Elie Saab Couture 2012.

The sweet colors in Elie Saab's haute couture collection this past week reminded me of one of my favorite sweet treats in particular....Laduree macarons. A little crunchy, creamy on the inside and in all the softer colors of the rainbow, there is nothing I crave more than these delicious macarons. (I have actually waited in line for an hour to get a box at their NYC outpost.) And Elie Saab included some of my favorite flavors...a mean colors... including pistachio, vanilla bean and rose. File as eating it up.


[Images via: Vogue.com, Google]

Look of the Week: Clean Up.

My look lately has been leading me to feel just a little on the sad side. Could it be my too-long hair (in desperate need of a cut,) my San Francisco wardrobe of cute flats and blazers that is not quite suited for the warm weather of Los Angeles or the fact that I can't seem to find any of my favorite tanks since moving?! Rants aside, I'm thinking I'm in the need of a style re-do for my new (temporary) home and perhaps the look for this week is just what I'm needing- clean, simple and straightforward. File as retail therapy time.

[Image via: Pinterest, with text added by muah]

Best Dressed: SAG Awards 2012.

Even though I wasn't able to watch the awards (only super-basic cable here) I was able to see all the red carpet action, which let's face it, is usually the most exciting portion of the award shows nowadays. And some of my favorite looks sashayed fresh from the couture presentations (just last week) right onto the red carpet: Givenchy, Giambattista Valli, Alexander McQueen and one of my newer favorites Zac Posen all made quite the appearances. Now, although I wanted to see Emma in a different Alexander McQueen pre-fall dress (see my request on a previous post) she wasn't my favorite of the night. For that information, you'll have to click below to see! File as black tie babes.

Pre-Fall 2012 Recap.

Thakoon | Jenni Kayne | Lanvin | Chloe

Alexander Wang | No. 21 | Valentino

Louis Vuitton | 3.1 Phillip Lim | Prabal Gurung

Missoni | Reed Krakoff | Alexander McQueen

Pre-fall has come and gone, just like that with the couture shows last week stealing all their thunder. But don't dismiss this in-between season as mere psuedo-collections from our favorite designers! There were some amazingly concocted gems (quite a few as you can see above) that I documented here on The-Margaret-Files; so show them a little love, too and take another looksy for yourself. Want to know my absolute favorite? Click to keep reading! File as perfection...

Eats: French Onion Soup.

There is nothing I love more than a hearty bowl of soup when I'm feeling low. To say I've been rather stressed lately would be a bit of an understatement (my job search has proved less than fruitful so far) and the only thing I want to do this weekend is recharge my batteries, start my new book, avoid my computer and make a big ol' crock pot of soup. Since I just finished Julia Child's My Life in France (which I highly recommend), French Onion Soup is just the ticket for a low-kinda Sunday. Oh, and my new book is also about another French-culture icon, Miss Coco Chanel (go figure.) My love affair continues! Click below to see the whole recipe and file as noms.

Christian Dior Couture 2012.

If there was one collection that made me a believer of the future of fashion house of Christian Dior sans its former maestro John Galliano, it was Bill Gaytten's couture show this past week. Although stumbling about with his previous couture presentation and subsequent spring, fall, resort and pre-fall collections, he made a definitive statement for couture fashion week, just in time for the Oscars next month. What do you think Charlize Theron (the house's main Hollywood golden girl) will wear this time? File as back to life.


[Images via: Vogue.com, Style.com]

Valentino Couture 2012.

Who doesn't love a good romance? Valentino's collections almost always fall into this category, but this time around the designers went totally romance-gaga for their couture presentation, even referencing the gardens of Marie Antoinette. Heavy beading, lots of lace, sheer gloves, delicate bows and very demure looks all reminded me of past romantics and a time when just the sliver of a wrist was completely shocking. File as simply beautiful.


[Images via: Vogue.com, Style.com]

Art Eye: Dance, Dance.

