Category: Fashion

ReVamp Vintage: The Prohibition Collection

Atop Downtown LA’s historic gems, the Broadway Bar and Orpheum Theatre, there is a little workshop and showroom called ReVamp Vintage where they create clothing from the years 1910 – 1950. I stopped by there recently and got a look at their latest line, “The Prohibition Collection” featuring women’s and men’s designs from the year 1920, the year Prohibition took place.

Founder/designer Annamarie Von Firley, who, it must be said, knows her fashion details down the last stitch, gave me a tour of the new line that features men’s three-piece suits with high-waisted, flat front, narrow-legged pants, vests that end at the natural waistline and what she calls the “John Barrymore” shirt featuring a long pointed collar. The conservative silhouettes for women, which predate the flapper commonly connected with the ‘20s, feature coat smocks, belted or sashed blouses at the natural waistline and “dirndl skirts” – full gathered skirts with fitted bodices.

ReVamp prides itself in creating period perfect looks and Hollywood has taken notice. They’ve done wardrobe for a number of TV shows and films including “Big Love”, “True Blood” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (2011), and the wedding dress and bridesmaids in “Pan Am’s” premiere episode.

See more of ReVamp’s new collection and browse the shop click the photo below to see the slideshow:

ReVamp Vintage

See you in the speakeasy,
K.



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Category: Fashion

Golden Globes Fashion Report 2012

This year’s Golden Globes had an outstanding lineup of nominees, and while the award winners are validated for their work, it is the red carpet where hours of dressing, hair and makeup talent are noticed. This year, there seemed be an abundance of reserved high necklines, some boringly conservative and some exceptionally stylish. Sexy is always in with those who go for risqué with an ultra-low cut, but it is the risk takers that grab the real attention – those who had a little personal touch or out of the ordinary detail when all others just strive to be perfect.

See the highs, the lows and the risk takers in my report on Yahoo! 

See Charlize Theron arrive at the Golden Globes:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvFkVUaxXM0] Workin’ it like it’s the red carpet everyday,

K.



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Category: Fashion

Bellejar Vintage: Going Out with Belles On

The New Year is upon us and what better time to shop for a new frock? I recently walked my stilettos over to Bellejar Vintage for their holiday party and it was a little piece of shopping heaven. Great pieces, great prices – even a $5 rack where my friend Fabby found the most fabulous tangerine-colored mod shift dress – which will put her right in fashion since tangerine tango was voted Pantone’s color of 2012. Bellejar frequently has little shopping parties with bands and we couldn’t help but the notice the good-looking crowd of shaggy-haired, alt-rock boys and gorgeous pin-up beauty queens that turned up. Owner Katie Stratton is one stylish dame herself and didn’t disappoint in a festive red-trimmed frock, pout and ruby sparkle shoes. Check the place out! See photos from the party by clicking the link below:

Bellejar Vintage Party

And this just in – Bellejar Vintage is offering Stiletto City readers 10% off all online orders by using the code STILETTOCITY. Whoohoo! 

Dress like you mean it,
K.

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Category: Fashion

Lady Gaga, Madonna, Gwen Stefani: Pop Blondies

With platinum locks and distinct voices, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Gwen Stefani all share chart-topping success and multiple award wins in music, but there is more to these ladies than just a catchy tune.  Read how they excel in fashion and  beauty too, with the brains to turn great personal style into smart business sense.

Photo of Gwen Stefani with No Doubt by Kastle

Pop’s Power Blondes

Rock on ladies!
K.

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Category: Fashion

Love of Vintage

There are times I feel I was born in the wrong era. I simply love the fashions of past decades, namely the 1920s-1960s. There is something about how the clothes are so feminine, the cuts so divine, the materials so exquisite and the silhouettes that make a statement. I have a hard time walking into a vintage clothing store without leaving with SOMETHING – a dress, a handbag, a hat, some jewelry. Vintage shopping is the ultimate treasure hunt, because these items are rare survivors of the past, they don’t come in a rack-ful of sizes, they aren’t all in perfect condition. So when you find that one piece that happens to fit, isn’t damaged and is at a good price, you just CAN’T leave it there in the store!

Which is why I went home with two new dresses from The Loved One last week. I’d heard about this little Pasadena store from a friend and when they posted on Facebook that they were having a “cocktails ‘n’ shopping” party, well, I just can’t pass up that combo! Turned out to be the cutest little shop, all the clothes are in great condition and the setting is nicely art directed, which makes the shopping experience all the better. Can’t wait to wear my new treasures!

Click the link below to check out a slideshow of the store:

Photos of The Love One Vintage Boutique

Love it!
K.

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Category: Fashion

Clever Vintage Fashion Show

Knowing my love for the ‘60s, my pals at Clever Vintage Clothing invited me to model in their fashion show at the photo exhibit of iconic shutterbug Phil Stern who had his celebrity snaps on display at the Los Angeles Theatre Center.

