Don’t let the coy pose fool you – there’s nothing this superstar won’t reveal. When we asked Gwen Stefani to give it up about life, love, work and mommyhood, she most certainly did. By Liza Ghorbani

The Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel has played host to the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Jean Harlow, so when Gwen Stefani walks in on a sunny afternoon with her Old Hollywood glamour — dark oversize sunglasses, scarlet lips, and platinum tresses swept into a polished updo — she certainly looks the part.

“Sorry I’m late,” says Stefani, sliding into a green velvet banquette amid a fragrant whirl of cocoabutter. “I was getting my color done, and now I feel like a different person. So much better.”

She’s wearing a demure plaid cap-sleeve blazer and pencil skirt of her own design with sparkly diamonds on her ears and fingers, an appropriate look for the ladies-who-lunch crowd. But on closer inspection there are a few giveaways that she is, in fact, a Grammy-winning rock star. Stacks of white rubber bracelets are piled on her forearms, a lacy blue peeks our above her threadbare ribbed tank top, and her nails are painted a stark white.

Stefani, 40, an Orange County girl born and bred, has just returned from a lengthy vacation in St. Tropez with her husband of seven years, British rocker Gavin Rossdale, and their two boys, Kingston, 3, and Zuma, 1, for whom she wears two delicate gold crosses around her neck. The successful designer, with seven years at the helm of her LAMB line, couldn’t be more excited to show her latest collection at the upcoming New York Fashion Week.

It’s surprising that Stefani, an unabashed girlie girl, has been hanging out with the fellas her whole life — first No Doubt, her all-male rock band, and now in her houseful of boys. Pushing her side swept bangs out of her big brown eyes, she leans in conspiratorially when she whispers, “Do you love clothes?” Content with her response, she grins and squeals, “I love clothes too. So much it’s embarrassing. But it’s so fun!”

She shares a photo of adorable baby Zuma on her Blackberry and orders a soy-milk coffee before settling in for some good old-fashioned girl talk.