Dance has always been a fascination of mine (probably because I'm no good at it) but with this new print from Sam Taylor-Wood, I can maybe bring a little rhythm into my home for just $60. There is so much that I love about this piece- the movement, the muscles (hello) and the flexibility of the dancer not to mention the whole softness of the palette- I can't stop looking at it again and again. File as I just want to dance. 

[Image via: Sam Taylor-Wood via 20x200]

Have a Little Fun.

[Image via: Pinterest, quote via Elle Decor]

Giambattista Valli Couture 2012.

Oh my God, couture fashion week is here! Um, I'm fairly positive that I just finished my coverage of the pre-fall presentations this past week (stay tuned for a recap) but by no means am I complaining! Let's be real, this is probably one of my favorite weeks of the year- the couture shows mean crazy, sometimes Oscar-worthy and definitely awesome clothes that will only ever see the backs of the highest echelon of fashionistas around the world. Valli's second (ever) couture show may not have been the first (Versace beat him to it) but it was one of the most beautiful and inspired so far. I may be a California girl at heart, but sometimes I wish I could just be a Valli girl. File as love.


[Images via: Vogue Paris, Vogue US, Style.com]

It Girl: Natalia Alaverdian.

First noticed on The Sartorialist years ago, (yes, it's true!) Natalia's style has stayed with me since before I ever thought I'd document her style here on The-Margaret-Files. So with the return of one of my favorite bi-monthly posts otherwise known as the It Girl I found no better candidate than this stylist and fashion editor for Harper's Bazaar, Russia. Both in clean all-white ensembles or something a little darker, this cutie knows just how to work her petite frame and wild mane of waves making her the perfect It Girl for this week. File as sweetness. 

[Images via: Pinterest, Google]

In House: Tabitha Simmons.

Tabitha Simmons may live a charmed life as contributing editor at Vogue among other magazines, and her home reflects that to a T. With an understated palette, splashed with pops of excitement- take for example that butterfly rug, the hidden oasis in the backyard or all those fabulous light fixtures- I'm not sure how she ever leaves her home. File as staying in. 

[Images via: Vogue.com]

Eats: Bucatini all'Amatriciana.

Being Italian, I feel like red sauce flows through my blood; I seriously cannot get enough of the stuff. And while I've practiced many different variations on the classic red sauce in the kitchen, there is one that I am dying to try next- Mario Batalli's Bucatini all'Amatriciana- a mouthful, I know, but so delicious to say. I used to eat pounds of this stuff in Roman Trattorias while I lived there two years ago and fell in love with it all over again at Batalli's restaurant Lupa while I was in NYC over the holidays. I can't wait to make it for myself, considering I could alway use a little extra spice in my cooking. Keep reading after the jump to see the full recipe so you can make it for yourself too! File as delish. 

Oh, Berkeley.

For those who have never heard of the little college town Berkeley, there is only one word that can describe it- quirky. My home for the past two or so years, I've come to love all the idiosyncratic quirks that make Berkeley exactly what it is. Just walking down the street in the morning, there is never a moment where something exciting, hilarious or just plain strange is happening. My dear friend says it best with her blog titled Oh, Berkeley. For my ode, I thought no better way than to dedicate a travel post to my previous home, "Bezerkeley." Keep reading after the jump to see my perfect day and file as out there.

Stay Positive.

[Image and quote via: Pinterest, combined by me!]

Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2012.

Like Mr. McQueen before her, Sarah Burton seems to do no wrong. This time around for Alexander McQueen's pre-fall collection, I had a decidingly difficult time choosing my favorite look- was it the fantastically puffed white blouse paired with a just as large skirt, the most ingeniously structured princess gown I've ever laid eyes upon in that amazing aquamarine color with black embroidered overlay (that one better show up at the Oscars on either Anne Hathaway or Rooney Mara) or the perfectly nipped in waistcoat with cigarette pants to match? Talk about a mouthful there. File as complete perfection.

[Images via: Vogue.com]

Valentino Pre-Fall 2012.

