Category: Where to Go

Rocking Out at Loaded In Hollywood

Posted on October 17, 2016December 29, 2016 by stilettocity

“I know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll, but I like it.” Truer words were never spoken. And this song by the Rolling Stones is fitting for a little bar on Hollywood Boulevard called Loaded. An ode to rockers everywhere, this bar has it down when it comes to underground cool. With a dark and decadent vibe, a killer jukebox, and fantastic photo murals of rock idols including Keith Richards, Sid Vicious, and Johnny Thunders in their glory days, plus iconic moments in rock history such as the police storming a Ramones/Black Flag concert. There’s even a wall of concert-style amplifiers that read “Loaded” with a sneaky door where the kitchen delivers orders to the bar.

Speaking of sneaky doors, along a wall of sticker-covered metal lockers is another secret passageway to a room used for live music. On the night I attended, there was a special show by Boots Electric, featuring members of Eagles of Death Metal. But the stage setup is far from ideal. The booths and bar create a narrow standing area, and the stage is level to the floor making it hard to see the band, especially a band that packs a room like this one did.

On most nights, the bar is laid back and a great place to grab a drink and meal. It especially comes in handy for late night bites with the kitchen staying open until 1 a.m., a rarity in Los Angeles.

It’s the perfect place for your rock ‘n’ roll fix.

What I Wore

Dressing rocker style to me always means taking a cue from my rock star idols. Fitted clothing always looks tough, so tight crop pants in sharp red do the trick. I’ve seen many a musician wear pinstripes and vests, so I had to grab this one off eBay and pull it on over a black tank top. Some medium-height heels add a little flirt appeal. I added some artsy, statement earrings and a vintage handbag.

What to Wear

Embrace your rocker self with some ‘70s glam. Think of the character Penny Lane in the film “Almost Famous” (one of my all-time favorite flicks!) to get an authentic rock-lover look. Top some distressed and always chic skinny jeans with a vintage-style concert T-shirt. Red, lace-up, chunky boots with rose accents will have you stepping out in style. Stay warm while looking cool in a corduroy, burgundy, duster coat with a glam faux fur color. You might just be asked to join a band! Click the links to shop* this look!

Loaded is located at 6377 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Start me up,
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Loaded Hollywood

Category: Where to Go

Where to Cap a Night on the Town with a Sweet Treat

Posted on September 21, 2016October 20, 2016 by stilettocity

Going out for ice cream is officially a thing in Los Angeles. Unique ice cream shops can be seen with lines around the block for sweet, creamy treats. And when the hot summer weather here runs into late October, any time is ice cream time!

One ice cream shop that notoriously has lines out front is MILK on Beverly Boulevard (there’s also one in Silver Lake). I stopped by to try one of their most beloved products – the ice cream sandwich with macaroon cookies.

We got lucky going after dinner one night and happened to catch a brief moment when there wasn’t a line. Of course, as we approached the counter, we turned around and there was a line out the door! What timing! Mind you, the place is pretty tiny, with sparse décor and just enough room for the ice cream counter, a counter of baked treats and a couple of small tables and chairs. But hey, ice cream is meant to be enjoyed outside, right?

There are several ice cream sandwich flavors to choose from, While the Fruity Pebbles one looked colorful and enticing with cereal sprinkles, I opted for Red Velvet. Oh my, was it good. The macaroons were soft enough to bite into and half of it is iced so the ice cream doesn’t melt out while you hold it. Believe me, it’s BIG, so you’re going to be working on it a while!

If you don’t mind standing in line for a good thing, MILK is the place to go for an occasional diet-busting sugar fix!

What I Wore

For dinner on the town, I opted for a leopard print top, simple pencil skirt and vintage, basket-weave handbag. Retro heels and a statement necklace dress up the look .

