Category: Event Reviews

Gabba Gabba Hey! The Ramones at the Grammy Museum

Hey ho, let’s go! The Ramones have been one of my longtime favorite bands. I’ve been a punk since my high school years and this band gave me strength to let my misfit flag fly. As one of the originators of the punk movement in the late 1970’s, the Ramones are iconic for their breakneck sound mixed with hints of ‘50s bop to their look of shaggy hair, leather motorcycle jackets, torn jeans and high top black sneakers.

I was lucky enough to interview Joey Ramone in 1995, and we kept in touch after, as he emailed me about bands he was excited about until about a year before his passing from cancer in 2001. He’ll always hold a special place in my heart for inspiring the music that got me through my formative years and beyond.

Shepard Fairey Joey Ramone Portrait, Ramones Exhibit, Grammy Museum LA

Admittedly, I was late to get to this much-publicized exhibit at the Grammy Museum, put together by Johnny Ramone’s widow Linda with help from fan collections and the estate of Joey Ramone, run by his brother Mickey. But I’m so glad I caught it before it was over. Filled with loads of memorabilia including Joey’s leather jacket and Marky’s iconic black high top sneakers, handwritten lyrics, backstage passes, rare photos and much more. I loved the portraits of each member by artist Shepard Fairey and reading the behind-the-scenes notes on each album on the discography wall.

Ramone Exhibit, Grammy Museum LA

Ramones Exhibit, Grammy Museum LA

For any Ramones or punk fan, this is exhibit is worth catching in its last week at the Grammy Museum.

What I Wore

While punk is about tough leather and all black, which Joey told me, “Hey, we wear all black because it gets dirty walking around New York City!” Punk also had a thing for the dorky coolness of a striped t-shirt, so my striped sweater was in order. (You can’t see but I do have a Ramones t-shirt on underneath!) And what better place to wear some rebel leggings by Christopher Lee Sauve for Ona Saez that I picked up in Buenos Aires (of all places!), a black mini skirt and some Chelsea boots.

Stiletto City at Ramone Exhibit, Grammy Museum LA

What to Wear

You just gotta have a moto jacket to achieve the punk look but why not give it girly twist in a powder blue color. The requisite Ramones t-shirt also gets an update with some sparkle lettering. And nobody is going to mess with you when you have spikes on your skinny black jeans and classic Dr. Martens combat boots. Click the links to shop this look.

punk look

 

The Grammy Museum is located at 800 W Olympic Blvd A245, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The Ramones and the Birth of Punk runs through February 28.

Punk lives!

Kastle

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Category: Event Reviews

Ladylike Tea Party at Langham Huntington Pasadena

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDThere’s something so delightful about having a tea party. The delicate, floral teacups, the beautifully decorated sweets, and the company of girlfriends provide a sophisticated occasion to dress up for. Recently, a glamorous brigade of vintage-loving gal pals gathered at the Langham Huntington Pasadena for their Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood. The “Wedgwood” meaning the specialty teas and tailor made “Langham Rose” teaware.

Langham Huntington Pasadena Afternoon Tea

The setting was absolutely divine with the grounds of the Langham Huntington Pasadena dating back to 1907. The tea room itself looks out on the rolling green yard and the tables centered around a chocolate fountain and a decadent dessert buffet. You can sweet treat yourself to your heart’s content between the chocolates and the three-tier dessert stands on every table, featuring a variety of finger sandwiches and scones. A selection of three tea flavors is poured throughout the event to keep your teacup full.

After the tea, it was picture time around the hotel. Us girls must capture our outfits of the day after all! The sweeping staircase to the back garden was the perfect opportunity to grab a shot.

Special thanks to Desi of Pinup Revival for organizing a great day!

Vintage Style

What I Wore

Since the tea party was fall themed, I chose my most feminine, vintage, full skirt dress in fall colors. I love this dress for its circus-theme illustrations on the print and the detailed pearl beading on the neckline. I topped it with a headband made with vintage velvet leaves in fall colors and t-strap chocolate colored heels.

