Heather C. Watson 12/16/15 Heather C. Watson 12/16/15

5 Christmas Sweaters That Aren't Ugly

Ditch that Ugly Christmas Sweater for an elegant holiday knit!

'Tis the Season for Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties. I'm sure that most of y'all have been invited to a party or two where the dress code called for hideous holiday knits. Here in Louisville, there are so many ways to show the world that you have terrible taste in Christmas attire. Garage Bar is hosting an Ugly Sweater Brunch this Sunday, Hilltop Tavern and Maker's Mark are throwing an Ugly Sweater Party (with prizes!) next Wednesday, and there's even an Ugly Sweater Run tonight, if that's your jam.

As for me, I like my holiday knitwear to run a little more toward pretty and non-ironic. I like to stick with vintage L.L. Bean Sweaters or pretty knits paired with neutrals. Here a few great Christmas sweaters that will take you through the next week of holiday parties in style.

These Ralph Lauren corduroy leggings are seriously THE BEST for pairing with boots and oversized sweaters. They're so comfy and yet give you such a polished look. I LOVE mine!

This Lands' End Supima cotton cardigan adds holiday flair in an understated way. It would be just perfect paired with a pretty skirt and tights.

This Vineyard Vines Snowflake Fair Isle Turtleneck combines the season's snowflakes with some lovely neutrals.

This would be great with winter white leggings and neutral boots for a comfy yet sophisticated holiday look.

Talbots seriously knocked it out of the park with their holiday line this year. How cute is this sequin fawn tee?

Pair with black jeans and booties for a casual, festive look.

I've already told y'allhow much I love Fair Isle sweaters. This Brooks Brothers Red Fleece sweater is perfect for casual get-togethers with distressed jeans and duck boots.

Happy Holiday Styling, y'all, and just say no to the ugly sweater!

Heather C. Watson 12/11/15 Heather C. Watson 12/11/15

HerKentucky Great Gift Guide: Lee W. Robinson Company

How's that holiday shopping coming along? If you're like me, the big presents are easy to find, but the smaller gifts are a little more difficult. This week, I visited the Lee W. Robinson Company and just couldn't believe how many small gifts I found. In fact, they have 100 pieces under $100! I knew that Lee W. Robinson Co was known for incredible interior decorating all over Louisville, but I didn't realize that Lee has so many fun items for sale in-store and online. Lee's boutique, nestled in the heart of Louisville's St. Matthews, is a great mix of Southern, classic, and preppy. The Draper James or Lilly Pulitzer lover in your life will love a gift from Lee W. Robinson!

This debutante candle is subtle and sophisticated.

This Santa is a great mix of rustic and luxe.

How precious are these little trees?

I LOVE this raccoon. Can you believe he's under $45?

Of course, we all need a little more Dolly in our lives...

This Dom Perignon box is fantastic for the champs lover in your life!

And I simply adore this tortoise frame!

Thanks so much to Lee W. Robinson Co for sharing their awesome holiday gift picks with us!

Heather C. Watson 12/4/15 Heather C. Watson 12/4/15

The HerKentucky Guide to Repeal Day

On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, marking the end of Prohibition. Led at its most fanatic fringes by temperance activists Garrard County, KY, native Carry Nation, the prohibition of sales and manufacturing of alcoholic beverages was intended to increase the nation's public health and morals. Of course, Prohibition merely drove alcohol production and procurement underground, often resulting in dangerous (not to mention unpalatable) concoctions. Here in Kentucky, we also suffered a major economic setback, as the bourbon industry was shuttered for a decade. (Read more about Kentucky and Prohibition here.)

