A Gentleman In Moscow Book Review

(This post contains affiliate links. HerKentucky LLC  may receive a small per-click commission on product links, at no cost to the reader.)

I recently listened to A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles on Audible. (Click here to download your copy of this audiobook for free!) This book had been on my to-read list for a while, and it turned out to be one of those books that struck my imagination in so many ways! 
 

The story centers around Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian nobleman and bon vivant who, in 1922, is sentenced by a Bolshevik tribunal to spend his remaining days living in Moscow's Metropol hotel; his sentence carries the threat of a firing squad if he leaves the hotel's grounds. I've read interviews in which Mr. Towles notes that he chose Russia of this era because odd "life sentences" were unique to that setting. The Russian setting is, in many ways, immaterial to the plot of the story. The tiny world within the Metropol's walls could be constructed anywhere at any time, as the story's theme of finding gentility and beauty in any circumstance shines through. 

A Gentleman in Moscow tells the story of Count Rustov's adventures and interactions, triumphs and sorrows over the 30+ years he resides at the Metropol. Some reviewers have called the book a bit too twee in its portrayal of post-Revolutionary Russia and, indeed, there are times when it feels like Doctor Zhivago has taken up residence at the Grand Budapest Hotel. Certainly, the novel is framed in the sensibilities of its author, an American investment banker turned writer. The novel's beauty lies less in its historical accuracy or political sensibilities than in its exploration of the idea that Count Rustov built friendships and lived a remarkable life within the walls of his captivity. The world within the Metropol seems as layered and nuanced as any international travel, and even stripped of his title, the Count's character embodies gentility and nobility at every turn. I eagerly await the British TV adaptation of the work, and can't imagine any actor better suited to the Rostov role than Kenneth Branagh.

I'm fairly new to audiobooks; I particularly enjoyed this format for A Gentleman in Moscow for a couple of reasons. First, as with any book set in Russia, the names get tricky, and it's often quite cumbersome to recall diminutive forms. Second, the early chapters of the work are a bit slow, and the narration by Nicholas Guy Smith infuses humor and good nature into the Count and his friends and colleagues as the reader comes to know them all. I find that audiobooks on Audible are great for work car trips as well as while I'm sitting at my desk doing administrative tasks. I pair my phone's Audible app through my car's Bluetooth and through the speaker in my office. Both setups provide a far richer sound quality than if I merely press play on the phone.

If you love epic novels or tales of manners and social class, you'll love A Gentleman in Moscow. Try it on Audible for free and let me know what you think!

Vineyard Vines Run for the Roses Scarf

Linen Popover: Ralph Lauren (old)/ similar here.  Run for the Roses Scarf c/o Vineyard Vines

We all see A LOT of Derby attire this time of year. Some is cute, some not so much. And then there's some that has  special meaning. Vineyard Vines sent me a couple of pieces from their Kentucky Derby 144 line that I'm so excited to share with y'all today because they're extremely special. You can find these pieces online, of course, but I especially love shopping the selection at the Lexington Vineyard Vines store  at The Summit at Fritz Farm! It's so fun to actually see and try on your Derby week pieces before you buy them! 

Linen Popover: Ralph Lauren (old)/ similar here.  Run for the Roses Scarf c/o Vineyard Vines

The Run for the Roses Scarf is probably my favorite Derby-themed piece I've seen this year. 30% of the proceeds from this scarf will benefit the Norton Cancer Institute through Derby Divas, an organization that helps fund breast health screening services for women who otherwise lack access to these services.

Here's a story that nobody really knows other than Bob: Last year,  I had my annual mammogram and a small inconsistency showed up on the image. Let me tell y'all, that's a frightening call to get. My doctor works in the Norton system, and I was referred on to the diagnostic imaging center at Norton Women & Children's Hospital, which bears the Derby Divas logo. The few days between my clinical mammogram and the diagnostic testing were terrifying, and I am fortunate enough to have health insurance, access to excellent health care, and medical professional friends who can answer any question I may think up. I can't imagine how scary it would feel if I found a lump or irregularity and didn't have the means for a screening or anywhere to turn for care and support. In 11 years, Derby Divas has raised $1.5 million to help provide screenings for women who can't afford them. That's not just a logo or a vague commitment to disease awareness; that's directly impacting women's lives.

