Ariat International Brand Shop at The Summit at Fritz Farm

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!)

Vineyard Vines 2017 Kentucky Oaks Collaboration With Norton Cancer Institute

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!)

Draper James Kentucky Derby Capsule Collection

Y'all! Draper James dropped their 2017 Kentucky Derby Capsule Collection today and it is soooo good!

This envelope clutch is so cute for a day at the track.

And this tee is perfect for low-key Derby week festivities.

This hat would be so fun for Thurby.

I love the colors on this dress. It'll be so great for summer soirees.

And I may even love the skirt more!

Even better? Click this link for $20 off your next Draper James order.  And look for Draper James opening soon at the Summit at Fritz Farm in Lexington!!

(This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky receives a nominal commission on every product link you click in this post. All opinions are my own!)

Alumni Hall is coming to The Summit at Fritz Farm!

Nike Twill Kentucky Hat | Kentucky Alex and Ani Charm Bracelet (c/o Alumni Hall)

I am so excited for the opening of The Summit at Fritz Farm in Lexington, y'all. No matter how long it's been since I lived there, Lexington just always feels like home - I have so many family and friends there, Bob and I both went to undergrad and grad school there, and then there are our Wildcats. We aren't just "wear blue and white on game day" Wildcats fans. We're thinking about our 'Cats every day of the year. So, of course, we were so excited when Alumni Hall sent us some fun UK gear to celebrate the opening of their Summit at Fritz Farm store and to get us ready for the upcoming season -- as we all know, basketball season is always almost here in Kentucky! 

Alex and Ani Kentucky Charm Bracelet (c/o Alumni Hall)

Oh my goodness, y'all. Their selection is so awesome. I'm pretty sure I want one of everything on the Alumni Hall website. I love this Alex and Ani charm bracelet so much. And this scarf is such a lovely way to celebrate the Bluegrass State!

Bob loved this Cutter & Buck DryTec polo shirt, and I know I'll wear the Blue 84 Lucille Terry V-Neck Tee all summer long!

Cutter & Buck DryTec polo | Blue 84 Terry V-Neck Tee (c/o Alumni Hall)

When you're a fourth generation Kentucky fan, like we are at our house, you love Kentucky gear that reflects the Wildcats' heritage.  The vintage look of Bob's blue tee is so fun for casual weekends, and the details on my baseball tee are so adorable. Check out the Wildcats logo on the back!

Kentucky 47 Big Blue Nation Tee | Kentucky League Women's Camp V-Neck Baseball Tee (c/o Alumni Hall)

Alumni Hall's newest store opens at  the Summit at Fritz Farm in early May. I look forward to seeing y'all there! Go Big Blue!

Thanks so much to The Summit at Fritz Farm and Alumni Hall for sponsoring this post!

Easy Derby Time Style with Off Broadway Shoes!

It's Derby Season, y'all! The Kentucky Derby is only three weeks away and it seems like a new party or event pops up on the calendar every day! When last-minute Derby time events arise, I find that the right accessories can elevate a basic dress in a hurry. Of course, a great fascinator is in order, as are some comfortable, stylish pumps. Fortunately, Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse has me covered for great accessories at a great price.

Last weekend, I attended Off Broadway's Kentucky Derby Hat Trunk Show, and I was able to pick up some great accessories for my own Derby needs. I found an absolutely perfect pair of Cole Haan pumps and a fun pink fascinator, all for around $100. I was so excited to play around with some dresses I already had; I feel like I'm ahead of the last-minute-invite curve!!

I love this combo paired with a bell-sleeved black and white striped dress. It's also a great pairing with solid navy!

It's also a great pairing with solid navy!

This time of year, you never know when a white party will pop up on your radar! And the shoes are the perfect pairing with a bright coral dress! Lace dresses are always great for Derby time events.

Thanks so much to Off Broadway Shoes for helping me find the perfect solution for Derby time parties! 

{This post was sponsored by Off Broadway Shoes; all opinions are my own.}

Cat Studio Keeneland and Kentucky Derby Pillows

Yesterday, I attended an event at Keeneland, and simply fell in love with the new Keeneland embroidered pillow designed by Cat Studio and available exclusively at the Keeneland Gift Shop.

Photo via Keeneland Gift Shop.

Cat Studio pillows have always been a decor #goal of mine. There are so many great designs from which to choose!

If you're a Derby fan, the Kentucky Derby pillow is available at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

You can order the Kentucky state pillow here.

This UK Pillow is available locally at Two Chicks & Company!

Cat Studio has the Cards fans covered, too! 

A Cat Studio pillow would be such a fantastic housewarming gift or a nice reminder of home for a Kentucky expatriate. Which design is your favorite?

Vineyard Vines Ties for Spring!

The spring social season is in full bloom, and it feels like we're all planning our spring wardrobes. What should I wear to Keeneland? For holiday services? For spring weddings?  
Here's a quick roundup of some adorable Vineyard Vines ties that will get the guy in your life ready for spring festivities.

For Easter Sunday

If you're a golf or basketball fan, then you probably love Jim Nantz. Even if you don't plan vacation days around the Masters or the NCAA tournament like we do here at HerKentucky HQ, you have to love the message behind the Jim Nantz Forget-Me-Knot Tie. Twenty percent of all proceeds go to the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at Houston Methodist Hospital.

For Keeneland's Opening Weekend

I love this tie from the Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection. It looks so perfect for Keeneland's Spring Meet!

For the Dog Lover

I LOVE this Vineyard Vines tie for anyone who has a Black Lab in their life. (Pretty sure Bob's going to need this one!)

For the UK Fan

You can never go wrong with Kentucky Blue!

For the Bourbon Lover

This mint julep tie is perfect for Derby season!

Happy Spring, y'all!