Beyonce: Jay-Z Brings Out the Best in Me

Beyonce's silent announcement that she's expecting at the MTV Video Music Awards in August was undeniably sweet and it looked somewhat spontaneous. But don't think for a moment that the woman behind an empire of music, movies, clothing, fragrances, and more didn't plan every second of it.

"I put a lot of thought into how I wanted to unveil it. It was important to me that I was able to do it myself," the 30-year-old confesses in the November issue of Harper's Bazaar. "I was extremely nervous. It was the toughest red carpet I ever did."

The former Destiny's Child singer reveals that she went through about 70 dresses before selecting the orange Lanvin gown she donned for the occasion. In fact, Beyonce's become obsessed with all maternity clothes, even working to create a collection for her House of Dereon line.

"All I see now are clothes that are flattering on a pregnant woman," she gushes. "It's been so exciting for me! I love figuring out designs that still make me feel edgy and sexy while pregnant. Flowy fabrics are always flattering, but I still rock my stilettos."

No matter what she's wearing, Beyonce's bestie Gwyneth Paltrow is one person who thinks Bey will be a great mom. The baby, whose dad is Beyonce's hubby of three years, media mogul Jay-Z, is expected to arrive in February.

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"Our best times have been when we are just sitting around in sweatpants, having a glass of wine, chatting about life," Gwyneth says. "B is wise beyond her years. She has taught me the value of speaking your mind. She is clear and honest and true to herself while being respectful. She will be an incredible mother because she is so full of love and she knows who she is."

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Part of that has to do with her other half, who Beyonce says has pushed her to be a better woman. "We focused three years on our marriage and found that it brought us an even stronger bond and connection. But like anything great and successful in your life, marriage takes hard work and sacrifice. It has to be something both you and your husband deeply want," Beyonce notes. "The best thing about marriage is the amount of growth you have because you can no longer hide from your fears and insecurities. There's someone right there calling you out on your flaws and building you up when you need the support. If you are with the right person, it brings out the best version of you."

Read more about Beyonce in the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar, on newsstands October 25.

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