A bevy of vintage-loving scenesters babe turned up to help show off Clever’s finest ‘60s era threads in the style of old style fashion shows

Fittings took place a week prior and I was lucky enough to find a teal and olive floor length gown fit for a Bond girl. I dreamed about wearing that dress all the way up to the event!

Call time was 6 p.m. and backstage was a flurry of last minute wardrobe changes, hair teasing, white clouds of hair spray, and makeup touchups. Special thanks to my hair and makeup artist pal Rachelle of Bella Bella salon in Pasadena for coming out to help with my updo and pitching-in to help other girls get period-perfect hair.

Clever’s Dave and Sabino laid out a buffet of vintage handbags and shoes to go with our outfits and it was like being in a candy store. When it was all done, the entire room looked like it a movie set of the 1960s with the girls in elegant eveningwear holding their numbered cards to let the guests know details and designers of their outfits.

Our gaggle of models were trickled out into the crowd, walking through with our numbers, stopping and doing a spin every so often as people asked about our gorgeous frocks as they also enjoyed a selection of Italian wines provided by LA Wine Tasting and gazed upon Mr. Stern’s amazing collection of photos. As I gazed upon black ‘n’ candid moments with Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, I could only imagine what it was like to be back in a era of glamour and pop culture influence that extends to today.

What a great night! Click the image below to see the photos:

A Night of ’60s Photography & Vintage Fashion

Heels on!
K.

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Category: Fashion

The Funny Papers

I got an art fix of a different kind over at La Luz de Jesus Gallery for the opening reception of  Pop-Sequentialism: Comic Art of the Modern Age. I’ve acquired a recent love of comic book art and their characters after developing my own comic strip superhero for a work project. So this was a great way to see a whole lot of classic works under one roof and displayed as the fine art they deserve to be thought as. This particular exhibit included the Watchmen, All Star Superman, Fables and the Walking Dead, Apparently I’m not the only comic book nerd in town as the reception (which took place the evening before Free Comic Book day at all the local shops) was packed with all kinds of interesting real life characters. I managed to snap a couple of stylish girls for our Stiletto City Style Spotlight. Thanks Danni and Victoria  for letting me take your picture:

BAM! POW!

That’s it for now,
K.

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Category: Fashion

Mad Men Style

Take one look at today’s fashion and it’s easy to spot the influence the hit show Mad Men has had on it – more ladylike silhouettes in voluminous full skirts, curve-flashing wiggle dresses and pencil skirts. Women in the ’60s really knew how to express the power of their femininity, even if they didn’t quite have their equal rights yet. All I can say is thank goodness – I only wear vintage when I go out and the main reason is I don’t find modern clothes to be attractive in the way they were in past eras. But some of that is changing, thanks to Mad Men Costume Designer Janie Bryant, whose eye for fashion is transforming the way contemporary designers are creating their new lines.

And what better place to meet this taste-maker than my favorite store in town, Playclothes Vintage? Bryant stopped by to sign copies of her recently released book, The Fashion File. I have to say, I got this book for Christmas and I read it in little bites like sweet Bon Bons. It’s the ultimate fashion tell-all treat where Bryant reflects on how she built the style of the characters on Mad Men and how you can find your signature style with a just a few mindful tweaks to your wardrobe.

During the book signing Bryant was surrounded by admiring fashionistas who came dressed in their best vintage looks to show off for her. My pal Sandra D. turned up in a pink, candy-striped, strapless dress she found at a costume store clearout sale. It was the very dress that Bryant herself created for Betty Draper in Mad Men’s Season 2. Bryant took one look at it and said, “That’s Betty’s dress, where did you find that!” Then proceeded to tell us how she had added the pink stripes and bow to give a pop of “Betty color” to the vintage gown.

We had a great time hanging out with this superstar stylist, who is so down to earth you just want to invite her out with the girls for cocktails. And I personally want to say THANK YOU Janie for bringing back the idea of fabulous personal style!

And in this edition of the Stiletto Style Spotlight, I couldn’t help but notice Allyson Rowen Taylor, who stood out in the crowd in a hot pink sheath dress, artistic-looking brushed gold glasses and an ultra-chunky necklace of her own design made of found bits including washers, safety pins and various trinkets. Plus, she was great fun to hang out with! Now that’s some great style!

From the fashion files,
K.

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Category: Fashion

Academy Awards 2011

For Hollywood’s biggest night, it was heels on as the Oscars rolled out the red carpet and the biggest movie stars of the moment strutted out in their borrowed finest. I wasn’t about to stay home on the couch with a pizza, not when my pal Margot was hosting her own red carpet event at the Egyptian Theatre where a few lucky guests were invited to watch the Oscars on the big screen in a room where many stars past and present have themselves sat. I couldn’t think of anyone better to rate the fashions with than my friends from Clever Vintage, Dave and Sabino. So we showed up with potluck offerings in hand to add to the community buffet that spread over SIX banquet tables!