Retro Tea Party Style

 

Retro Tea Party Style

What To Wear

A tea party calls for lady-like wear of feminine dresses with floral prints, like this vintage reproduction swing dress. A festive fascinator hat is totally appropriate for this fancy event. Glossy kitten heels in two-tone black and cream, and bow detail take you where you need to go, and a flower-adorned purse will hold your lipstick to touch up after all those sips of tea!

Retro Tea Party Outfit

The Langham Huntington Pasadena is located at 1401 S Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106.  Afternoon Tea service is a signature brand standard, offered at all Langham Hotels & Resorts.

Tea time!
Kastle

Tea room photos courtesy of the Langham Huntington Pasadena

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Checking out the Rockabilly Scene and Expo in Colorado

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDFall has arrived and it’s my favorite season because my birthday happens, the weather turns cooler, and the trees change their colors. Since we don’t really get a feel for it in Los Angeles with its endless summers, I like to travel every fall. This year, I headed to Colorado for the Rockabilly Expo, which happened to take place during the perfect weekend for leaf peeping in the Rocky Mountains.

Read all about the Rockabilly Expo over on the Voodoo Vixen website where I did a guest blog. It was a full day of music, vendors, and a pinup contest that takes place in Colorado Springs.

Rockabilly Expo Colorado Springs

pinupcontestRockabilly Expo Colorado Springs Pinup Contest

We also headed up into the mountains of Evergreen outside of Denver to see the aspen trees shimmer with a bright gold and sweeps of red. It’s so beautiful up there!

Colorado leaf peeping

 

What I Wore

For the Rockabilly Expo, I put on the Voodoo Vixen “Connie” dress with the unique crisscross cut on top and retro glasses print. Some easy Mary Jane heels helped keep my feet in check for the daylong event. I added some sparkle with retro-inspired, confetti-baked Lucite earrings.

rockabilly look

What To Wear

For an authentic rockabilly look, you can’t go wrong with a swing dress. This 1950’s cut in a warm fall color is sure to turn heads. Add a crinoline petticoat underneath to really accentuate the hourglass silhouette. Some retro inspired, t-strap heels and red lipstick complete the look. Click the links to shop* this look!

 

rockabilly look

The Rockabilly Expo takes place every year in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Shake, rattle and roll,
Kastle

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Category: Event Reviews

Pistons and Pinup Style

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDHot rods, hot girls, and hot summer heat made for a fun afternoon at the Pistons & Pinups event in Chatsworth. The parking lot of the Valley Relics Museum filled up with revved-up, customized classic car beauties, while the back lot featured vendors and the stage rocked with music all evening long. And it was good times for good with all proceeds going to the Rock Against MS Foundation.

I got there in time to catch sassy Maureen and the Mercury 5 bust out some sexy, swingin’ jive. They were followed by retro singing and dancing troupe The Satin Dollz, whose charm, beauty and choreographed moves always captivate an audience.

Maureen and the Mercury 5
Maureen and the Mercury 5
The Satin Dollz
The Satin Dollz

The Phantom Pomps took the stage next with some good ol’ rockabilly and a fierce pinup girl singer/drummer. As the sun went down, the stage lit up with rockabella performance artist Lillian Starr and her glowing hoop show. That girl isn’t going to lose any hula hoop contests anytime soon!

The Pinup Girl Pageant contest brought out a lineup of retro-loving babes where red lipstick, victory rolls, wiggle dresses, and heels were the dress code of the day.

Phantom Pomps
Phantom Pomps
Pinup Pageant
Pinup Pageant

The finale of the night was a performance by Gilby Clarke, best known as a guitarist for Guns N’ Roses and singer/guitarist for the pop group Candy. Though I knew him when he had the band Kill For Thrills. He’s been a solid solo performer throughout the years and brought the rock to this event into the late night hours.

