Draper James x HerKentucky Shop & Sip for Dress for Success!
Lexington, KY charity shopping event at Draper James!
Draper James dress (on sale!) | Elva Fields necklace | Cole Haan Shoes (old) c/o Off Broadway Shoes (Similar here!)
{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky.com will receive a nominal compensation for every product link you click at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own.} All photos ©Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace.
Last Tuesday, the Lexington Draper James store hosted a Shop & Sip for HerKentucky readers. It was such a special event for me -- so many friends and relatives came out to shop, enjoy sweet tea, rosé, and mini-bundt cakes, and, most importantly, raise money for one of my very favorite causes, Dress for Success. Dress for Success helps provide underprivileged women with the tools for economic and professional empowerment. I've been fortunate to work with the Louisville affiliate this year, and it is truly amazing to see the ways in which the clients' entire demeanor changes as they try on professional attire. I mean, who doesn't feel better in a fabulous new outfit?
Draper James pineapple print dress, white Tulip Shirtdress, and white lace bell sleeve top, all on sale!
It was such a fun event! The Dress for Success Lexington Board of Directors came out to shop, and a college friend of mine even brought his kids by! I was overwhelmed by how well the event turned out (we raised over $400 for DFS!!) and how absolutely lovely the evening was!
Gingham floral dress (on sale!)
Of course, I've loved Draper James since the very moment I saw a newspaper article that said Reese Witherspoon was launching a lifestyle brand, but I'm even more excited about the brand lately. I love that they've expanded their sizing to be more inclusive, that they're experimenting with pop-up kids' collections, and that they listened to customer feedback to drop the price point just a bit. I also love the ponte fabric in several of their tees and dresses, like the one I wore to the event!
Draper James x ELOQUII T-shirt (on sale for $32!)
I can't thank the Draper James Lexington team enough for hosting us! They were so gracious and friendly, and were so kind to provide the donation opportunity! Don't forget that they have a great selection of Draper James products in-store, so if any of these pieces are sold-out online, give them a shout at 859-618-6785.
Shop the post!
Vineyard Vines Run for the Roses Scarf
Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby accessories benefitting Louisville’s Norton Cancer Institute
Linen Popover: Ralph Lauren (old)/ similar here. Run for the Roses Scarf c/o Vineyard Vines
We all see A LOT of Derby attire this time of year. Some is cute, some not so much. And then there's some that has special meaning. Vineyard Vines sent me a couple of pieces from their Kentucky Derby 144 line that I'm so excited to share with y'all today because they're extremely special. You can find these pieces online, of course, but I especially love shopping the selection at the Lexington Vineyard Vines store at The Summit at Fritz Farm! It's so fun to actually see and try on your Derby week pieces before you buy them!
Linen Popover: Ralph Lauren (old)/ similar here. Run for the Roses Scarf c/o Vineyard Vines
The Run for the Roses Scarf is probably my favorite Derby-themed piece I've seen this year. 30% of the proceeds from this scarf will benefit the Norton Cancer Institute through Derby Divas, an organization that helps fund breast health screening services for women who otherwise lack access to these services.
Here's a story that nobody really knows other than Bob: Last year, I had my annual mammogram and a small inconsistency showed up on the image. Let me tell y'all, that's a frightening call to get. My doctor works in the Norton system, and I was referred on to the diagnostic imaging center at Norton Women & Children's Hospital, which bears the Derby Divas logo. The few days between my clinical mammogram and the diagnostic testing were terrifying, and I am fortunate enough to have health insurance, access to excellent health care, and medical professional friends who can answer any question I may think up. I can't imagine how scary it would feel if I found a lump or irregularity and didn't have the means for a screening or anywhere to turn for care and support. In 11 years, Derby Divas has raised $1.5 million to help provide screenings for women who can't afford them. That's not just a logo or a vague commitment to disease awareness; that's directly impacting women's lives.
