The HerKentucky Guide to Keeneland's Dress Code

The search terms that most often lead new readers to HerKentucky involve the Keeneland dress code. We get a whole lot of folks who wonder what they should wear to the Paddock, the Clubhouse, and all spaces in-between. Tomorrow is Opening Day -- one of Lexington's biggest spring holidays -- so we thought we'd revisit the HerKentucky Guide to Keeneland's Dress Code, which we originally posted last year, to get you ready.  

Of course, if you're still in doubt, you can always visit our favorite Lexington boutiques -- AJ's Casuals, Bella Rose, Monkee's and The Peppermint Palm -- and get some ideas! Most of all, I hope you look nice, win big, and enjoy the races!! -- HCW

Every year, in springtime and autumn, it seems that tons of new visitors arrive at HerKentucky  with variants of the same search: "What should I wear to Keeneland?"  I always want to reach out through Google, find all of y'all in Jacksonville, Ontario, and everywhere in-between, give you a hug and say "look nice and be yourself."

Now, the dress codes for Keeneland vary pretty wildly according to your location.  That really is my favorite thing about this racetrack.  There's a way to have fun at any budget, and at any level of dress.  But, as we've said before here at HerKentucky, visitors to Keeneland just try a little harder.

If you're going to stay near the Paddock -- General Admission, Grandstand, or Equestrian Room -- there's no need to dress up very much.  Guys are fine in khakis and polo shirts, and girls can wear slacks.  In fact, you may even see folks wearing (gasp!) jeans.  These are the areas nearest the track itself, and people are truly there to watch (and bet on) the horses. With that said, don't be surprised to see a lot of dresses and sport coats in the lower-levels.  In recent years, a culture of dressy tailgating (think Steeplechase) has popped up among college students and twenty-somethings, and the second floor (General Admission) Sports Bar often resembles a campus bar or fraternity semi-formal.  While the dress code says "casual", there's plenty of Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer to be seen.

If you'll be dining in the upper-level, enclosed dining rooms-- The Lexington, Kentucky, or Phoenix Rooms-- then expect to dress for a business event.  The Lexington and Kentucky rooms -- dining rooms often reserved for business and social gatherings-- have a "business formal" dress code; these areas require men to don a coat and tie, and skirts/dresses/dressy slacks for ladies.  The Phoenix Room-- another reserved dining room-- is "business casual", requiring collared shirts and slacks for men and dresses/pantsuits for ladies.  During the week, many professionals take long business lunches in these areas, as is reflected in their dress code. 

The members-only Clubhouse similarly requires coat and tie for men and dressy pants/skirts for ladies.  I find that a skirt suit or a dress paired with a pretty cardigan or wrap is always appropriate for the upper levels.  In general, if you'd wear it to church or a business meeting, you're golden.  Most of all, remember to look nice because you'll see plenty of people!

What do y'all wear to Keeneland?

{all images via Keeneland.}

HerKentucky Business: Lydia Powell Bookkeeping

The HerKentucky team is thrilled to present HerKentucky Business, a monthly spotlight on female entrepreneurs in the Bluegrass State. 

Just as Emily did in March, I'm here to talk to you about a new business I launched this year - Lydia Powell Bookkeeping. It seems a bit odd to conduct a self-interview, but I wanted to share my story in the hopes it might inspire other Kentuckians to find their way in business. Thanks to Heather and the other HerKentucky women for allowing me this space!

Bio: 

Lydia Powell holds a degree in accounting from Transylvania University and has 10+ years of experience in accounting and auditing. She's worked with non-profit organzations, governmental entities, small businesses and been employed by major manufacturing enterprises in Kentucky.

1. Are you a native Kentuckian? Why have a Kentucky business? 

I am a native Kentuckian and very proud of it! Kentucky is my history and my home. When faced with the potential relocation of my job, my husband and I had some difficult decisions to make. We cast about, testing out the dream of living abroad. When we decided that wasn't exactly what we wanted, we briefly reconsidered pursuing relocation with my job or making a major relocation to a different area of the United States.

In the end, we decided that Kentucky was our home and held our future. Our family and many of our friends are in Kentucky. Our support systems are here. The cost of living is definitely right! Honestly, while I enjoyed the thought of moving to far off lands, I couldn't quite wrap my head around what it might be like to live somewhere else!