What To Wear

Put yourself in an ice cream mood with cool separates that can take you around town for food and fun. A light T-shirt with a triple scoop of ice cream will let people know what you’re about. And if that’s not enough, how about some ice cream cone-style heels with pearl sprinkles! Grab a girly pink moto jacket to keep you warm as the night air gets cooler in the fall – and to help with any ice cream chills! Dress it all up with a modern statement necklace. Click the links to shop* this look.

Milk is located at 7290 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

I s’cream, you s’cream,
Kastle

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Category: Where to Go

Cocktail Attire at Saint Felix

Posted on September 7, 2016September 8, 2016 by stilettocity

There’s no shortage of cool bars in Los Angeles. One area, in particular, has become quite the cocktail corridor. Along Cahuenga Boulevard between Selma Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, you can literally go door-to-door and hit a good handful of bars with unique décor and great people watching.

One standout is Saint Felix. I went there recently for an entertainment industry mixer and they had the back bar reserved, which was a great spot with a long bar, cheerful mixologist bartender, and a back patio. I had a raspberry mojito, served in a big old mason jar glass and it was AMAZING.

What I loved about this place was the décor and how big it felt compared to how it looks from the street. The main room is surprisingly spacious with a bar, tables and chairs, and cozy round booths tucked deep into the walls for those who want a little privacy. The purple lighting, dramatic antique chandeliers, and textured brocade walls make the place feel well-styled and elegant.

There’s a full menu, great happy hour specials, and you just can’t beat the Hollywood location (there is also one in West Hollywood). You can grab dinner before catching a show at the Hotel Café across the street or put it on your must-do list for Cahuenga bar crawling.

What I Wore

Squeezing out my last bits of summer style, I opted for a bright yellow sundress and black shrug sweater, along with a vintage leopard print purse and gold mule heels. I put my hair up in a full pinup updo, with a hair flower for a sweet touch. It was a good transition outfit for our very subtle change of seasons we get in SoCal where the days are still hot but the evenings give just a tease of fall by being a tad cooler.

What to Wear

For bar hopping in Hollywood, you can’t go wrong with a flirty, leopard-print dress with a bit of swing and old school glamour. Pair it with some glittery gold heels that will have your back if you decide to bust out some dance moves. Be ready for a nighttime temperature drop with a shrug that keeps your arms warm while still letting you show off the dress. Carry your keys, cash, and lipstick in this cool kitty shoulder bag that gives a wink to the theme. Click the links to shop* this look!

Saint Felix is located at 1602 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

See you at the bar,
Kastle

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Category: Where to Go

Hot Summer Style at the Grand Central Market

Posted on August 7, 2016September 5, 2016 by stilettocity

People bustle through packed aisle ways, bright neon lights beckon, and the smells of spices, meats, and coffee beans tempt your taste buds. A stroll through downtown LA’S Grand Central Market is not only a cornucopia of new taste sensations but a window into the history of the City of Angels.

Grand Central Market opened in 1917 on the ground floor of the Homer Laughlin Building in what is now considered the historic core of downtown. It was a place for local residents in the Victorian mansions on the hill to go for their groceries in the open air arcade. The market runs through the entire floor and has entrances on both Broadway and Hill Street.

When I worked as an editor at the LA Times a few years ago, I often had my lunch in the market, or just passed through it for some eye candy on my way to the charming (now closed) Angel’s Flight Railway to catch a lift to the California Plaza.

Back then the Market had an international feel with an abundance of exotic foods and the ingredients to prepare them. Small business delis, butchers and produce vendors also made up the Market. Today it feels a little more gentrified with trendy stalls such as Press Brothers Juicery, G&B Coffee and EggSlut, which has a perpetual line wrapped around it. But it’s no less interesting with the variety of choices and plenty of people watching.

The grounds also hold events such as movie screenings, live music, book readings, cultural lectures, even drag queen bingo nights!

Just as Los Angeles changes with the ebb and flow of the economy and people coming and going, so does Grand Central Market. Whatever you fancy from Asian fare to German sausage, to just some fresh fruit or a cup of joe can be found here. The Grand Central Market is an LA institution not to be missed for a slice of authentic city history.

