Interview with Bobbie Thomas: Fall Fashion and Skin Care Tips from the “Walking 411”

Last Thursday afternoon, Carol and I had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely Bobbie Thomas. She loves Chicago, has friends here so we hope she visits again soon. You may know her as your Today Show style editor, your E! red carpet style expert, or your In Touch Weekly trend finder (yes, she does it all!).  A real woman’s woman, Bobbie graciously took time out of her busy 20-city tour on behalf of the new Gillette Venus Embrace razors to chat about fall fashion tips and skin care, and a little girl talk.

SCS: So, any fashion advice for the upcoming fall season?

BT: Well, be sure to break all of the rules! Your style is your way to speak to the world without words. This season there is something for everyone, from the bohemian look to minimalism. Be sure to look for season-less pieces. And with the economy in a weakened state, the best way to stay chic is through responsible consumption. Consider being green – reinvent and recycle! This means you don’t have to bust your budget.

SCS: As summer comes to a close and we look towards a new season, what are the best skin care tips for the fall?

BT: Number one, get enough sleep and take some time for yourself! With rich new makeup colors splashed across the pages of magazines and your busy social calendar filled holiday parties, Fall is the season of the ‘painted face.’ So stay on top of your beauty routine and be sure to cleanse. The best way to get the most out of your beauty products is to exfoliate. A battery operated hand held device, like a Clarisonic Buffer can help break up build-up while swiping a toner on afterwards will bring balance back to your skin’s ph level. Women find it hard to change their moisturizer, but look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid. (she had us try a hyaluronic acid serum on our hand – it is light and holds in moisture!). And don’t forget to re-apply your SPF in the fall! Most of us don’t want to mess with our makeup applications or add any extra shine throughout the day. A mineral powder SPF is the answer (yes, even in fall). Instead of using blot papers, absorb excess oil and shield your skin with an all-in one purse size powder applicator.

(Left to right)
clarisonic Skincare brush
derma e Hyaluronic Acid Firming Serum
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 Powder

SCS: You’re on tour with the Gillette Venus Embrace razor. What can you tell us about it?

BT: It is the most advanced female razor on the market! The Venus Embrace is a 5-blade shaving system complete with a ribbon of moisture that provides a smooth glide for a close, comfortable shave, getting virtually every hair! The five blades individually adjust to stay in contact with the skin – even around such tricky shaving areas as the knees and ankles. This unique razor allows for longer lasting shaves and softer, smoother skin.

SCS: Do you see yourself as a role model for women today?

BT: Today’s woman is both smart and beautiful, and we longer need to choose between the two. I want to empower and encourage women through their own self-expression. As I said earlier, style is your way to speak to the world without words. But fashion and beauty are just two of many ways to express your personality. I see myself as a ‘style guide’ not a ‘style expert’. I’m here to share information in the sisterhood of style. And like Gillette, I want women to love the skin they are in!

—Gabbie Perez