Last week, I actually had a follow-up annual screening. The radiologist is certain that spot they found is nothing more than a calcification -an irregularity no bigger than a grain of salt that was easily identified through sophisticated imaging. I was once again reminded how fortunate I am to live in a city that has excellent healthcare access, and that there are avenues for less fortunate folks to also gain access to quality healthcare. Louisville is known for its horses and its bourbon, but the Derby City does an amazing job of giving back to members of its community that need it most.
Vineyard Vines has been the official style outfitter of the Kentucky Derby for 8 years now. They've done a wonderful job of creating some meaningful products in this year's Derby Line specifically focused on charitable giving. In addition to the rose-print scarf, there are also Oaks Lily neck ties (in pink and blue) and bow ties (pink and blue). These are the perfect pairing, as $1 for every Oaks Lily cocktail sold on Kentucky Oaks Day also benefits the Breast Health Program at Norton Cancer Institute!
I plan to wear my Run for the Roses scarf as often as possible this Derby season to help spread the word about Vineyard Vines' partnership with Norton Cancer Institute! Head over to the Vineyard Vines store in Lexington this weekend -- they're having a special anniversary party on Saturday, featuring giveaways and the whale mascot! -- to pick up these pieces that share your Derby weekend spirit while providing crucial health services. That's one guaranteed Derby win!!
Check out what other Bluegrass bloggers have to offer this Kentucky Derby season!
- Where to Celebrate the Derby in Lexington / Lex Eats
- Plus Size Derby & Oaks Style / Authentically Emmie
- The History of the Kentucky Derby + Kentucky Derby Facts / Fabulous in Fayette
- Oaks & Derby Looks from Amazon / Munchkins and the Military
- How to Throw the Best Derby Party / The Bliss Between
- Affordable Places to Experience Derby / Loud Girl Big World
- Derby Party Cocktail / Space, Place & Southern Grace
- Horse Cupcakes with Bourbon Icing / Kentucky Girl Ramblings
- Derby Cocktail / House Three Thirty Six
- Beers for Bourbon Lovers / Love Me Brew
- Advice to Survive Derby Week from a Multiple Derby Attendee / Dog Lady Horse Crazy
- Derby Party Appetizers / Fashion, Frappes & Felines
- Derby Recipe / Bourbon & Lipstick
- How to Dress for the Derby / Styled in Blue
- Affordable Derby Outfit / Same McKenna
10 Can't-Miss Kentucky Events Week of April 9th
Celebrate the best of Kentucky this week!
There is so much pre-Derby goodness going on in the Bluegrass State this week, y'all. Here are 10 events you don't want to miss!
Tuesday April 10
Elizabeth McCall, Woodford Reserve
Draper James Mint Julep Event (Click here for ticket) 6-8 pm, Draper James Lexington. I'm so excited to attend this one. So many of my favorite things -- Draper James, mint juleps, and my awesome friend Elizabeth McCall, the Assistant Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve. Learn how to properly make a mint julep for your Derby soirees, meet Elizabeth (who leads the absolute best bourbon tastings I've ever attended!), and shop for your favorite race-day attire from Draper James. This dress is so perfect for Keeneland and this one is on my shopping wish list.
Thursday April 12
Stoneware & Co Starting Gate Social (Click here to RSVP) 6-8 pm, Stoneware & Co Studio. A shopping event benefiting Backside Learning Center, which provides education and community for the track workers at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby Festival BourbonVille 6-9 pm, Louisville Palace Theatre (Click here for tickets) Signature drinks and tastings from Kentucky’s Bourbon distilleries, such as Bulleit, Evan Williams, Flat Boat, Four Roses, Jim Beam, Jeptha Creed and more.
Bourbon and Boweties Trunk Show at Sweet Mash, Lawrenceburg. Check out the selection of Derby and Kentucky-themed bracelets from the popular brand! I'm obsessed with Sweet Mash's exclusive bourbon B&B bangle, and I can't wait to pick up this year's Derby bangle!
