Meanwhile, at the Mansion..

California has always been one of my favourite places to visit. I can't even count how many times I've been there! But this time was different.. it was one of my favourite times!

Photography By Simon Lau

Years back, my brother was in Toronto visiting and wanted to go to a club where his favourite Playboy model was going to be. But listen to this... he backs out last minute!! Lol SMH. We decided to go without him anyway. As we get there, Lana Tailor, this epic playboy model at the time had a booth and was taking pictures with her fans. So, we obviously lined up to take a pic just to show my brother, he missed out! I sat down next to her and she looked at me with her devilish eyes and said, "You're beautiful!" I was in AWE! This model is telling me I'M beautiful!? HOLY COW! I left her booth and later when she was done taking pictures, I was dancing and we made eye contact. She calls me over and we end up dancing on top of the bar! After, her bestfriend asked us to join them to grab a bite and that's where this adventure started.

She told me to join Playboy Golf, the only none nude side of Playboy and of course, I said, "YES!" She also told me to move to LA and become a bunny.... but that definitely was not for me. At the end of the golf tournament, the CEO asked me to join them in the finals in LA and told me to bring my girlfriends. HELL YA! I was in the middle of my second semester in Kinesiology and I'd be missing a week of class if I went. I contemplated on not going because I definitely did not want to fall behind on my anatomy and physiology.. *rolls eyes* I figured, if I fail, I can always take it again, its only a week.. and this opportunity may never happen again. But if I do go, I won't make money for the week.. sooo how do I pay my rent? What do I tell my parents? What do I tell my boyfriend..? So many reasons why I shouldn't go.. but I realized all those things will still be there when I get back. So, WHY NOT?! Next thing you know, my girlfriend and I were en route to Beverley Hills, CA to party at the Playboy Mansion! Let me tell you, that was one of the most incredible experiences ever! Four days full of golf, parties and thousands of beautiful people! Here's some snapshots of the Flappers and Pimps Party, Lingerie Party, Tea Party, and some more Playmate fun!

While we were there, we met some pretty cool people. Some of which I still keep in touch with and have introduced me to other people who are in my field. Networking at its finest! For example, I met one of the event planners there and he set me up with a meeting with the now former athletic trainer of the Golden State Warriors. We met at the Ritz Carlton when they came to play the Toronto Raptors and we spent hours chatting about the NBA and the industry. He told me he busted his ass and sent his resume to every fax machine at the Staples Centre in LA because he wanted to work for the Clippers. Finally, one day, they called him back and eventually made his way to the Bay Area to work for Golden State. Pretty amazing if you ask me. We were the last ones at the bar and they stayed open until we left around 4am. Great conversations with amazing people are one of the best things ever!

Anyway, we were there for only a few days but all of them were jam packed! What did we have on the itinerary..? And how to prepare for a weekend at the mansion? Well, let me tell ya.. You can't really predict the weather in LA during the spring time, so, you must be prepared for any type of weather. Here is my list of must haves during this trip..

Must Haves, Tips and Tricks:

Sexy Casual Outfits for meetings and unexpected parties/outings

- Dark Jeans - you can dress up or dress down

- 2 summer dresses

- 2 chic tops

- wedges - they can go with both the dresses and/or jeans

- black blazer - to cover up in meetings - more sophisticated - weather permitting

Party Outfits! This depends on what type of parties you will be attending. But, mine will be based on the Flappers and Pimps, Tea, and Lingerie Party

- 40's flapper dress with bird's nest hat

- Black gloves and 40's themed accessories (Pearl necklace, bracelets and big earrings)

- Black Pumps - to use for every night party

- 2-3 Bikinis - Tea/Daytime Grotto Party

- Hotel Pool Party/lounging around/catchin' some sun

- Lingerie and panty hose

In other words, bring outfits suitable for each theme and occasion!!

Choose/plan outfits at home, this causes less mix and match choices, therefore, more space and less thinking during the trip.

Golf Tournament

- Running shoes - neutral colours (white or black) to match with anything

- Golf outfit (provided to us) but typically a golf skirt and collared top

- Backpack for snacks and water (also provided to us)

- SOCKS!

In this case, make sure you ask the coordinators for what is and is not provided during the trip. If you are going for a modelling gig, ask what outfits and accessories you need to bring (Must haves on modelling gig in next post!)

Essentials

- Make up: - Eyeliner

- Mascara/Eyelashes/Extensions

- Brow Pen

- Foundation (matte finish)

- Bronzer/highlight/contour palette

- Eyeshadow (only for night parties)

- Lipstick (daytime/nighttime colours)

- Make-Up Brushes

- Toiletries: - Toothbrush/toothpaste

- Shampoo/conditioner/body wash

- Razor

- Body Cream

- Hair Straightener/Curler/Wand

- Hair Brush

- Sunscreen

- Extra Clothing and Accessories: - Warm Sweater - Plane ride/lounging

- Sweatpants/Tights - Plane ride/lounging

- Strapless bra/T-shirt bra - dresses/plane ride/lounging

- Thongs

- A few training outfits (but, be real with yourself; if you KNOW you will not have time to train, only bring one outfit just incase or don't bring any at all)

- Sunnies! A couple pairs to go with the different outfits

- Only bring the jewelry that you need: Earrings, Necklace, bracelets, Rings and Watch to go with your already selected outfits

- ONE clutch that matches all outfits

And VOILA !! You are ready for a weekend at the Playboy Mansion!!

Don't forget, as much as I want you to have the time of your life at these parties, I DO NOT want you going over the edge. That means, know how to handle your liquor and professionally present yourself. Being well put together will give you more opportunities with modelling and meeting more people who will help you in your future!

Stick around to read about my photoshoot on Rodeo Drive and meeting with the LA Clippers! What got me there and why I ended it early..

Always,

Me

xo