She Who is Brave is Free.

yup, dats me 10 years apart

Last weekend, I got my passport photo taken for the first time in 10 years. 10 years. I was flipping through my old passport - with stamps from 10 countries including my Italian Visa - and it got me meditating on the how much I can't stand to stay in one place for too long - even if it just means a weekend getaway. I think about where my mind goes when I'm not focused on work, life or anything of any importance; and it always goes straight to where the next ticket will take me.

This might be a good time to mention that I also partially stalk the Instagram feeds of @margaret__zhang, @lusttforlife, @garypeppergirl & @blisskatherine not because I particularly like their style (scratch that, yeah I do) but because they also have some of the dreamiest, Pinterest-worthy travel photos around.

I've been to some pretty incredible places in my life thus far and I'm still not quite sure where the next 10 years will take me, but I really hope that it's to a whole lot more places that I've never seen before (and maybe back to a few that are calling my name.) File as wanderlust.

[Image via: my Instagram feed, ya'll]

Insta-Files: Press Play.

Don't watch if your'e afraid of heights! File as beware!!

[Video via: ChiaraFerragni on Instagram]

Insta-Files: Press Play.

Paris is always a good idea. File as 'nuff said.

[Video via: TuulaVintage on Instagram]

Insta-Files: Press Play.

Round two of the new series! Yes, sir! File as watch it again.

[Video via: 13thWitness on Instagram]

Insta-Files: Press Play.

Time for a new series here at The-Margaret-Files to keep things extra fresh! Watch one of my fave videos for this week and stay tuned for lots more coming up! File as just press play.

[Video via: KateKipley on Instagram]

What's New Pussycat?

Ok, so I know I already professed my love for Soo Joo way back when... but with her new editorial in Harper's Bazaar Singapore, I'm falling all over again. Weeee! File as model crush.

P.S. Follow her on Instagram @SoojMooj if you're not already!


[Images via: Pinterest and her IG account]

Insta-Files: Stylist Dilemma.

I wish I could count the number of times I've bought something and then instantly wondered what the eff was I thinking. Newest purchase to make me question my judgement is this H&M beauty from their conscious collection (and by newest purchase I mean 2-months ago new). Granted I love a good blazer/jacket/coat, but this one has been hanging around practically mocking my mostly laid-back/casual closet. I'm gonna need to figure out a way to work this with some super-destroyed light skinny denim ASAP. Although it could turn into one of those pieces that I don't wear for months and randomly pull it out for it to become my new favorite (and most thankful) past-purchase. File under stay tuned.

[Image via: @TheMargaretFile on Instagram]

A.C. Slater.

Just over a year here ...and I finally ran into A.C. Slater at The Grove while my fam was visitng. Celebrity spotting, indeed.

[Image via: Me on Instagram @TheMargaretFile]

Insta-Files: Dreams Can Come True.

...now if only it was actually my size and I wasn't holding a wad of the fabric back with my other hand. Guess I'll just have to wait a little bit longer to add some Rodarte to my closet (better news for my wallet than my very sad closet.) File under *heavy sigh.*

P.S. See it on-the-runway here!

[Image via: @TheMargaretFile, that's me, on Instagram]

Recap: FNO at Beverly Center.

As I'm sure you all know, FNO this year was totes maj. From the freebies, to the GWPs, the mocktails and the cocktails there was fun to be had by all. Bloggers, celebs, models and more were out and about at Beverly Center and beyond to celebrate the ultimate shopping night and lucky for me, only one party-goer had the same F21 Exclusive Collection black and white chevron dress on as me (well, not technically a party-goer, but rather one of the gals walking in the exclusive Forever 21 fashion show). Although I was expecting some kind of catastrophic disaster that night (i.e. DJ playing Tyga's "Make it Nasty", photo booth falling over and crushing infants, models heads exploding, etc.) the event went on without a single hitch. Not only that, but I was so thrilled to see all the familiar faces out to support (#GoTeamForever). So with the bosses happy and wallet still full of money (couldn't even take a break to shop that night) I promise not the utter those three little letters for the next few months...seriously. File as let fashion week begin.


[Images via: My Instagram! @TheMargaretFile]

Insta-Files: My Best Friend's Wedding.

This weekend was one of the better weekends I've had this year, by far. I mean, my best friends do have exquisite taste and killer style (not to brag or anything but props to those girls), but this new Mrs. took it to a whole other level! Down to the very last detail, my best friend's wedding was every bit the glamorous garden fete I imagined a year ago (see my original inspiration post here) and more. From her perfect little Badgley Mischka shoes, to the groomsmen's dapper grey suits, her emerald drop earrings, the groom's dancing father, and the amazingly beautiful table settings...the night was pretty much the most perfect wedding I've ever laid eyes on. And I feel so blessed just to have been a part of the celebration! File as congrats, missy!

