College Life and Fashion

I remember lying in my bedroom and listening to No Doubt’s “Tragic Kingdom” on repeat for days at a time. I remember how excited I was when my dad surprised me with 4 tickets to the show for me and my friends. I remember watching Gwen Stefani rock out on stage in neon pants with suspenders and knowing, at that moment, that I wanted to be just like her. And that was before she became a rock superstar, solo artist, fashion designer and really awesome mom.

Now, 10 years later, I don’t have her voice, her talent, or her ability to wear crop tops (my abs are a little looser than Ms. Stefani’s….yes, even after her two children), but I am even more inspired by this Jack(ie) of all trades. And here are five reasons I salute Ms. Gwen Stefani:

1. She’s Got Staying Power
Gwen Stefani first hit the music scene in No Doubt in 1986 (!!). Together with the band, she’s sold 26 millions albums, won 2 Grammy’s and 5 MTV VMAs. And if that wasn’t enough, she defied the odds and became an instant success as a solo artist (which, as we’ve seen, doesn’t always work – I’m looking at you, Nicole Sherzinger). And 24 years later, she’s still just as popular, relevant, talented and successful as ever.

2. She’s a Savvy Business Woman
These days everyone in Hollywood is trying to start their own clothing line, fragrance line, acting career, etc. But while most fail (remember J-Lo’s designs? No? I prove my point), Gwen Stefani is thriving. She’s got an incredibly successful and respected clothing line (L.A.M.B) that is seen on runways and starlets worldwide and a less expensive but equally successful line of merchandise and perfume (Harajuku Lovers) based on her own style. Oh, and did you know she was nominated for a SAG award for her work in Martin Scorcese’s, The Aviator? Yup, Gwen cannot fail.

3. She’s got a rock solid family.
Even though Gwen Stefani is one busy lady (she’s running multiple empires, after all), she still manages to spend quality time on her family life. She’s been married to uber hottie singer Gavin Rossdale for 8 years, an eternity in the music biz, and is known for putting her kids, Kingston and Zuma, first before anything else.