Gilby Clarke
Gilby Clarke
Hot Rod Classic Car Show
Hot Rod Classic Car Show

One of the biggest treats of the day was the location, The Valley Relics Museum. Though the Valley has been the subject of many jokes as the uncool suburbs “over the hill” from Hollywood, there have been some historical gems located there and this museum has managed to rescue key pieces of it. For example, cars, clothing and photos from famous rodeo tailor Nudie Cohn (he made Elvis’ famous gold lame suit!) and the sign from The Palamino Club in North Hollywood, where every famous country and rockabilly performer played from 1945-1995 . The museum also has an awesome collection of retro neon and Googie-style signage, movie memorabilia, classic cars, and BMX bikes (little known fact – the extreme sport was born in the Valley!) Be sure to check it out!

Valley Relics Museum
Valley Relics Museum

 

What I Wore

A pinup event simply calls for some classic pinup style, so I was happy to accommodate in my cherry-print pencil skirt and accent it with a flaming red scarf and hair flowers from NiccocoCreations. I added a bracelet of fiery pulp fiction pinups from Joolz Hayworth, and a custom made handbag featuring pinup girls I picked up at a hot rod show a few years ago. I don’t know who made it but I sure would like to find her to buy some more!

Pinup Style Look

What To Wear: Pinup Style

Pinup style is all about looking sexy but not overtly. It’s a flirty style in an American sweetheart kind of way that dates back to the first Calendar Girls that were published around 1889. The pinup art Alberto Vargas started painting for Esquire Magazine in the 1930s became iconic. But the best known pinups may be from the 1940’s era when they were used to boost the morale of troops fighting in WWII. Then later of course, Bettie Page came along in the 1950’s and became the Queen of Pinups, around the same time Playboy Magazine was born.

To achieve the pinup look, play-up your best feminine assets — an hourglass figure, pouty lips, wavy hair, great legs — and accentuate it. This polka dot pencil skirt is a great piece to build a look around. Pair it with a sultry peasant top and add a fierce pop of red in retro-inspired shoes and handbag. Don’t forget some red lipstick! Click the links to shop* this look.

pinup style look

Valley Relics Museum is located at 21630 Marilla St, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Va Va Varoom!
Kastle

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Summer Looks on the Pier with the Psychedelic Furs

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDSummertime calls for spending time on the beach. While this city girl doesn’t go frolic in the sand too often, despite my close proximity to the coast, I did feel the need to put on a cool summer look and go for a concert on the Santa Monica Pier when I heard the Psychedelic Furs were playing.

The Santa Monica Pier opened in 1909 and has had various incarnations following the Great Depression and multiple natural disasters. It was rebuilt into the grand amusement park of today in the 1980’s. The attractions include a Ferris wheel, the original carousel hippodrome from the 1920’s, an aquarium as well as shops, restaurants, and bars. People can be found fishing from the west end of the pier, and the walkway is often lined with performance artists hoping for their big break, or at least some tips.

SM Pier 4

The Pier has always been a great stage for entertainment and Twilight Concerts began a few years ago as a way to see some big name acts on the gorgeous coastal setting. For my show, it was an extremely hot summer day in L.A., but down by the beach, it was comfortably in the 70’s. The parking situation around the Pier is a bit crazy so we parked a few blocks down, where the lots were cheaper, and took a lovely 20-minute walk on the boardwalk along the water to get to the Pier (we Uber’d back after dark.)

SM Pier

Getting to the concert area was a bit of a challenge when we were directed to walk all the way up to Ocean Avenue to enter the Pier under the main sign on Colorado and Ocean. But we made it and were ready for some “Love My Way” from the Furs. The stage is large and well lit and it’s easy to see without standing up close and getting smashed in the crowd. Large, multicolor, pastel art installation balloons flew in the sky giving a festive touch. The sun was just going down providing the perfect golden glow over all of the amusement park rides spinning and zooming in the distance behind us.

Psychedelic Furs on Santa Monica Pier 2016

Just as it got dark, the Psychedelic Furs came out and did an amazing show! This band was my first concert in my teens and has been a longtime favorite of mine, so it brought back special memories. Singer Richard Butler was as joyful and energetic as ever as he sang, jumped, pranced, and did his signature undulating moves to every lyric. He seemed genuinely happy to be there. And that feeling was felt throughout the crowd, who weren’t rowdy as I feared they might be, but just fully into the music. It was a thoroughly delightful night under the stars!