[Images via: My Instagram! Follow me @TheMargaretFile]

Insta-Files: Catch-25.

My 25th birthday is fast approaching (okay well maybe not that fast), yet even though I have no impending plans and no real idea of what I'd like to do, I have a feeling that my plans were just made with the purchase of this dress. Although it's been sold out on Asos for weeks, I snagged what must have been someone's return. Only thing is...it's just a bit out of my price range (endlessly trying to save up for a place of my own) making this a real catch-25. File as decisions, decisions.

[Image via: me! via Instagram]

Insta-Files: Moving Day.

No, it wasn't the moving day that I have really been hoping for...but it will suffice nonetheless! With a new office (what it lacks in windows to the outside world it definitely makes up for with white, ridiculously oversized offices) I can't help but be happy that I feel like I'm moving someplace new. And I'm taking my flamingo with me. File as purse passenger!

[Image via: Muah on Twitter/Instagram]

Insta-Files: Mamacita.

My mother and I just so happen to see eye to eye on many things. Shoes, being one of these. And these wedges from Topshop (that I have been lusting after for weeks) were one more reason why I love my mother so much. Not just because she is my favorite shopping companion and she sent these to me while on her most recent Vegas vacation, but mostly because she understands the absolute pleasure that a pair of shoes can bring when you're having a not so great week. File as thanks, ma!

[Image via: Me]

Insta-Files: Martin Mania.

Another Sunday funday spent at the Melrose Trading Post with my dearest friend, Melody, here in LA (and not just any Sunday, but her birthday; YAY!) Although I was short on the cash this time around, I've got my eye on some pieces once my bank account reaches a more manageable amount. Melrose Trading Post vendors, you've been warned. File as happy Sunday, loves.

[Image via: Me, bitches, via Instagram]

-------Insta-Files: Styling Sesh------

SO...I was at work the other day and couldn't take my mind off these orange creamsicle moto pants (see here); however instead of being a rational person and just ordering them online (same day delivery at headquarters #jobperk) I figured I had to swing by my nearest Forever 21 on the way home. BUT, instead of finding the pants, I came across these two beauties. Part one: olive green button-up eyelet romper and part two: dip bleached soft as a baby's bottom cropped denim jacket (which is the perfect unstructured and oversized fit.) Stay tuned for outfit posts to follow. File as obsessed. 

[Image via: Insta-slam aka Instagram love]

----------------------------------------------

Insta-Files: SF Adventures.

So what did I do this weekend? I think the more appropriate question would be what didn't I do this weekend. Although I may have only spent a few days in sunny San Francisco, it felt like I was there for a full week (in the best way possible.) I got to take it all in...strolling through the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at the de Young, shopping (and lots of eating) in Japantown, riding bikes around Golden Gate Park, partying it up with one of the most beautiful brides-to-be and some dearly missed friends, catching the most fabulous sushi documentary ever made, enjoying my free upgrade at Hotel Vertigo and of course, kicking my feet up after walking miles and miles and miles each day. File as one successful trip.

[Images via: Me! on Twitter and Instagram]

Insta-Files: Vegas Vacation.

My little Vegas vacation (Griswald style all the way) may have been a little bit last minute, but it was totally worth the shlep. After dining at some seriously delicious restaurants, laying by the pool to finally get rid of my ghostly white legs and doing a little retail therapy (those are my mom's new Topshop shoes *swoon*) it was just the thing I needed to perk myself back up...for my next vacation this coming weekend. Talk about insane. File as jetsetter.

[Images via: My phone, baby]

Insta-Files: Summertime.

Spending entirely too much time making my blog all fancy, super-fresh issues of Vogue, finding old embarrassing pictures (#CrazyCatLady), and swatches for bridesmaid's dresses? You bet yer booty it's summertime. Hope everyone is enjoying this extra long weekend, and instagramming it all for evidence tomorrow. File as until Tuesday.

[Image via: My brain!!! aka here]

Insta-Files: Tough Stuff.

My weekend? Filled with mint Gap Body bralettes, creating new blog posts and pouring over the Chanel Resort collection (stay tuned for its fabulousness), hanging out with the best roommate ever (Sir Leo Jones) and of course...having to decide which pair of Jeffrey Campbell wedge sneakers to return to Nasty Gal. Torture. File as happy weekend, loves. 

[Images via: @TheMargaretFile (that's me!) on Instagram]