The Essential Beauty Line

Nars

I'll admit that I'm kind of a no-frills, wash-and-go, fresh-faced kind of gal. I'm not a huge fan of makeup and fancy products, and nine times out of ten, I prefer the natural look over anything else.

So I'm sure you're asking yourself: why listen to this girl dish out beauty advice? Because when I see quality, I recognize it. And Nars, the been-around-forever-but-never-truly-appreciated beauty line is pure quality. I'll warn you now, I haven't completely abandoned my penchant for natural beauty; just re-evaluated it a little bit, thanks in large part to Nars.

I say this because these products are ideal for creating that pure, untouched, ethereal look that will always be in style. Basically, Nars products can make any girl look like a slightly more put-together version of herself.

Nars is the force behind the blush phenomenon "Orgasm", which is a surprisingly bold name for such a wearable shade. Hailed as the blush that flatters any woman, Orgasm is subtle and sweet and just pink enough.

Many of this line's products are similarly universal: another standout is Nars lip gloss in "Chihuahua", a nude-pink shade, which is the only lip gloss I own that seems appropriate for all occasions.

So if you're into the drag queen look, stick to Mac products. But if you aim to be the-girl-next-door, does-she-just-wake-up-gorgeous? kind of girl, check out Nars.

Photo: beaut.ie

The Essential Trend

Wrap belts

Belts are always a great accessory for dresses, tops, and even sweaters. They do double duty - not only do they add an unexpected touch of color and detail to any outfit, they also have shape-altering powers when worn over an blouson silhouette. But let's face it, sometimes a belt can be tricky - large ones look a little harsh, while skinny belts tend to get lost in fabric.

Luckily, the newest belt trend doesn't fall into either of these traps. Wrap belts are basically large strips of fabric that can be worn around the midsection. They come with two long strings on either end, which cross around the body and can be either tied or knotted anywhere on the body.

I love to wear my wrap belt (a black satin $13 steal from Nordstrom) high on my waist, with the two straps tied in a bow at the side. I've found that the belts look sleeker than stiffer counterparts, and the bow adds a really cute, feminine flair to a shapeless dress.

Check out these Asian-inspired belts in lace, leather, or satin. Each fabric has a decidedly different feel - with wrap belts, the possibilities are endless.

Photo: Luxurydivas.com

The Essential Brand

Haute Hippie

Before I talk about this amazing line, let me say that it seems way more "haute" than "hippie." It's not exactly the newest brand out there, but it's definitely one that isn't getting the attention it deserves.

Haute Hippie is comprised of looks that are flashy, heavily embellished, and totally fabulous. The brand is evidence of pure creativity, including everything from fully sequined cocktail dresses to fur vests.

Now, I know you're probably wondering what the second half of the label's name signifies. The term "hippie" refers to the brand's mission and commitment to personal creation. The designers say: "Our collection is a labor of love. Haute Hippie is a love affair with clothing, inspiration, design and creativity. We have poured our heart, soul and indeed our life savings into this endeavor, so strong is our belief and so resolute our conviction that our clothes would find an audience. We meticulously design every piece in the Haute Hippie line. There is no huge production line. There is no designing by committee in boardrooms with faceless bureaucrats, or design formula to which we conform. "

Need any more proof that haute couture and hippie creativity are not mutually exclusive? Didn't think so. Check out the amazing dress pictured above, seen on super-stylish star Lauren Conrad!

Photo: Starstyleinc.com

The Essential Movie

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day has everything that I look for in a movie: an ensemble cast, a sappy premise, and Taylor Lautner.

In the grand tradition of He's Just Not That Into You, Valentine's Day combines all of Hollywood's biggest stars into one surefire Blockbuster hit; I'll even go so far as to say that it seems like it's going to be the Love, Actually of this generation.

I'm not exactly sure what this movie has in store, but I'm willing to make a few predictions: at least one partner switch, an underdog romance, and an ending that is so perfectly packaged, it would be horribly annoying if it weren't so cute.

The movie opens tomorrow - I personally can't wait!

Photo: flikr.com

The Essential Bag

The Essential Bag

Stephanie Bracelet Clutch by Diane von Furstenburg

I've always been a huge fan of chain-link bags. They're sleek yet classic, flashy yet safe - especially when balanced with a more understated touch.

Mixing textures is difficult, but DVF nails it with this bag. This dazzling clutch isn't overwhelmingly large, and the suede tassel drapes elegantly down one side - the combination of matte suede and shiny metal is striking and totally new.

This bag retails for $395, but is definitely worth the splurge - it's a classic wardrobe staple that will take even the most basic LBD from forgettable to fabulous.

Photo: Handbagdujour.com

The Essential Book

Sweet Little Lies

by Lauren Conrad.

Vapid? Yes. Frivilous? Oh, yeah. Fictional? No effing way.

So maybe SLL isn't the next great American masterpiece, but it is - much like Conrad's former television show The Hills - a great guilty pleasure. Sweet Little Lies will be Lauren's second book; the first, entitled LA Candy, released last year and is the prequel to this. The premise of the series is simple: Lauren Conrad (oops...I mean Jane Roberts) moves to LA with her best friend to intern for a event planner, when one night she's approached by a television producer who casts her and her friend Scarlett in his new project: a reality TV show.

The book is probably less contrived than Conrad's "reality" show, which is a bit ironic since it is marked as a work of fiction. Regardless it's an engaging, somewhat vouyeristic read, full of insights into the entertaintment industry, The City of Angels, and how freakin' bitchy teenage girls can be (the book's villian goes by the name of Madison - her character pays thinly vieled homage to Conrad's nemsis, Heidi Pratt.)

LA Candy left off with Jane humiliated, betrayed, and left alone with the vicious Madison...I'm counting down till February 3rd to find out what will happen to her!

Photo: shoppingblog.com

The Essential Band

Hey Monday

I was lucky enough to meet Hey Monday's lead singer during a previous internship, and I can only say fabulous things about this person. The singer is hugely talented, incredibly personable, and absolutely adorable...oh and did I mention that she's a girl?

Before you assume that Hey Monday must be a whiny, electric guitar-slapping girl band, let me clear a few things up. The band is composed of three guys (Mike Gentile, Alex Lipshaw, and Michael Moriarty) and one girl by the name of Cassadde Pope. Each member is great, but Cassadde is definitely the group's superstar. It's rare to see a girl who can hold her own on the pop-punk scene, but Cassadde certainly has it under control; she has an incredible voice and sings with raw emotion.

The band is neither emo nor hand-poundingly hardcore. Their real strength lies in their ballads, which are both realistic and well-penned. Cassadde never once crosses the line into "popstar" territory - even though her voice is versatile enough to belt out a radio-ready pop anthem, she refuses to sell out and become a solo artist.

My favorite Hey Monday song? Definitely "Candles", one of their earlier numbers...but the recently released "6 Months" is giving "Candles" some competition!

Photo: Diamondsarent4ever.com