Here’s a little flashback to some of the Furs’ biggest hits



What I Wore

Though it was a casual evening on the beach, I still wanted to look stylish for the concert so I pulled out a little ‘80s inspiration, which always makes me think of the pinstripes and flowing scarves that a lot of my favorite bands wore. I slipped into some pinstripe shorts, a black tank top, and topped the look with a pop of an ombre “Pretty in Pink” long scarf. My new floral print Dr. Martens boots completed the look and made it comfy to walk along the boardwalk. Since the beach air was bound to put my hair in a tangled mess, I pulled it up in an oversized bun with double pin curls, and put on some artsy, big, silver swirl earrings.

OOTD Summer Look

OOTD Summer Look

 

What to Wear: Summer Look

Don’t reduce your summer look to frumpy, shorts and beat up tee shirts. Style it with these cute, polka dot shorts, a crisp, cool white tank, and a pretty, light floral scarf. Since it may cool down in the evening hours, bring a big tote to carry a sweater and your beach essentials such as this too-sweet-for-words, pink bow backpack. Keep your feet cool and comfy in some pink oxford flats and complete the look with silver floral disk earrings that play off the design in the shorts and scarf. Click the links to shop* this look!

summer look

summer lookThe Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Twilight Concerts run through September.

Heaven,
Kastle

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Rocker Reunion at The Viper Room

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDLos 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!

LA Rock Review, Los Angeles Music Fanzine

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.

The Hangmen
The Hangmen
Motorcycle Boy
Motorcycle Boy
Knucklehead
Knucklehead
The Nymphs with Inger Lorre
The Nymphs with Inger Lorre

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.

The Girls of LA Rock Review
The Girls of LA Rock Review
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.

Kastle Waserman, Kelly Q. on stage at the Viper Room

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.

Rocker Pinup Look

rocker pinup accessories

 

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.

Rocker Pinup Look

 

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

 

Queen rocker,
Kastle

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Appetite for Rocker Looks and Books

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDThere are times in rock music in which the bands, the city and the people collided to create a movement that will go down as the greatest in history.  The glam metal movement and rocker look in Los Angeles in the late ‘80s was one of those times. Guns N’ Roses was clearly the defining band of that era, rising bigger than them all, and one woman was there from the beginning. Vicky Hamilton let the band crash in her apartment, got them showcases and helped launch a career that made them one of the most famous and infamous bands of all time. And thank goodness she’s now written a book to give us all a backstage pass as to how it all went down.

High in the Hollywood Hills at a limited seat reading at the Alchemy Castle, Vicky read to promote the aptly named “Appetite For Dysfunction,” and joked that the release of her book just happened to coincide with the band’s much buzzed about reunion for a recent string of shows.  What luck! It seems everyone wants to hear about GNR again, and rightfully so. I can recall seeing the band in its very early days at shows on the Sunset Strip, and clubs Scream and Cathouse, and the fierce energy they displayed was unquestionable – with a style that mixed the rock sense of Aerosmith and the Stones with the punk ferocity of the Sex Pistols.

Vicky Hamilton Appetite for Dysfunction
Vicky Hamilton

But it wasn’t all roses, as was clear in the passage Vicky read of the early days of them crashed out in her apartment after yet another raging party. Steven Adler was trying to help Vicky clear out beer bottles and Axl was sacked out on the couch. When Axl got fed up from the clinking bottles being thrown in trash bags, he began punching Steven, giving him a lovely bruised face for a showcase that night. We’d heard the rumors that hanging with GNR was no cake walk, but now Vicky verifies it along with an insider’s perspective of what I was like to be a women working her way up in the male-dominated music industry of the late ‘80s, as if wrangling Axl wasn’t hard enough!

Vicky Hamilton Appetite for Dysfunction

Vicky also relayed some classic rock ‘n’ roll stories of tales along the Sunset Strip working with Motley Crue and a makeout session with AC/DC’s Bon Scott. She also thanked her publisher, iconic LA scenester, author and Punk Hostage Press founder Iris Berry, who also read a passage from one of her books.