What I Wore

During the hot summer months in Southern California, the air feels like a hair dryer and it’s hard to keep your cool. A breezy, light, sundress is the only way to go such as this salmon spaghetti strap number that’s one of my faves. I pulled my hair back with a retro inspired, martini-print scarf and added some vintage coral-colored earrings and cuff bracelet featuring iconic movie starlets.

What to Wear: Hot Summer Style

When the weather heats up, stay on the bright side with pastel striped, full skirt, sundress. A cheery yellow head scarf keeps hair pulled back on sticky days, pink heeled sandals adds a touch of sweetness while a cuff bracelet grounds the look with a bit of boldness. Click the links to shop* this look.

Grand Central Market is located at 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Hot, hot, hot,
Kastle

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Tags: Grand Central Market, Kastle Waserman, Stiletto City, summer style

Category: Where to Go

Lady in Red at Casa Vega

Posted on July 31, 2016August 7, 2016 by stilettocity

In the dim lighting that picks up the rosy hue of red leather booths, red tablecloths, and brick walls, everyone looks a little bit more attractive as they sit down for some traditional Mexican fare at Casa Vega. It also provides a discreetly private atmosphere for the many celebrities who frequent this restaurant that has been serving the stars and the locals since 1956. Arched doorways of traditional Spanish architecture usher you into rooms lined with Mexican paintings and tables overflowing with sizzling plates of food. The bar near the front is bustling serving a large variety of jumbo-sized signature drinks, which goes down great with hearty serving of hand-chopped guacamole and chips or a full-on plate of enchiladas.

Casa Vega has been a family-run fixture on the corner of movie studio adjacent Sherman Oaks, which might be why one of their first customers was actress Jane Fonda. George Clooney was known to bring his dates there, and celebrities continue to stream into the relaxed supper club setting. It was also the perfect place to meet a gal pal for cocktails and girl talk like I did the other night.

What I Wore

When I think of Casa Vega, I always think of the red glow of the interior and the restaurant’s logo, so a red vintage dress was in order for the night. This sharkskin dress is one of my favorites because of the deep red hue streaked with black, and the sheen of the fabric. I always like to give it a touch of rock ‘n’ roll with a studded black leather belt, a gun metal silver vintage reproduction purse, and some spiky stilettos. I let my hair go wild after a dose of steam rollers, and did a simple sideswept pinup do.

What To Wear

Be the lady in red with this charming, short sleeve, wiggle dress paired with a matching red handbag and deceptively sexy white mary jane stilettos. Click the links to shop* this look!

Casa Vega is located at 13301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Adios!
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Kastle Waserman, restaurants in Los Angeles, Stiletto City

Category: Where to Go

Summer Looks on the Pier with the Psychedelic Furs

Posted on July 23, 2016September 5, 2016 by stilettocity

Summertime 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.

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.)

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.

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.

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!

The 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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Tags: concerts, Kastle Waserman, Los Angeles Attractions, Psychedelic Furs, Stiletto City

Category: Where to Go

Cocktails, Evening Looks and City Lights

Posted on July 10, 2016August 7, 2016 by stilettocity

Perched high above downtown Burbank, the city lights look full of promise and adventure, capturing a city in motion. Cars whiz past on the freeway, leaving red trails of light like so many veins through the cityscape. The Crystal View Lounge in Burbank’s Holiday Inn hotel seems to be a best-kept secret limited to hotel guests and perhaps some locals looking for an escape from the fast pace of the big, ol’ LA. It’s the perfect place to put on a vintage-inspired evening look and go enjoy a cocktail and some good conversation with an old friend.

Seemingly lost in time, the place looks a little untouched since the golden era of hotel lounges in the 1970’s. A grand piano sits unoccupied in the corner. There’s empty space near the entryway that looks like a missed opportunity for a crooner to take the stage or a disco ball to be hoisted for dancing. But actually, it’s pretty perfect as it is, as a place to come for a drink with friends, a business associate or a romantic date. The music is played at low volume for easy conversation, and the bartender is friendly and makes sure you are taken care of.

