Kendra Gives Back for Dress for Success

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I was probably the last blogger in America to discover Kendra Scott jewelry. I’d clung so long to my “only pearls” jewelry philosophy. Then, this summer, my local Kendra Scott store — Oxmoor Mall here in Louisville — reached out to see if I’d like to host a shopping party. To be more precise, Allie Martin, Community Engagement Manager at Kendra Scott Louisville, podcaster, and general force of nature, reached out to me. I’m not kidding, y’all, I’m a multitasker, but Allie is everywhere doing everything and promoting the Kendra brand. I was intrigued to hear why this line of jewelry was so great.

I learned that Kendra Scott founded her jewelry line in her Austin home and transformed it into a billion dollar private company based on the values of Fashion, Family, and Philanthropy. They had me at female entrepreneur who gives back to the community. The fact that the jewelry is fun, fashion-forward, and at a great price point is just the icing on the cake.

I love these statement earrings and delicate necklace for UK game days. (photo ©Space, Place & Southern Grace)

These mother-of-pearl earrings are so fun and versatile. I’ve seriously worn them everywhere from galas to Target.

And this pair of abalone statement earrings is just so versatile and fun. They're so light that you actually forget you’re wearing them. Oh, and Blake Lively has them, too.

Shop my Kendra Scott favorites!

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I randomly had the opportunity to meet Kendra Scott herself last night. She and several people from her corporate office were visiting their Lexington store at the Summit at Fritz Farm. I was hosting a shopping event at Draper James, and the Kendra Scott folks came in to look around. She was so cute, y’all — she was sipping a mint julep because she’d never tried bourbon before and felt like she ought to try it in Kentucky. I asked for a photo op like a total fangirl, and she was so lovely and gracious about it!

Needless to say, I’m pretty excited to partner with the Lexington Kendra Scott store for a Kendra Gives Back charity shopping event next Wednesday, October 10th, from 5-8 p.m. Twenty percent of the night’s proceeds will benefit Dress for Success Lexington, which provides clothing, interview skills, financial management information, and other tools for economic empowerment to underprivileged women in the Lexington area. Y’all know that I prioritize giving volunteer hours and donations to Dress for Success both personally and through HerKentucky’s social media platforms. It’s so amazing to watch the clients gain confidence and courage as they embark upon a new career. It’s truly the meaning of empowerment — giving these ladies the tools they need to carve their own path. So many of us take our educations, opportunities, and privileges for granted, and I can’t recommend volunteering with an organization like DFS highly enough.

Please come see me at Kendra Scott next week. I can’t wait to share some of their gorgeous pieces with y’all. You can design your own piece at the ColorBar (it’s ready to take home within a few minutes!); you can view the gorgeous new Charms Collection, and you can shop the gorgeous new collection benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I suggest you buy the Earring Supply Kit; it’s maybe the best $18 I’ve spent in years — a full supply of earring backs and hooks — and it's my number one suggestion for stocking stuffers this holiday season!

If you can’t make the event, you can call the Lexington Kendra Scott store at 859-475-1880, or you can email me at heather@herkentucky.com and we can get your order going.

Let me know in the comments: Are you a Kendra fangirl, too?

Draper James Poncho for Football Season

{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC will receive a nominal commission per click at no cost to the reader. All photos are © Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace unless otherwise noted.)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Obviously, I mean SEC football season, and especially those magical weekends where you can take in some races at Keeneland AND a UK football game. Bonus points if you need a sweater, wrap, or poncho, especially this Draper James poncho in Wildcat Blue.

Poncho: Draper James | Jeans: Lauren Ralph Lauren | Bangle: Bourbon & Boweties for Sweet Mash Goods

I had so much fun styling this outfit in anticipation of fall football games! I especially love the Kendra Scott earrings and necklace for fun touches of blue that I’ll wear for so many game days!

Earrings (c/o) and necklace: Kendra Scott

If you’ll be in the Lexington area for some Keeneland and football shopping, join me October 2nd at Draper James and October 10th at Kendra Scott for Shop & Sip events benefiting Dress for Success Lexington. Let me know in the comments below what colors you wear on game day!

Draper James Dress for Keeneland

(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?

Draper James x HerKentucky Shop & Sip for Dress for Success!

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!)

Draper James x ELOQUII Gingham Fit and Flare Dress | Draper James x ELOQUII Floral Dress | Draper James x ELOQUII Stripe Wrap Dress| Draper James Maxi (All on Sale now!)

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!

Dinner at Texas de Brazil in Lexington's Summit at Fritz Farm

{Disclosure: Texas de Brazil provided a complimentary dinner for two in exchange for this review; no additional compensation was provided and all opinions are my own.}

Bob and I had the opportunity to visit Texas de Brazil in Lexington's The Summit at Fritz Farm over the weekend. We love Texas de Brazil for special occasion meals and were excited to sample the dessert menu! Texas de Brazil celebrates their 20th anniversary soon, and are offering all desserts for 20 cents on Monday nights in July with a meal purchase!

Now, as I'm sure you know, Texas de Brazil is a Churrascaria, colloquially known in the US as a Brazilian Steakhouse. Churrascaria a fun and delicious dining concept in which the gauchos carve charcoal-grilled meat tableside. It makes for a fast-paced sampler of meats! But, did you know that the salad bar at Texas de Brazil is pretty amazing as well? 

I'd eaten at Texas de Brazil locations in Lexington and in Memphis before, but I'd never spent a lot of time with the salad area before. I started with a cheese plate for Bob and me to share. The tangy goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, and salty parmigiano were great accompaniments to the rich meats. The prosciutto was a fantastic quality, and the pineapple carpaccio was amazing! (If limitless meat isn't your jam, you can actually order the salad area only as your entree!)

We also tried some seafood. The shrimp salad was so great that I hope to recreate the recipe soon -- it had the heat of jalapeño and the tang of lime juice. 

We also loved the Moqueca cod fish -- a traditional Brazilian fish stew made with coconut milk.

Of course, the star of any Texas de Brazil experience is the meat. As usual, the Churrascaria did not disappoint. When you're seated for churrasco service, each diner is given a two-sided card to indicate whether the gauchos should bring more meats to the table.

The filet was a standout, along with the flank steak. The lamb was perfect -- rich and well seasoned. We enjoyed a great assortment!

We made sure to save room for dessert, though. I had the Brazilian cheesecake, which had a rich fudge base and a caramel glaze.

Bob opted for a refreshing key lime pie. Both were fantastic.

Stop by the Texas de Brazil in Lexington for special promotions over the next few months for special 20th anniversary celebrations. It's a fantastic date night spot, or great for a family celebration!

Thanks so much to Texas de Brazil for inviting us to dinner! We'll be back soon!

Pomegranate Sale

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.  

10 Can't-Miss Kentucky Events Week of April 9th

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?