When we decided to remain in central Kentucky, I decided to start my own freelance bookkeeping company. Not only can I take full advantage of my education and career experience, I'm also passionate about helping other small businesses succeed - in Kentucky and beyond. 

I'm of the mind that we should enjoy what we do and do it well. I enjoy the organization and analysis aspects of finance, and I want to help business owners get out from behind their computer screens, struggling with their books and back to what they enjoy and do well! 

2. Many younger people say they can't find many corporate-type jobs in Kentucky, so they leave the state. What was your experience?

My experience has been extremely positive! Other than a brief stint in state government during and just after graduation, I've been employed by Kentucky businesses in corporate-type jobs. 

When I was in high school and even college, the trend was for young people to move out of state as soon as they could. I think that trend is reversing or, at least, changing. With impressive improvements in our state university systems and a cost of living that remains below the national average, I think young people are realizing that Kentucky is a hidden gem. I know lots of young people, just like our own Sarah Stewart Holland, who ventured to larger markets to begin their careers but moved back to Kentucky to begin their family and continue their careers.

3. What was the hardest part of starting a new business?  What do you wish someone had told you before you started Lydia Powell Bookkeeping?

While I can often be cautious with new adventures, when I get an idea in my head that I'm passionate about, I tend to jump in head first with eyes closed tight! The hardest part of starting my new business has been making myself go slow, make plans and strategies for the long run and implementing those in a methodical way. I hope that this planning and considered action will set me up for success in the long run!

Luckily, I have a strong business education and background, so I feel like I may be better suited to navigate the confusing and complicated waters of starting a business. I think other entreprenuers may have a great idea but not a great foundation regarding how to get that idea turned into an operating and profitable business. I highly recommend the resources of the Small Business Administration, the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal and the Kentucky Secretary of State's Office. I urge other new business owners to go through the exercise of creating a business plan - even if no one but you ever sees it, sitting down to write out a plan makes you think!

4. What is the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship/small business ownership?

I've only been in operation for about a month. So far, though, nothing I've done for my business has felt like "work." You know that Sunday-night-dreading-Monday-morning feeling? I don't have that when I think about the tasks I need to accomplish for my business. I've also met some amazingly inspiring and encouraging people. When I announced my new business venture, I never expected the support I've received from friends and strangers alike. It's awesome to know that other people want to help you succeed.

5. What suggestions do you have for women who want to start their own business?

Believe in yourself or fake it until you make it! 

Go outside your comfort zone. I hate to do it, too, but it's good for you. I've met potential clients I'd never met before for coffee, I've called people I don't know on the phone - both things I normally hate to do, but that were so rewarding!

Seek out and network with other women in business. I've been lucky enough to have a supportive group of women to turn to when I need reassurance and to ask practical questions of. Basically, we inspire and support one another and it's wonderful. If you don't know where to find a group like that, ask at your local Chamber of Commerce if they have a women's group, check out Femfessionals to find a local chapter (Lexington has one!) or join and participate with a group on sites like LinkedIn.

And now: the quick-fire round!

1. Bourbon or martinis? Ack! I'm a beer girl - the craftier the better.
2. One dream you still want to reach?  I really want to visit Ireland with my mom someday.
3. Favorite Lexington restaurant? I'm a new Table 310 convert, but really want to try out the food at The Village Idiot (the beer selection is great). I can't wait for 21C to open a new hotel and restaurant in Lexington, as well!
4. Favorite way to spend a Friday night. My 22-year old self would be so embarrassed, but now I love a good Friday night at home with pizza and beer, some popcorn, a good movie and my husband and the dog on the sofa.

Autumn at Lexington Green

The Fab Fath Sisters: The HerKentucky Interview

I was so excited when

Farah

and Victoria Fath agreed to an interview with HerKentucky. They are the cutest Kentucky girls you can imagine. Soap opera fans will know Farah from her roles as Mimi on Days of our Lives and Gigi on One Life to Life. Here in Lexington, we know Victoria as a talented wedding videographer and pageant director. Together, the Fab Fath sisters run

a celebrity and style Tumblr

and keep Twitter hopping.  Thanks so much to Victoria and Farah for taking the time to talk to us!

OK, the #fabfathsisters are just about the cutest girls on the Twitter. Tell us a little about yourselves.

The Fab Fath Sisters at an early age.