Here in Louisville, we're always looking for a fun party, especially one that celebrates our native spirit. Here are some fun Repeal Day happenings in the Derby City this weekend:

Louisville SWIG Food and Drink Tasting Affair tonight, 12/4 at the Seelbach: Join Louisville Magazine for the debut of their December issue, live music from Billy Goat Strut Revue, and tastes of food and drink from over 50 vendors. A portion of ticket sales benefits Court Appointed Special Advocates of the River Region.
Repeal Day Open House tonight, 12/4 5-9 p.m. at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience: Tastings, small bites, door prizes, and a 1920s costume contest!
Spirits of the Bluegrass: Prohibition in Kentucky exhibition at The Frazier Museum: open now!
Repeal Day at The Silver Dollar: 5p.m. -close Saturday 12/5: Special cocktails with Old Forester, 1930s costume contest, photo booth, and more!
Repeal Day at Bourbons Bistro: Saturday 12/5 at 6 p.m.25 cent cocktails and apps; Prohibition-era movies; costume contest.
Proof on Main Repeal Day: Saturday 12/5 7 p.m-11p.m.. Cocktail specials, music, "Costumes are encouraged; mustaches are appreciated." In conjunction with 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen, Meta, Down One Bourbon Bar and Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse and Raw Bar's Repeal Day Revel: a downtown exploration of restaurants and bars that celebrate Repeal Day with passport stamps at each location.

Happy Repeal Day, y'all! Here's to Kentucky's finest spirits!

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Heather C. Watson 11/16/15 Heather C. Watson 11/16/15

Louisville's French Connection

A look at some of the symbols and stories of French influence in Louisville, KY.

Over the past few days, we've all been thinking of France. The recent tragedies in Paris have been in our hearts and on our minds. Here in Louisville, our city reflects French heritage in so many aspects of our everyday lives. Fleurs de lis adorn everything, we sip whiskey that carries the name of a French ruling house, and our city itself bears the name of a French monarch. In fact, our city was French well before it was a city or even part of Kentucky: the Falls of the Ohio were once home to an outpost of La Belle, France.

Among the earliest settlers of the areas now known as Louisville, KY and New Albany, IN were second-and third-generation American-born French, the descendants of Hugenots who had fled France in the late 17th century to avoid religious persecution. These adventurers followed René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle's expedition into the area. The next wave of French settlers included by the French military forces who'd allied themselves with American troops during the Revolutionary War. A third group of French settlers were members of the clergy and nobility who fled the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century, settling in the commercial areas known as Shippingport and Portland. The strong ties between early Americans and the French are still reflected in the heritage and branding of modern Louisville.

Fleur de Lis

When the city of Louisville was founded by George Rogers Clark in 1778, legend tells us, he carried a French naval flag bearing three fleurs de lis; until the consolidation of the Louisville metro area, our city's flag included three fleurs de lis as well. The fleur de lis icon -- the stylized lily that represents nobility in French heraldry -- is visible all over Louisville as a symbol of our city.

King Louis XVI

The area now known as Kentucky was still part of Virginia in 1780, the year in which Louisville's town charter was approved. The Virginia General Assembly named the town in honor of King Louis XVI, whose soldiers were allied with American troops in the Revolutionary War. Although the French king soon fell out of favor with his own subjects, who overthrew the monarchy in 1791, the Derby City continues to honor a leader who assisted the United States' fight for independence. In 1967, Louisville's French sister city, Montpellier, presented the city with a statue of Louis XVI.

Bourbon

Louisville isn't the only Kentucky place whose name reflects the French monarchy. Bourbon County was first established as part of Virginia in 1785 in honor of Louis XVI, a member of the royal House of Bourbon. The present-day Central Kentucky Bourbon County reflects the historical county from which it was carved. Of course, Kentucky's bourbon county is recognized as the home of bourbon whiskey, that special concoction of corn, wheat, and limestone water for which Kentucky is famous.

Here's to the French settlers who made Louisville a distinctive and charming city. Salut, y'all!

Heather C. Watson 11/9/15 Heather C. Watson 11/9/15

The HerKentucky Guide to Jump-Starting Your Holiday Shopping in Louisville

'Tis the season to start your holiday shopping! If you're like me, every year you tell yourself that this is, absolutely, the year that you'll stay in budget and get the holiday shopping done early. Now, I can't guarantee the budget part, but there are plenty of events coming up in Louisville that will help you find unique holiday items now while shopping locally and supporting local causes.

