Welcome Home to Joseph-Beth!
Visit Joseph-Beth for central Kentucky’s best assortment of books and gifts!
{This post was sponsored by Joseph-Beth Booksellers. Thanks so much to all sponsors who keep HerKentucky running!}
Joseph-Beth has been one of my very favorite places to shop for as long as I can remember. When I was growing up, it always felt like such a special shopping treat to visit Joseph-Beth any time I was in Lexington. As an adult, Joseph-Beth is still such a special shopping destination that holds so many warm memories for me. As a college student at Transylvania, I visited Joseph-Beth to order texts for my classes and to purchase graduate school exam prep materials. OK, maybe studying for the GRE and the LSAT aren’t traditionally happy memories, but it was cool to visit the store a few times with a college friend who’d, much later, become my husband. I think it’s a pretty common theme for anyone who’s from Central or Eastern Kentucky; Joseph-Beth conveys warm memories for a lot of us. I was so thrilled when Joseph-Beth invited me in to see the new renovations to the store, do some holiday shopping, and experience their new theme, Welcome Home to Joseph-Beth!
The renovations at Joseph-Beth really do feel so cozy, like you’re settling in to someone’s home. There are fantastic nooks to enjoy a coffee or cocktail, read a book, or visit with friends. A manager even told me she’d seen gift exchanges and job interviews taking place by the fireplace!
Joseph-Beth has taken so many pains to create a haven for book-lovers. They’ve added library lights and a book lounge, including the best selection of local books you’ll find anywhere. They’re enhancing their selection of live author events, classes, and book clubs, creating an even greater community for central Kentucky’s readers! Give me a comfy chair and an Ann Patchett book and I’m content for hours!
Joseph-Beth also offers a fabulous shopping area, featuring a meticulously curated selection of gifts and goodies. Of course, I couldn’t pass up the UK and bourbon sections!
This time of year, we’re all trying to come up with unique, thoughtful, and special presents that let our loved ones know that they’re valued. The selection at Joseph-Beth is so well thought-out. I found so many delightful gift ideas! These map-inspired journals, the Lexington periodic table platter, and the Lexington duffel bag by Rebecca Ray were among my favorites!
If you’re looking for a special holiday gift, a great place to decompress, or a great new read, check out the newly renovated Joseph-Beth! You’ll feel right at home!
Holiday Gifts for Him That You'll Totally Want to Steal
Shop Logan’s of Lexington for the best holiday gifts for the guys on your list — and for yourself!
{This post contains gifted items from Logan’s of Lexington. As always, all opinions are my own.}
I find that Bob is the easiest person to shop for on my holiday list. We’ve been together for over 15 years, so I certainly know his tastes pretty well; I definitely know the clothing styles and brands that he loves. He’d say that sometimes, I know his tastes a little too well — he often accuses me of buying him presents specifically so that I can wear them. Y’all know I totally don’t do this… well, okay, sometimes I do, but the thought is there, right? My motives aside, I’ve found that Logan’s of Lexington is a fantastic place to shop for the guys on your holiday list.
Of course, Logan’s has been a Lexington tradition for as long as most of us can remember. They’re known for their absolutely gorgeous array of men’s suiting, dress shirts, and ties; there’s no better place in Central Kentucky to shop for these pieces. But, if you’re looking for pieces that might migrate their way into your own closet (or that you might just want for yourself…), then Logan’s assortment of outerwear, accessories, and game day gear is the place to shop!
Logan’s has a fabulous assortment of Barbour, one of our very favorite brands! Their coats and vests are the absolute best (Queen Elizabeth swears by them!) and their accessories are simply beautiful.
Bob and I both are all about Barbour’s traditional plaid scarves. We’ve each gifted the other these scarves as Christmas presents over the years. They’re amazing. The cashmere-merino wool blend makes them super-soft yet extremely durable. The tartan plaids come in gorgeous color ways and lend subtle sophistication to a winter wardrobe. I loved this navy one so much that it may just live in my closet and not Bob’s.
Logan’s also has an extensive selection of UK game day gear. I’m partial to the Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt, and Bob thinks the Cutter & Buck quilted jacket would be perfect for Bowl Games and winter basketball games. We both love the Logan’s exclusive line of Vineyard Vines UK tees.
Logan’s also has the best assortment of Kentucky and sports-themed accessories. Bob and I both have these SEC caps, and wear them all the time. The pink one is my go-to, and Bob has it in UK blue. These would be the best gift if there’s somebody on your list whose team affiliation you can’t quite back, but y’all can agree that the SEC is the best conference in the land. (Which it totally is.)
I also love the assortment of Smathers & Branson needlepoint accessories for anyone on a holiday list, or to keep for myself! Y’all know I love to needlepoint, and I love the preppy, polished look of needlepoint accessories. But, with two weeks to go until Christmas, there isn’t time to finish needlepoint stocking stuffers. These are maybe even cuter than those you’d make yourself.
Logan’s is currently offering 20% off your entire purchase, so head in to shop for all the guys on your holiday shopping list… and maybe even find a thing or two for yourself!