Saturday April 14
Off Broadway Shoes Derby Hat Trunk Show 11 am - 2 pm; Off Broadway Shoes, Shelbyville Rd Plaza Louisville. Join Danielle from Lou What Wear, the Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses, and me for a Kentucky Derby Hat Trunk Show.
Elva Fields Trunk Show (Click here for more information) 10 am - 5 pm; Von Maur in Oxmoor Center, Louisville. I LOVE Elva Fields jewelry, and I simply adore Emily Maynard, the line's owner and designer. Y'all, this lady is the real deal. She's as smart and thoughtful and funny and creative a person as I've ever met. I've legitimately never gotten more compliments on any piece of clothing or accessory than I do when I wear my Elva necklace. Head out to Von Maur for equestrian-inspired pieces for your Derby season.
Maker's Mark Handcraft Festival 10 am-4 pm; Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto. Music, food trucks, and select local vendors. (Click here for Heritage Tasting tickets) (Click here for Mint Julep Class tickets)
Hats By Katie Trunk Show Draper James, Lexington. Join milliner Katie for an array of ready-to-wear hats to match your favorite DJ dress; she's also taking custom orders in-store!
The Fillies Derby Ball 6:30 pm - 12 am, Galt House East Grand Ballroom, Louisville. (Click here for tickets) The old-school gala that kicks off Derby Season. The presentation of the Derby Festival Princesses and Coronation of the Derby Festival Queen. Cocktails and dancing and pageantry. Click here to read Grace of A Southern Drawl's account of her year as a Derby Festival Princess.
KMAC Couture Fashion Show 7 pm - midnight, 700 Block of Main Street, Louisville. (Click here for tickets) Art Walks the Runway in this conceptual couture fashion show. White attire is requested; champagne toasts are appreciated.
What are y'all doing this week?
The HerKentucky Guide to the Hunter for Target Capsule Collection
How to score the best pieces on an iconic capsule collaboration
{This post contains affiliate links. HerKentucky LLC receives a small per-click commission on product links, at no additional cost to the reader.}
I love my Hunter boots for a fun way to stay stylish, warm, and dry in bad weather. I love the cool story that Hunter Wellington boots were developed to keep British troops dry in the trenches of World War I. And I love the quality of these products. I'm fully prepared to love the Hunter for Target Capsule Collection. I love the fact that the collection is so inclusive -- from toddlers to adults to plus size, with a lot of unisex items!, and I love that all pieces are under $80, with most under $40! I was so excited when I saw my local Target getting ready for tomorrow's launch.
I thought I'd share a few of my favorite pieces from the collection, which drops sometime tonight or tomorrow morning. And, as a veteran of the Lilly Pulitzer for Target madness, I thought I'd share a few tips for scoring the pieces you love!
Tips for shopping online and in-store
FIrst of all, make sure you have a Target.com account, and make sure to click the "heart" button for the pieces you like when you shop ahead of time; this allows you to quickly convert loves to purchases. Check around midnight EDT tonight, sometime overnight, and first thing in the morning. We have no idea when it'll actually go live. Second, head out to Target first thing in the morning if you don't mind a line. Consult Target.com to make sure you know what time your store opens, and plan to be there on airport hours (i.e., if your local airport only requires that you be there one hour ahead of time, I suggest doing the same for your Target...) Third, be prepared to check back in subsequent days. There will be returns and reshuffles. Finally, if you don't find what you want, PLEASE do not pay the speculators on eBay. Those folks ruin it for everyone!
My favorite pieces form the collaboration
The standout pieces for me are waterproof ankle boots in pink and yellow. I LOVE these, and the price point is fantastic. What a fun pop of color for spring showers!
I also adore these two-toned ankle boots. The olive and orange combo is so fun and I think I'm going to need these navy and red!
And how cute are these unisex packable rain jackets? The yellow and the red are adorable, and at $40, they're perfect to throw in the car, a work bag, or anywhere you might hit bad weather.
I'm pretty sure my little niece is going to need this toddler packable rain jacket and the matching rash guard.
