HerKentucky Shops, Kentucky Derby, Style Heather C. Watson HerKentucky Shops, Kentucky Derby, Style Heather C. Watson

2022 Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection

Vineyard Vines celebrates the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby.

 
 

The 2022 Kentucky Derby Collection from Vineyard Vines is here. I love collecting these pieces to wear throughout Derby Season. The folks at Vineyard Vines always find the most adorable ways to celebrate Derby, and this year’s designs are so fun!

Women’s Tees

 
 
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Men’s Tees

 
 

Y’all, I absolutely love the cut of a VV men’s tee. I wear the long-sleeved tees year-round, and this year’s Derby styles are fabulous. My favorites are the Men’s Derby Whale Horseshoe Long-Sleeved Tee, Men’s Bow Ties, Bourbon & Betting Tee, Men’s Derby Whale Tee, and the Men’s Derby Whale Fill Tee.

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Accessories

 
 

The Vineyard Vines Derby accessories are always a must-see. My favorites this year are this Derby Tie and this gorgeous Fascinator by Louisville’s Forme Millinery.

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Happy Derby Season, y’all!

{This post contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission from any purchases made using the links in this post, at no cost to you!)

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HerKentucky Shops Heather C. Watson HerKentucky Shops Heather C. Watson

Bourbon T-Shirt Quilt by Campus Quilt

 
Bourbon t-shirt quilt Campus Quilt Co
 

Y’all know I absolutely love t-shirt quilts from Campus Quilt, and I’m so excited to pair with them to display the bourbon t-shirts I’ve collected over years of visiting distilleries. This one is so special to me; it tells the story of so many bourbon brands I love! I also love that Campus Quilt is a woman-owned business right here in Louisville!

 
 
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I chose a 16-Square Stadium Quilt with sashing and flannel backing. I love the extra depth that sashing adds, and the flannel backing is so warm and cozy. A Campus Quilt would be such a special and personal holiday present for anyone on your shopping list!

 
 
 
 

The Campus Quilt ordering process is so easy. You choose the quilt size and colors, ship in your shirts, and let the Campus Quilt team do the rest! If you’re ordering a holiday present, be sure to place your order by November 15th, ensure that the shirts are delivered to Campus Quilt by November 24th, and that you request Christmas delivery on your order form. For more details, check out the terms and conditions. Another great gift idea is a gift card so you can work with the recipient to plan the exact quilt they want!

 
 

Thanks so much to Campus Quilt for helping me choose the perfect way to display my favorite bourbon shirts! I hope y’all will consider giving a Campus Quilt this holiday season!

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Draper James Shopping Event Benefiting The Well Lexington

Shopping event with Draper James benefits victims of sex trafficking in Lexington KY.

Hey y’all! I’d love to see you tomorrow night, Thursday May 13th, from 5-7 p.m. at the Draper James Lexington store for a shopping event benefiting The Well of Lexington, which provides a holistic program of safe housing for women as well as recovery support, education and healing for women and families exploited by sex trafficking in order to empower them to reach economic independence and live productive lives. The Well does amazing work, and, as always, I am so grateful to Draper James for partnering with community agencies like The Well.

I’m also so excited to shop with y’all tomorrow — the new Draper James x Lands’ End swim pieces are absolutely amazing! I wore DJ x Lands’ End swimsuits all last summer and loved them! They’re so flattering and hold up wonderfully!

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The gingham tote bag is a favorite, and I love it in raspberry as well!

I also love the Ditsy Floral print; this dress has been a spring favorite and I’m glad to see the swim collection in the same print!

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The Lexington Draper James store is taking every precaution to ensure that the event will be safe. The distanced, masked shopping event will include one hour (6-7 p.m.) after the close of store hours so that shoppers can feel safer! If you’d prefer to order via phone and have your purchased shipped for free, call the Lexington store at 859-618-6785 during the event hours and a percentage of your purchase will be donated to The Well. I hope to see y’all there!

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HerKentucky Shops, Kentucky Derby, Style Heather C. Watson HerKentucky Shops, Kentucky Derby, Style Heather C. Watson

Lilly Pulitzer Kentucky Derby Prints

A list of the iconic Lilly Pulitzer Kentucky Derby prints.

 
My grandmother made me this quilt in Lilly Pulitzer Low Rider fabric!

My grandmother made me this quilt in Lilly Pulitzer Low Rider fabric!

 

Over the nearly 10 years, HerKentucky readers have shown me that they love the Kentucky Derby and Lilly Pulitzer more than just about anything else. A 2013 post about how young socialite Lillian McKim (a few years before her marriage to publishing scion Peter Pulitzer) volunteered as a horseback courier in Eastern Kentucky is one of this site’s all-time most popular articles, as is the story of Lilly’s family connections to the Kentucky Derby.

