California Dreamin'

Pinch me.. I think I'm dreamin'

The next time I went to Los Angeles, I had a photoshoot with a guy I met at the Playboy Mansion. As previously explained, networking is super important for future careers and opportunities! It's not about what you know anymore, it's who you know! I have kept in touch with this guy since we met and he has always been keen on helping with connecting me to other photographers and people who work in the sports industry. Finally, I was ready to go back to LA and had to prepare myself to travel alone to meet someone I've only met once. How do I trust him? How do I know he's not just a creep? Well, throughout the years, he has hooked me up with other people and always stayed true to his word. I can't remember a time where he ever lied to me. So, why the heck not?!

He flew me out and set up a room for me at the Marriott Residence in Los Angeles. The first day I got there, we hung out at Laguna Beach and everything seemed fine. The next day, he picked me up at my hotel and went to Rodeo Drive to do a photoshoot for his company. I had my very own paparazzi following me around Rodeo Drive. I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, when she was so excited to be walking down Rodeo Dr. Except, I didn't want to be there anymore and once I started slacking on the shoot, funny enough, someone had messaged me on Instagram asking if I was in the area. I guess he saw my story and figured I was in the city.. I had no idea who this man was but I was desperate. I told the photographer I had to go meet a friend down in Santa Barbara and he offered to drive me. He came inside for a drink at the bar and I had told the new guy to act like we've known eachother for awhile! It was the funniest dinner ever! He was with his friend.. and I was with my photographer, pretending like we met back in Toronto. I used him as an escape and made plans to hang with him for the rest of the week. I needed to get myself out of that situation! Luckily, he was just as crazy to go along with my story before knowing why I was even doing this. I was shocked to see that he didn't think I was psycho!

Anywho, I kept the photographer close though because we had a meeting with the LA Clippers' management team at their training facility a few days later, which was right across from my hotel. I couldn't mess that up! So, I had to put my professional act on and explain why I couldn't go forward with anymore photoshoots. Either way, he was understanding and I was super stoked to go to the meeting! We were walking to the office and the players would walk right by either smiling or saying, "what's up?!" to us. After meeting a few of the other employees, we finally got to the operations office upstairs which had a window looking over the gym, where the guys were practicing. There I was, talking to some of the managers, watching the team practice, trying to stay focused and not show too much excitement! By the end of it, he offered me an internship and a chance to volunteer for All-Star Weekend, since it was being held in LA this past season. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a student visa or a work visa and therefore, couldn't take the opportunity. A little bummed for sure but I took it as a blessing. The NBA will always be there so maybe one day I'll end up working for them when I'm ready to stay put. But for now, I'm going to keep traveling and not settle in a place where I'm not meant to be.

How did I prep for this trip back to Cali? Here's a list of my must haves!

Must Haves Tips and Tricks:

Sexy Casual Outfits for meetings and unexpected parties/outings

- Dark Jeans/Pants - you can dress up or dress down

- Jean Shorts - Daytime parties/beach/bars

- Mini Skirt - Night parties/meetings/multi-purpose (you can pretty much wear a mini skirt anywhere, dress it up with heels, dress it down with kicks/sandals)

- Black vest/scarf - use it to dress up an outfit or to keep warm at night

- 2 pairs of stilettos - neutral colours (black and white) - parties/meetings/photoshoot

- Black snap back hat

- Pair of neutral coloured Chucks - I chose white because it went with every outfit

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

Photoshoot

- Dressy Black shorts - can also use for parties

- Knee High Boots

- Green Vest

- Fall Hat

- Summer dresses

- White Tee

- Light Jeans

- Chic tops - Bikini - can also use at the pool or beach

Again, depends on what type of shoot you are doing, most will provide the outfits. They will also do your make-up on set so all you have to bring are plain, casual clothes!

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/Wand

- Hair Brush

- Hairspray non-aerosol

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

- Sweatpants/Tights - Plane ride/lounging

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

- Thongs/panties

- 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

- A few hand bags - Vintage Chanel for fancier occasions

- Louis Vuitton Clutch

- Zac Posen side bag

With a trip like this, I brought along many valuables. No matter where I go, I put all of my important things into my carry on. This includes: bags, laptop, and sunnies (sometimes shoes)! And you're all set for a fun week in West California!

Remember: Things Happen For A Reason

Take it and embrace it! Whatever happens, turn it into positives instead of dwelling on the situation. Expect the unexpected and ALWAYS walk like there's two guys behind you!

Until next time my loves..

Always,

Me

xo