In a time where great uncertainty is now the norm, it's nice to know that we can at the very least count on Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli's romantically-charged presentations for Valentino. Last season it was Mexican bohemians and before that Russian princesses, this time it was more 1980's than a place, unless you count a slight nod to Studio 54 with all those pouffy skirts. One thing I am excited to see is just who will be turning up on the red carpet in the Oscar-worthy finale dress or that fabulous red jumpsuit (Emma Stone or a Fanning sister maybe for the latter? or perhaps Zoe Saldana for the former?) One thing is certain- it will be a look to die for. File as gorgeous.


[Images via: Style.com]

Chloe Pre-Fall 2012.

[Images via: Vogue.com]

10 Best Dressed: Golden Globes 2012.

Red carpet season is always an event in my household and the ladies walking down the red carpet at the Golden Globes were no disappointment this year. Although there were many sure things, lots of mermaid trains and many dresses that were curvy in all the right places, there was only one that made me gasp for all the right reasons. Tilda Swinton- the woman who usually turns up in something the critics hate yet the fashion crowd celebrates- pleased both masses with her periwinkle Haider Ackermann ensemble which made me a believer in this it-designer of the moment. But that's not to say that Jessica in Elie Saab, Charlize in Dior or Julianne in Chanel (all couture, mind you) weren't close contenders for best dressed. File as drama-rama.

[Images via: Style.com]

Manday Monday.

It's all the boys at Pitti Uomo again! LOVE that scarf.

Talk about a power couple here- that light blue jacket is divine.

Just a touch of color for these two. Always fab.

One word- delicious.

Coordinating your files with you outfit? DUH.

Probably my favorite picture of the bunch...soft but still masculine. 

Would love to borrow that bag.

The combination of colors here is just exquisite. 

Quite possibly my ideal match- fur, navy, canvas bag and totally chic.

Hermes orange jeans! Where do I sign up for these babies?!

Until next time!

[Images via: Style.com, Street FSN]

Reed Krakoff Pre-Fall 2012.

Also known as the executive creative director at the popular brand Coach, Mr. Reed Krakoff's eponymous line is a far cry from the rather uninspired bags that hang from the shoulders of women worldwide. Although his artistry may be stifled at Coach, he more than makes up for it with the his Krakoff presentations. This pre-fall collection is another one that I just can't get enough of- those perfect fitting wide-leg trousers, lots of leather (never enough) and the accessory of the season, the high black leather glove. Now if only those items could translate to the Coach brand, albeit at a fraction of the price. File as fingers crossed.  

[Images via: Vogue.com]

Eats: Ultimate Quesadillas.

Until you've had my quesadilla, let me tell you, you have not tasted a quesadilla yet. Gooey, delicious, savory and full of bright flavors, my quesadilla is nothing like those sad flimsy disks yanked out of the microwave. No, mam. Served with a big old dollop of sour cream, cilantro or salsa (or all three mixed together...did I just blow your mind?) this will become a weeknight staple, like it has in my casa. Keep reading to check out the full recipe. File as addicting. 

No. 21 Pre-Fall 2012.

[Images via: Vogue.com]

Beach Bum Friday.

I spent my Friday walking along the beach with my new roommate Mr. Leo Jones (he is a wire-haired Jack Russell terrier and oh, so cute) and plan to spend my weekend exploring around my new personal headquarters of Los Angeles. Hope you enjoy your weekend, wherever it is you'll be exploring!

[Image via: Pinterest]

Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2012.

[Images via: Vogue.com]

Art Eye: New York State of Mind.

Ok, so I know I haven't been sharing as many art-related posts as I intended to when I started this blog, and that is going to end today! From now on, you'll be finding some weekly art installments amongst all the fashion, home decor, travel, recipe and party hoopla that are all regulars on The.Margaret.Files! I'm so excited to share with you this amazing series by Jason Polan, especially after my trip to NYC for the holidays, considering his subject matter. Just a little bit cheeky, these pieces would be the perfect addition to any office or art wall to remind me of my time in one of my favorite cities in the world. File under this is art!

[Images via: Jason Polan for 20x200]

Prabal Gurung Pre-Fall 2012.

[Images via: Vogue.com]