Lilly herself said in a 2004 interview "I don't race, but everyone in the family has had horses in the Derby. And no one has ever won." That streak was broken in 2013 by Orb, owned by Lilly’s half-brother Denny Phipps. Unfortunately, she wasn't here to see the victory; she passed away the prior month. Over the years, the Lilly Pulitzer brand has paid homage to their founder’s love of horses and her family’s ties to horse racing by releasing several equestrian and Derby-themed prints. Recently, one of my instagram followers shot me a message asking if I had a list of all of the Lilly equestrian print names. I knew several of the prints, just from having worn and collected Lilly Pulitzer for over twenty years. But, I wasn’t sure I knew them all. I reached out to Lilly Pulitzer Customer Service to see if they could help, but was met with a courteous note that let me know that they don’t employ a brand historian. (I’d be happy to send them a resume if they ever open that gig!)

So, I found myself with the research project of my dreams. I’m pretty sure my list is fairly exhaustive, but I’d love to hear of any prints I’ve missed!

 
Lilly Top and a stack of my Lilly Derby prints, from top: Giddy Up, Derby Days, Low Riders, Kentucky Eyelet, and Carson’s Grandstand Patch

Lilly Top and a stack of my Lilly Derby prints, from top: Giddy Up, Derby Days, Low Riders, Kentucky Eyelet, and Carson’s Grandstand Patch

 

The research I did led me to several patterns over the past 20 years or so. The first few prints I’ve identified are from the early 2000s; I have linked images to as many as possible. (Please note that I do not own the rights to any of the linked images; due to the age of the content, many are from now-defunct websites and exist solely in an archived state on Google and /or Pinterest.)

  • Fillies for Lillies (c. early 2000s) This is a muted mint green, light yellow, and light pink Oaks-themed print featuring pink fillies and Stargazer Lilies. View here

  • Derby Days (c. early 2000s) A muted mint green background with horses, horseshoes, the Belle of Louisville, and fireworks. View here

  • Low Riders (c. early 2000s) A muted mint green background with periwinkle, yellow, and white horses and Churchill Downs Spires). View here

Spring 2006 featured an entire collection of Derby-themed pieces. You can view swatches of the entire collection here.

  • Indigo Minty Denim with mint julep embroidery.

  • Indigo Up Up & Away Denim with yellow and pink hot air balloon embroidery

  • Indigo Horse of a Different Color Denim with multicolor racehorse embroidery

  • Millionaires Row Pink with yellow and green giraffes

  • Kentucky Eyelet Eyelet lace with an underlay, available in Phipps Pink or Trot Yellow

  • Fronds Green Derby Argyle Green and pink argyle

  • Kentucky Plaid Pink and green windowpane check on white background

  • Derby Patch Patchwork of several prints in this line.

  • Phipps Pink Festival Stripe Pink and green stripe on white background

  • Fireworks Multicolor daisy print on yellow background

  • First Call Pink tulips on green background

  • Grandstand Blue Hidden Garden Periwinkle butterflies and green flowers on a blue background

Spring 2010 brought us some gorgeous pieces in the Lilly Originals line. Longtime horseman and fashion icon Carson Kressley helped design the Carson’s Grandstand Patch print. Fun fact: Mr. Kressley was in attendance at the Lexington Junior League Horse Show that summer. His signature print was a very popular fashion choice among those of us who volunteered at or attended the Horse Show!

  • Giddy Up A multicolored array of spectators in the Derby Grandstand. View here

  • Carson’s Grandstand Patch A patchwork of equestrian-themed prints including Giddy Up. View here.

 
I’m wearing my Carson’s Grandstand Patch shift in this 2013 photo with my cousin Laci!

I’m wearing my Carson’s Grandstand Patch shift in this 2013 photo with my cousin Laci!

 

In the “pink label” Lilly era (past ten years or so), we’ve seen some generally equestrian prints as well as an iconic mint julep print.

  • Hot to Trot (Spring 2012) Green and white horses on a hot pink background view here

  • Starfruit Yellow Horse Show Embroidery (c. 2012?) Yellow seersucker with pink horseshoe embroidery

  • Just Add Mint (Spring 2013) Green and pink mint juleps on a white background. View here

Do you pull out your Lilly dresses for Derby week? Or do you have a print I missed? Let me know!

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HerKentucky Shops, herLouisville, Kentucky Derby Heather C. Watson HerKentucky Shops, herLouisville, Kentucky Derby Heather C. Watson

Richard Sullivan Art Exhibit at Stoneware & Co

Join Stoneware & Co for pre-Derby art and fun!

 
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I hope y’all can join me tomorrow night at Stoneware & Co. for the Opening Reception for their latest art exhibit, Breaking Through: The latest works of Richard Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan, a Louisville native, holds a degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design and played six seasons of professional baseball with the Atlanta Braves. Mr. Sullivan created the art for the 2020 and 2021 Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby bottle!

