Monica Corcoran Harel is a New York Times bestselling author and consultant that specializes in fashion and the culture of keeping up appearances. She contributes to the New York Times, ELLE and InStyle and has consulted as an editorial and branding expert for franchises like The Hunger Games and companies like Smashbox Cosmetics. She co-authored the book, Living in Style with Rachel Zoe. Corcoran Harel lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their daughter, Tess Darling.

What is the most important “job” in your life right now?

Raising my almost 6-year- old daughter Tess Darling, writing my first novel and maintaining my family’s happiness.

What is your key to feeling beautiful no matter how busy you are?

A glass of Pinot Noir and a great lipstick like Tom Ford’s Indian Rose.

What is your greatest strength?

My inherent belief that people are good and honest—and just want to be loved. I give great compliments too.

What is your favorite Bellacures service?

Sea Salt Scrub Mani & Pedi.

Who is the best mani buddy you like to bring to Bellacures?

My daugher.

Do you have a go-to nail polish color?

OPI’s Heart Throb.

Best drink to go with a mani?

Iced latte.

Manicures and Pedicures- same time or staggered?

Staggered so I get two guilt-free opportunities to read gossip mags.

What color nail polish would you wear on vacation to Paris?

Chanel’s Garconne, of course.

What is your ideal Saturday like?

Manicure, Pilates, nap, gazpacho, maybe another nap, date night or dancing at Giorgio’s.

What is your go-to restaurant and/or bar in town?

Lucques – we always dine at the bar and play gin rummy.

Beauty product(s) you cannot live without?

Vitamin E oil.

Your hair guru is….

Kim Elliott in Los Angeles.

Favorite perfume?

Creed Spring Flowers.

Favorite hair style?

Bangs a la Jane Birkin.

Best way to stay youthful looking?

Smile sincerely and laugh a lot.

Who is your beauty crush?

Billie Holliday.

Who is your style icon?

Gloria Vanderbilt and Kate Moss.

Favorite item in your closet?

An old Fendi belt that makes any dress or denim look infinitely cooler.

What charity(ies) is closest to your heart?

Hollygrove, a former orphanage in Hollywood that is now a crisis center for families in need.

Favorite SNL skit of all time?

Anything with Chris Farley.

Who has the best coffee in LA?

Go Get ‘Em Tiger on Larchmont Boulevard in Hancock Park.

Camping or glamping?

Both, though I consider a motel stay in the woods to be camping.

Who do you admire most?

My husband Gadi because he can make anyone—even cranky old people—laugh.

What is the last book you read?

Play As It Lays by Joan Didion. (Reread it for third time.)