Victoria:

I'd say we had a pretty normal "Kentucky girl" upbringing.  For example, we cheered, did pageants, and went to the lake in the summer.  Things changed when Farah got on "DOOL" and we moved to California.  She was 15 and I was 12.  Moving to Los Angeles from Lexington so young really changed us because it's such a different lifestyle and you're exposed to different ideas and cultures.  However, I think we both pride ourselves on keeping our Kentucky "small town" values in the way we live.  We both have a crude sense of humor and aren't shy to speak our minds - as that comes across often on Twitter - but people that really know us, know how genuinely kind we can be and how important our family and friends are to us. 

You girls have done a little bit of everything -- New York, L.A., TV, videography. Tell us how a couple of Lexington girls wound up doing such glamorous things

.

Victoria

: Living in NYC is not glamourous!!  It's a hustle.  We've made a lot of moves in our life; I've moved across the country 7 times!  It's hard but you've got to be willing to be flexible in life if you want to better your life.  I'd say NY was the best experience in my life, I just really lived it up there and left feeling like I had done and seen everything I could in 4 years.  Farah is really the person for this question...

Your Tumblr profile says "We look alike. We sound alike. We think alike. We are #TeamFathSisters"; have y'all always gotten along so well?

With friend Catherine Combs the night of UK's National Championship win.

Pretty much. :)  We have some differences but overall we are like the same person.

Y'all grew up in Lexington. Are you UK fans?

Victoria:

Of course #BBN.  You don't grow up in Lexington, KY and not bleed blue.  I actually went to UK for my freshman year.

A couple of "soapy" questions for Farah: 

I think most of us grew up with a mama or grandma who watched soaps. In fact, I think every Kentucky grandma was addicted to Days of Our Lives.  Was that something y'all grew up with? If so,was it crazy walking onto those sets?

Well you guessed it.  Our mom's mom watched Days since its inception.  Strangely enough she only passed it on to one of her daughters (not our mom).  Our mom was an ABC soap fan so I think she was more impressed when I got on One Life to Live.  That's not to say she didn't watch Days when I was on it.  She did, of course.  I definitely remember sitting in my grandmother's TV room while she'd play Days.  Obviously she recorded it on her VCR like everyone else.  I was fascinated with the show and got even more into when mine and Torie's babysitter watched it everyday during her summers with us.  So yes, it was very surreal going from fan to cast member.  Although the feeling of being awestruck faded fast due to the busy schedule and tough work load.  I adapted quickly into my new life and the people who I grew up watching became my 2nd family. 

At the risk of going all fangirl here, I'll admit that I grew up watching ABC Soaps. What was it like to work with

Erika Slezak

-- one of THE grand dames of the genre?

At the OLTL Wrap Party last year.

It isn't possible for me to say enough nice things about Ms. Slezak to even come close to doing her justice.  I seriously am choked up right now just thinking about her.  The first scene I ever taped for OLTL was with her and right away I was blown away by her extreme professionalism and grace.  There isn't one nerve in her body that isn't full of class.  It was so refreshing to witness someone of her stature be so completely kind and respectful to each and every body on that set.  No matter if you were her co-star for the day or your job was to sweep the floor, you were her equal. Oh, and I never saw her look at her script.  Just trust me when I say that's unheard of.  The stage manager would be counting down and my script would still be in my hand.  lol

OK, Dirty Soap -- what was it like to do that show? It seemed so crazy and DRAMATIC! 

Well the fact that it took 6 months to film only 8 episodes, I don't have much good to say about it.  Doing that show added nothing positive to my life.  Producers had a story board for the season and they did whatever they could to manipulate situations so they could get the story they wanted.  I could only stand my ground and refuse to do or say something for so long until I just wanted to go home (or for them to go home).  I also didn't want the show to suck either, so that was another reason I'd agree to certain scenes that I knew "would never actually take place in real life." Just know reality TV is all in the editing.  I couldn't believe how some of the situations were pieced together because it's not at all how things really happened.

And now a couple for Victoria:

Tell us about your background. It sounds like you've done some amazing work. What brought you back to Lexington?