1. Have you always been obsessed with fashion, even before you started designing?
   It’s been the same my whole life. I made so many clothes growing up, and I used to design my own costumes. Like, in college — we’d have a concert coming up and all I would do was just daydream about what I was going to make. And it’s the same now. Fashion gets me so excited.
2. Where did you draw inspiration for your spring line?
   I wanted to make a collection I was really going to wear. I was into gray, black and white with just touches of color, like yellow here and there. And a lot of drapery and slouchy stuff, and some tailoring — and looks that were a bit ’80s but also modern. We pull inspiration from everywhere and make it our own. It’s important to me to be involved because it’s about what I would wear, to be honest. It’s very selfish!
3. And what is it about designing that you love so much?
   When you find your passion, you can’t help it. I’m generally lazy. I like to sleep, I like to eat, I don’t like to work out, I don’t like to do anything. I want to watch TV, eat in bed, and sleep. And with designing, it’s just fun. I always enjoy doing that. It’s never a drag.
4. After two solo album and two babies, you just completed a 60-concert tour with No Doubt. What was that like?
   This tour was so emotional because it meant going back onstage with those guys who were my best friends since I was 17. We’re in such a great emotional space right now. And knowing that it’s not going to last forever makes it even more precious. I had tears in my eyes as I singing certain songs, like “Simple Kind of Life,” where I say, “I always thought I’d be a mom” — and all of a sudden I am, and my kids are sitting on the side of the stage watching me sing. It’s really intense.
5. Do you enjoy performing onstage in front of thousands of people?
   I love it. It is so awesome. I love getting ready and getting in costume, and then performing and being physical. If you don’t play live concerts, nothing feels real. It’s just a song on the radio you hear when you’re driving, and it doesn’t affect you. But when you walk out onstage and there are people who actually spent their money to buy a ticket and they’re singing the songs, it’s suddenly mind-blowing.
6. What initially made you decide to jump from musician to designer?
   I wanted so badly to have a backup plan for when I’m not performing anymore. Let’s be realistic: It’s not going to be like this forever. So I wanted to continue having something creative to do. I have to be creative to be happy. I don’t have a strong sense of self-worth unless I’m doing something. I was a different person before I started to write. When I realized I could be a songwriter and that people would listen — that was when I started feeling good in my life.
7. You’ve said you had writer’s block when trying to work on the next No Doubt record. Have you overcome it?
   I just wrote a song, which is really exciting! It’s not even done and I’ve listened to it two billion times already. It’s like I can’t stop. I’m embarrassed — if my husband comes in and I’m listening to it, I’m like, I’m sorry.
8. Tell us about your boys — what are their personalities like, and which one of their parents do people say they look most like?
   They are totally different, and they look totally different. Kingston didn’t like the fans on tour. He doesn’t like having his photo taken or the paparazzi. We call him Sid, like Sid Vicious. He’s a little punk, he really is. Zuma is more of a show-off. He wants everyone to watch him, he’s a goofball, and he’s really silly. He’s a funny guy. People say Zuma looks like my dad, and like me more — and obviously Kingston looks exactly like Gavin from head to toe. It’s crazy how the second child is so different from the first and has the same parents.
9. Does Kingston pick out his own clothes? He has such a cool style, and he really seems to own it.
   I know! At that age they like to be in control of everything, so I let him choose. Luckily, everything in his closet is cute, so no matter what he picks, he’s gonna look good. For a while he was into costumes. Now he doesn’t ever want to wear shoes.
10. What do you miss about L.A. when you’re living in London, and vice versa?
    I miss my family when I’m in England. And when I’m in L.A., I miss the role I have when I’m in London. I’m not working there, so Gavin spoils me and I get to be really dependent. I don’t drive when I’m there, and I like that. It’s a different lifestyle to be able to walk to the little village to get milk. I take Kingston to the gym with me, with no nanny or assistant, and that would be very rare in L.A. — that I could actually go somewhere on my own. Things can get out of hand with the paparazzi, so I don’t feel safe.
11. Do you or your kids adopt an accent when you’re over there?
    Not me, I can’t even pretend. But kids are like little sponges. Once in a while Kingston will pick up a word, like “I’m going to take a bahhth.” And I’m like, really? A bahhth!
12. When I interviewed Gavin years ago, he said he prides himself on being an excellent gift giver. Do you ever drop any hints about what you want?
    Oh no, we’re not allowed to do that. It’s just old-fashioned gift giving. He goes all out, you know? He’s romantic, so it’s good. He is a creative guy, and he’s amazingly inspiring with that creativity. We had a really good Christmas last year; it was fun getting gifts for the kids.
13. How do you and Gavin coordinate your outfits for a red-carpet event — is his outfit based on your dress?
    We just do our own thing, and it always seems to work. He has such great style. I get ideas from a lot of his clothes for the women’s clothing line because I like that kind of mixture. I use a lot of stuff in his closet. I’ll be like, Ooh, we should do a girl version of this!
14. Let’s talk about your closet. With all your LAMB collections, and pieces of Galliano and Vivienne Westwood, tell us: What’s it like in there?
    It’s really a work of art. I have a very, very large closet. Girls fall on the ground when they walk in. They’ll be like, ‘I just want to stay in here!’ It’s awesome. I keep all my main costumes and archive my favorite things, and I’ve held on to so many things I’ve designed in the past seven years, so you can imagine how many clothes there are. It’s insanity. I just cleaned out my closet, and I had like, 20 bags of stuff. Usually I let my friends and family just go nuts, but this time I’m going to do an auction and give it to charity. I mean, why should my sister always get it?
15. You’ve even worn red lipstick while you’re jogging. Is there any time you don’t wear it?
    No, I wear it all the time. I wear pink, I wear gloss, I wear everything, but my husband prefers when I wear red. I want him to like me still! I remember the first time I wore dark red lipstick. I was maybe 18, and I can remember the moment I put it on — in my Honda Prelude that I bought for like, $3,000 — and looking in the mirror going, “Good, I like that.” Never again did I stop wearing it.
16. How do you get motivated to work out so religiously?
    I like to wear clothes. That’s the only reason. You can’t make a whole fashion collection and not be able to fit in it. Plus, I feel so much better. And if you work out, then you can eat!
17. What advice can you give to women who see your post-baby body and feel inspired?
    I have to work out before noon or I won’t do it. You just have to get what you want in your head. It’s hard, but it’s like a domino effect once you see the results. I think I’m like the average person when it comes to all those things, so if I can do it, then I think anyone can do it.
18. What’s your favorite meal to cook, your signature dish?
    I don’t cook. I can toast in the toaster. I can pour and set the table. No, Gavin is the one. It’s not even an option, he is so passionate about it. He cooks every day. He loves to go grocery shopping and find different things. I’m really lucky. It’s actually lucky and hard at the same time because sometimes you want to be fit and not eat it, but you have to eat it.
19. Are you and Gavin going to try for a little girl? Someone should get to inherit your wardrobe!
    I don’t know. Having children is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. No one could have prepared me for how awesome it is, and how hard. And having two boys — there’s a lot of energy. I mean, it does seem weird that I don’t have a girl, but I feel like I’m running out of time. I also don’t want to spread myself so thin that I can’t even be good for them. Poor Zuma, he’d be the middle guy. I’m not focusing on it right now, but it’s not up to me anyway, you know? These things are miracles, so we’ll see. Otherwise, the clothes are probably to go to some girlfriend of Kingston’s!
20. What do you consider to be your biggest career achievement to date?
    Walking through an airport in Israel, and soldiers with machine guns coming up and being like, “Don’t Speak.” Or meeting kids who tell you that you’ve changed their lives because the music is so powerful. Or seeing girls who are wearing my clothes and saved all their money to get them, and suddenly they have this style and “this is who I am,” and at that age it’s really important. I get to meet all those people, and it makes me feel so good.

