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]