an evening at the nutcracker {with whbm}

On Krystal: Dress: White House Black Market; Shoes: Kate Spade; Bag: Chanel; Sunglasses: Celine; Lips: Marc Jacobs "Amazing"

On Heather: Dress: White House Black Market; Shoes: Nine West (similar style here); Belt: Celine (vintage); Bag: Vintage; Bracelet: Miansai

If you remember from our San Francisco days, Heather and I love a night out. And when one of your best girlfriends happens to love trying new restaurants and heading to the theater as much as you do, then you definitely make a tradition out of it.

She and I have covered a lot of ground when it comes to Broadway shows here in the city, but now that she officially lives here in NYC (insert excited fist pump here), we've been looking for new seasonal traditions we can start together. And with one of the most magical seasons here in the city already upon us, we had our sights set on The Nutcracker.

While I've seen the performance many times growing up, I've never had the pleasure of seeing it here in New York and especially not by the New York City Ballet Company, and definitely not at Lincoln Center, which has to be one of my favorite places to visit at night, when it's twinkling and alive. Folks bustling in and out in their theater finest, furs and wool coats bundling them from the wind, as the promise of art and culture and music awaits them.

As for the performance itself, it was just as magical as I remembered it. From the Sugar Plum Fairies to the Nutcracker's defeat of the Rat King, I literally couldn't stop grinning the entire time. The minute the lights dimmed, I could feel myself getting giddy, as the orchestra came to life. There's something to be said about feeling like a kid again from time to time (or as often as you can get away with it, if you ask me!). Plus, it was extra special seeing families of all ages enjoying the evening as well, with so many kids dressed up in their Sunday best.

As for our Sunday best? Well Heather and I also don't mess around when we're stepping out on the town. An evening like this called for a little black tie somethin' somethin' -- her in a dramatic, just the right amount of hugging gown and me, in a twirl-worthy, Hepburn number -- both by White House Black Market.

And in case you're still scrambling for gifts today (like me) make sure to check out White House Black Market's gift guide this season -- a little bit of everything for the important women in your life! Or perhaps you're still looking for a New Year's Eve dress, in which case I think this little frock needs to see midnight soon on someone!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

This post was in collaboration with White House Black Market. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!