Current Obsessions: California Adventure.

Confession: I used to constantly make fun of one of my closest friends (#sorrynotsorry) for wearing his stinky Birkenstocks circa high school with literally every outfit and to places where sandals are definitely not considered shoes (at least for dudes) until I shamed him so much that he was compelled to change into a less offensive shoe when he was around me. Fast forward a few years later, and I'm totally lusting for a pair of Birks of my own. (Trust me, he was the first to know of this new obsession as well as the first to support me.). And with the new ugly shoe resurgence (thanks Refinery 29 for this article) I'm feeling like I'm definitely not alone in the universe. So adding to my grunge wishlist will have to be a pair of black on black stocks. Now if only I had the modern Santa Monica compound to go with it - aren't they one and the same? File as one day.

UPDATE: Stop the presses, even more support of Birkenstocks has emerged!! ...feeling a little behind the trend at this moment. But really, I don't give two hoots. Hashtag time to go shopping.


[Images via: Pinterest]

Change is Afoot.

Even though I wouldn't describe my current state of being as particularly moody or dramatic (some people in my life may disagree with that statement), something lately has been drawing me over to the darker side of clothing. Is it terrible that my wardrobe is consisting of more and more black pieces and is practically void of any and all color? Some LA-resident I am. File as gravitational pull.

[Images via: @MaggieMurrieta on Pinterest and @TheMargaretFile on Instagram]

This Crew Right Here.

When did things get so complicated and confusing? Ok, I know, loaded question...but seriously replace the word things with getting dressed in the morning and you have my daily struggle to put together a serious outfit that is actually worth wearing. Maybe I've been working these buns too hard or maybe I've just felt like I am in need of some wardrobe revamping, but one thing is certain: I miss the easy days. Insert J.Crew's Fall 2013 collection. Timeless, sophisticated and above all else, totally wearable. When again will I be able to shop this? File as back to the closet.

[Images via: Style.com]

Fall/Winter/Spring.

1. LA Tee, $36 

2. Roberto Cavalli Gold-Plated Swarovski Crystal Necklace, $1,215

3. Balmain Harlequin-print Motocross-style Skinny Jeans, $1,622

4. Margiela Crome-handle Leather Tote, $1,890

5. Mia Cut-out Boot, $125

I've been hearing a lot lately about this phenomenon called transitional dressing. Since weather in Los Angeles is almost perennially summer, I haven't had to deal with such nonsense; however now that I'm jetting to NYC in a few weeks and it's about negative thirty degrees there (actual forecast in the 20s) I've got my work cut out for me. Ideally, I'd like to bring all the same items that I'd rock in LA, just maybe with three parkas piled on top. Black booties, a printed pant, and an easy tee are exactly what the doctor ordered. Now I just need to find a super fabulous coat (maybe something fur?) to top it off with. File as let the hunt begin.


[Images via: Net-a-Porter, Nasty Gal, Topshop]

Current Obsessions: Black Magic.

Graffiti for angsty teens | That boxy Balenciaga *swoon*

ApartmentPhile: Black Beauty.

I'm not sure what the deal is with my current obsession with all things dark romance (hmm...very 'Fifty Shades' of me) but in my quest to pre-design the perfect studio space for my next apartment I have found it rather difficult to envision exactly what I want the living/lounging space to look like. I've gone back and forth with three other options (you can find the first here, the second here and the third here) and although this one does seem very close to the first, it brings in a little more direction to the actual pieces that I might purchase: a ghost chair for the hand-crafted desk (side note: I love my boss and her furniture-building maverick boyfriend), a black-dyed Indian rug, a charcoal tufted settee, black and white floral curtains with lots and lots of leopard accents, and maybe a leather club chair (just like that lived-in Proenza Schouler bag). Ok, and maybe one pop of color with that light pink/coral/plum pillow. 

But all this does bring up the question: can I live with just one little pop of color in a pillow? Guess I'll have to sleep on this Fifty Shades... File as tied up. 

[Images via: Harpers, Studded Hearts, Tales of Endearment, Zara, West Elm, and the rest via Pinterest @TheMargaretFile]

Game Changer: Victoria Beckham Spring 2013.

Let me start by apologizing for not being up-to-the-minute on all the NYFW fabulousness. Maybe I was just burnt out after FNO (see the LA recap here) or maybe just too busy with work planning the next big promotion and finding my next apartment, but the last thing I wanted to do this week was pour over fashion week photos. Well, after seeing the Victoria Beckham Spring 2013 collection, the tables have turned. Sleek, sexy, perfect and always on-point, the collection made me want to jump right into spring; thick cable-knit sweaters be damned. So, now that I'm back on track, stay tuned for my loveliness from NYFW because there is no better feeling than a spark of inspiration. File as until the next runway...

