Tag: bars in Los Angeles

It’s Raining Cocktails at Melrose Umbrella Co.

Who says it never rains in Southern California? At Melrose Umbrella Co. in West Hollywood, you can always get a good downpour of drink.

With warm lighting that glows like candlelit shadows, textured walls, exposed brick, rustic wood accents, and a homey white picket fence around the outside, the bar gives the feeling of a historic venue. It all makes sense considering the actual building went up around that time. Along the walls, 13 upside-down umbrellas are hung, a tribute to the 13 dry years of prohibition and its demise with the promise of “Many Wet Days To Come.” The bar’s logo is a silhouette of co-owner James Melrose’s grandfather, known as the Grand Old Man and the mayor of York, who regularly carried an umbrella instead of using a cane.

Melrose Umbrella Co., Los Angeles

Paying homage to the post-prohibition era and the celebration of the cocktail, Melrose Umbrella Co. offers a wide selection of craft cocktails and small bites to eat. The music is played for ambiance, not overbearing, so it’s great for conversation. The venue also offers coffee service, pastries, and sandwiches in the daytime hours. There is Wi-Fi if you want to just move in for the day – hey, my office doesn’t look this good!

Melrose Umbrella Co., Los Angeles

What I Wore

On a warm summer evening, nothing beats grabbing a refreshing cocktail in a floral vintage dress. I picked up this beauty on the East Coast and paired it with a vintage basket-weave handbag and gold mule heels. This outfit can take me day to night – just like the Melrose Umbrella Co.!

OOTD Vintage Summer Dress

What to Wear

Get out your summer florals before it’s too late with this bright splash of colorful petals on a white vintage reproduction swing dress. Pair it with a royal blue handbag and easy gold heels for an outfit that embodies the free spirit of the season! Click the links to shop* this look!

Vintage Style Summer Dress Outfit

Melrose Umbrella Co. is located at 7465 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036

When it rains, it pours,

Kastle

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Getting Historic at The Edmon Bar

One thing vintage enthusiasts share is a love for the aesthetics of eras past in architecture, design and fashion. We love the quality, the attention to detail, the textures and elegant sensibilities that we just don’t see in buildings or clothing style anymore. With such a disposable culture all around us, it’s nice to find a few places that still appreciate old world charm. One of those places is the recently opened Edmon Bar.

Located inside the Hollywood Historic Hotel, built in 1927 by architect S. Charles Lee, the Edmon invites those who long for an atmosphere of sophistication.  The hotel itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is worth a peek inside the red lobby. Definitely take a selfie in front of the stunning, ornate red and gold double door entry. The Edmon is the adjacent bar that was lovingly brought back to life, fully embracing its historic past but modern enough for today’s trendy crowds and studio folks who work just down the street.

Hollywood Historic Hotel
Hollywood Historic Hotel

I went with a pack of my vintage-loving gal pals who have been curious about the Edmon since we heard rumors of it bringing back the original Art Deco style of the building. As soon as we entered from the awe-inspiring elaborate iron door, we knew we stepped foot in heaven. From the elegant lighting of gorgeous chandeliers and sconces to the massive bar with vintage fixtures to the details design on the columns, we were wrapped in the elegance of a bygone era.

The Edmon Bar and Restaurant

The Edmon Bar and Restaurant

The wait staff was friendly and accommodating. While they have a generous list of signature cocktails, the bartender was happy to whip up a special drink for me when I mentioned I had a craving for something creamy and festive.

Classic jazz music played in the background at a volume suitable for conversation (thank goodness they didn’t spoil the setting with techno!)

The place is perfect for a romantic dinner date or a stop in for a classy drinking experience. The night we went, it was crowded but still comfortable to hang at the bar, where they will also serve your meal if can’t pull yourself away from the illuminated view of the wall of alcohol. You can also watch the bartender climb a ladder to reach for a special libation.

The Edmon Bar and Restaurant

The Edmon Bar and Restaurant

Vintage Girl Squad Drinks at the Edmon
With my girl squad

What I Wore

Out for dress-up night with the girls, meant pulling out something special. I went with creamy winter white in a brocade swing dress with belted waistline. Gold heels and a vintage gold handbag with rhinestone detail played off the golden shimmer of the brocade in my dress. A vintage red velvet wrap with tassel trim and gold silk lining completed the look.

OOTD Vintage glamour at the Edmon

What to Wear

With Valentine’s day coming up, I highly recommend the Edmon for a romantic dinner. While I normally don’t advise going too matchy with your outfit and accessories, it’s the one night you can truly be the lady in red and look just right. A red, off-shoulder, wiggle dress with fishtail hemline is the perfect sexy look. A heart-shaped purse is a playful touch while red and black, lace-trim heels add just the right touch of romance.

 

The Edmon is located at 5168 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Think love,
Kastle

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Celebrating the Holidays in Style at the Biltmore Gallery Bar

Just walking through the doors takes your breath away. The majestic columns, the frescos on the ceilings, the ornate chandeliers, the exquisite details dripping in gilded gold embrace you in elegance as you enter the Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles.

This historic downtown hotel is always a feast for the eyes and one of my favorite places to visit. Built in 1923, the hotel offers a variety of features from ballrooms to the spectacular Rendezvous Court (which hosts afternoon teas I previously wrote about, see here.) The Biltmore’s beauty has served as a backdrop for multiple movies and television shows.
Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles.

