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]

Present Tense.

I feel like from time to time I can get a little carried away worrying about the future. Whether it's finding that perfect job, trying to guess where I'll be living next or who will be in my life, I find myself forgetting to focus on how great life is right this second. For one of my new year's resolutions, I want to remind myself that living in the present is so much more fun. File as now, please.

[Image via: Pinterest]

Look of the Week: Dining Space.

[Image via: Pinterest with text added by me, Margaret]

3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2012.

If there is one pre-fall collection that I could totally see myself rocking right this second it would have to be 3.1 Phillip Lim. That leather jacket, the plexi purse, those sparkly pants and the leather armed sweater all sound totally crazy and a little 1999, but for some reason are perfectly styled in Lim's pre-fall collection. Not to mention how fabulous those pieces would all look hanging in my closet...file as sign me up.

[Images via: Vogue.com]

Alexander Wang Pre-Fall 2012.

Could Alexander Wang be any cooler? I'm feeling that the wunderkind of designers has solidified his place as the ultimate cool guy, turning out collection after collection of pieces that any of his cult followers would die for. Although it sometimes can be a bit too much for me, I am lusting particularly for that embossed jacket and that perfectly wrapped dress. File as so cool. 

[Images via: Vogue.com]

Missoni Pre-Fall 2012.

I must say that I am quite taken with the combination of prints for Missoni's pre-fall collection (at least more so than their past bouts down the spring and fall runways.) Whether worn with fur, splayed across a dress or combined with color coordinating patterns Missoni has got it just right for pre-fall. File as so cute. 

[Images via: Vogue.com]

Edited: New Layers.

Since I'm heading for warmer climates (Northern to Southern California is quite a change in weather) all I've been thinking about is lighter layers. While I never wore fleece up North, I did often wear multiple layers of t-shirts, sweaters and jackets to keep out the chill. Now that I'm in a place that is known for it's mild and sunny weather, I've got to start taking it off and layering it on in a much more subtle way. While I won't be baring my naval anytime soon (the beach excepted) I'll be investing in some sheer layers that look good both under a fitted blazer for day and all on their own with my leather pants at night. File as less sometimes is more.


[Images via: Fashion Gone Rogue]

Eats: Fried Mozzarella Sticks.

I have a love affair with just about any food that is dipped in breadcrumbs and fried to a delicious golden brown. Case in point- mozzarella sticks. Until about a month ago it never dawned on me that I could actually fry my own cheesy sticks of wonder instead of purchasing those sad looking brand-name frozen mozzarella sticks on my monthly Target trip. So I enlisted the help of a friend who had never deep fried anything in her life (blind leading the blind, not the best plan I admit) and was completely surprised at how simple, fresh and crunchy these little guys came out (without scarring ourselves with any hot oil.) These are just the thing for your next cocktail party. Keep reading after the jump for the complete recipe and file as more, please.

Lanvin Pre-Fall 2012.

Lanvin has always been one of my favorite fashion houses, and this pre-fall collection affirms my love for this quintessentially Parisian brand. The fabrics, the shapes, those accessories, the textures and that amazingly perfect black structured dress all make this moody collection another one of my favorites this season. File as gorg.

[Images via: Vogue.com] 

Party Girl: This is Lady's Night.

Even though I have a feeling my Saturday night will be much more mellow than most, I couldn't help but put together this fabulous fete that would be just the thing if I were back in the Bay Area with all my girlfriends. You can't go wrong with champagne toasts, lots of hot pink, glitter frosting (really) and your favorite friends. Hope you all enjoy your Saturday, whomever it is you will be spending it with! File as celebrate.

[Images via: Pinterest combined by me, Margaret Murrieta]

Weekend Loves.

[Images via: Fashion Gone Rogue, with text added by me]

California Love.

Today I'll be driving down the Southern California, to move into my new home (well more like to my extended family's homes which I'll be squatting at for a while) but more importantly to move on to my new life post-college. So for the next few weeks I'll be hunkering down here searching for jobs, working on my blog and enjoying the never-ending sunshine. File as California lovin'.

[Image via: Pinterest]

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead.

[Image via: Coco+Kelley with text added by Margaret, quote via Garance Dore]

Look of the Week: Winter Time.

[Image via: Pinterest with text added by me]