'Cate Blanchett told me not to stress': Natalie Portman reveals celebrity mentor in Harper's Bazaar while confessing Parisians think she's 'nuts'

Natalie Portman has made all the right moves when it comes to her movie career, finding the smart path from child star to Oscar winner without a misstep.

But when it comes to handling motherhood, the 34-year-old actress has needed some advice.

'Very early on, I asked Cate Blanchett about being a parent,' the Star Wars icon told the August issue of Harper's Bazaar. 'I said "How do you do it? You're a mom. You’re the best at what you do." She said, "You just do. Stressing about it doesn't help."' 

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Girl on a swing... over the ocean: Natalie Portman stunned in a pink gown as she posed for the August issue of Harper's Bazaar

Girl on a swing... over the ocean: Natalie Portman stunned in a pink gown as she posed for the August issue of Harper's Bazaar

Think pink in a flowing gown like Natalie

She's the face of Miss Dior perfume and married to French choreographer, Benjamin Millepied. And for her fashion spread for Harper's Bazaar magazine, Natalie Portman exuded Parisian charm in Gucci, Givenchy and Prada.

But it was this J. Mendel gown that stole the show. The blush colored confection featured a plunge neckline and thigh high split that showed plenty of skin. Yet the Black Swan star still managed to stay demure with a large flower in her hair.

Nail Natalie's gorgeous Grecian look with a flowy maxi dress from the edit below. We're digging Guess' peach colored confection or if you've got money to burn, splurge on Alberta Ferretti's luxurious version.

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The Black Swan star said that she feels men also feel challenged when juggling a career with being a father.

The beauty has been married to Benjamin Millepied, Director Of Dance at the Paris Opera Ballet, since 2012. Together they have son Aleph, aged four.

'Most men I know are dealing with the same issues,' Portman added.

Talking motherhood: In the fashion monthly the 34-year-old actress confessed she can get stressed out over juggling parenthood and a film career

Talking motherhood: In the fashion monthly the 34-year-old actress confessed she can get stressed out over juggling parenthood and a film career

'They say they feel like if they work too hard they won’t have enough time with their families. Maybe those questions need to be asked of men, too. Maybe the men need better questions,' she shared.

The New York native also said that she is happy to now be residing in Paris with Benjamin. 

'It’s magical,' the Thor star said.

'But the cultures are different in ways you don’t even realize. And there’s stuff you don’t know you’ll miss until you’re away. Like indoor gyms where kids can just run around and jump. They don’t have those there.'

She has her back: The New York native said that friend Cate Blanchett gave her advice. 'Very early on, I asked Cate about being a parent. I said "How do you do it? You're a mom. You’re the best at what you do." She said, "You just do. Stressing about it doesn't help"'

She has her back: The New York native said that friend Cate Blanchett gave her advice. 'Very early on, I asked Cate about being a parent. I said "How do you do it? You're a mom. You’re the best at what you do." She said, "You just do. Stressing about it doesn't help"'

And Natalie added that her behavior is not always French enough.

'In Paris if you’re running around on the playground chasing your kid and playing a game, people think you’re nuts,' she revealed.

The V For Vendetta actress also touched on gender inequality:

'I like to look at what people are wearing, but I do see the sexism in it,' she said.

France is not the US: The brunette beauty added, ' Paris is magical but the cultures are different in ways you don’t even realize'

France is not the US: The brunette beauty added, ' Paris is magical but the cultures are different in ways you don’t even realize'

'Yeah, you could reject it all, but I don’t know anyone who has done that and been able to maintain the level of work that I’d like to maintain.'

And the Harvard graduate also said that she is proud of her Israeli roots. 

'If you say, "I’m from Sweden," everyone says, "Cool." Then when you say, "I’m from Israel!" everyone wants to have a 10-hour political conversation.

Down time: The Black Swan star dressed in casual clothes for a shopping trip in Los Feliz in June

Down time: The Black Swan star dressed in casual clothes for a shopping trip in Los Feliz in June

'Everyone has a very strong, very passionate opinion about it. But I’m grateful for it. I had so many friends who asked, when we were younger, "Who am I? What’s my identity?" I never questioned my identity.'

The Closer star wore summer colors for the fashion magazine.

On the cover she had roses in her hair and showed off a stunning Harry Winston bracelet. Her Prada dress was pink and had spaghetti straps.

Inside she wore gowns by J. Mendel and Gucci as well as Riccardo Tisci with more gems by both Bulgair and Tiffany & Co. 

Her mentor: Blanchett, 46, who has four children, is seen here at the Cannes Film Festival for her film Sicario in May

Her mentor: Blanchett, 46, who has four children, is seen here at the Cannes Film Festival for her film Sicario in May

 

 

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