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

Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection 2021

A new, preppy collection celebrates the Run for the Roses in style!

 
Vineyard Vines dress and hat (old).

Vineyard Vines dress and hat (old).

 

Every year, I look forward to the Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection. I love that it includes pieces for any level of celebration, from dresses, fascinators and bowties, to t-shirts and baseball caps.

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Vineyard Vines makes the absolute cutest ties and pocket squares for Derby Week! I especially love this pocket square and this bourbon and betting themed tie, which would be perfect for Thurby!

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I also always love the annual Vineyard Vines fascinator, which is created by Louisville-based milliner Jenny Pfanenstiel (click here to read my interview with Jenny!) as well as the Derby-themed scarf (click here to read about a VV Derby scarf that held a very special meaning for me!)

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Whether you’re headed to the track for Derby this year or watching at home, Vineyard Vines has some fun pieces to help you celebrate in style!

 
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herLouisville, Kentucky Derby, Style Heather C. Watson herLouisville, Kentucky Derby, Style Heather C. Watson

Formé Millinery Company

Louisville-based milliner Jenny Pfanenstiel creates one-of-a-kind masterpieces for Derby and dress-up occasions!

Formé Millinery Company

All Derby hats are NOT created equal. Every Derby season, you see a selection of hats and fascinators in every corner of Louisville, even the grocery store! While you can find your Kentucky Derby hat at nearly any outlet or price point, only a few are real works of art. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit a true hat wonderland, Formé Millinery, which elevates hat-making to an art form!

 
The hat forms on which Jenny Pfanenstiel creates Formé hats.

The hat forms on which Jenny Pfanenstiel creates Formé hats.

 

Formé’s owner, Jenny Pfanenstiel, blocks all her hats by hand using vintage hat forms and a 19th century braiding machine. Every nook and cranny of her shop is simply delightful! And, oh my goodness, are Formé hats unique and gorgeous!!

 
Gorgeous hats at Formé. That pink one wound up at HerKentucky HQ…

Gorgeous hats at Formé. That pink one wound up at HerKentucky HQ…

 

Jenny majored in fashion design in college, and soon became fascinated with the art of millinery. After learning to hand-make hats by molding straw or wool over wool hat forms. Soon, Jenny found herself making an annual six-week trek from Chicago to Louisville every year to sell her creations for Derby season. Eventually, she moved here and became one of the premier designers for high-end Derby looks. In fact, Formé is now the official milliner of the Kentucky Derby Museum.

 
Handcrafted fascinator perfection…

Handcrafted fascinator perfection…

 

Of course, the Derby-ready hats and fascinators were unbelievably beautiful, but I was simply captivated by the vintage-style wool hats as well. Jenny’s designs channel so many 1920s and ‘30s vibes, and I am here for it. (And did I mention that she carries a full line of men’s hats as well?)

 
I love this chic Formé creation so very much!!!

I love this chic Formé creation so very much!!!

 
 
This incredible cloche gives me serious Babylon Berlin vibes.

This incredible cloche gives me serious Babylon Berlin vibes.

 
 
swoon.

swoon.

 

Jenny has partnered with one of my very favorite brands, Vineyard Vines, to create a lovely line of Kentucky Derby fascinators. There’s even a fascinator that benefits the Norton Cancer Institute! My friends at Vineyard Vines were kind enough to send me a piece from this limited-edition collection; I absolutely love it!!

Kentucky Derby Fascinator

Dress c/o Draper James; Fascinator c/o Vineyard Vines

Thanks so much to Vineyard Vines for working with me on this post, and to Jenny Pfanenstiel for taking the time to talk shop with me! Happy Derby, y’all!!

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

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

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

Linen Popover: Ralph Lauren (old)/ similar here.  Run for the Roses Scarf c/o Vineyard Vines

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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!

 

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

Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby 144 Tee Shirt Collection

Celebrate Kentucky Derby 144 in preppy style! 