It’s not exactly a spot for people watching as the only patrons on the night we went were a couple of hotel guests looking for something to do on a quiet night. The Crystal View Lounge is more about escaping the crowds, than creating them. It’s a little hideaway with magnificent floor-to-ceiling panoramic views that remind you that you’re never too far from the action.

On a side note, when we left at closing time, I stopped in the ladies room and though it was empty, I swear I felt the presence of a ghost standing behind me at the sink! It got me a little spooked, so I asked the bartender if there had ever been any sightings. He said, “Um, yes, there have been a couple.” Wow! An extra bonus to look for when you go there!

What I Wore

Cocktail time is the perfect time for vintage separates. I paired a fun, ‘60s floral top — that I usually wear more casually with capri pants — with a pencil skirt to dress it up. It also gave me a chance to show off some of my happily acquired matching blue accessories including my vintage straw-weave handbag, new button clip-on earrings and vintage reproduction shoes.

What to Wear: Evening Look for Cocktails

Going out for cocktails at a local bar usually falls somewhere between casual and dressy. A good evening look for cocktail hour look can run more conservative if it’s with coworkers, to sultry if it’s with a date, to just cute and trendy if with friends. This look should work for a friends’ night out. Pair a casual, vintage-inspired, floral-print top with a sweet Peter Pan collar detail, with a swooshy, fishtail pencil skirt. Add a little sex appeal with some strappy, stiletto, red sandals. Going matchy-watchy with your colors makes the look more fun, so don’t hesitate to go with all red accessories such as this red, long-strap purse and find some matching vintage earrings by just searching for the color and style you want on eBay. These fun, shell-shaped, Bakelite clips-on’s complement the pattern and colors in the blouse perfectly. Click the links to shop* this look!

The Crystal View Lounge is located on the top floor of the Holiday Inn Burbank, 150 E. Angeleno Ave, 18th Fl, Downtown Burbank, CA 91502

Living for big city lights,
Kastle

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Tags: bars in Los Angeles, Crystal View Lounge, Kastle Waserman

Category: Where to Go

A Casual Look for Serious Flower Shopping

Posted on July 1, 2016August 7, 2016 by stilettocity

Flowers, flowers, everywhere. That’s what it’s like to visit the LA Flower Mart in Downtown LA, where you can get wholesale flowers by the bulk for yourself, an event, or even just a bouquet for a special someone. It’s there perfect place to don a casual look and shop for all the pretties. You’ll wonder why you ever paid the excessive prices to go to a florist!

I had a special event I needed flower centerpieces for. After a florist had quoted me hundreds of dollars, I decided to do them myself. I used Pinterest to narrow down the look I wanted a – boho wildflower look. I watched a few YouTube videos to learn some basics of flower arranging and what type of flowers you need.

TIP: First, pick a color palette of two to four colors. I went with jewel tones of yellow, purple, pink and orange – then look for one or two large focal flowers, some textured flowers, and some filler greens.

LA Flower Mart - Boho Wildflower Centerpiece — *Photo by Giorgio Litt Photography*

Since I’d never been to the Flower Mart before, a friend took me for an introductory orientation. I brought some print-outs of the Pinterest photos with arrangements I liked and looked for similar buds.

The LA Flower Mart is a lively place, full of vendors carrying every type of flower imaginable, just keep in mind everything is seasonal, and the inventory can change on a weekly basis. So it’s best to go as close to the event date as possible to see what’s fresh. You can preorder flowers with certain vendors and pick them up the day of the event, but I found that to be an unnecessary step. Instead, I just found a couple of vendors that had the majority of what I wanted and wrote down their names and locations. I also scoped out where to buy buckets to load up my purchases and rent a trolley to cart them around the market and to the car. Be sure to plan your visit for early in the morning to get the best picks and most vendors close up shop around noon.