How to Write a Sorority Recommendation Letter
Tips for recommending a college woman to a sorority chapter.
As summer nears its end and school starts back up, I find myself getting a few requests every year for recruitment recommendation letters. And, in recent years, I’ve also gotten some requests for a blog post about how to recommend a young woman to a sorority chapter. I actually completed a recommendation yesterday, and I have to say that it’s way easier than it used to be!!
Striped Tee: Vineyard Vines | White capri jeans: Denizen by Levi (can’t find a link, but they were at Target last week) | Sneakers: Superga 2750 | Necklace: Elva Fields
When I was in undergrad, I served my sorority chapter as Recommendation Chair. In those days, as well as when I was a new alumna and an adviser to my chapter, we relied on handwritten letters that were mailed directly to the individual sorority chapters. With stamps and everything! Over the years, this shifted first to “download a PDF, complete it and mail it to the chapter” to the new standard of “complete a quick recommendation form on the sorority’s national website and it will be integrated into the ranking portal. It’s a little less personal, but a whole lot easier — not to mention more reliable and standardized!!! I’ve put together a few tips to remember when writing a sorority recommendation letter. While, of course, I only have first-hand experience with my sorority, Phi Mu, most of these tips should extend to your organization. You may want to check with your sorority’s national website and with the chapter to whom you’re recommending the Potential New Member for specifics!
Keep your purpose in mind!
A recommendation is an introduction. It’s a way of saying to a sorority chapter that you, as an alumna, would like to make an introduction. Think of it as serving as a reference for a job interview — the hard work is there for the applicant to do, but you’re laying the groundwork to make it a little easier for them! Now, a lot of mythology lies around the value of a recommendation letter, and I’ve found that these things vary strongly among individual sorority chapters. Some chapters are rumored to find more value in recommendations from alumnae of their own chapter or from in-state alumnae; others count all recommendations as equal. Regardless of these variations, your recommendation isn’t a guarantee that a potential new member will be invited back to multiple rounds of recruitment parties or that she will be extended a bid. You’re simply alerting the chapter that an alumna vouches for her.
Gather as much information as possible!
Just as with nearly anything else in life, the more prep work you do ahead of time, the easier your letter-writing process will be. Ask the woman whom you’re recommending for digital files of her resume and photo. Be specific — my sorority’s portal asks for high school GPA, high school activities and leadership potential, and any sorority legacy information. This helps introduce the young woman to a sorority chapter and it reinforces that you’re recommending someone whom you actually know! Additionally, make sure you know the recruitment dates for the university where she’ll be rushing, and get your recs in on time!
Be honest!
I know that I shouldn’t have to say this, but be as candid as possible in your recommendation process. Don’t claim to know someone better than you do; you’re doing a disservice to both the rushee and the sorority chapter!
Be gracious!
Again, I know that HerKentucky readers are, as a general rule, a polite and gracious group. But, I do want to remind you to mind your manners when interacting with the sorority chapter. The chapter doesn’t owe you an explanation if the woman whom you recommended is ultimately not invited to join your organization. Remember that recruitment is a very stressful time for collegiate members and recruitment members alike; as an adult who is at a remove from the situation, please ignore the temptation to incite additional drama. It doesn’t matter how involved you were with your sorority during your college years — the sorority chapter has, very likely, evolved since then. A woman who may have been your “rush crush” back in the day may find a far better fit with another organization.
“I believe in pink” — Audrey Hepburn
I hope these simple, common-sense tips help you introduce a PNM to a chapter of your organization. Let me know in the comments if you’ve written a rush letter this year!
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Draper James Shop & Sip
Shop with Draper James to benefit Dress for Success Lexington
I am so excited to be hosting another Draper James Shop & Sip benefiting Dress for Success Lexington this week! On Wednesday, June 12th, from 6-8 p.m., Draper James will graciously donate 15% of the Lexington store’s proceeds to the Lexington Dress for Success affiliate. This event is extra-special to me, as we’re very close to hitting our goal of raising the equivalent of one month of DFS Lexington’s rent through HerKentucky-Draper James events over the in 2018-2019 fiscal year. I mean, how wonderful is that?
I’m so amazed that so many of my friends, colleagues, and kinfolk have come out for these events, and I so appreciate Draper James for giving back to our community in such a wonderful and impactful way! And there is so much cute stuff in store at DJ right now!!
I absolutely love this floral ponte dress; I feel like I’ll be wearing it with sandals, pumps, and sneakers all summer! The material is so forgiving, and the floral print is classic!
Sophie totally photobombed me when we were shooting these photos, and the result was so cute that I just had to share it!
I hope y’all can join me at Draper James on Wednesday night. If you can’t make it in person, you can call the store at 859-618-6785 to place an order and help us reach our donation goal! Here are some of my favorite pieces at Draper James right now!
Odds and Ends
Pretty Dresses
Pomegranate Sale
Lexington, Kentucky dry goods company Pomegranate, Inc hosts their spring warehouse sale.p
Lexington Print pillow c/o Pomegranate, Inc.
