The Year of the ‘Gwen’

January 6, 2016

There’s ‘No Doubt’ that both Gwen Stefani and Gwyneth Paltrow will take 2016 by storm

Gwyneth Paltrow and Gwen Stefani have a lot in common- and I’m talking about more than just their platinum blonde locks, luxurious lives in the spotlight, killer bodies and an attraction to British musicians. Both are independent, strong and positive women that have been tackling their recent obstacles in their personal lives and in the media with grace, all while finding balance between their successful careers and motherhood. Gwen and Gwyn are in the midst of a revival of sorts, sure to take full form in the new year. For two women under the scrutiny of the world, these two, who have remained squeaky clean, wholesome, and just badass enough to stay timeless and relevant even in their 40’s, have the best yet to come for them this year.

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It’s common knowledge that Gwen Stefani is a little bit of a legend in the music word. She rose to an incredible level of fame and stardom with No Doubt, her solo career, and her ever-changing looks and hair colors. In 2004, Stefani established herself as a mogul with the launch of her clothing line, L.A.M.B., but besides a No Doubt reunion and being named the face of L’Oreal Paris in 2012, Gwen was kind of pushed onto the back burner to make room for other rising talents in the music industry. This past year, however, Gwen proved that she is still at the top of the pop culture totem pole and reminded us all how awesome she is.

Affairs with the nanny seem to be as common as Botox and Birkin bags in the world of the rich and famous, and sadly, Gwen’s marriage ended because of this. Her divorce from Gavin Rossdale left the newly appointed “ The Voice” judge heartbroken, but it seems that only great things came of it. In October at a one-off show at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom, Gwen debuted her heart-wrenching new single, “Used to Love You”, describing the demise of her relationship, and is soon to release her third solo album. In 2015 alone, she worked with Pharell and Sia on new music and was featured in Eminem’s song “Kings Never Die” on the Southpaw soundtrack. Stefani partnered up with Urban Decay to create an exclusive eye shadow palette and began dating Blake Shelton-proving that she really “ain’t no hollaback girl”. Their blossoming relationship and Gwen’s stunning selfies make us blush and Gwen’s never seemed happier, and 2016 is sure to be an excellent year for her. We can’t wait to see what she’ll do next!

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As for Ms. Paltrow, it’s been nearly two years since her “conscious uncoupling” with Coldplay’s Chris Martin, a phrase that made her even more of a laughing stock than she already was to the public. Their separating also made us believe that love might actually be dead. Gwyneth, like a handful of celebrities that include the likes of Anne Hathaway, Tori Spelling and even Taylor Swift (I know, I know), is part of the group of stars that many people irrationally hate or get annoyed by and can’t explain why. She often gets a LOT of shade thrown at her, with the media constantly making fun of whatever her latest comment or endeavor was, calling her pretentious and out of touch with reality. Her organic, grass-fed and free-range attitude towards healthy living came off as snobbish, and her cookbooks that called for exorbitantly priced ingredients that probably can’t be found at your average Stop & Shop secured this notion. When Gwyneth started Goop, her weekly lifestyle publication that offers collaborations, recipes, travel notes and more, the media pinned Paltrow as a Martha Stewart wannabe for an even wealthier audience.

Perhaps the world has finally warmed up to Gwyneth, or people have finally got up to speed on the importance of healthy living. Suddenly, juice cleanses and food detoxes are all the rage, with new juice bars opening quicker than all the Chipotles are closing down and chia-seed pudding recipes found in every nook and cranny of the internet. Even those who rolled their eyes at the blonde starlet’s recipes and habits are on-board. She’s since distanced herself and poked fun at her use of the phrase “conscious uncoupling” and has started dating producer Brad Falchuk this past year. Both ex-husband Chris Martin and Gwyneth speak highly of each other, and seem to bring happiness and wholesomeness to this whole co-parenting gig they have going on. With Goop, Paltrow has lately nailed some exciting exclusive collaborations, such as Valentino and Stella McCartney to name a couple. Gwyneth even opened a Goop pop-up shop in New York City this November! Finally, it seems, the Oscar winner is getting the recognition she deserves, and people are realizing that the annoyance they felt towards her actually might just stem from jealousy.

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For Gwyn and Gwen, 2016 is bound to be their year, and it’s in our best interest to keep our eyes on them.

We look forward to seeing what they do next, perhaps a collab?  Let’s get mutual BFF Nicole Richie Involved!

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More about Charlotte O'Neill

Just another PR girl with an itch to leave one big city for the next. Currently living in Boston's North End. Poster girl for the phrase “champagne taste on a beer budget”. Creature of habit. Lover of fashion and have an irrational addiction to French skincare. When I’m not writing I’m waiting tables and spending tips on traveling and concerts. My claim to fame is that I once took a selfie with Mario Testino, and Posh Spice is my spirit animal.