Can y'all believe that Derby is just around the corner?  The 144th running of the Kentucky Derby is less than six weeks away! While I'm in disbelief that 2018 is rolling by so quickly, I never miss an opportunity to talk about the Derby!

Vineyard Vines has, once again, rolled out an awesome line of Derby-themed accessories to help get you in the mood for race day. Here are a few of my favorites! 

{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC receives a small compensation when you click product links!)

Men's Tees

Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Tees

These are fabulous for the guy in your life, and I actually LOVE the fit of VV men's long-sleeve tees for myself. The Boater Whale tee is my very, very favorite! 

Shop Men's Tees: 1 | 2| 3| 45 | 6| 7| 8| 9

Women's Tees and Accessories

Women's Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection

Shop Women's: 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10

The women's line is so cute, too. I especially love the seersucker cap with a bow

Happy Derby Season, y'all!

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Style, Kentucky Derby, HerLexington Heather C. Watson Style, Kentucky Derby, HerLexington Heather C. Watson

Vineyard Vines is Coming to Lexington!

Preppy lifestyle brand Vineyard Vines is opening a brand store in Lexington!

Have y'all heard that Vineyard Vines is opening a store in Lexington?

I was pretty excited to hear this, as Vineyard Vines makes some of my very favorite t-shirts, baseball caps, and pajama pants on the planet. They always have such fun designs, especially the Kentucky Derby line! Vineyard Vines is, as you probably know the official style of the Kentucky Derby. I've always thought that was a perfect fit, because the VV slogan is Every Day Should Feel this Good, while here in Kentucky, we think that Every Day Should Feel Like Derby!

I love the Oaks Lilly and Derby Mint Julep shirts! I've had so much fun wearing these during the pre-Derby season. (Please note that the julep shirt is a men's style; I just couldn't pass it up!)

Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby 143 Shirts

Oaks Lilly shirt c/o Vineyard Vines; Mint Julep is my own. What a fun way to get ready for Derby Festivities!

Vineyard Vines Derby 143 Shirts

Lexington's Vineyard Vines store will open at The Summit at Fritz Farm this Thursday, April 27th! I hope to see you at the First Look events on Thursday!

(This post was sponsored by The Summit at Fritz Farm and Vineyard Vines; all opinions are, as always, my own.)

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Vineyard Vines 2017 Kentucky Oaks Collaboration With Norton Cancer Institute

Kentucky Oaks accessories that benefit a great cause!

Norton Cancer Center Vineyard Vines
143rd Kentucky Oaks

In recent years, Kentucky Oaks Day has become a celebration of survivors of breast and ovarian cancers. There's a beautiful symmetry to the fact that the most important fillies race of the horse racing year celebrates some of the strongest and most resilient women in the Commonwealth. I can't get enough of the Survivors Parade -- I only wish more Kentucky women were able to participate -- and I can't get enough of the pink hues that paint the track on Oaks Day.

I was thrilled to learn that, this year, Vineyard Vines has teamed with the Norton Cancer Institute here in Louisville to help some Oaks Day attire make a difference. Twenty percent of the purchase price of the Pink Lillies tie, Pink Lillies bow tie, and Run for the Roses scarf will go to the Norton Cancer Institute. It's so wonderful to see a contribution that goes directly to patient care, right here in the Derby City. I thought my Derby week wardrobe was already selected, but since I learned about this partnership, I feel like one more scarf might be in order... 

I was thrilled to learn that, this year, Vineyard Vines has teamed with the Norton Cancer Institute here in Louisville to help some Oaks Day attire make a difference. Twenty percent of the purchase price of the Pink Lillies tie, Pink Lillies bow tie, and Run for the Roses scarf will go to the Norton Cancer Institute. It's so wonderful to see a contribution that goes directly to patient care, right here in the Derby City. I thought my Derby week wardrobe was already selected, but since I learned about this partnership, I feel like one more scarf might be in order... 

(This post contains no affiliate links, sponsorships, or other forms of remuneration; I simply want to get the message out about benefitting a crucial, life-saving resource in my city. These products are a lovely way to make a difference this Derby season!)

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