[Images via: Vogue.com]

It Takes Two, Baby.

[Images via: Pinterest with text added by me]

Current Obsessions: Black Tie.

What's wrong for wanting a little glam factor every day of the week? Well, I've been definitely smitten with the black-tie mood of the above snaps. Whether it's a Tom Ford tuxedo (does clothing really get any better than that for a man?) wearing the chicest black shorts like a pro or sipping on copious amounts of bubbly (Vueve of course) there is nothing wrong with upping the glam factor, if just a little bit. File as bubble time.

[Images via: Pinterest, links to follow]

--------Balmain Resort 2013--------

I'm having this newfound obsession with super full mini-skirts that are reminiscent of a ball gown chopped off mid-thigh (go figure) and Balmain's leather version for resort 2013 may be my favorite just yet. Alas, the one (or maybe two) dresses on Asos that mimic that full skirted fabulousness (see them here and here) are of course sold out in my size (not to mention I have no money to spend on such frivolous purchases.) But I haven't give up just yet...come the end of summer I'm hoping to have a better hold on my finances, a larger closet to put my clothes in and a fuller skirt to stick these stems in. File as full on.

[Images via: Vogue.IT]

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-Francesco Scognamiglio Resort 2013-

[Images via: Vogue.it]

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Marchesa Resort 2013

Call me crazy, but I feel like I have been swept up by the whole wedding season bonanza as of late. Friends are tying the knot left and right, Pinterest is overflowing with bridal boards, my mother is now talking about my wedding as if I have a boyfriend who is even interested in the notion, and my bank account is slowly depleting. For my dear friend's wedding which I will be a part of (my first!), I searched for months for a bridesmaid's dress, and after looking at a whole slew of them that just scream "hey, I'm uncomfortable and unflattering; pick me!" I was overjoyed to come across a lovely, understated but still appropriate dress from Asos (not to mention affordable.) And now, after pouring over Marchesa's resort  2013 collection, I couldn't help but admire the beautiful options for brides, bridesmaids and mother's of the bride alike. Whether for an understated bash or an all out glamour-fest, these looks are totally picture-perfect. File as hello, gorgeous.

[Images via: Vogue, Pinterest]

ApartmentPhile: My Next Place Option I.

Even though I may not have a place of my own just quite yet (fingers crossed that I can afford something in the next few months)...a girl can dream! And I am definitely one who loves apartments and all their quirks- hence the new ApartmentPhile post label. So over the next few weeks, I wanted to share some of the apartment design styles that I've been throwing around (virtually of course) one of which will make it into my next tiny-ass apartment. The style featured below may be equal bits rustic, glam, chic and industrial but it makes a very big statement with just a simple color palette. File as hard chic, option one.

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[Images via: Pinterest]

Current Obsessions: Bad Romance.

"Kiss" by Dan Colen | Keith Haring Schott Brothers Jacket | unknown | Mary-Kate Olsen Elle UK Sept. 2008 

Best Dressed at the Met Ball 2012.

I must say that my days this week have really been lacking in the glamour department. Just last weekend, I had a feeling that I was right on the edge of a major style slump (this self-imposed "budget" is killing me), when blam (totally just yelled this is my head) The Met Gala hit! (Relive last years by clicking here.) 

Although my daily work wear doesn't fall anywhere close to what the fab ladies above are wearing, it's definitely given me the push to stop wearing my go-to J Brand jeans every. single. day. But the real debate around the office (not involving my inability to pick a cute outfit this week) has been who was deserving of the best dressed title at this years Met Ball. And you know I had an opinion on that. Keep reading after the jump to see my favorite for this year! File as too much. 

Top Shots: PFW Fall 2012 Part II.

Oh, Miroslava...you are such a cutie.

Tres chicas bonitas!

Why hello there, friends.

Givenchy madness...obsessed.

Miss Shala Monroque

Sweet pants, Taylor.

Couldn't get away with a street style post without mentioning ADR!

Camo and mesh and Christopher Kane, oh my. 

THE Burberry parka.

Hanneli being a babe.

Green, blue, black, blue. :)

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

Top Shots: Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012 Part I.

Tilda in Haider Ackermann...girlfriend knows what works for her.

Color, color everywhere, not a drop to spare!

What's black and white and orange all over? Balenciaga! 

Yeti chic is so hot for fall. 

Ninja Turtle inspired to the max. 

Everything is nicer through rose-colored glasses!

Oh. My. God. Look at her fur.

The chill is so much more bearable with Prabal Gurung glasses.

Skeletor!

ADR in Fendi...naturally. 

Quite possibly my favorite boots of the season.

Accessory perfection.

Blow away...but looking damn good.

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