 "Amazing work" is a strong statement haha.  I spent so much time on a TV set growing up that I think it was natural for me to fall into this sort of work.  I basically majored in Television in college.  I wrote a term paper on the cult fandom of soap operas actually. lol... Soap fans are CRAZY die hard.  After I graduated college, I was getting pretty burnt out with the NYC lifestyle and my boyfriend wanted to move desperately, so we decided to move to Lexington.  I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it and also moving to a place where my education in film and TV was kind of useless, but it was the right decision.  I've been doing freelance filming of weddings and pageants.  I toil with the dilemma of work and location all the time. Lexington is not where I'd like to be for my career but I'm where I want to be in my personal life.  And I think the latter is more important.  I know Farah has the same struggle.  I truly believe Lexington is one of the best places to live.  My boyfriend thought we'd be here for 6 months and move but he grew to love it and we bought a house and have no plans to leave anytime soon.

I've become very involved in the pageant circuit around Kentucky since I've moved back home, judging and now directing.  Our mom and I have started our own runway and arts pageant.  We want to allow both boys and girls an outlet for creative expression and we expect this to be a fun and modern pageant.  Our first preliminary is Dec. 3 and our state pageant will be in late April.  You can find more information at

facebook.com/victoria.fath.3

or by emailing

RoyalArtsPageant@gmail.com

You're a brand-new mom. Tell us a little about how that's going for you. Is your daughter well on the way to being as fabulous as the Fath sisters? 

Lola rules.  Her last name may not be Fath, but she is a Fath girl.  As Farah put it, "She's a great addition to the family."  Being notoriously blonde, I was shocked to see my baby with head full of black hair!  I was never one who thought about having kids but being a mom just comes naturally to me.  There's a lot of love in my life.  I'm blessed.

You can read more about the Fab Fath Sisters on their Tumblr,

Fath Fix

, and on

Victoria

and

Farah

's twitter accounts.

Couples Tailgate Shower: A Guest Post from Just Lovely Katherine

Katherine of Just Lovely Katherine is one of my very favorite bloggers.  She's the modern Southern Belle -- sweet, adorable, and creative.  She's also a Lexington-based attorney and is planning her wedding in her "spare time."  Katherine graciously offered to share some photos and planning tips from a fabulous tailgate shower she recently threw.  I think y'all will love it! -- HCW

"We're a drinking town with a football problem!" Or so say some! As most of you are probably aware (or totally unaware because we aren't even on your radar), the University of Kentucky isn't exactly known for its tradition of great football. So around here, it's all about the tailgating! Bring together family, friends, food and fun and what better lineup than that for a couples shower, tailgate-style! Even though we don't do football well here at Kentucky, we still like to throw a tailgate that would make any SEC team proud! So, here's how to go about throwing a Couples Shower Tailgate.

Let's break this down into list form, because lists are my thing! 

1. The first step in planning any party is to pick a theme. Well, let's back up...first go to A Pair of Pears blog and download their Party Planning Printables. Their free worksheets are fabulous for keeping organized! Now, decide on a theme. Head over to Pinterest and start looking for inspiration (thank heavens for Pinterest!) 
2. Once you have an idea of the overall look and feel of the party, the next step is to come up with a guest list and order invitations. I had Mary Ellen at Mellen Designs come up with a custom invitation for our tailgate shower. Her work is darling and the invite turned out so perfect! She incorporated UK and monograms! She can create anything, so be sure to get in contact with her for your next party!
3. After creating a guest list, you should have some sort of idea of how many folks will be attending your soiree, so start thinking about what types of food and beverages you will be serving. For our tailgate shower, we went with delicious southern style BBQ from a local restaurant. Great for feeding the masses! For drinks, we had planned on getting a keg (remember, it's a tailgate afterall), but ended up just purchasing a trunk-load of cases of beer. Keep in mind that when most guests come to the shower, they are also coming to tailgate...in other words, you will need plenty of beer (more than you would for your typical shower)! I think we planned for 5-6 beers per person. 
4. Now, we have a guest list, invitations mailed out, food selected and ordered, what next? The fun part! Decorations! Like I suggested above, Pinterest is a fabulous source for inspiration. Gather ideas you like, then you can DIY (or attempt to DIY)! One thing to keep in mind - you will have to haul all this stuff to the stadium and back. 
5. If you are co-hosting an event, be sure to take some of the pressure off yourself by assigning tasks for the other hosts. You can't do it all on your own! I asked my fellow bridesmaids to bring side dishes, desserts, serving things etc. 
6. Try to incorporate your team colors, football and the honorary couple wherever you can. Then just concentrate on the details that really make a shower special. I painted some flower pots in blue and white an added a "T" for the couple's last name. I planted flowers and a small tree in them and sent them home with the bride and groom-to-be. I made bunting by cutting small rectangles our of fabric and hot gluing them to cord. I also made a rag-type bunting to decorate the food tent. Simply cut up strips of fabric and knot over a long string or ribbon. I baked a blue and white cake and made little "r {heart} j" cake toppers. You can get the little wooden letters and shapes at your local craft store. Glue them to a dowel rod and paint. Easy peasy!