Transcribed by Jenny from Beacon Street Online. What a star!

This week Gwen and her beautiful family were featured a couple of times in the celebrity magazine, OK weekly. Firstly, Gavin and Kingston were snapped having fun together and secondly, a full page feature on Gwen’s latest style – full on 80’s and how you can recreate it. The photo on the full page feature is from Gwen’s recent mini-shoot to launch L.A.M.B collaborating with Apple to launch Mac Book covers and bags. You can check out more photos from that shoot at Beacon Street Online.

Thanks to GwenFanGirl on the official forum who has posted Gwen’s cover design for the November issue of Bloomingdale’s Little Brown Book. The magazine is available for free to Bloomingdale’s card holders.

I’ll transcibe the article asap

Gwen Stefani talks about family, music and her cuting edge style inspirations – plus why she loves Bloomingdale’s. By Melissa Walker

Red lips, platinum blonde hair and bold prints – that’s Gwen Stefani’s signature style. The musician and designer’s rocker-meets-school-girl look, which ranges from bright plaids to fitted leopard-print dresses to black-and-white stripes, has eveolved into serious glamour. “The L.A.M.B girl is me,” says Stefani, speaking of her clothing and accessories line, an acronym of “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.” Interpretation: The pieces are meant for someone individual, chic and always experimenting. The L.A.M.B-Bloomingdale’s partnership has been very successful. “I love Bloomingdale’s,” says Stefani. “They have been very supportive of L.A.M.B from the beginning.”

Tim Schifter and Gwen Stefani founded Schifter+Partners in 2006 to build a portfolio of cool handbag brands that includes Stefani’s L.A.M.B and Harajuku Lovers lines; the company also licences Jill Stuart Purses and Kidrobot accessories (all sold at Bloomingdale’s stores). Schifter and Stefani make fantastic creative team because each complements the other. “I look at the big picture and Gwen’s great with the details. She provides the ultimate ‘cool’ test,” says Schifter. “Inspiration starts with her.” This year’s line has an international vibe – “think African school girl mashed up with other things I love,” says Stefani. Those things include Japanese culture, which informs her Harajuku Lovers collection, as well as everyday muses. “I find inspiration by watching a girl who’s cute walking down the street,” she says.

One of Schifter and Stefani’s biggest inspirations is music, of course. Stefani explains that, for her, that part often comes first. “The fashion is usually a celebration of my music,” she says. “When I work on an album, everything overlaps. And when I became inspired by something, I use it in my records, my costumes, my videos and in L.A.M.B”

But the process of aking music and designing feel different to her. “Designing is less emotional for me, and, in many ways, more fun,” she says. “When I’m working on fashion, it’s lighthearted.”

