Gwen Stefani: My Marriage Is "One of My Biggest Achievements"

Gwen Stefani knows that relationships are tough! 

The No Doubt singer, who has been married to fellow music superstar Gavin Rossdale for eight years, says she's impressed with the bond she and her husband have created and managed to keep in tact.

"The first time we ever kissed was right around Valentine's Day; we were in New Orleans on tour," the 41-year-old singer says in the new issue of Elle. "I always think about that because it's unbelievable that we've been able to stay together."

Parents to sons Kingston, almost 5, and Zuma, 2, Stefani says she has no qualms about patting herself on the back for the stability of their marriage.

"I feel so proud of us," she says. "It's one of my biggest achievements."

In addition to being a family gal, Stefani is a fashion maven and admittedly obsessed with looks.

"I'm very vain," she reveals. "That would be my middle name. Of course I am, you know what I mean? I love the visual."

As for her style being compared to some of today's younger pop superstars -- such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry -- the L.A.M.B. designer says doesn't see too many similarities.

"I don't see myself in those girls," Stefani said. "I usually put pants on. I see these girls as more going for the sex-symbol thing. I was more, in the band, like a tomboy. Of course, I think every girl is sexy, so there's going to be a little of that. But I see a lot of younger artists going more toward the sexy thing."

With concentration on her fashion line and her family, Stefani hasn't released a CD since 2006. But now she's getting ready to rock the music world with her third solo CD. And she's taking some advice from another music and style icon.

"Prince, who is one of my idols, gave me some advice when I worked with him: 'Have you ever just tried writing a hit? Like, don't just try writing a song; try and write a hit song,'" she says. "I remember him saying that and me thinking, 'Yeah, you're right. Why would you write anything else?'"

"When we were growing up, some of the hits were legendary ones that you hear your whole life. But certain songs, I don't know if you'll ever hear them again," she continues. "Because that's what that music is, like a guilty pleasure, it's right at the moment. It's like fashion -- it's now, then it's gone."

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/gwen-stefani-my-marriage-one-my-biggest-achievements/1-a-338288

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