The Internet nearly broke earlier this year when Nina Dobrev took to Instagram to announce that she’d be leaving The Vampire Diaries, the show that catapulted her career and fame to next level. But fans aren’t the only ones adjusting to a world without Elena Gilbert. After a six-year run, Dobrev finds herself navigating a life without boundaries.

In an exclusive interview with Who What Wear, Dobrev opens up about transitioning into adulthood, breaking fashion rules, and determining the future of her career.

Sitting in the hair and makeup chair on the Beverly Hills set of her Who What Wear shoot, Dobrev is on the phone with best friend Julianne Hough. The two are gushing over the dancer’s engagement to professional hockey player Brooks Laich, which was revealed just that morning. While the pressure to settle down is common among most people Dobrev’s age, the 26-year-old isn’t in any rush. “I believe in the timing of my life,” she tells us. “I’m so happy for Julianne. I don’t think she could be with anyone more perfect than Brooks, but she wasn’t on a show for six years. I feel like I’m playing catch-up on basic life things that I didn’t get to do working so much.”

After portraying a high school student for nearly eight years—two of those on the hit show Degrassi: The Next Generation—Dobrev is on the fast track to adulthood, beginning with purchasing and decorating her first L.A. home, which she admits has been a long, eye-opening experience. “I’ve been getting ideas from [my designers, Consort’s Brandon Qattrone and MyDomaine editor at large Mat Sanders] and stepping out of my usual patterns and doing things that I never would have done,” she says. “I’ve been trusting them a lot and taking risks, but it has paid off.” Continue Reading at Who What Wear

Gallery Link:

• Nina Dobrev Network > Studio Photoshoots > Professional Photos > Session 48