Bobbie Thomas, Style Editor for NBC's Today Show, as well as her work with FOX, CNN, VH-1, and MTV, has shared her stylish tips with a large audience. She has appeared on a variety of E! Entertainment specials, and also co-hosted Fashion Police on the Style Network with Robert Verdi.
She also writes for the TodayShow.com Style Buzz for the fashion and beauty section. She has worked with national clothing retailers and serves as Simon Property Group's Style Expert, where she visit various United States malls to host events. In the fall of 2009, Thomas launched her blog, Bobbie.com, which exemplifies all of her stylish ideas, as well as clips of her Today Show segments. Thomas is now helping Hilton HHonors, the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 10 hotel brands.
Bobbie took the time out of her busy, stylish day to talk about celebrity-style trips without the big price tag, including tips on how to score a deal on resort getaways, escape in style without spending a fortune, and what beauty essentials she brings on vacation.
TheCelebrityCafe.com: Bobbie, what would you say are the most essential clothing items to bring on a vacation getaway? What are some trendy, fun items that you bring on your vacations?
Bobbie Thomas: I always pack very lightweight items because I want to have options and versatility while I am on vacation. One of the most essential items I always love to bring with me is a cardi-wrap. I use it as a huge comfy, adult blanket on the plane to keep me warm, but I also can twist and tie it up if I am going out to fancy dinner. I also love collecting bright and colorful cover-ups. They look like long, maxi dresses and they cost much less then a maxi dress! It is also great because I can pair the cover-up with leggings underneath so I can go from pool straight to the restaurant. These two items, the cardi-wrap, and cover-ups allow major versatility which is essential when going on vacation. I don't really bring jewelry on vacation, so I use bright scarfs as a jewelry accent. I twist the scarfs into different knots, so it can be used as a statement necklace instead of bringing jewelry and losing it. In terms of shoes that I bring, I bring shoes that match my skin tone so that I can wear it with absolutely anything. In terms of accessories, I always bring metallic items so that it can go with anything I wear, such as a metallic clutch.
TCC: In terms of swimsuits, what do you personally wear? Where can you find cute, fashion statement bathing suits to bring on vacation?
BT I think swimwear is specific to someone’s body type. When I was in my 20s, I wore more trendy bathing suits, such as suits with fringe. I really stick to triangle top bathing suits because I want to make sure I feel comfortable and supported while in the pool or out on the beach. I don't want to sacrifice support for trend. If you really want to buy some suits that can be your "go-to's" for a few seasons, buy graphic, polka dot, and stripe suits. They are great because they are not time-stamped and they can stick around for a while. Everyone still owns that little polka dot bikini. Department stores are great for great deals and fun bathing suits! I really like when people mix and match their bathing suits because you need to have your own individuality and have fun with your swimsuits!
TCC: What beauty essentials do you keep in your bag when you’re going on vacation?
BT When it comes to beauty products, the main thing is that you don’t want to drag your whole bathroom. Therefore dry shampoo, such as Oribe, is absolutely essential so you don't have to wash your hair as much! Cake beauty also has great dry shampoo that you can also use on your body. If you have short hair, you want to bring headbands to just throw on, and you also want to bring a floppy hat to just throw on so that you can keep the sun out of your eyes. You also want to bring hair clips so you can just pin your hair up. I am a huge fan of the fun-bun as well.
There are so many inexpensive hair accessories that you can find at Forever21 that are great to bring on vacation. I think a great website that everyone should check out is Kinimatic.com. On this site you can upload your own pics to see what swimsuit looks best on you, and you can even make your own scarfs and wraps for yourself. You can also buy your boyfriend or husband some awesome board shorts that he can wear to the pool and beach. Technology has really helped designers with different fabric and this site is great for people to try out different looks and make their own fashion items.
Today, there are also so many brands that are creating travel size products because they know people want small, travel size products to carry with them on-the-go. When it comes to lotions and moisturizers, you want to take advantage of the packets that many brands have come out with. For example, Kate Sommerville has a great self-tanner product that comes in small packets so that you can touch yourself up, as well as add a glow and color to your body. You can get great color with these wipes without laying by the pool because, to be honest, it's not that smart to just roast in the sun. On LAfreshgroup.com, you can purchase almost anything in packet form, such as deodorants, nail polish remover, lotions, facial cleansers, shampoo and even eco-friendly products.
If you're traveling for longer, I would say to invest in a bottle size because you really need to reapply your sunscreen constantly. Companies such as, Peter Thomas Ross and Color Science have great powder SPF products that include a retractable brush with SPF powder so you can continuously reapply. It is also a smart bet to have a hat on hand at all times!
TCC: How do you score a deal on glam getaways? Where do you look for these great deals?
BT: When I go on vacation with my girlfriends, we always pull together to find the best deals. However, now we don't ever need to look anywhere else because HHonors.com has it all. It is great that such a Guest Loyalty program exists. With Hilton HHonors, you are more than their guest, you are a member. You can receive free nights and exclusive benefits through HHonors' hotels so you can travel across the globe for a low price. The membership through Hhonors allows you to use any of their hotels worldwide, such as Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Conrad Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, and Hampton Inn. It offers many Budget travel options from hotels you can choose from if you just need a sleep and shower kind of hotel, or if you want a hotel with excessive amenities, such as a spa, fitness center, and great bathrooms. Through HHonors, this resort escape promotion allows you access higher price points. HHonors has an amazing Pinterest page where you can find great photos of all the resorts they have to offer.