Bobbie Thomas Interview
Bobbie Thomas is a seriously
busy gal, so getting the time to chat with her is no small thing. If she’s not covering
red carpet festivities for E! Entertainment or doing a segment for The Today
Show, the New York- based senior editor for In Touch magazine is hopping cross country
on a PR campaign for Gillette’s Venus Embrace razor or partaking in charity
events like the PGA’s Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open in
Las Vegas.
This latest red circle on the
calendar left an impression on the effervescent hip chick, who found herself in
her favorite place working alongside Timberlake’s mother, Lynn: talking to
women about women’s issues while helping them improve everyday areas of their
lives through her endless stockpile of beauty and fashion trends and tips.
But what about the other side of
the ever-widening sex divide? Sure, many women would be curious to learn about
how they can fall back in love with their old favorite clothes and update their
image while doing so, but can Thomas’s insights extend to the majority of
fashion-backward guys who prefer sweats to suits and think only of boxing when
they hear Oscar de la Renta? Let’s see:
KL: Generally speaking, what are
women looking for in a guy they are getting to know concerning his style?
BT: It’s really basic, but the
first thing guys need to do is just be clean. Dirt under the fingernails,
dandruff, hands that are cracking with dryness; all of these things can be
taken care of to make sure that your basic appearance is sound. Smell should be
obvious, but don’t put on cologne right before a date; it’s usually too much at
that point and should be put on earlier in the day. Don’t forget the other
senses, like touch. Is a girl going to want to kiss you if your lips are all
dry and cracking? I don’t think so.
KL: Ok, so the basic hygiene is
out of the way; what about fashion and style?
BT: I put it this way for men: how would you feel about a
girl you’re taking out if she shows up with a stain on her blouse or her clothes
are all wrinkled? This is basic stuff, but some guys don’t know that lint and
pet hair on your clothes gets noticed. As far as fashion goes, I think a guy’s
best option is to have one of his friend’s girlfriends help him out. A guy’s
personal fashion should be a mystery for the girl; I don’t want to play ‘dress
up’ or have to tell my man what he should wear. It’s like asking someone what
they want for their birthday and wrapping the present; I’ve never understood
that. There needs to be an element of individuality that is backed up by what
he’s wearing.
KL: What do you mean by a guy ‘backing
up’ what he’s wearing?
BT: Women love fashion because
of the possibilities it gives us with different appearances; it allows us to
experiment with our look. With guys, fashion is more intimate, in that the
outside matches the inside; for men this is more important. It’s great if you
want to wear plaid pants and an orange crush t-shirt, just make sure the look
fits, and know the kind of people you’re going to attract. There’s nothing more
uncomfortable when you’re talking to a guy with multiple piercings and tattoos
who speaks in whispers and lives with his mom. Guys need to reflect who they
are on the inside with how they appear- more so, in my opinion, than women.
KL: How can a guy decide which
look he wants to put out there if he’s unsure?
BT: Catalogs target lifestyle,
and there are thousands of clothing catalogs out there. If you’re a guy looking
to get new clothes, I suggest finding a catalog with a look you identify with
the most.
KL: Tell us dumb dudes a secret
we probably don’t know:
BT: When guys are most
attractive is when they’re at a sports bar or game: women get to see their real
personalities, without all the posturing and fakeness that goes with trying to
impress someone. Women love seeing men in their element, and sports is one way
to do that. Guys need to hang out in the shoe department to see what I’m
talking about! Also, remember that when you’re out with your friends, be
engaged with the group you’re with. Other people will find that attractive and
want to come meet you. It’s a turnoff when guys are hanging out with each
other, not talking to one another but just checking out girls.
KL: You got any tests that guys
need to pass in order to meet your intellectual requirements?
BT: It really depends on who you’re
looking to attract, but it’s nice when someone’s connected to current events.
It’s difficult to converse if you don’t have hold on what’s happening around you.
I think men and women both want someone smart, but they really want heart; I
don’t care if you’re a garbage man, but I care if you’re passionate about your
work.
KL: Give me your five absolute
deal-breakers:
BT: 1- Again, hygiene is very
important.
2- Trying too hard when it’s
negative, being disingenuous.
3- Not being polite; manners are
important.
4- Self importance, superficiality.
5- I’m not into metro-sexual,
effeminate men. I still need a ‘guy’.
KL: Thanks so much Bobby! We’ve
learned a lot today…
BT: It was a pleasure. I hope it
helped!
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