The HerKentucky Guide to L.L. Bean Boots

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Autumn is my favorite time of year to stock up on L.L. Bean! I can't get enough of their  Bean Boots . They have such classic styling, quality construction, and a fun, preppy style. They're seriously items that never go out of style, and that I find myself reaching for over and over. And, now through Monday, Bean Boots are 20% off with code AUTUMN.

6” L.L. Bean Boots

I love my Bean Boots because they're so durable and waterproof. I use them for everyday errands like walking the dogs or walking through our often-leaky basement as well as to stay warm and dry in wet weather and blend in with the fall foliage.

Slip-on mocs

The slip-on mocs are even good for summertime errands like yard work, and since they're made of rubber, they clean up so easily!

A word about sizing: these boots are meant to be worn with serious socks, so size down significantly! Half sizes are advised to order one and a half down!  I wear an 8.5 in most shoes; I own a 7 in both of these pairs!

Here are a few of my favorite current LL Bean Bean Boot Styles!

What to Wear to Keeneland's 2018 Fall Meet

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Keeneland’s Fall Meet lasts only 17 days, but there’s certainly a lot of racing fun to be had during those Wednesday-Sunday October stretches. Over the 7 year history of HerKentucky, I find that folks really, really want to know what to wear to the track. In fact, some variant of “What to Wear to Keeneland” is consistently the search that brings the most folks to this site.

When folks ask me in person what they should wear to the track, I tend to ask two questions in response: Where will you be sitting, and what day will you be attending?

At the racetrack, as with most things, location and timing are everything. Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be a little more casual than weekend race days. The nearer the track you sit, the more casual you should dress.

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 often opt for khakis and polo shirts, and women can wear slacks. You're actually dressing for a horse race in these sections.  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. The second floor (General Admission) Sports Bar, for example, 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 dresses 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. 

If you find yourself invited to the members-only Clubhouse, you’ll soon find out that it 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 fine.

This fall, I have two navy dresses on repeat; both are cute Keeneland dresses, depending on your racetrack plans. This navy ponte Draper James dress could work for any section of the track — just dress it up or down with necklaces or scarves, boots or heels — while this Target denim dress is great for a low-key day in the lower levels. (Denim is a huge faux pas for the upper levels, and isn’t allowed in the Clubhouse!)

Of course, it goes without saying that dressing for the elements is just as important as dressing for your seats. Nothing looks more ridiculous than the poor girl who’s freezing in a sundress or melting in wool. You’ll be on the move a lot — sitting and standing, inside and out — so make sure your shoes fit well, your bag isn’t so large that it causes problems, and your outfit matches the temperature and conditions.

Most of all, look good and have fun!!

Shop these great Keeneland styles!

Target Denim Shirt Dress

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This dress, y’all. THIS DRESS. It’s my goal to completely sell Target out on this dress simply from my referrals alone. It’s under $30. It’s flattering with sneakers, boots, or sandals. It’s just so easy to wear. It would be perfect for a weekday trip to Keeneland, especially if you’re going to stay in the grandstand or sports bar. And did I mention that it’s under $30?

Bob and I had so much fun shooting these pics in Seneca Park. We found the cutest little stream. And we laughed so hard that I look like I’m going to a Chris Stapleton concert but, as Bob said, “A really fancy Chris Stapleton concert.” Whether you’re loving the “first country music album” vibes or not, you’ll love this dress. I’ve already paired it with boots, sneakers, and Jack Rogers sandals. I’ve worn it with statement necklaces, statement earrings, and scarves. It’s a perfect canvas for your fall style!

I hope y’all run out and get this one. It’s the best.

Shop more denim dresses here!

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

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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!

Reese Witherspoon's Whiskey in a Teacup

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Earlier today, I listened to Reese Witherspoon's Whiskey in a Teacup on Audible. I’m headed to the Book Tour event tomorrow, where I’ll receive my print copy, but I just couldn’t wait to hear what Reese had to say. I knew it would be a fun read for those of us who love Southern manners and traditions, but even I was surprised by how much I loved it.

In fact, I may have shed a tear or two. Not because the author was bloviating on the value of hot rollers and monograms and Steel Magnolias in her best Tracy Flick inflection (although, to be fair, these are all things I love…), but because the heart of Whiskey in a Teacup is family and tradition and, well, doing things properly. It’s hard to articulate sometimes, as a Southern woman, what it is that makes our traditions so special to us. I think that, too often, that we Southerners are often unfairly characterized as backward or small-minded. Whiskey in a Teacup is a lovely tribute to the graciousness, strength, and sense of purpose to which so many of us were raised to strive.

A signature Reese Witherspoon quotation at the Lexington Draper James boutique

Whiskey in a Teacup is, the book tells us, a phrase which Ms. Witherspoon’s grandmother used to describe Southern women — those who are fiery and strong whilst presenting as delicate and demure. Time and again, as she described the lessons her grandmother taught her, I thought of some of the lessons I’ve learned from my own beloved granny. A chapter about quilts passed down among generations of Ms. Witherspoon’s family felt especially familiar. When she spoke of red-and-white quilts passed down from her grandmother… well, let’s just say I could relate.

A red and white Ohio Star quilt that my grandmother made for me

If you read HerKentucky on even a casual basis, or have ever perused my blog’s Facebook or Instagram pages, then you know that I’m quite a fan of Draper James, Ms. Witherspoon’s fashion and lifestyle brand. Of course, I’m fond of the designs — fun and feminine pieces at a reasonable price point — but I also love to support Draper James because I’m so inspired that Reese, who is only a couple of months younger than me, has found a “second act” as an entrepreneur, author and film producer. It often feels that options become more limited for women who are over 40. As a small business owner who is currently finishing her first book, I am so inspired by the idea that Ms. Witherspoon keeps redefining her professional role. Of course, I love her signature performances in films like Sweet Home Alabama and Cruel Intentions, but I’m inspired by the idea that ladies my age are successfully forming new companies on their own terms. Of course, when Ms. Witherspoon speaks of her affinity for needlepoint, monograms, and entertaining, I’m there for it as well.

I’m wearing Draper James, at an event I hosted at their Lexington event earlier this summer.

I’m so excited to attend the Whiskey in a Teacup book event tomorrow and get my hands on my print copy of this book Whatever form you choose to read it in, I highly recommend it for anyone who loves Southern hospitality, the movie Legally Blonde, or good stationery.

Will I see y’all tomorrow night at Reese’s book tour event?

Shop the Draper James Whiskey in a Teacup Line

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?