Last week, I actually had a follow-up annual screening. The radiologist is certain that spot they found is nothing more than a calcification -an irregularity no bigger than a grain of salt that was easily identified through sophisticated imaging. I was once again reminded how fortunate I am to live in a city that has excellent healthcare access, and that there are avenues for less fortunate folks to also gain access to quality healthcare. Louisville is known for its horses and its bourbon, but the Derby City does an amazing job of giving back to members of its community that need it most. 

Vineyard Vines has  been the official style outfitter of the Kentucky Derby for 8 years now. They've done a wonderful job of creating some meaningful products in this year's Derby Line specifically focused on charitable giving. In addition to the rose-print scarf, there are also Oaks Lily neck ties (in pink and blue) and bow ties (pink and blue). These are the perfect pairing, as $1 for every Oaks Lily cocktail sold on Kentucky Oaks Day also benefits the Breast Health Program at  Norton Cancer Institute!

I plan to wear my Run for the Roses scarf as often as possible this Derby season to help spread the word about Vineyard Vines' partnership with Norton Cancer Institute! Head over to the Vineyard Vines store in Lexington this weekend -- they're having a special anniversary party on Saturday, featuring giveaways and the whale mascot! -- to pick up these pieces that share your Derby weekend spirit while providing crucial health services. That's one guaranteed Derby win!! 

Check out what other Bluegrass bloggers have to offer this Kentucky Derby season!

• Where to Celebrate the Derby in Lexington / Lex Eats
• Plus Size Derby & Oaks Style / Authentically Emmie
• The History of the Kentucky Derby + Kentucky Derby Facts / Fabulous in Fayette
• Oaks & Derby Looks from Amazon / Munchkins and the Military
• How to Throw the Best Derby Party / The Bliss Between
• Affordable Places to Experience Derby / Loud Girl Big World
• Derby Party Cocktail / Space, Place & Southern Grace
• Horse Cupcakes with Bourbon Icing / Kentucky Girl Ramblings
• Derby Cocktail / House Three Thirty Six
• Beers for Bourbon Lovers / Love Me Brew
• Advice to Survive Derby Week from a Multiple Derby Attendee / Dog Lady Horse Crazy
• Derby Party Appetizers / Fashion, Frappes & Felines
• Derby Recipe / Bourbon & Lipstick
• How to Dress for the Derby / Styled in Blue
• Affordable Derby Outfit / Same McKenna

Kentucky Derby Hats at Off Broadway Shoes!

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

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Off Broadway Shoes Derby Hat Trunk Show, along with my fellow bloggers Danielle and Charlie. I love going to this event, because it's such a fun opportunity to see how Louisvillians pick out their Derby hats and fascinators. 

I had a blast trying on this C.K. Nobles Millinery hat. Isn't it gorgeous?

I also loved playing around with the fascinators. I always gravitate toward pink -- and I love the one I'm trying on here -- but Danielle suggested that I try the navy to pull out the blue shades from my dress. I loved the navy so much that I wound up getting it for upcoming Derby week events!

I also love that Off Broadway has so many great pieces at great price points.  I picked up this white fascinator for only $20; it's a perfect topper for the Derby week events that pop up at the very last minute!

Here are a few more of my favorite pieces currently available at Off Broadway for your last-minute Derby week needs!

How amazing is this fascinator? I feel like it could work with so many different styles!

This hat and shoe combo is so fun! 

And these nude wedges are perfect for navigating Derby parties or a day at the track!

Off Broadway has so many great styles for your Derby week fun; head out to the Shelbyville Road Plaza store for all your last-minute shopping!

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?

Get Derby-Ready with Off Broadway Shoes!

