Tag: LA Nightclubs

Rocker Reunion at The Viper Room

Posted on June 27, 2016August 7, 2016 by stilettocity

Los Angeles in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s was one rowdy place after dark. The Sunset Strip and multiple underground clubs such as Scream, Lingerie, and Cathouse were filled with rockers and bands with big hair, black, skinny jeans, studded belts and cowboy boots playing a collision of glam, punk, goth and rock ‘n’ roll. There to cover it all was one local paper by the name of LA Rock Review (1988-92). Born out of a love of music and the exploding local music scene, editor Kelly Q. put together a collection of writers and photographers who reveled in going out every night and chronicling what was happening on stages all over Hollywood as well as the many parties in between. I was lucky enough to have been one of those writers and have fond memories of being young and free and with people who felt the same way as me about music and dressing the part, it was a lifestyle – and still is!

Recently Kelly Q. re-emerged after being away in Texas for several years and decided to have a reunion. The timing seemed right. GNR reunited, and people are hungry for rock ‘n’ roll again. So she booked a gig at the Viper Room on the Strip and called on the bands and her staff to reunite for one very special night.

And they came, in droves, to pack the house to see Motorcycle Boy, Funhouse, Knucklehead, The Hangmen and Inger Lorre with the Nymphs.

I was so excited to see my old teammates, writers Denise, Jenell (who flew in from Seattle) and Erin and photographers AJ (who flew in from New Zealand) and Janet. Plus, lots of scenesters including members of Male Order Brides, Human Drama, Black Cherry, Street Walking Cheetahs, Dragbeat, Len Fagan of the Coconut Teaser club, and former A&R man Desi Benjamin.

Kastle Waserman with photographer AJ Hunter — With photographer AJ Hunter

It’s been many years, and we had lots of catching up to do! The place rocked like it did “back in the day.” And I got to get up on stage with Kelly and introduce one of my favorite local bands of all time, Motorcycle Boy.

The Viper Room was called the Central back then. It gained fame when actor Johnny Depp took over as co-owner in 1993 and changed the name of the venue. Actor River Phoenix died of a drug overdose there the same year. It’s always been known as a stage for the up and comers and a place to see big names in an intimate setting. It’s not unusual to spot celebrities in the crowd who enjoy the anonymity of hiding in the venue’s dark circular booths along the perimeter. And you might also see a familiar face working there. Behind the bar these days are veteran Hollywood musicians, Tommy Black of Scott Weiland’s band and Jamie Scrap of Blackboard Jungle. I’ll have another!

What I Wore

Such a special night called from some sparkle, so my silver wiggle dress hit just the right mark of rocker pinup. Back in the day, dressing rocker sleaze was pretty typical, but now it was time to chic it up and add the sophistication that comes with being older (and yes, wiser!) I rocked it up with some silver hoop earrings with spikes and spiky-toed black stilettos.

What To Wear: Rocker Pinup Look

For a night out to rock out, give yourself some sexy rocker pinup style. A polka dot, curve-hugging, wiggle dress in lime green is sure to get some attention. Add some rocked-up accessories such as a ring choker necklace and strappy, spike heels and you’ll be empowered to go right to the front of the stage for all your favorite bands! Click the links to shop* this look.

The Viper Room is located at 8852 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Queen rocker,
Kastle

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Tags: Kastle Waserman, LA Nightclubs

Tag: LA Nightclubs

Circus Style at the California Institute of AbnormalArts

Posted on April 25, 2016May 2, 2016 by stilettocity

Step right up folks, you’ll see things beyond your imagination! On a quiet little strip of Burbank Boulevard in North Hollywood is a nightclub where the atmosphere is just as entertaining as the acts on its stage. California Institute of AbnormalArts (C.I.A.) is where the circus comes to town every night.

Run by ever-eccentric, purveyor of the unusual, Carl Crew, the venue features a wide array of oddities such as severed heads and mummified clowns to Chinatown-themed lanterns and signage. Part museum and part live music venue, the place also feature sideshow-type events, freak shows, burlesque performances and puppetry acts. The walls are adorned with vintage-style circus murals. Even the box office, where you’ll likely find Crew greeting his guests, is a huge half face, half skeleton head.