Since my event was on a Sunday when the market is closed, my plan was to return the day before and keep the flowers overnight in a cool place, then mke the arrangements at the venue before the event. As for vases, you can get some at the craft supply stores across the street. I got mine at the Dollar Tree, for you guessed, one dollar each! They worked perfectly – three tall, thin vases in my color palette colors on each table made for a full centerpiece.

I spent about 150 dollars on flowers and 25 dollars on vases to make eight large centerpieces, which is big savings compared to hiring a florist. And it was fun picking out all the flowers. Some friends helped me put the centerpieces together, and I could not have been happier with how they turned out.

What I Wore

For a day at the Flower Mart, wear a casual look that you don’t mind getting a little wet or dirty. You’re going to be pulling big bundles of flowers out of buckets of water and carrying your load to your car wrapped in newspaper, which can unleash its ink on your clothes. I opted for some festive red and white polka dot skinny jeans, a graphic t-shirt and flat shoes so I could do lots of walking to scout out my flowers.

What to Wear: Casual Look

Just because you’re going casual, doesn’t mean sloppy. You can still make it cool and chic. A pair of floral-print skinny jeans will you put in a flower-shopping mood. Rock it up with a classic rock band t-shirt like this one with The Who. I always like to add a pretty statement necklace to dress up a casual look, and this one with flowers will continue the theme of your mission. Throw on some stylish flats with a pop of soft blue and you’re good to go! Click the links to shop* this look!

The LA Flower Market is located at 754 Wall St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Here’s to flower power,
Kastle

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Tags: Casual Look, Kastle Waserman, LA Flower Mart

Category: Where to Go

Vintage Shopping at Paper Moon Vintage

Posted on June 22, 2016July 13, 2016 by stilettocity

Vintage clothes have been a trend for so long they are clearly here to stay. There are those who wear them occasionally for an eclectic touch and those who consider vintage wear a lifestyle. No matter how you craft your look, good vintage shopping means going to a store that understands how to curate quality inventory and assist its customers in finding just the right piece. One store that’s a must for vintage lovers in Los Angeles is Paper Moon Vintage. Founded by vintage lifestylist Nicole Loretta, you can expect to find retro garb for women and men that’s been lovingly selected and in good shape from eras specifically within the 1900s-1950s

Just wander the many racks filled with gorgeous fabrics, amazing cuts and you’ll see how Loretta’s eye for unique and beautiful pieces has put together a store that’s a pleasure to shop in. Loretta has been a longtime fixture on LA vintage scene and can always be seen in a fabulous outfit herself. She’s also known as a photographer, capturing event photos of patrons on her handmade moon props everywhere from the Cicada Club to private weddings with her Paper Moon Vintage photo booth business.

Nicole Loretta and Nathan Marsak Paper Moon Vintage Los Angeles — Nicole Loretta and Nathan Marsak Paper Moon Vintage LA

In keeping with the moon theme, Paper Moon Vintage also hosts full moon parties every month on the full moon (obviously!) They offer 25% off everything in the store and stay open until 9 p.m. with cocktails and snacks starting at 6 p.m. You can also have your photo taken on the custom-made moon backdrops by Nicole. Don’t miss out on the fun – and deals! Follow their Facebook page for event announcements.

What I Wore

For a recent full moon party, I went noir-themed in a black vintage dress with pops of gold in my purse and shell shaped necklace with drop-bead, paired with leopard-print Mary Jane heels. And as always, you’ll find me in the shoe section!

What to Wear for A Shopping Day

When vintage shopping, you’ll want to express your vintage loving style. It makes it easy for the store owners to get a read on what you might like and can make recommendations. Also, keep in mind items that are easy to take on and off so you can try things on.

BONUS TIP: I personally hate side zips on vintage tops and dresses because I have to pull them over my head risking getting makeup on them and wrecking my hair. One solution, however, if you find a side zip vintage item you want to try on – bring a clean t-shirt with you. Put it on over your head, so it covers your face (you can peek out through the neck or armhole to see and breathe.) This will help prevent you from getting makeup on the item you’re trying on and will usually keep your retro hairdo somewhat in place.