Iris Berry - Punk Hostage Press
Iris Berry – Punk Hostage Press

Before and after the readings, a collection of Vicky’s current fave bands entertained the crowd including, Diana Meyer, 222, The Place, and Frankie And The Honeybees. Vicky always could spot a talent. What a great and rockin’ night all around!

What I Wore

While my rocker look isn’t quite as extreme and my hair isn’t quite as big as it was during the days GNR ruled the Sunset Strip, I still like a rocker chic look for stepping out on the town. I paired a cherry red, fitted t-shirt with a vegan leather mini skirt with silver side zips. A studded suede purse carried my essentials and my leather, knee high boots were made for a night of club hopping!

Rocker Look

What to Wear

Headed to check out some new star bands on the Strip? Slip into a rocker look that won’t let you down with a cosmic-print mini skirt paired with a sexy off-the-shoulder top. Draw some inspiration from the late ‘80s with a vegan, leather-studded, concho belt and big boots. A fringe, shoulder strap purse holds just enough to get you through the night!

Rocker Look

 

The Sunset Strip in Los Angeles is located between Doheny Road and N. Crescent Heights Blvd. 

Vicky Hamilton’s “Appetite for Dysfuntion” is available on Amazon.com

Rock on!
Kastle

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Category: Event Reviews

Advanced Style: Ageless Fashion

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDIt all started with an inspiring grandmother. After losing her, photographer Ari Seth Cohen moved to New York, a city she always told he’d do well in, and began shooting older stylish women in an attempt to feel he’s grandmother’s spirit in his life again. Starting a blog Advanced Style, the photos became an internet sensation. These women, in their 60’s, 70s, 80s, even 90s weren’t invisible, grey-haired, frumpy-clothed, withering flowers. They were vibrant, full of color and a fantastical sense of ageless fashion. Their stylish looks as alive as they were, telling the world they were living life to the fullest and looking their best, no matter what anyone thinks.

Valerie, Jean, Debra Rapoport, Diana Gabriel, Carol Markel: Advanced Style
                  Valerie, Jean, Debra Rapoport, Diana Gabriel, Carol Markel: Advanced Style

Then came a book,  and a film showcasing these wonderful, stylish women. Ari started a movement – to see older women for their delightful, fashion-loving selves, all that they’ve accomplished and all they represent as bold, beautiful personalities full of world experiences that serve and an uncontainable force and inspiration to others.

Now he has a second book, “Advanced Style: Older and Wiser,” and I had the pleasure of seeing many of Ari’s women in person at the recent panel discussion at Book Soup – an iconic indie bookstore on the Sunset Strip that serves as a cultural epicenter for authors and those who celebrate a culture of enlightenment through books.

Valerie Von Sobel, Advanced Style
Valerie Von Sobel, Advanced Style

I stood in the audience as the ladies in the book entered the store and took a seat in the front. The tiny space allotted for readings forced them to step carefully through chairs squeezed between bookshelves, but also gave us a chance to check out their awe-inspiring beauty and amazing outfits. (Book Soup, you really need to a bigger space for these events!)

Colleen Heidermann, Advanced Style
Colleen Heidermann, Advanced Style

We learned a little about each lady and their lives. There’s Colleen, age 75, a stunning beauty who stays active by jogging 5 miles a day. Joy, age 77, a cancer survivor who has dedicated her life to the helping the developmentally disabled through her fashion-focused charity Helpers. Pearl, age 61, who was once married to the bass player in the Clash, performs in her own alternative band, has a handbag line, and uses music to feed her spirit.

Pearl Harbour, Advanced Style
Pearl Harbour, Advanced Style

Every lady shared a bit of their extraordinary life, not as a star, but as a message that everyone has their own story that is worth sharing. It was funny to hear how many had worn uniforms in school and relished the freedom they now have to express themselves and most were inspired by their mother’s fashion sense.

They all displayed their unique sense of style and urged their audience, hungry for their wisdom, to be yourself, go forth and never let age be hindrance.

I couldn’t help but approach some of these ladies to sign a copy of the book I bought for my mother, who has been my own fashion inspiration. And I have to give a heartfelt thank you especially to Joy, who upon learning my mother was in the hospital, wrote a loving note to her that brought tears to my eyes. Her kindness will never be forgotten.