After being on tour for a year, Stefani is ready to get back in the studio with No Doubt, the band with whom she launched her music career. “We’ve been trying to find each other again, and get used to each other,” she says. “We’re experimenting and figuring it out.” Her latest inspirations include sounds from the ’70s and ’80s, plus new music she’s finding on Myspace.com. “The record will reflect our eveolution as a band and as people,” she says.

In her personal life, Stefani’s evolution involves a new baby boy, Zuma, born in August, adding to a family that includes rock star husband Gavin Rossdale and two-year-old son Kingston. So how does se balance fashion, music and family? “Sometimes I panic and wonder how I am going to do everything,” she admits. “But everything seems to fall into place. My family is my first priority. When I’m working, I can bring them along with me. When I’m not on tour, I can bring work to my house. I’m really lucky.”

As for what 2009 holds? “I hope I’ll have a record with No Doubt, and have a tour set up,” says Stefani. And with fashion? “I hope to have each L.A.M.B collection be better than the last.”

Thanks to Lamb Lovers, Gwen is featured in the October issue of Domino magazine. I hope to have HQ scans as soon as possible.

How did the space come together?
It’s huge and gets a ton of light, so I played that up with glossy white walls and sheer shades. But I was also picturing Lucille Ball’s dressing room, so I added that smidge of old-school glamour with a Disco-inspired chandelier and tufted baby-blue chairs.

Why didn’t you use the strong hues and patterns you’re known for?
I needed a simple pure backdrop that wouldn’t conflict with the creative process. The showroom also had to be versatile. We use it for everything from design to meetings to castings. One moment, it’s a chaos of models and clothes, the next; it’s organized and minimal.

How is decorating different from designing clothes?
I had to put pieces together on a new scales instead of figuring out which belt goes with which dress, I was pairing girly chairs with mid-century tables, tilled walls with concrete floors! I made a lot of mistakes at first. Still, it was so much fun.

As their happy family grows to four with the birth of Zuma Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale share their thoughts on parenthood and marriage.

Gwen Stefani and her rock star husband Gavin Rossdale were the picture of contentment as they brought baby Zuma Nesta Rock back to their Los Angeles home last week after his birth at the Cedar Sinai Medical Center.

The new arrival, whose unusual first name is thought to be inspired by a beach near their home, is a brother for two-year-old Kingston. It means the 38-year-old pop star has to meet the demands of two small children at the same time as recovering from a Cesarean, but Gwen insists she’s happier than ever. Motherhood, she says, is “one of the most incredible events in my life”.

“Being a mom was all I ever dreamed about,” says the singer. “Now that has come true, it makes me feel like my life has come together. Nothing else really matters to me.”

London-born Gavin, 41, is equally committed to his family. Describing parenthood as “terrifying and exciting and brilliant”, the singer-songwriter – who also has daughter Daisy, 19, from a brief relationship with Pearl Lowe – has had a studio built at home so he can spend plenty of time with his sons.

His parents were each married three times and he is determined to provide a more stable upbringing for the boys. “I know there is only one way now – monogamy and that’s it,” he has said.

The couple met in 1995 when his band Bush toured with Gwen’s band No Doubt and they married in 2003 -with one ceremony in London and another in LA.

While Bush were successful in the US – and Gavin’s now concentrating on a solo career – Hollaback Girl singer Gwen has become better known, adding to her own fashion label, L.A.M.B, to her list of accomplishments.

“I enjoy having an independent wife It’s inspiring,” says Gavin. “Once you get home, it’s just normal. She comes from a whole different world. I’m from the belly of Britain and she’s from California. But I think we complement each other really well.”

Here the couple speak about those sons, relationships and success…

Gwen, what has motherhood meant to you?
“I fell happier now. I know every mother must feel this way but watching your child grow up and learn new things every day is one of the greatest and purest pleasures you can have.”