I first discovered this venue a few years ago and did on article on it for the LA Times, which you can read here. On a recent night, I was able to catch an unusual billing of the ‘80s goth/glam band Gene Loves Jezebel featuring Michael Aston, along with a sword swallower act.

Not a place for the faint of heart, it is a place where you’ll find something unique and literally off the beaten track.

What I Wore

Pulling out the biggest hat in my wardrobe, my bright pink pillbox felt fit for a retro ringleader. I paired it with a matching pink purse and black wiggle dress with keyhole detail. Some pink vintage, lobe-climbing, clip-on earrings and silver brooch completed my nightclub look.

Let Your Freak Flag Fly Circus Style

If you’re feeling ready to witness the wild or bizarre on your nightclub outting, incorporate a little retro circus style in your wardrobe with this fun Under the Big Top print skirt featuring clowns, circus tents and animal acts. Pair it with a cut-out top and scallop-trimmed heels. A shiny, retro handbag puts a big bow on the complete look! Click the links to shop* this look!

CIA is located at 11334 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601

It’s the greatest show on earth,
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, California Institute of AbnormalArts, Kastle Waserman, LA Nightclubs, nightclub

Tag: LA Nightclubs

Retro Glam Style at General Lee’s

Posted on February 28, 2016May 2, 2016 by stilettocity

Looking like one of those bars you have to be in-the-know about, General Lee’s is subtly tucked into Chinatown Plaza, with a tiny neon sign above the doorway. Enter and you’ll find two floors to explore. Tiki-style palm frond upholstery jazzes up the conversation-inducing seating arrangements as part of the Asian-influenced interior design by William Edwards. Expert mixologists behind the venue’s two bars will keep you enticed with creative libations crafted with clever ingredients.

The bar itself has quite a history, its name pays homage to General Lee’s Chinese restaurant, which occupied the space from 1878 to 1985, which was a favorite spot of Frank Sinatra, Gary Cooper and Judy Garland.

It’s now known as a favorite watering hole for those seeking interesting cocktails and an old school vibe. The venue also hosts occasional live DJs.

What I Wore

The night I went, the world was still reeling from the passing of David Bowie, so I decided to put together an outfit to pay tribute the best way I knew how – with fashion. Drawing from one of my favorite films, “The Hunger,” I channeled Bowie’s immortal lover Miriam (played by Catherine Deneuve) with a mix of seductive retro glamour and sophistication. A sparkly, low cut , three-quarter sleeve wiggle dress provided some sexy retro glam style with spiky stilettos and fishnet stockings. I added a vintage purse with a bit of fringe trim, and the look was completed with a black pillbox hat and veil that Miriam would surely favor, and marked my mourning for the great Starman.

Dressing Retro Glam

To bring some retro glam style to your look, think bling and sophistication. A little sparkle in your outfit or accessories, such as this bedazzled retro style evening bag, helps you get your glam on without overdoing it. A sleek silhouette, such as this cap sleeve wiggle dress in a deep green hue, will up your game. Fishnet stockings bring just the right amount of sexy. Then top it off with a veiled hat or fascinator for just the right amount of drama. Click the links to shop* this look.

Now go out and be glamorous!

General Lee’s is located at 475 Gin Ling Way, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Style on,
Kastle

Shag Store photos courtesy of the Shag Store.

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Tags: bars in Downtown LA, bars in Los Angeles, glam style, Kastle Waserman, LA Nightclubs, nightclub, retro style

Tag: LA Nightclubs

Swing Dress Style to Heart Clifton’s Cafeteria

Posted on February 14, 2016May 2, 2016 by stilettocity

We waited for it. Word spread throughout Los Angeles a few years ago that Clifton’s Cafeteria would be undergoing a massive renovation and reopening. Finally, in the fall of last year, Clifton’s double doors ushered in a new era – and it did not disappoint! With it’s all encompassing design full of intrigue and whimsy, it’s a place to be whether you are out for a casual meal or fancy cocktails. It quickly became the largest jewel in the crown of a revitalization-in-progress in Downtown LA’s Historic Core.