With Joy Venturini Bianchi, Advanced Style
With Joy Venturini Bianchi, Advanced Style

What a wonderful bunch of ladies! There are few times in life that we want to feel older instead of younger, but these ladies make it look so good I wish I too was “Advanced” so I could join their pack and hang with them all day!

What I Wore

I couldn’t go see a bunch of stylish ladies without a bringing some color to the party myself. So I put on my bright, vintage, ‘60s shift dress and go-go-style leather boots, paired with a swirly multi-colored bakelite bracelet and ‘60s-style clutch by V’s Bellos Tesoros, that I won by vying for it in an Instagram contest.

OOTD 1960s vintage style

What to Wear

If books are an inspiration to you like they are to me, show how much you love them by letting some bookworm style and ageless fashion sense shine through with this adorable bookshelf skirt topped with a ruffle-collar, vintage-inspired top. A snappy pair of wedge-heeled shoes will keep you comfy while browsing through bookstores and you can pay for your new reading finds by reaching into a book-shaped handbag. Click the links to shop* this look!

Book Lovers Style

 

Book Soup is located at 8818 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Be sure to check out:

Advanced Style

Advanced Style: Older and Wiser

Advanced Style: The Film

Photos from the book courtesy of Advanced Style

Go forth and conquer – in style,
Kastle

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Beauty Rocks at the Makeup Show 2016

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDWhether you are a pro makeup artist or just someone who loves experimenting with makeup, The Makeup Show is an annual event not to be missed. With dozens of beauty product vendors, classes by makeup professionals, demos, seminars and a career fair for those wanting to break into the industry as a hair or makeup stylist, The Makeup Show has been going for 10 years. Every year it seems to get more packed. This year was no exception as the California Mart filled with beauty enthusiasts eager to check out new products from top brands and learn tips from experts in the business. I went and I was ready to shop and be inspired!

Demos at The Makeup Show 2016

 

Highlights of The Makeup Show 2016

What I Wore

I like to keep it casual for shopping, especially at conventions when there will be a lot of crowds and walking. But that doesn’t mean forgoing making a statement. A hat always does the trick and my vintage, faux leopard, pillbox hat is a go-to for daytime wear. I paired it with a vintage reproduction hot rod club t-shirt, statement necklace, capri pants and light canvas moto jacket. And of course shopping bags full of goodies make the best accessories!

OOTD The Makeup Show 2016

 

OOTD The Makeup Show 2016

My Haul

I can’t go to a Makeup Show and not do some shopping. While it’s a great opportunity for makeup artists to load up their kits and buy in bulk for a discount, it’s also good for bloggers like me to check out new products and to purchase products at a reduced price to try out. So my shopping bags were filled with:

New brushes from Crown Brushes

Hair padding from Straight Pin Studio

Ultralucent Setting Powder from Cinema Secrets

Makeup Setting Spray from Model in a Bottle

 

What to Wear

There are lots of Makeup Shows happening year-round in different cities – check out one near you. Be sure to dress with a sense of fashion and comfort to move through the crowds with ease. A vintage-style T-shirt will keep you cool and comfortable. Pair it with a statement necklace to upgrade a casual look to chic sensibility. Retro-style culotte pants are on trend for spring and come in playful patterns. Bring a light jacket in case it gets chilly and you’re good to go! Click the links to shop* this look!

Shopping Style

Don’t forget to check out some of the great beauty brands featured at the Makeup Show. Some products I recommend include Sephora’s new matte lipstick, Besame’s brightening powders and Make up For Ever’s HD collection.

Makeup Show Recommendations

 

The Makeup Show takes places at cities across the country. Check the website for locations and dates.

Stay beautiful,
Kastle

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Rock out at the Harvard & Stone

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDAround 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.

Midcoitus Band

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.

Harvard and Stone Bar

Harvard and Stone Bar

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 style

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!

Rock Out Look

 

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

Rock on!
Kastle

Photos edited with PicMonkey*. Get it!

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