Tag: things to do in Los Angeles

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.

So get your style on for a dinner with a date or friends and catch a cool, local act while you’re at it!

Genghis Cohen is located at 740 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Delish!
Kastle

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

Tag: things to do 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: things to do in Los Angeles

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: things to do in Los Angeles

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

Tag: things to do in Los Angeles

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: things to do 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: things to do in Los Angeles

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

Tag: things to do 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: things to do in Los Angeles

Glam Rock Style at the Bowie Mick Rock Photography Exhibit

Posted on September 18, 2015October 5, 2015 by stilettocity

Wham! Bam! Thank you Ma’am! It’s a glam rock feast for the eyes at the Taschen Gallery with its current exhibit, “Mick Rock: Shooting for Stardust. The Rise of David Bowie and Company.”

As a lover of glam rock style and music, I had to go check it out and get an eyeful of Bowie in his prime during the 1970s. So many photos of Bowie, with his shock of bright red hair, colorful suits and wild makeup, as well as candid moments backstage and having a meal. Photographer Mick Rock is known as “The Man Who Shot the Seventies” because he and his lens seemed to be around during rock ‘n’ roll’s most pivotal time, shooting everyone from Bowie to the Sex Pistols. During Bowie’s legendary Ziggy Stardust period, Rock was his official photographer. The exhibit also features some of Bowie’s glam rock peers including Iggy Pop, Debbie Harry, Queen and Lou Reed, all shot by Rock. The whole gallery is a rock ‘n’ roll oasis. Want to keep the glitter in your eyes long after you leave? Then you can take home one of Taschen’s amazing coffee table photography books featuring all kinds of pop culture icons, which are for sale in the gallery.

While you may know Bowie, if you’re not familiar with glam rock, here’s a quick crash course – it’s a style of music that erupted in the 1970s, mostly out of England. Gender-bending performers wore wild, colorful outfits with lots of sparkles and glitter, chunky furs and platform shoes, for an over the top spin on glamour. It was theatrical, sexy and shocking at the same time. If you want to make a glam soundtrack, be sure to include Bowie, T-Rex, Queen, Slade, Sweet and Mott the Hoople. It’s sure to be the best party music you’ve ever heard!

What I Wore

I had to slip into a little glam rock style to check out this exhibit so I reached for my hot pink pedal pushers and mule heels, topped with a cut-out top and spikey, sparkly, rhinestone hoop earrings. I accented with a cuff bracelet paired with a chain bracelet with rhinestone star.

How to Dress Glam Rock Style

You have to think like a rock star to pull off a glam rock look. Think bigger than life, shiny, sparkly, sexy and fun loving. Star icons are big for the glam rock look and this starry bomber jacket is perfect for a night out. Pair it with a very glam, bright pink furry top. If midriff exposing isn’t your thing, opt for a rocker chick T-shirt with your favorite glam rock band, like this one featuring T-Rex. A silver, sequin mini skirt will make those hips shake to the beat. Ground the look with a pair of chunky, platform shoes. (Click the links to shop* this look!) Don’t be shy with your makeup either. This isn’t time for the natural look. Add some glitter to your eyeshadow and a pop of bright lip color.

Hope you get a chance to catch the Bowie photo exhibit or go out dancing to some glam rock music!

The exhibit Mick Rock: Shooting for Stardust. The Rise of David Bowie and Company runs through Oct. 11, 2015.

Taschen Gallery is located at 8070 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Rebel, rebel,
Kastle

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Tags: '70s fashion, glam rock, Kastle Waserman, rocker style, things to do in Los Angeles

Tag: things to do 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