My very favorite shopping event in Lexington is happening this week, y'all. Starting tomorrow, Wednesday the 16th, and running through Saturday the 19th, the Pomegranate, Inc. Spring Warehouse Sale returns! Visit the Pomegranate Warehouse at 527 Lagonda Ave in Lexington from 9-6 Wednesday-Friday and 10-4 on Saturday for fantastic deals on Pomeganate's unique linens, bags, and resort wear! The Warehouse sale always has amazing deals on gorgeous items, and you can use HerKentucky's exclusive sale code, 1792, for an additional 10% off your purchase!
Raffia Indigo Napkin Rings, Provence Blue Tea Towel, Indigo Napkins, and Blue Raffia Hemstitch Placemats c/o Pomegranate Inc
I love the unique elegance that Pomegranate linens bring to my table, and I love shopping with a local Lexington company!
Tulip Trot napkins and placemats and Baldwin Gold Napkin Rings c/o Pomegranate Inc.
My very favorite Pomegranate pieces are their aprons. How perfect are these as hostess gifts?
UK Collage, Pineapple Citrus, Pick Six, and Hunt aprons c/o Pomegranate.
If you can't attend the sale in person, don't worry. A coupon code just for HerKentucky readers will be available next week.
Keeneland Fun with Scout and Molly's and CRU
The Summit at Fritz Farm is your perfect pre- and post-Keeneland destination!
French Connection wrap dress c/o Scout & Molly's. Photos by Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace.
{This post is sponsored by The Summit at Fritz Farm. All opinions are my own. As always, thanks to The Summit at Fritz Farm and all the sponsors who keep HerKentucky running. This post may also contain affiliate links; HerKentucky may receive a small per-click commission on product links, at no cost to the reader.}
I try to spend as much of April in Lexington as possible. Lexington is absolutely beautiful in the spring, and Keeneland's Spring Meet is my absolute favorite event of the year! I also find myself finding any excuse I can think of to visit The Summit at Fritz Farm. It just provides such a wonderful shopping experience. The vibe is so much more fun than most shopping centers! A visit to the Summit just always feels so relaxed and friendly!
I recently visited Scout & Molly's at the Summit to pick out a dress for the upcoming Keeneland Spring Meet. The owner, Terri, helped me find this gorgeous French Connection wrap dress. It was just the right combination of comfort and sophistication for a day at the track. I love the little peach druzy necklace and ivory faux-leather earrings (both available at Scout & Molly's) that we chose to complete the look. I seldom opt for statement jewelry, so I felt extra-fancy and dressed-up with these pieces! This would be such a fun look for the Keeneland Clubhouse or one of the dining rooms!
Once I'd picked out my dress, I stopped by CRU Food & Wine Bar for some small plates and a glass of wine. Y'all, this place was so lovely! It would be such a fun spot for dinner and drinks after the races! The vibe was casual chic, the wine selection was great, and the food was perfect for sharing!
I especially loved this leather envelope clutch by local designer Raya Stern of Grey Designs, also available at Scout & Molly's!
These lobster and shrimp pot stickers were so zesty and delicious!
And you know what they say: you had me at Bordeaux. (Well, at least I say that...)
Thanks so much to the Summit, Scout & Molly's, and CRU for inviting me out to get race day-ready, and thanks to Sarah Caton for the amazing photos!! I hope to see y'all at The Summit at Fritz Farm -- and at Keeneland -- soon!
Ariat International Brand Shop at The Summit at Fritz Farm
Ariat International's equestrian style brand shop is coming to Lexington!
Photo courtesy Ariat.
I am so excited that Ariat is opening a brand shop at The Summit at Fritz Farm!
I recently had the opportunity to preview some pieces from Ariat's Two24 footwear line, and y'all are just going to love them! Two24 pays homage to Ariat's equestrian heritage - both English and Western riding wear -- in a fashion-forward line for everyday use. Y'all, the craftsmanship on these products is amazing. The leather feels amazing, and you can see the difference that handcrafted design makes!
I recently got a peek at these Ariat Two24 men's boots at a Keeneland event.
In keeping with Ariat's equestrian heritage, the Two24 line's name is a nod to Secretariat's world record 2:24 running time at the Belmont Stakes. In fact, Ariat's brand name is derived from the legendary "Big Red" horse. Now, any horse lover can tell you that Secretariat's success was due to a visionary woman, his breeder and owner Penny Chenery. The Ariat brand was founded in the early 1990s by resourceful women who wanted to revolutionize riding boots for comfort and performance. Now, with the Two24 line, Ariat brings their designs to everyday footwear.
“Ariat is named after one of the greatest thoroughbred racehorses of all time, Secretariat. His heart was outsized, and he was a fierce competitor who loved to run – everything we aspire to be as a company and brand,” said Beth Cross, President and CEO Ariat International, Inc. “To be able to open a brand shop in historic Lexington, the horse racing capital of the world, is special. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the greater Lexington community.”
It really is a perfect fit!
Ariat Two24 ladies' footwear.
The Ariat Brand Shop opens this Thursday, April 27th, at The Summit at Fritz Farm on Nicholasville Road in Lexington. I hope to see y'all there!
(This post was sponsored by Ariat International; all opinions are my own!)