Draper James Dress for Keeneland
The Perfect Dress for fall horse racing!
(This post contains affiliate links; I will receive a very small commission per click at no cost to the reader. All photos are © Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace unless otherwise noted.)
Finding the perfect dress for Keeneland is pretty high on most Kentucky women’s to-do list. In fact, over the seven years that HerKentucky has been running, “What to wear to Keeneland” is the search that brings the most people to this site. Getting the Keeneland dress code right is a big deal. Now, I’ll do another post a little closer to the beginning of Fall Meet to remind everyone of the dress codes for each of the various areas of the racetrack, but I wanted to share this dress with y’all today because I think it absolutely nails Keeneland style.
Dress: Draper James | Boots: Frye | Necklace: Elva Fields | Bracelet: Bourbon & Boweties
I love the idea of a basic, solid dress that can be paired with pumps or boots, statement jewelry or scarves, to create different looks. You could wear this dress to the track, the office, dinner, or just about anywhere you want to look nice. Just switch up the accessories and you’re good to go.
I went with my Elva Fields necklace and a Bourbon & Boweties Bourbon Barrel bangle, but I think an equestrian-themed scarf is always a lovely touch for a day at the races, too. Here are some great ones at every price point.
Since my brand is, quite literally, Kentucky, I like to wear subtle little nods to our Commonwealth’s heritage! This Bourbon & Boweties bangle is an exclusive to Sweet Mash Goods in Lawrenceburg. The Key Fob is from an exclusive partnership between Draper James and Keeneland.
Bourbon Barrel Bracelet: Bourbon & Boweties for Sweet Mash Goods | Key Fob: Draper James for Keeneland
I had so much fun shooting these photos in Gratz Park. It got me so excited to hopefully visit Lexington many, many times during Keeneland’s Fall Meet. Lexington in October is truly one of those sights that everyone should experience!!
If you’re looking for your own favorite Keeneland Dress, please join me Tuesday, October 2nd from 6-8 p,m. at the Lexington Draper James store for a Shop & Sip benefiting Dress for Success Lexington! Let me know in the comments, what are y’all wearing to Keeneland this season?
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 Mother's Day Gift Guide
Gifts mom will actually love!
While we've been busy planning Derby and Cinco de Mayo and all the early May events, y'all did remember that Mother's Day is next Sunday, May 14th, right?
I'm sure you did, but here are a few absolutely great ways to celebrate your mama!
Elva Fields Earrings
Emily Maynard, the designer and owner of Elva Fields, is a dear friend of mine and one of the most compassionate, creative, cool ladies I've ever met. She's also an incredible mama to two darling girls. So, when Emily sets out to make a Mother's Day present, I know it's going to be something special. These earrings from Elva Fields are so lovely, y'all. They're just the kind of understated, everyday earrings that make a fantastic present. Even better, by purchasing these earrings, you're making a difference in the Louisville community. A portion of each purchase of this style will be donated to one of these three charities (you get to choose!): The Cabbage Patch, a 106-year-old organization that reaches at-risk families and youth through recreational, educational, and service-based programs and opportunities from tutoring, mentoring, after-school classes, scholarships, and much more; Kentucky Refugee Ministries, which provides resettlement services to refugees through faith- and agency-based co-sponsorship in order to promote self-sufficiency and successful integration into the community; or The Healing Place, which reaches men and women suffering from drug and alcohol addiction through one of the nation's most effective and hopeful programs, providing tools for recovery and restoring productive lives. They're a fantastic little thank you to your mom for raising you right.
Lilly Pulitzer Scarf
I'm guessing that you and your mom share at least a bit of your personal style. My mom shares my love for bright Lilly Pulitzer prints, and I find that a scarf like this one is the right little pop of color to share as a gift.
Draper James Trinket Tray
A trinket tray in a bright pattern is an adorable way to brighten Mom's day every day of the year. The Mother Knows Best pattern is adorable, but my very favorite is the You Are My Sunshine tray!
Anchal Project Makeup Pouches
These makeup/ accessory pouches are soooo gorgeous, y'all. Anchal Project is such an amazing company based here in Louisville. They employ women in India, many of whom formerly were exploited through commercial sex work, as designers and artisans who recycle the material old saris into scarves, quilts, and small dry goods. The designs are stunning, and the story of female empowerment is so inspiring.
Shop Local Kentucky Tees
photo courtesy Shop Local Kentucky.
For the mom with a sense of humor, "Kentucky's Okayest Mom" is the best title ever. Shop Local Kentucky has a tee that offers up that title.
Now y'all have absolutely no excuses for sending Mom an extra-special gift!
Shop Local for Valentine's Day!
Great Valentine's Day presents from local Louisville artisans!
Happy almost-Valentine's Day, y'all!
If you're still looking for an amazing gift for your sweetie, here are some absolutely gorgeous pieces made by local Louisville artisans that are fun, romantic, and unique!
Louisville Stoneware Mug
I debated putting this one on the list, because I want one myself, and I've heard a rumor that there are only a few remaining. But, these are absolutely the most adorable pieces of locally-made pottery! If your Valentine really, really loves coffee, this is the perfect gift. Available in-studio only at Louisville Stoneware.
Anchal Project Scarf
The Anchal Project is an AMAZING Louisville-based company that trains and employs former sex workers in India to create stunning, one-of-a-kind textiles. I had the good fortune to hear Anchal founder Colleen Clines talk about empathy a few months ago. After watching her speak, I'm OBSESSED with Anchal and their mission!
Elva Fields Necklace
Elva Fields is one of my favorite, favorite local companies. Owner/ designer Emily Wheat Maynard is one of the sweetest ladies you'll ever meet, and she is crazy talented. She scopes out lovely antiques and one-of-a-kind gemstones to make every piece an experience. Check out this Elva Fields necklace and this necklace!
Cellar Door Chocolates
This may be my all-time favorite take on the perennial "sweets for your sweet" gift. It's Phoebe Buffay's lobsters, reimagined in locally-made chocolate.
Just as a reminder of why this is so awesome,
A piece from Cuteopia!
Revelry Boutique Gallery in NuLu has some of the most fabulous pieces every day, but their Cuteopia exhibit is over-the-top fabulous. Who could say no to these declarations of love?
Here's to a perfect Valentine's Day with your sweetie!