This cute pink, 1950s-style, peasant top has an elastic neckline (no buttons or zips to mess with!) Match it with a breezy flared skirt (you could even try on pencil skirts and pants underneath without having to take it off!) Wear some shoes that are easy to kick off to try clothes on – no buckles or ties – such as these sling-back sandals with pretty gold trim that plays off the pattern in the skirt. Just slip the back strap down and they’re off! Don’t forget to bring your shopping money in a cute bag, such at this retro telephone purse. Click the links to shop* this look!

Paper Moon Vintage is located at 4516 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Happy shopping!
Kastle

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Tags: Kastle Waserman, Vintage, vintage shopping in Los Angeles

Category: Where to Go

Museum Day: Robert Mapplethorpe at LACMA

Posted on May 26, 2016August 7, 2016 by stilettocity

My fellow rockers probably know Robert Mapplethorpe through his relationship with musician/poet Patti Smith, and while that may be the musical gateway entry to this masterful photographer, it’s a worthy one. If you read Smith’s book “Just Kids” you’ll get a wonderful and moving insight into the person he was and what inspired him. During his all-too-brief career, Mapplethorpe churned out striking images, experimenting with contrasting and controversial subject matters – from a female body builder on display under beautiful lighting to the boyish Patti Smith herself showing her own toughness and vulnerability. He also photographed the rock and art movers and shakers of the New York’s late ‘60s and ’70s, including such faces as Andy Warhol, Debbie Harry, Iggy Pop, Constance and Candy Darling.

Patti Smith Robert Mapplethorpe — Patti Smith

But Mapplethorpe may best be known for his risqué images of the underground S&M scene, entrusting the community by participating in it and photographing it as he saw it, in highly stylized black and white.

There is also Mapplethorpe’s softer side, those of flowers and their beautiful colorful lines. With everything he did, he strove for perfection, and in art, that is something hard to achieve. While we may never know if he felt he got there, in the stunning self portraits, he looks pretty perfect to us. Mapplethorpe died of AIDS in 1989 but his work is clearly not forgotten and is currently on display in a double exhibit at The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and at the Getty.

I went to LACMA on a Saturday afternoon to check it out. The museum came to Wilshire Boulevard in 1965. Now some 50 years later, the grounds have expanded across over 20 acres in the heart of Los Angeles with several buildings featuring art exhibits as well as films and special events in the 600-seat Bing Theater. The open walkways and green space between the buildings are dotted with sculptural displays to wander through, including “Levitated Mass,” a large scale sculpture by Michael Heizer consisting of a 340 ton boulder affixed above a concrete trench pathway. The piece was a real “rock star” when it was transported through the streets of Los Angeles to the museum in 2012. Also on the grounds is the iconic Urban Light exhibit by Chris Burdan, consisting of 202 restored cast iron antique street lamps that create the ultimate photo op.

What I Wore

On this perfect California spring day, I brought out some vintage florals that went nicely with Mapplethorpe’s quest for the perfect petal moment. I paired the 1960s top with a pair of pink, lobe climbing, pink leaf vintage earrings, a pair of capri pants, Mary Jane heels and bright pink vintage-reproduction handbag. I just couldn’t resist the opportunity to pose with the Urban Lights.

What To Wear

A day at the museum is a perfect opportunity to show some casual style. Take a cue from Mapplethorpe’s love of juxtaposition by pairing a floral blazer with some tough, zip accented skinny jeans, a fitted white t-shirt and naughty but sweet bow-tie leatherette choker necklace. Click the links to shop* this look.

LACMA is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

The Robert Mapplethorpe exhibit runs through July 31.

Picture perfect,
Kastle

Photos of Patti Smith, Brian Ridley and Lyle Heeter, Poppy and Robert Mapplethorpe courtesy of LACMA.

Photos edited with PicMonkey*. Get it!

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Tags: Kastle Waserman, Museums in Los Angeles, Robert Mapplethorpe