Interview Exclusive: Nelly On Men, Fashion And Fitness

Look at that smile! Those arms! Nelly photo credit Michael Kovac/FilmMagic.

Is it hot in herre? Nelly reveals what guys think.

You've seen our exclusive chat with Kenneth Cole...and now we have another man of noteworthy style. Last week on the red carpet at PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in the Bahamas, Nelly opened up to LimeLife's celeb editor the truth about fashion, fitness, and the accessory that makes absolutely everyone look like a star: a smile.

Thirty-five-year-old Nelly happens to be a rising star on the pro poker scene (he half-jokes that he wants to bring style to the poker world). While the game is one of his favorite hobbies, professionally Nelly's been credited with having revolutionized hip hop music last decade with hooks that are more often sung that rapped (think "Hot In Herre") and a well-planned personal style that holds nothing back. When we saw him at PCA, he was in a physique-flattering tight black t-shirt, Timberlands and True Religion jeans...not to mention the nickel-sized diamond earrings, diamond-encrusted dog tags, and the watch covered from face to fastener in, yep, diamonds. (When we told him we liked his watch, he said, "Oh thanks. It works sometimes.")

It's crystal-clear that Nelly is the man from whom to seek style insight - because not only does he look awesome on the outside, he's precious inside too. When you meet Nelly up close like we did at PCA, his personality is as genuine and sparkling as the hundreds of diamonds he's got dangling from his limbs. He's a style inspiration indeed...check him out.

LimeLife: Nelly, we've been watching you all weekend at PCA and it seems like there's a permanent smile on your face. Are you always in a good mood?

Nelly: No, not always. I wasn't in one probably about 20 minutes ago when I busted out of this [poker] tournament I was in. (laughs) You know, I'm competitive! I come from a sports background, so it kinda bites sometimes when you go down putting up a fight.

LimeLife: Well in spite of the loss, you always look amazing. You're pretty fashion-conscious, aren't you?

Nelly: No, I just threw this on and came down [from my hotel room].

LimeLife: You did not!

Nelly: I did!

LimeLife: Look at all these incredible accessories: obviously you know how you want to present yourself. Do you think guys typically know what look they're after when they go shopping?

Nelly: I think it's more about comfort. You know what I'm saying? Comfort and doing what works for you. I think women are way more fashionable. It's a thing for you guys, you go head, shoulders, toes, you know. Guys, we don't look at it like that. We look at like ‘We got a shirt, we got the shoes, we got some jeans. Let's do it.' (laughs)

LimeLife: Well you always look awesome.

Nelly: Well thank you, sweetheart.

LimeLife: Do you work out every day?

Nelly: No, not like I need to, not anymore. Actually I haven't been to the gym in a minute.

LimeLife: Well whatever you're doing is working. We were watching your arms last night during the PCA tournament for amfAR [The Foundation For AIDS Research] going, "Whoa, Nelly has amazing arms!"

Nelly: Oh wow! Well thank you.

More Photos »

Check out our gallery of Nelly hanging with other A-listers at PokerStars Caribbean Adventure last week.

Plus, get the secret to spring fashion from Kenneth Cole right here! And if that's not enough reason to love the glamorous world of poker, check out poker pro Vanessa Rousso's four tips to tell if a man is lying. (Elin Nordegren may want to read this before Tiger comes home in the spring!)