That's about all there is to it! If you are smart, you might consider doing this for an away game and throwing a tailgate shower at home! It was a lot of work to take everything to the stadium and get it set up. Plus, the couple had to haul all their gifts back after the shower. Despite the hauling, it was a huge success and everyone had a fabulous time!!! And no...UK didn't pull out a win!

Keeneland Style Guide

Every year, in springtime and autumn, it seems that tons of new visitors arrive at HerKentucky  with variants of the same search: "What should I wear to Keeneland?"  I always want to reach out through Google, find all of y'all in Jacksonville, Ontario, and everywhere in-between, give you a hug and say "look nice and be yourself."

Now, the dress codes for Keeneland vary pretty wildly according to your location.  That really is my favorite thing about this racetrack.  There's a way to have fun at any budget, and at any level of dress.  But, as we've said before here at HerKentucky, visitors to Keeneland just try a little harder.

If you're going to stay near the Paddock -- General Admission, Grandstand, or Equestrian Room -- there's no need to dress up very much.  Guys are fine in khakis and polo shirts, and girls can wear slacks.  In fact, you may even see folks wearing (gasp!) jeans.  These are the areas nearest the track itself, and people are truly there to watch (and bet on) the horses. With that said, don't be surprised to see a lot of dresses and sport coats in the lower-levels.  In recent years, a culture of dressy tailgating (think Steeplechase) has popped up among college students and twenty-somethings, and the second floor (General Admission) Sports Bar often resembles a campus bar or fraternity semi-formal.  While the dress code says "casual", there's plenty of Vineyard Vines ties and Lilly Pulitzer to be seen.

If you'll be dining in the upper-level, enclosed dining rooms-- The Lexington, Kentucky, or Phoenix Rooms-- then expect to dress for a business event.  The Lexington and Kentucky rooms -- dining rooms often reserved for business and social gatherings-- have a "business formal" dress code; these areas require men to don a coat and tie, and skirts/dresses/dressy slacks for ladies.   The Phoenix Room-- another reserved dining room-- is "business casual", requiring collared shirts and slacks for men and dresses/pantsuits for ladies.  During the week, many professionals take long business lunches in these areas, as is reflected in their dress code. 

The members-only Clubhouse similarly requires coat and tie for men and dressy pants/skirts for ladies.  I find that a skirt suit or a dress paired with a pretty cardigan or wrap is always appropriate for the upper levels.  In general, if you'd wear it to church or a business meeting, you're golden.  Most of all, remember to look nice because you'll see plenty of people!

What do y'all wear to Keeneland?

The Kentucky Theatre

I vividly remember my first trip to the Kentucky.  I'd just moved to Lexington for college, and I excitedly planned a trip with one of my new sorority sisters for a midnight showing of Pretty in Pink.  There, beneath the giant screen and the ornate walls, Molly Ringwald's Andi seemed even sassier and more heartbreaking.  As Andi leaned in to kiss Blaine at the star-crossed prom, someone yelled "drop the purse", the iconic moment of romantic abandon that signals the film's end.  It wasn't just a sign that many of us had grown up watching too many John Hughes films; it was a community of dedicated film-lovers celebrating every cherished frame.

Over the years, the Kentucky has come to mean "community" in so many ways.  In my early twenties, I joined the fans of Kevin Smith's cult comedies for late-night screenings.  When the novelty of "Hey, you can have a beer while watching a movie!" wore off, I found myself taking in concerts -- the Kentucky has always drawn the best roots and Americana acts to be found.

These days, my trips to the Kentucky are far more likely to involve foreign or independent films.  The works that might not command a multiplex showing are always on at the Kentucky.  

This month, Lexington's storied Kentucky Theatre turns 90.  Conceived as a "palatial new photoplay house" in 1921, the Kentucky is so much more than a beautiful historic theatre.  It's a celebration of culture both high and low.  It's a tribute to Lexington's history and diversity. 

Happy 90th to the Kentucky Theatre!