Anchal Holiday Trunk Show: I simply can't say enough good about the Anchal Project. This Louisville-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization provides former sex workers in India with a new beginning as an artisan. The Anchal Project transforms old saris into stunning textiles that are used for home goods and accessories. Their newest project is a series of gardens in Louisville's up-and-coming Portland neighborhood which will be used to provide sustainable, natural textile dyes. If you aren't already convinced, check out Anchal founder Colleen Clines' recent Creative Mornings talk, which was nothing short of inspirational. The Trunk Show will be held this Thursday, November 12th, at Whitehall Mansion & Gardens, 3110 Lexington Road.
Temptations Holiday Boutique: Join a select group of Louisville-area business owners for a premiere local shopping event November 17th-19th at the Olmsted, 3701 Frankfort Avenue. Admission is free and open to the public; shoppers are encouraged to bring a 30" square scarf to donate to Hope Scarves, a St. Matthews-based nonprofit which provides scarves and stories of hope to female cancer survivors.
Middletown Boutiques Holiday Open House: Join The Prickly Pear, Tunie's and Moss Hill Thursday night November 12th for shopping until 8, refreshments, and free gifts with purchases over $25.

Festival of Trees and Lights: This volunteer-driven decor boutique features beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and assorted greenery. Area businesses and individuals show their support by sponsoring these trees, and creative designers generously bring them to life. Proceeds benefit Kosair Children's Hospital. This year's event will be held November 13th-15th at Slugger Field.

Happy shopping, y'all!

Heather C. Watson 10/9/15 Heather C. Watson 10/9/15

The HerKentucky List of Fall Activities You'll Actually Want to Do

It's fall, y'all. There are so many fabulous things to do. But, let's be honest. Corn mazes and apple orchards aren't enough to get me off the couch. I mean, there's A LOT of college football to watch, and picking out a pumpkin just is never going to be as interesting as SEC games. You've seen plenty of fall lists with (sort of) interesting seasonal activities that (kind of maybe) make you want to turn off the game and enjoy the season. Here's HerKentucky's list of Fall activities you'll actually want to do.

Sunrise Trackside at Keeneland. I've always wanted to do the trackside Saturday breakfast and jockey Q&A. What a unique, intimate way to experience the track!
Sample the Cask Strength Maker's 46 at Maker's Mark. Maker's 46 is such a delicious bourbon; it's got these spicy caramel notes that taste like the best creme brûlée you've ever eaten. Sample the Cask Strength variant at Maker's this fall!
The Breeders' Cup + UK football weekend. Possibly your last chance to see American Pharaoh run. Your best chance to see Kentucky defeat Tennessee. An epic Lexington weekend.
YWC Fashion Show. Drink champagne and see the latest fall fashions while raising money for Louisville charities.
Sundy Best Live at Mercury Ballroom. Eastern Kentucky's favorite roots duo will be cutting a live album at Louisville's Mercury Ballroom on Halloween weekend!
Haunted Bardstown. The Shadows of Federal Hill tour on October 23rd and 24th tells the story of Judge Chambers, uncle of My Old Kentucky Home composer Steven Foster, in the hours following his fatal dueling wound. “Tragedy, sickness and mystery can be found lurking in the history of My Old Kentucky Home,” said Johnny Warren, managing artistic director of “The Stephen Foster Story.” “This ghost tour provides a peek into the darker side of the historic mansion. So many people enjoy the spirit of the Halloween season and we believe Federal Hill is a fantastic place to get spooked while celebrating the history of a Kentucky treasure.”

What are your must-see fall activities?

Heather C. Watson 10/5/15 Heather C. Watson 10/5/15

HerLouisville: Sophisticated Fall Comfort Food at the Irish Rover

With autumn's cooler temperatures setting in, I find myself craving heartier comfort food. This weekend, my beau and I found some new dishes at The Irish Rover that fit the bill. We've always headed up Bardstown Road to the Clifton-area pub for pints, Bushmills, and fish and chips, but we both found ourselves intrigued by variants of traditional shepherds pie.

Bob order the Cottage Pie, a fabulous beef stew in a bread bowl with mashed potatoes.

And I had the Fisherman's Stew, one of the most unique and delicious dishes I've had in ages. Salmon and whitefish mixed in a béchamel sauce, with a mashed potato crust and parmesan cheese. So delicate and delicious!

If you haven't been to the Irish Rover for a while, check out their hearty, sophisticated Fall menu!