Then it was into the theatre where the room was aglow with laptops and mobile devices as everyone was Facebooking, Tweeting and following the news online. And how much fun was it to watch the entire event from pre-show to awards with a roomful of friends, and friends of friends, who erupted in cheers and jeers over who won and what they were wearing!

Some of my personal observations:

Is it just me or does Jesse Eisenberg look like Paul Westerberg? Really hoping he would be the new youngest winner for best actor but he just couldn’t compete with the crown-worthy Colin Firth. Speaking of rock star look alikes, I loved Joey Ramone-clone Luke Matheny’s acceptance speech for “God of Love,” which incidentally caused the crowd to go wild as most of the film’s crew was in the Egyptian Theatre with us.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyY0KrdpSLk]

I was so pleased “King’s Speech” won best film. I did love it. Not surprising, much of the tech-savvy crowd around me was hoping for “Social Network.” But while I thought that film was good, I didn’t think it was as moving overall. However, I did love that it won for Best Adapted Screenplay because the writing was whip smart, particularly in the portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

But enough about all that – WHO wore WHAT? (Click names to see the photos.)

Best Dressed

Natalie Portman – bless her for pulling off a pregnancy with such grace in a lovely eggplant-colored gown, matching tassel earrings and perfect makeup. You know she probably just wanted to be out of those Jimmy Choo heels and at home in her PJs!

Halle Berry – somebody get me the number of her trainer stat! This woman can’t possibly look bad in anything because her body and posture are so good. Nonetheless she does always pick very elegant gown, and this strapless, frothy-trimmed nude-colored number was no exception.

Michelle Williams – channeling a little ‘60s-era Twiggy. How cute was she!? Loved the ultra simple white gown that flattered her hair.

Worst Dressed

Cate Blanchett – oh my how I love this woman, so elegant, but this dress was risky with its odd, circular front cut-out and splash of yellow around the collar. It just didn’t work for me, not even on her.

Sharon Stone – another risk taker I usually love but this ultra high hair-do was just a bit too much, especially with the sharp black dress with feather accent, she started to lean a little into Cruella de Vil territory.

Scarlett Johansson – she coulda dressed it up a little, I wasn’t crazy about the messy bed-head do or high collar lace dress that did little for her va-va-voom figure. Loved her makeup though!

From the world’s biggest runway,
K.

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Category: Fashion

Golden Globes 2011

I love award shows, it’s my guilty pleasure to sit and watch the parade of fashions and, as a regular movie-goer, cheer on my favorites.

I’ve been lucky enough to have been to a few shows. As an entertainment reporter for the Los Angeles Times a few years back, I’ve worked several red carpets and backstage press rooms and while it’s not as glamorous as it seems (spending hours in the hot sun waiting for the stars to arrive) it is always fun to meet those you admire, see what they look like up close, and get as dressed up as they do –  by now you know I love to strap on a good pair of heels!

It is however, much nicer to watch at home, without being jostled by fellow journalists and paparazzi, and I simply must chime in on my favorites for this year’s Golden Globes…

While I did like the Social Network very much, I’m hoping the King’s Speech takes the Oscar because I enjoyed it more and I really thought Geoffrey Rush should’ve taken best supporting role – he is great in everything he does. On Natalie Portman for Black Swan, yes, she displayed good acting, being a convincing ballerina isn’t easy. But I wasn’t wild about the film, it just wasn’t a likeable character. I was really happy to see Glee win, I’ve become a big fan of that show for its clever wit and honest writing – best acceptance speech of the night definitely goes to Chris Colfer!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qDf1b1CLJo]

But enough about that – My picks for best dressed:

Catherine Zita Jones – always elegant, she looked like queen of the ball in a emerald brocade gown and the best accessory of the night, hubby Michael Douglas in remission.

Scarlett Johanssonher upswept whoosh of a hairdo with diamond-encrusted clips was a stunning and dramatic top for a delicate peachy, vintage-inspired gown.

Olivia Wilde – this sparkly number was an eye-catcher and perfect fit. I loved that it was chocolate brown, the warm color really made it pop.

January Jones – I like that she takes risks, especially this bright red, cut-out stunner, a far cry from her prime ‘50s housewife character, Betty Draper.

Milla Jovovich – striking in an icy silver mermaid gown, understated makeup, and side swept locks.

Worst dressed:

Helena Bonham Carter – no surprise here. As a former goth girl, I usually love her quirky, dark style but this was just the look of a mad woman!

Sandra Bullock loved her new shaggy rocker hairdo but it was too heavy atop a pale, sparkly gown.

Christina Aguilerais it me or she is bigger than usual? This fitted lacy number doesn’t help, making her look stuffed-in and bloated.

Another one for the fashion files,
K.

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