Life is pretty good for Nina Dobrev. For starters, she's gorgeous. She stars on the hit CW show "The Vampire Diaries" where two hot guys constantly fight for her attention. Last month, she found herself on many Best Dressed lists following the Emmys. Oh, and she has heart of gold.
TooFab recently caught up with Nina to talk season 3 of her show, how she gets herself red carpet ready, and how you can help out with an important cause that's close to her heart.
TooFab: What are you most excited about for season 3 of “TheVampire Diaries?”
Dobrev: There are a few new and veryexciting additions to our show. That always spices things up and changes theatmosphere. Also, the feel of the show is different now that Stefan (Paul Wesley) is with Klaus (Joseph Morgan) out of town. The dynamichas changed. The love triangles/squares are shifting as well, so that's alwaysfun to watch. Elena (Dobrev) and Damon (IanSomerhalder) are growing closer whilst pushing each other away in fear ofgiving into their impulses/urges.
TooFab: I understand Ian recentlyplayed an x-rated prank on you on set. What happened?
Dobrev: Every crew and cast memberon the set of “The Vampire Diaries” takes their job seriously and isprofessional, but we're also a close family that likes to have a good time byjoking around and playing pranks. In an attempt to get the most honest reactionduring a scene, Ian played a prank on me. They used that take of my reaction [inthe season 3 premiere], so I'll leave it to the viewers to tell me if theythought it seemed genuine. I'll admit I was surprised… He got me, I reallydidn't see that coming!
TooFab:People are always drawing comparisons between “Twilight” and “The VampireDiaries.” What do you think about this?
Dobrev: There are very smallsimilarities and comparisons that can be made between the mythology of “Twilight”and “The Vampire Diaries.” Vampires and werewolves exist in many storiesthat can draw the same comparisons. However, “The Vampire Diaries,” nowin its third season, has taken a life of its own and stands alone at thispoint.
TooFab: Are you a fan of “Twilight,”can you be one being on “The Vampire Diaries?”
Dobrev: I'm appreciative of “Twilight.” Its success has paved the way for the genre and allowed for our show toeven exist. I've read the “Twilight” books. The story is compelling and I cansee why so many are hooked and in love with the films! I'm also friends withsome of the “Twilight” cast, and we vampires are all supportive of each other!
TooFab: October is Breast CancerAwareness Month. Can you tell TooFab a little more about the PUMAProject Pink Campaign?
Dobrev: Project Pink is a programthat PUMA created in support of the fight against breast cancer. It's all aboutempowering young women to get involved and inspire change through the power ofwomen's soccer. They've developed a line of really fun, girly Project Pinkproducts and donate 100% of the profits from their sale. Instead of justdictating where the money goes, they set up a website at puma.com/projectpink. Peoplecan nominate and vote for a charity involved in breast cancer awareness orresearch that they feel is deserving of the money that's raised. PUMA alsocommits to donating another dollar, up to $25,000, every time someone Tweetsusing the hashtag #projectpink.
TooFab: What made you decide to putyour name to this cause?
Dobrev: For me, it's especiallyexciting to be a part of Project Pink because it isn't just your regular breastcancer initiative. With this program, the people who purchase the product arethe ones who get to decide where [the money] goes. And PUMA donates the full100% of their profits, not just partial proceeds or only a small percentage,which is really cool.
I'm lucky because I've never had a family member diagnosed with breast cancer,but it's impossible to ignore this disease that affects women across the world.I am now the minority, I want to there to be more people like me who don't havefamily members diagnosed with breast cancer. I want to be the majority. Whetheryou've been directly touched by breast cancer or not, it's about raisingawareness first and foremost, and that's something that I'm really committedto.
TooFab: What is your favoriteproduct from the collection?
Dobrev: The t-shirts are really funand bright and graphic, a great way to show your support. My favorite is theblack shirt with pink writing. If Katherine [also played by Dobrev -- Elena's Vampire Doppelganger] were to wear a Project Pink t-shirt, it would be that one. Elena wouldwear the white version with pink writing. Oh! And those super-bright pinksoccer balls are fun to kick around.
TooFab: Are you more of a jeans'n't-shirtkind of girl or a couture queen?
Dobrev: A little bit of both, dependingon what I'm doing! Everything in moderation, right? Day to day, I'm in jeansand a tee, but it's fun to get dolled up and splurge every once in a while.
TooFab:How did it feel to be at the top of everyone's Best Dressed lists at theEmmys this year?
Dobrev: It was certainly anunexpected but wonderful surprise! When choosing my dress, I wasn'texpecting to be on the best dressed list, I really just wanted to pick the bestdress that fit me and my personality. I am thankful to have this great momentwhere everything really came together perfectly, and to have such an amazingteam that helped create the night's look.
TooFab: What is your process forpicking dresses for awards shows?
Dobrev: There are two things thatare very important to me. The clothes have to be comfortable, and I have tofeel good in what I'm wearing. If I feel confident wearing something, I thinkit translates in photographs. It changes my demeanor and posture. I usuallytry on a bunch of dresses and sometimes it's not easy to choose! There are somany beautiful dresses/gowns by unbelievable designers! But the best dressalways wins!
TooFab: Do you style yourself?
Dobrev: Sometimes I do, sometimes Idon't. I love fashion, and I'm very opinionated when it comes to making decisionsabout what to wear. I do have a wonderful and talented team of people thatassist me with putting my look together for those moments and events -- mystylist Ilaria Urbinati, Riawna Capri for hair and Vasilios Tanis for makeup.They are the best of the best. I trust and value their opinion so it is easylet them do their thing!
