Kate Spade for Christmas - DC Girl in Pearls

Top: Kate Spade (similar collar: J.Crew Printed Peter Pan Collar Blouse // similar vibe: Kate Spade Aideen Sweater – 50% OFF!) // Pants: J.Crew Minnie Pants – 30% off with code HOLIDAYTIME // Heels: Ann Klein Opalize (similar: Ann Klein Opalize in Beige + Gold – Under $30! // similar: Ann Klein Danita for $32) // Earrings: Similar Kate Spade Bow Earrings // Ring: Old Navy // Nail Polish: Essie – Plumberry

I’ve lived in DC for several years now but I grew up just outside of Buffalo, NY. I’m used to my hometown being the butt of jokes about the Bills and the unruly weather. Most of the time when I tell people I grew up in Buffalo, the first response is “You know it snows a lot there, right?” Um yes, I’ve got the snow day vacation record to prove it. And PLEASE don’t bring up Wide Right, thanks. Shudder.

Buffalo gets a bad rap but I loved growing up here. It’s a friendly city filled with good food and great people. While I don’t get to visit too often, I always make the rounds of my favorite local spots when I do. One of my favorite old haunts is the gorgeous, Tiffany-designed Shea’s Performing Arts Center in downtown Buffalo.

I went to a local all-girls school (more on that in the future) and part of our graduation requirement was volunteer service. I racked up most of my hours volunteering at our school’s open houses + alumni events but in my senior year, my mother and I became volunteer ushers at Shea’s.

Each Sunday afternoon, I would help people find their seats and god, I wish I had a pedometer back then because I logged some serious steps. Once everyone was settled in and the lights dimmed, I was free to watch the performances. Talk about a cushy gig! And in case you’re wondering, yes I was a good Catholic girl who didn’t count the hours I spent watching the performance as my volunteer hours.

At Shea’s, I was able to watch Wicked four times along with the Rockettes and Hairspray among countless other incredible shows.

I have such fond memories of Shea’s from growing up and going to see shows to my year of volunteering so I had to check it off my list of places to visit this trip. Now that you’ve patiently listened to me gush about my childhood, let’s chat about clothes.

This year, I’m taking a walk on the wild side by breaking not one, but two style rules. Thou shalt wear red + green on Christmas, adios. I’m ditching the seasonal color combo in favor of pink + (gasp) MORE PINK! Surprised? Me neither.

My second bout of rule breaking is the strappy, open toed heels. These babies have been sitting patiently in my closet, just waiting to be loved and worn. Who am I to deny these awesome heels? C’mon, Style Grinches, it’s Christmas!

If you’ve read my little bit of the Internet before (thank you!), you might know about my disdain for wearing pants. See all-girls school comment above. The few exceptions are my LOFT leggings + J.Crew Minnie pants. Before I embraced leggings, black Minnie pants were my answer to leggings. Minnie pants are easy to pull on for a casual Friday at work but I especially love their sleek line when paired with pumps for date night.

Top it off with bows on my ring + earrings and I think this is a very Kate Spade Christmas!

P.S. Visit back here tomorrow for a big batch holiday drink you can whip up in minutes! Mulled wine, out. Sangria, IN!