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]

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]

Party Girl: Wedding Edition- Five Fetes.

Now, don't get too excited. I don't have any special announcements to make (sorry, Mom) but considering that it is wedding season (and countless friends of mine will be walking down the aisle come winter) I couldn't help but feature my take on a ridiculously extravagant wedding. Well, actually, there are five fetes below to be exact, (more is more right?) ranging the wedding spectrum from even the most non-conformist of brides (Balmain tux, hello) to a classic look that would be fit for any princess (Vera to the rescue!) File this one as party on.

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THE INVITE: 'Painted Garden: Velvet Rope' Signature Textured Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas

THE LOCATION: A private garden chateau on the outskirts of Paris 

THE CAKE: Gilded, just like Marie Antoinette's finest china 

THE DRESS: Dior, but of course darling; it's Paris

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THE INVITE: 'Framed Floral: Charcoal' Thermography Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas

THE LOCATION: Church ceremony with reception to follow at a loft space, bedecked in hydrangeas

THE CAKE: A throw on tradition- cupcakes, with sparkles for good effect

THE DRESS: Vera, Vera, Vera or in this case the style Frea, Frea, Frea

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THE INVITE: 'Sophisticated Symbol: Black' Signature White Invitations by Wedding Paper Divas

THE LOCATION: The Palace, NYC; black-tie dress, even for the tables

THE CAKE: Covered in pearls, just like Chanel's Spring 2012 runway

THE DRESS: Who says the bride can't wear a tux, too? Balmain, I do, baby

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THE INVITE: 'Whimsical Wedding: Persimmon' Signature Textured Invitations by Wedding Paper Divas

THE LOCATION: The quite fabulous St. Bartholomew's church in Chodovice, Eastern Bohemia

THE CAKE: Rustic, simple, delicious

THE DRESS: Cascading Vera Wang pleated ruffles in the hottest color for fall brides- nude

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THE INVITE: 'Lace Illusion: Grape' Signature Textured Invitations by Wedding Paper Divas

THE LOCATION: The private gardens behind the museum at Villa Borghese in Rome

THE CAKE: Butterfly flourishes instead of flowers

THE DRESS: When in Rome, do as the Romans do- that means Valentino, amici

[Images via: Wedding Paper Divas and elsewhere, see the links below each mood board] 

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]

Fine Dining.

Today is my dear friend's birthday, and in honor of the delicious French restaurant that we will be celebrating at (I would reveal it but it's still a secret) I figured no better way than to share these fabulous plates I stumbled upon some time ago. Although I wouldn't dare eat off them (they're too cute and silly) they would definitely make for a quirky decoration up on the wall, like my mom used to do with her fancy plates. Hope everyone enjoys this Sunday as much as my stomach will! File as chintz.


[Images via: Mira Santo]

My Elizabeth Taylor.

For jewel devotees and pop-culture followers alike this week is one to be remembered. That's right, it's Christie's week-long auction of the estate of Elizabeth Taylor, a woman whom I will always remember from a little chuckle I had with a (then-)boyfriend while standing in front of her engagement ring at the Cartier exhibition at San Francisco's De Young Museum a few years ago. He, after shockingly expressing his interest to tag along, seemed unimpressed by the size of the ring (one of the last pieces in the exhibition mind you) and felt it necessary for me to hold my finger up next to it just to prove his point. While the ring fetched somewhere around $7mill. at the auction block tonight, I still stand by my assertion that it was pretty sizable rock.

Speaking of which, you can stay tuned all week (like yours truly) and watch live on Christie's website to get in on all the auction action. Although Ms. Taylor may be gone, one things for sure- this woman had a seriously, insanely gorgeous collection of baubles. File as sparkle, sparkle.


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

Eats: Crostini.

Now that the holidays are here, it's always good to have a few simple bites to throw together when guests decide to drop by at the last minute (lately I have been one of those types of guests.) But still, you can never be too prepared when it comes to little treats whether they're meant for guests or just a savory midnight snack. These ricotta, walnut and pear crostini do just the trick and look rather fancy even though they just contain five easy to find ingredients. Keep reading after the jump to check out the full recipe (which is probably the easiest one I will ever post) and enjoy these next time you're in the mood for something quick and delicious. File as eat it up.

She does.

To make up for my lack of party posts lately (I have been cooped up studying and job hunting instead of dreaming up lavish parties) I figured that I would go all-out for this weekend and give you a party post to drool over for the next few days. Well, maybe it's not the party that I would imagine for myself, but this one is especially for my newly engaged friend over at Alison Reid Style. She has been sending me ideas over non-stop (she makes planning so much more fun than it ever should be) and I thought no better way to help her out a touch than by making up an inspiration board just for her. Keep reading after the jump for more details! File as no bridezilla here.