The Sullivan exhibit is part of Spring Into Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, an outdoor, socially-distance, weekend-long event that will include a pop-up art fair, music, food and cocktails. You can learn more about the Spring Into Derby event here.

If you’re anything like me, you can’t go to Stoneware this time of year without picking up a few Derby-themed pieces for spring entertaining. I love my Embossed Running Horse barware so much!

 
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My racing boot vase is perfect for Derby week bouquets!

 
 
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Cheers to pre-Derby fun, y’all! I hope to see you in Paristown tomorrow!

If You Go:

Opening Reception - Breaking Through: The Latest Works of Richard Sullivan

  • Friday, April 23 from 5:00 — 7:30 pm

  • Stoneware & Co, 731 Brent Street, Louisville

  • Admission is free

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HerKentucky Shops, Style Heather C. Watson HerKentucky Shops, Style Heather C. Watson

Draper James 25% Off Sale

Don’t miss these great prices on spring staples!

 
 

Hey y’all. Draper James is having a fantastic sale through midnight Monday, 3/22. Everything online and in-store is 25% off. This is a great time to stock up on spring favorites. I absolutely love this dress and its long-sleeved counterpart. I also love this navy t-shirt dress; so versatile for spring!!

 
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I love how, during the past year, Draper James has made the transition to stocking more of what I like to think of as “fancy sweats.” You know exactly what I mean — those clothes that are comfortably cut, made from a French Terry fabric, and plenty pulled together enough for a Zoom call. I especially love the Natalie sweatshirt dress — I have it in the magnolia print and the raspberry gingham, and am seriously considering the navy gingham as well. It’s cute and comfortable and versatile!

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I’m also a huge fan of the sweatshirts. I wore the Natalie in navy gingham and raspberry gingham and pink magnolia all winter, and am absolutely in love with the Kelsea stripes for spring!

 
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Happy shopping, y’all!

 
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HerKentucky Shops, Style Heather C. Watson HerKentucky Shops, Style Heather C. Watson

The Black Friday Sales I Shopped Today

The best holiday deals for holiday gift-giving — or to keep for yourself!

 
Draper James Plaid Dress (old); Similar here

Draper James Plaid Dress (old); Similar here

 

(This post contains affiliate links; I will receive a small commission on any purchase you make by clicking through the links below, at no charge to you. Posts like this keep the lights on at HerKentucky!)

I hope y’all had a safe and lovely Thanksgiving, and that you got a little holiday shopping done, if you were so inclined. I wanted to share a few of my favorite Black Friday finds; most of them could make great gifts or would be pretty wonderful to keep for yourself. I also love that a lot of retailers are extending the “Black Friday” window so that we can safely shop at a distance and online! Here are a few of my favorites!

Draper James

The Draper James sale is absolutely fantastic. Everything is 30% off through Monday, 11/30. I love that they’ve kept last year’s Angie plaid pieces — such a classic red tartan — and added the new Georgia plaid. Shopping for yourself? Pick up holiday plaid or velvet for Christmas (or at least for your holiday card photo…). Shopping for presents? You can’t beat cozy sweatshirts, sweaters, and Christmas ornaments!

For you

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For them

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Kendra Scott

 
I will never not share this photo of the time I met Kendra Scott. She’s so lovely and unassuming that it made me love her brand even more!!

I will never not share this photo of the time I met Kendra Scott. She’s so lovely and unassuming that it made me love her brand even more!!

 


Kendra Scott is 30% off through Monday, 11/30. I love giving pieces of Kendra jewelry as gifts — they are so delicate and versatile at a great price point. Don’t tell my oldest niece, but I’m eyeing the heart necklace as one of her presents!

For you

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For them

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L.L. Bean

L..L. Bean is 15% off through Tuesday 12/1. I love their sweaters, pajamas, and fleeces. It’s also a great time to stock up on Boat & Tote Bags , Bean Boots, and throws for everyone on your list!


For you

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For them

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Lands’ End

Lands’ End has extended their up to 50% off sale — it’s a great time to stock up on fleece, PJs, slippers and throws!

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Macy’s

I love Macy’s for home goods — the absolute best place to stock up on sheets, towels, and cookware! — and their cashmere sweaters are my very favorite!! It’s a great time to stock up on things you’ll need all winter, or to give great gifts!

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Nordstrom

You can’t beat Nordstrom for luxe favorites and great gifts! And, if you buy yourself a Barefoot Dreams blanket, I won’t tell a soul!

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Target

Let’s just admit it. We’re all going to shop at Target this season. You’ll need Christmas lights. Those Our Generation dolls are so incredibly cute. And I live in their cardigans and joggers.

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Happy shopping, y’all!



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