While her older sister is going to need this striped performance skirt and these athletic shorts.
And there are inexpensive rash guards for the entire family -- toddlers, kids, women's, women's plus, and men's -- to keep everyone safe from harsh sunlight.
Let me know your Hunter for Target picks and if you find anything fun!
What to Buy on the L.L. Bean Winter Sale!
Classic, preppy staples on the January 2018 LL Bean Winter Sale!
(This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a small per-click commission on some product links at no additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting HerKentucky.com!)
I love L.L. Bean, especially in the winter. Their footwear, flannel, and pajamas really are the best I've found. And, through tomorrow (Thursday the 4th), L. L. Bean has an additional 25% off all sale prices! I love this sale because there are so many things that you can use right now! Here are my picks for stocking up!
Slippers and House Shoes
Bean's slippers are the absolute best. I got Bob a pair of the flannel-lined leather slippers for Christmas; they've been the perfect thing for this cold weather snap! I've had my Wicked Good Camp Moccasins for a couple of winters now -- it might be time to stock up on a new pair!
Tote Bags
I love the open-top Boat & Tote for carrying odd- or over-sized items, or for daily errands. Order one to keep in your car. Trust me, it will cut the time you spend toting groceries/ Target run purchases in half! The Large bag in Mulberry is under $30!
Tees and Tanks
I LOVE the Unshrinkable Layering Tank. I have this in white and grey, and I wear it under everything from sundresses to sweaters. You can always use a few more plain tees to wear under sweaters and sweatshirts!
This sale is great, and it's made even better by Bean's free shipping! Let me know if you find any good deals - but don't forget it ends soon!
The HerKentucky Guide to L.L. Bean Boat & Tote Bags
(This post contains affiliate links. HerKentucky LLC receives a nominal commission on any affiliate link clicked by a reader. As always, all opinions are my own and I thank all partners that help HerKentucky.com stay in operation!)
When the holidays roll around, my biggest worry is always packing. I don't pack lightly, and I always need another bag. L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags are the bags I grab again and again for everyday travel. They're durable, have classic styling, and they can be ordered with a monogram! Here's a handy guide for which L.L. Bean bag to use in any situation!
I am obsessed with the Leather-Handled Boat & Tote for use as a casual purse/ work bag. It easily holds a laptop and an agenda or notebook. It's so perfect for on-the-go work or everyday errands.
The Medium Zip-Top Boat and Tote is great for carrying a hostess gift, the dogs' leashes and gear, or a change of clothes.
The Large Zip-Top Bags are ESSENTIAL, y'all. These actually slide in under the carry-on restrictions for most airlines. And they hold everything. They're perfect for a day or two of clothing change/ basic toiletries. Be sure to go with the long handles so you can carry these on your shoulder!
LL Bean Zip-Top Boat and Tote Bags | Draper James Lexington Leather Pin
The Large Open-Top Bag is FANTASTIC for oversized gear. I also love it for carrying bagged groceries in from the car!
Happy Traveling, y'all! Don't forget that all L.L. Bean is 25% off through tomorrow!
The HerKentucky Guide to L.L. Bean Boots
A guide to the classic outdoor shoes.
Autumn is my favorite time of year to stock up on L.L. Bean. I can't get enough of their Bean Boots and Boat and Tote Bags. They have such classic styling, quality construction, and a fun, preppy style. They're seriously items that never go out of style, and that I find myself reaching for over and over.
I love my Bean Boots because they're so durable and waterproof. I use them for everyday errands like walking the dogs or walking through our often-leaky basement as well as to stay warm and dry in wet weather and blend in with the fall foliage.
The slip-on mocs are even good for summertime errands like yard work, and since they're made of rubber, they clean up so easily!
A word about sizing: these boots are meant to be worn with serious socks, so size down significantly! Half sizes are advised to order one and a half down! I wear an 8.5 in most shoes; I own a 7 in both of these pairs!
Here are a few of my favorite current LL Bean Bean Boot Styles!