Originally opening in 1935 and decorated in the style of the Brookdale Lodge, where founder Clifford Clinton spent much of his childhood, Clifton’s was known as the world’s largest cafeteria and attracted everyone from luminaries such as Walt Disney, to blue collar workers, to the depression era’s down ‘n’ out who were welcomed with the policy of, “pay as you wish.”

The new Clifton’s retains much of the quirky charm of the original, including a forest theme featuring a five-story redwood tree sprouting right through the middle of the venue, as well as waterfalls and charming bridges, and winding, cavernous paths dotted with taxidermy wild animals – a tribute to founder Clinton’s love of hunting (though if you hold your phone over the nearby plaques, you’ll hear about wildlife conservation efforts.)

Under the carefully guided vision of its latest owner, Andrew Meieran (known for his stunning creation of the Edison Bar), the new Clifton’s has three floors to explore with a bevy of treats for the eyes and belly. The Cafeteria is located on the first floor with classic foods from pizza to pie to Jell-O. On the second floor is the Monarch Bar where you can socialize in elegant style under the giant redwood tree and take your trays of food up to the many tables and chairs and nooks and crannies to dine with your peeps. On the third floor is a Gothic Bar, which offers dramatic style. More rooms and bars are expected to open in the near future including a Tiki Bar, which my little circle of friends are quite excited about!

What I Wore

I went to meet friends for Valentine’s weekend cocktails so I felt a frothy, feminine vintage-style swing dress was in order. I’ve always considered myself a pencil skirt, wiggle dress kind of girl but with some recent purchases of a full circle skirts and dresses, I’ve been enjoying the new silhouette. Pair it with a voluminous petticoat and you have a classic ‘50s heartbreaker, such as this look I put together with a red, floral swing dress and black petticoat peeking out to accent the pattern. Some delicate, vintage-inspired earrings and black pumps completed the look – and a rose from my sweetie!

How to Have Swing Dress Style

You’ll feel like the belle of the bar in a swing dress with a fun print and a frothy petticoat underneath like this dress in hot pink with white polka dots. Add a white petticoat to compliment the print and you won’t be able to help but sway bath and forth like sweet Sandra D. in “Grease.” Some classic pumps will take you higher and balance the look with ultra girl appeal. Click the links to shop* this look.

If you’re in LA, you simply must check out Clifton’s Cafeteria, have a drink and enjoy their “cabinet of curiosities!”

Clifton’s is located at 648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

We heart you Clifton’s!
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Downtown LA, bars in Los Angeles, Historical Sites, Kastle Waserman, LA Nightclubs, nightclub, restaurants in Los Angeles, retro style

Tag: LA Nightclubs

Senorita Style at Viva Cantina

Posted on February 8, 2016May 2, 2016 by stilettocity

Along a tree-lined boulevard in Burbank, CA, you can find homes that have horses in their backyards instead of dogs. It’s a neighborhood of equestrians and a perfect spot for a honky-tonk style watering hole that serves up some classic Mexican grub and cocktails. Viva Cantina has long been a hangout for locals and music lovers and it just felt right to put on a little Senorita style to go check out some music.

Directly adjacent to the LA Equestrian Center, you have to watch out for horses crossing the road while you look for street parking, as the tiny parking lot usually fills up early. Viva Cantina has two music rooms and two bars so you can catch an abundance of music on any given night. The place used to get packed out on the weekends with the rockabilly crowds, now it’s mostly local blues, country and jazz acts. On any given night you can catch a local act such as Jimmy Angel or on the night I went, Gary Myrick.

What I Wore

Since it was Mexican food and bluesy tunes, I felt a little Senorita style was in order. So I grabbed my ruffled top, that sits seductively on my shoulders, and a classic pencil skirt in jewel-tone purple hue. A big ol’ hair flower behind my ear adds the finishing touch.

Style Your Night

To add a little Senorita style to a night out, think ruffles or lace. This wonderful necktie top with lace trim that matches a colorful lace overlay skirt will have you looking elegant and ready to take a spin on the dance floor. Don’t forget some comfortable dancing shoes with unique detail. Add a colorful hair flower from a huge selection on eBay for a feminine touch. Click the links to shop* this look!

