensional drawings.

For the event, I worked in a little superhero style of my own with a 1950’s-era vintage dress and purse matched with my comic-book socks and hair clip and had fun running into friends from the Art Deco Society who are always dressed to impress. I especially loved my friend Celeste’s dress, which featured gold bullet stud details and belt buckle!

Following the lecture, we were treated to shorts of 1940s Superman cartoons and the film, “Flash Gordon: Rocketship” from 1936 – with its endearing, early-era special effects that gave us all a good laugh.

To get the comic book look, there are lots of accessories available, especially from the creative folks on Etsy, where I got my hair clip. I put together a Polyvore collection of other comic book-inspired pieces. Check the links below to shop*.

Be sure to check out more cool events to get dressed up for at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood!

Be your own fashion superhero!
Kastle

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Tags: Art Deco, Comic Book fashion, Kastle Waserman, Stiletto City

Tag: Kastle Waserman

Meeting Diane von Furstenberg at DVF Santa Monica

Posted on November 21, 2014August 18, 2015 by stilettocity

Known for the iconic wrap dress of the ‘70s that made her a household name, Diane von Furstenberg is a legendary designer who has been turning out lines of gorgeous, colorful, flowing prints for several decades. The Belgian-born designer established herself not only as a fashion icon but became a strong supporter of women’s empowerment through the years. She’s a cancer survivor and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, proving she herself is pretty tough stock.

When I heard Diane would be in LA this week, I had to figure out a way to go see her. So after a long day at work, I braved the traffic for the drive across the city to attend her book signing at her new store in Santa Monica.

Diane’s been on my mind a lot lately, I recently purchased her new memoir*, “The Woman I Wanted To Be” on audio book and I’ve been watching her new reality show, “House of DVF” on E! Entertainment. She is such a strong, stylish woman, I can’t help but be drawn to her like the many others who showed up to meet her at the book signing.

The new DVF store just opened in Santa Monica this month and it is like walking into a fashion candy store – with all of Diane’s trademark pop art-style splashes of color, metallics and prints inspired by nature and pure glamour – leaves, flowers, stars, animal prints, kisses. And while she is known for the wrap dress, she does so much more – accessories from iPad cases to scarves and shoes. I only wish I could afford them!

I did splurge to purchase the large, limited-edition table top book* “DVF: Journey of a Dress” to have her sign it and because I loved the exhibit in LA earlier this year (See Disco K.’s special report about it HERE.)

As I sat down with her on the hot pink couch in the boutique, I couldn’t help but be a bit star-struck. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of celebrities since living in LA and working as an entertainment journalist, but Diane is mega, and she holds a special spot in my heart for reasons I shared with her during our brief chat.

Post meeting, I strolled around the store looking at her beautiful clothes and headed back to my car to listen to Diane’s fabulously-accented voice reading her memoir to me on the drive home. I’m on the last chapter and wishing there was more, but she’s left me inspired in so many ways. As I work towards the goals I have for myself, I think, ‘What would Diane do?’

“Be the woman you want to be,” I would hear her say.

Thank you Diane for being a role model, an inspiration, a girl’s girl and a creator of fabulous fashions!

Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) Santa Monica is located at 395 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Fashion forward,

Kastle

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Tags: books, Diane Von Furstenberg, DVF, Kastle Waserman, Memoir, Stiletto City