Did you think that having another baby would put a strain on your marriage?
“Gavin loves being a dad and he wants to have a bigger family, too. I feel we’re closer in many ways now that we’re building something together outside our own crazy relationship.
We feels so blessed to be able to share this experience together and see how we’ve both become more romantic and caring for each other, simply because we’ve seen how beautiful it is to have come so far together and started a new chapter in our lives.”

Gavin, how do you think Kingston will cope with a new sibling?
“I feel a bit bad for our son because he really was the centre of attention all the time every day, as he should have been. So he’s going to have to move up a little bit and make the space and, to be honest, he’s not so good at that just yet. So, he’s learning… He’s an amazing kid and we’re really blessed with him because he’s healthy and he’s happy and he’s surrounded by love; and it kind of makes you a bit… To some degree you cease to exist, because you’re just a conduit for them in whatever they need, you know?”

What was it like for you when Kingston was born?
“I felt guilty the first few weeks – I didn’t feel fireworks. But I felt something more subtle, earthy, which grew and grew.
For the first nine months, he didn’t really notice his dad, especially with Gwen breast-feeding all the time. Suddenly at nine months [he snaps his fingers] on the dot, he could be calmed down unless I picked him up. He suddenly wanted me to do everything. It didn’t last long, because he went back to his mum about three weeks later, but it was really funny.
Now I like to hang out with him, just have that precious time with him, because it’s really fleeting. He’s like a little guy now, he’s not a baby anymore.”

It’s tough at the top, Gwen – how do you deal with the stresses of pop diva-hood?
“I’ve had my up and downs but it’s been more to do  with things on a personal level. I love the rush that comes with work Work has always been my way out of despair or anguish because it focuses you and I’ve always drawn a lot of strength from the things I’ve achieved in my life. I never want to stop working, I can’t.
I never think that I’ve got it made. I have a good life, I’m happy, but you always worry about staying relevant and not living up to expectations. You don’t want to disappoint people and that pressure is kind of healthy in a way because your fear keeps you at a high creative pitch. You know you can’t afford to sit back on your laurels. So I know I have to keep finding inspiration and looking to get to the next level.”

Do you ever feel that you’re taking on too much?
“Sometimes I feel very stressed and think it’s insane to be having so much going on, but I know that I need this kind of creative outlet to be truly happy. The simple reason I started L.A.M.B was to have something creative in my life other than music. You never know what’s going to happen in the music business and I wanted in some sense to be prepared for the downfall. You never know whether you’ll be able to keep delivering music that will resonate with the public. But I’m very passionate and I never get tired of working and pushing myself.”

You’ve become something of a fashion icon in the music scene…
“I’ve just enjoyed being able to play with different looks. It’s the frustrated actress in me, I guess. I remember as a child dressing up all the time and imagining myself in films or in fashion magazines and posing and letting my head drift off into some fantasy world. So when I get to perform on stage or work on music videos, it’s all about releasing all the energy and spirit that I had when I was young.”

What’s the secret to a successful showbusiness marriage?
“Our relationship is very real. My marriage is the most important part of my life and I make sure it is a number one priority. Everything else is second. Sometimes I have to say no to things because I have to be home with him on a Sunday and hang out. He’s so talented, he’s good at everything and he’s an amazing cook. We have a great time together.
Relationships are work like everything else. It’s really fun work but you still have to put the effort in. But I don’t really have any advice for anyone on relationships. If you read any of my lyrics you”ll see that. I’m like everyone else – finding my way.”

The latest Nordstroms Catalogue (Fall/Winter 2008) features a L.A.M.B outfit on the front page with some fantastic pre-sale prices! Thanks go to Dipstix311 for the scan and the info.

As Gwen Stefani, 38, prepares to have her second child with rocker hubby Gavin Rossdale, 42, she tells us she’s happier than ever.

Gwen Stefani

So, you’re ready to pop! We’ve got hot water and towels ready! Are you scared of becoming a mum for the second time?
No, I’m very happy now. I love being with my son Kingston and taking care of him. I can’t wait to do it all again.

Babies tend to strain relationships, so did it change your marriage to Gavin?
No, it’s good we have something together outside our crazy relationship! [Laughs] I feel we’re closer in many ways now we have a child. We’ve both become more romantic and caring for each other.