I stopped in for cocktails at the gorgeous Gallery Bar recently. The golden grace of this bar is something to behold. A long granite bar flanked by golden angels serves up a sophisticated cocktail list to hotel guests and local residents to come and be steeped in Hollywood history and glamor. You can also order light fare to nosh on in secluded leather banquettes, or lounge in the adjacent to the Cognac Room with its comfortable couch seating area.

Biltmore Gallery Bar

It’s a perfect place to put on your best vintage and celebrate the holidays. During the month of December, the hotel is all decked out in Christmas trees, garland and sparkles. The lobby itself is a winter wonderland of Christmas trees and a golden throne surrounded by nutcrackers for that perfect holiday selfie.

I sipped on a delicious Mango-Cucumber Cosmopolitan as I watched several scenes of people enter the bar, including a birthday party, a formal wedding party and an entire flight crew in full uniform taking photos under the giant Christmas trees.

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles.

Don’t miss an opportunity to go there for your next special occasion and take in the atmosphere, a good cocktail and people watching!

What I Wore

The evening called for some Christmas color so my green vintage, estate-sale find was the perfect dress. I love the light, flowing fabric of this 1930’s era frock with padded shoulders and art deco-style accent on the front pockets. I paired it with some texture via leopard faux fur purse and my trusty Mary Jane heels.

vintage holiday OOTD

What to Wear

Celebrate the holidays in style with an outfit that brings back the elegance of bygone eras. This navy wiggle dress is chic and svelte with a 1940’s silhouette and dramatic (removable) snowy white faux fur collar. It’s perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations or those office holiday parties – you’ll be the one who brings the glamor! Plus it’s versatile enough to wear anytime. Pair it with white heels with mesh side panels topped with beaded floral and rhinestone detail. Hold your essentials in a beaded, shell-shaped evening bag. Click the links to shop* this look.

vintage holiday OOTD

The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is located at 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071

 

Photo of the Gallery Bar courtesy of The Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles.

Here’s to holiday cheer!
Kastle

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Rocking Out at Loaded In Hollywood

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZD“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.

Loaded Hollywood

Loaded Hollywood

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.

rocker chic look

 

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!

rocker chic look

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

Start me up,
Kastle

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Lady in Red at Casa Vega

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDIn 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

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.

Casa Vega

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.

OOTD red dress look

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!

red dress look

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

Adios!
Kastle

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Cocktails, Evening Looks and City Lights

k150_28

Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDPerched 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.

Crystal View Lounge, Burbank Holiday Inn

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.

Crystal View Lounge, Burbank Holiday Inn

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.

Crystal View Lounge, Burbank Holiday Inn

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.

Evening Look

vintage Earrings

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!

Evening Look for Cocktails

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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Circus Style at the California Institute of AbnormalArts

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDStep right up folks, you’ll see things beyond your imagination! On a quiet little strip of Burbank Boulevard in North Hollywood is a nightclub where the atmosphere is just as entertaining as the acts on its stage. California Institute of AbnormalArts (C.I.A.) is where the circus comes to town every night.

Califorina Institute of AbnormalArts

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

Carl Crew Kastle Waserman Califorina Institute of AbnormalArts

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

Gene Loves Jezebel Michael Aston

 

cia sword swallower

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

What I Wore

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

OOTD Retro Look

OOTD Retro Look

 

Let Your Freak Flag Fly Circus Style

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

Circus Theme Retro Look

 

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

It’s the greatest show on earth,
Kastle

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Retro Glam Style at General Lee’s

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDLooking like one of those bars you have to be in-the-know about, General Lee’s is subtly tucked into Chinatown Plaza, with a tiny neon sign above the doorway. Enter and you’ll find two floors to explore. Tiki-style palm frond upholstery jazzes up the conversation-inducing seating arrangements as part of the Asian-influenced interior design by William Edwards. Expert mixologists behind the venue’s two bars will keep you enticed with creative libations crafted with clever ingredients.

General Lee Bar

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

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

What I Wore

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

ootd retro glam style

retro glam style accessories

Dressing Retro Glam

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

Retro Glam Style

 

Now go out and be glamorous!

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

Style on,
Kastle

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Swing Dress Style to Heart Clifton’s Cafeteria

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDWe waited for it. Word spread throughout Los Angeles a few years ago that Clifton’s Cafeteria would be undergoing a massive renovation and reopening.  Finally, in the fall of last year, Clifton’s double doors ushered in a new era – and it did not disappoint! With it’s all encompassing design full of intrigue and whimsy, it’s a place to be whether you are out for a casual meal or fancy cocktails. It quickly became the largest jewel in the crown of a revitalization-in-progress in Downtown LA’s Historic Core.

Clifton's Los Angeles

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

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

Clifton's Los Angeles

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

What I Wore

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

OOTD valentine swing dress style

 

How to Have Swing Dress Style

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

 

swing dress style

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

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

We heart you Clifton’s!
Kastle

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Senorita Style at Viva Cantina

k150_28Stiletto_City_heel_iconSZDAlong a tree-lined boulevard in Burbank, CA, you can find homes that have horses in their backyards instead of dogs. It’s a neighborhood of equestrians and a perfect spot for a honky-tonk style watering hole that serves up some classic Mexican grub and cocktails. Viva Cantina has long been a hangout for locals and music lovers and it just felt right to put on a little Senorita style to go check out some music.

Viva Cantina Burbank

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

Gary Myrick

What I Wore

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

ootd senorita style

 

Style Your Night

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

Senorita Style

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

Cha, cha cha,
Kastle

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