Viva Cantina is located at 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506

Cha, cha cha,
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, LA Nightclubs, Nightclubs, restaurants in Los Angeles, senorita style

Tag: LA Nightclubs

Swingin’ with the Blues at the Smoke House

Posted on January 24, 2016May 2, 2016 by stilettocity

There aren’t many places left in Los Angeles where you can enjoy some true Hollywood history, but one little gem in Burbank is chock full of it. I slipped into a pinup style swing dress to take in some blues, great food and the old Hollywood vibe of The SmokeHouse.

Established in 1946, this vintage supper club moved to its current location in 1948. Designed by reknown architect Wayne McAllister, the building features an English Tudor style on the outside. Inside, the first thing you want to do is cozy up in one of the classic, round, red, leather booths in the dining room or check out the lively bar area where a regular roster of blues acts hit the stage. Black and white photos of some of Hollywood’s beloved glamour stars line the walls watching over the action. For those who don’t care to see and be seen, there’s discreet, private dining space in the back.

Located right across from Warner Bros. studios, it’s easy to see why this place became a favorite of actors, entertainers and industry movers and shakers who come over for lunch and dinner after a day on the stages. You just might sit in the same spot as Errol Flynn, Cary Grant, Robert Redford, Lana Turner or Brad Pitt.

You can just feel the spirit of the entertainment business here you and can’t help but do a few scans of the room to look for some star names. It’s been said pre-married George Clooney often brought his dates here and canoodled in the dark area of the bar.

And while the atmosphere is top notch, so is the food. You can dig into a prime steak, BBQ, or seafood, served in generous portions or try out their famous Sunday buffet. Don’t forget to start out with their cheesy, garlic bread, which is the stuff of legend!

What I Wore

I put on some festive, pinup style glamour for this showbiz hotspot in a royal blue, vintage reproduction, swing dress, silver metallic shoes and vintage handbag and rhinestone necklace. I love metallics because they go with everything and always add a touch of sparkle. I was ready to grab a drink at the bar and take a spin on the dance floor!

Get a Swingin’ Pinup Style Look

Since it’s time to start thinking about a Valentine’s Day outfit, I picked out something red for you. Make note, The SmokeHouse is a great choice for a special romantic dinner, hint, hint! There could be a roomful of stars and your date won’t take their eyes off you if you show up in this captivating cherry color swing dress, retro tuxedo shoes and whimsical heart-shaped purse. Black and crystal earrings add a touch of glamour without trying too hard. You’ll look as elegant across the table as you will during a lovely slow dance. Click the links to shop* this look!

The SmokeHouse is located at 4420 Lakeside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505

Now that’s hot,
Kastle

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

Tag: LA Nightclubs

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: LA Nightclubs

Pinup Style for a Rockin’ Dinner at Genghis Cohen

Posted on January 4, 2016May 2, 2016 by stilettocity

There are some places that are just so comfortable you find yourself going back again and again. For me, one of those places is Genghis Cohen. Established in 1983, this rockin’ Chinese restaurant has been a longtime fixture for rockers for their affordable food, and live music room. It’s a great place to put on some casual retro style and grab dinner.

I’ve been there so often the waiters always seem to recognize me and greet us with a friendly hello. The food is tasty (love the noodle dishes!) and comes in big portions. You can get your meal served with a strong drink from the bar. Plus, there’s always an opportunity to catch a good local act in the adjacent room.

What I Wore

You can’t go wrong with a pencil skirt to dress up or go casual. I teamed mine with a dotted, mesh illusion, black top and some groovy fashion-print boots I picked at a vintage store in Nashville. A gunmetal silver purse and chunky black earrings complete my casual pin up style look.

Casual Dinner Pinup Style

Create intrigue by mixing textures with a bold, blue and black print pencil skirt and dainty lace detailed blouse. Matching blue shoes keep the color going while drop earrings add to this casual pinup style look without being overpowering. A silver, pinup style handbag can be found for a steal on eBay. Click the links to shop* this look.