You recently had to look after Kingston while you were on tour. Was it hard juggling work and family?
Oh no! It was much harder on the last No Doubt tour when I was going on stage and performing while I was pregnant with Kingston. That was very hard for me. This time, it was awesome.

Do you feel guilty if you have to leave Kingston to go to work?
Sometimes I feel very stressed and think it’s insane to be having so much going on when all I want to do is relax and play with Kingston, but I’m in love with my fashion label. The simple reason I started L.A.M.B was to have something creative in my life other than music. I pinch myself every day, every second, when I think how far along things have come for me.

You’re a true fashion icon. Do you still enjoy dressing up?
I’ve always enjoyed being able to play with different looks. It’s the frustrated actress in me, I guess. I remember as a child dressing up all the time and imagining myself in films or in fashion magazines and posing and letting my head drift off into some fantasy world.

So can we expect you to take it easier when you have your new baby?
I never want to stop working. I don’t want to disappoint people and that pressure is kind of healthy. I never think that I’ve got it made. I have a good life. I’m happy, but you always worry about staying relevant and not living up to expectations. I’ve had my ups and downs, but it’s been more to do with things on a personal level. Work has always been my way out of despair or anguish because it focuses you and I’ve always drawn a lot of strength from the things I’ve achieved in my life.

Has having a family changed that drive?
I’ve already accomplished everything I originally wanted to. Most of my dreams have come true. What’s changed is that at this point in my life I also have the comfort that comes from knowing I have a family and that there’s a different meaning to my work. It’s a little more special now.

Gavin

It must be hard having your marriage in the spotlight…
You know, my only responsibility is towards Gwen. My parents have both been married I think three times each [laughs], so I always said when I got married, I only wanted to get married one time – or else I don’t want to be married. What’s the point?

How do you and Gwen keep your marriage hot with babies bouncing around?
By looking after yourself. I always want to look nice for her and make an effort. That’s how I think you keep that really essential part of life alive. We went trick or treating at Halloween last year, it was really fun. Kingston was dressed up as a tiger, and Gwen was wearing a cat outfit. But all the mums looked like they were beaten into submission. I couldn’t believe it. When we left, I told Gwen how much I loved her because I always appreciate what an effort she makes, because she always looks amazing and she always has that time alone to come out looking fantastic.

How’s the second pregnancy been for Gwen?
It was difficult at first. She was really tired and suffering, which is kind of sad in a way. But right now she’s really blossoming and I’m just trying to be right there for her and help her get through it.

She’s really blooming at the moment. Do you know if you will have a boy or a girl?
Not yet. I just can’t wait. I’m so excited. Gwen just loves babies. She’s like “I don’t want Kingston to grow!”

What else do you love about her?
Her generosity, dedication and her honesty and sweetness – you know, that is Gwen in a nutshell. She’s also a product of the Western world where body scrutiny is more powerful than ever…

So you’re telling us Gwen Stefani is scared of getting fat?
Yeah. She’s just so dedicated. It’s very hard because everyone’s so judged the whole time, so she’s mindful of all that.

As well as having one child and another one on the way, you were recently revealed as the father of model Daisy Lowe, when you thought you were just her godfather. Do you have a relationship with Daisy?
No, not really. It’s too crazy – it’s too public. I hope there will be at some point. The mum’s [Pearl Lowe] just, like, nuts.

That’s a full-on claim…
Yeah. Every time I try and get in touch with Daisy, it becomes a public issue. It’s really sad. It just becomes so bitter and twisted.

So you’re not the absent father you’re made out to be?
No! I can’t keep going and having it thrown in my face when all I’ve done is comply and been really generous. I’m just waiting for the right time. And there will be a right time. My relationship with Daisy can only be private. That’s when it could blossom.

Thanks to gwen-stefani.ru – Gwen is currently on the July cover of Oops magazine in Russia. The magazine also features an article that appears to be about Gwen’s style and fashion lines; L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers.

Thanks to Julio at No Doubt Web. The current issue of Nylon USA features a style guide on Gwen from Tragic Kingdom days through to the Rock Steady era.