Off Broadway Shoes Derby Hat Trunk Show

{This post is sponsored by Off Broadway Shoes. All opinions are my own.}

Here's a little secret that Louisville women know about Kentucky Derby season: this time of year, you need as many fun accessories as possible. Yes, Derby is one weekend (okay, it's a week...), but fun events pop up all the time. You need to have an arsenal of hats, shoes, and handbags at your disposal to successfully navigate Derby Season. I've even attended Derby-week barre classes where hats and fascinators were encouraged! Off Broadway Shoes can help you find the hat you need for any Derby-week occasion!

This Saturday, April 14, Off Broadway Shoes in Shelbyville Road Plaza (4600 Shelbyville Rd, Suite 201) is hosting a Derby-themed trunk show from 11 am until 2 pm. The show will feature hats from C.K. Noble Millinery. The Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses will be there from 11 until noon for photo opportunities, and customers will enjoy 20% off their entire purchase as well as Buy One, Get One 50% on select merchandise! 

I'll be there to meet y'all and help you select the perfect hat for your Derby-week needs! I've attended this event a couple of times in the past, and it is so much fun to watch shoppers find just the right hats to flatter them and coordinate with their Derby ensembles!

With those great deals, you'll have money left over to pick up one of these adorable Derby-week hats, too! This made me laugh so hard when I saw it at Off Broadway. I mean, it's funny because it's true! 

Fascinator c/o Off-Broadway Shoes | Draper James Magnolia Dress

I hope to see y'all at Off Broadway Shoes next Saturday for an afternoon of shopping fun! Happy Derby Season, y'all!

What to Wear to Keeneland When It's Cold

{This post contains affiliate links. HerKentucky LLC may receive a small per-click commission for products listed in this post, at no cost to the reader.}

Oh, Kentucky weather. You're so unpredictable. You're sooooo hard to dress for.

It's Opening Weekend at Keeneland. And it's snowing. What do you wear to Keeneland's Spring Meet when it snows? I mean, today is the Blue Grass Stakes. It's a big-deal race -- a Grade 2 that very well could impact the Derby field. You'll see so many people you know... and the track is running on a snow delay! (The doors open to the public at noon rather than 11, and the first race is on time at 1::05 pm)

Of course, the answer is layers. Lots of layers. Start with a basic dress. I love this Talbots Ponte dress, and it's on sale right now! I have the navy, but the green is so pretty, too!

Add a chic jacket. My Barbour Polarquilt Beadnell is probably my all-time favorite jacket. It's so warm, and so pretty. 

The final touch to a cold-weather racetrack ensemble is boots. Boots keep you warm and allow you to wear socks. They're always equestrian chic and appropriate for the track!

Are y'all heading out to the track today? What are you wearing?

The HerKentucky Guide to the Hunter for Target Capsule Collection

{This post contains affiliate links. HerKentucky LLC receives a small per-click commission on product links, at no additional cost to the reader.}

I love my Hunter boots for a fun way to stay stylish, warm, and dry in bad weather. I love the cool story that Hunter Wellington boots were developed to keep British troops dry in the trenches of World War I. And I love the quality of these products. I'm fully prepared to love the Hunter for Target Capsule Collection. I love the fact that the collection is so inclusive -- from toddlers to adults to plus size, with a lot of unisex items!, and I love that all pieces are under $80, with most under $40! I was so excited when I saw my local Target getting ready for tomorrow's launch.

---

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite pieces from the collection, which drops sometime tonight or tomorrow morning. And, as a veteran of the Lilly Pulitzer for Target madness, I thought I'd share a few tips for scoring the pieces you love!
 

Tips for shopping online and in-store

FIrst of all, make sure you have a Target.com account, and make sure to click the "heart" button for the pieces you like when you shop ahead of time; this allows you to quickly convert loves to purchases.  Check around midnight EDT tonight, sometime overnight, and first thing in the morning. We have no idea when it'll actually go live. Second, head out to Target first thing in the morning if you don't mind a line. Consult Target.com to make sure you know what time your store opens, and plan to be there on airport hours (i.e., if your local airport only requires that you be there one hour ahead of time, I suggest doing the same for your Target...) Third, be prepared to check back in subsequent days. There will be returns and reshuffles. Finally, if you don't find what you want, PLEASE do not pay the speculators on eBay. Those folks ruin it for everyone!

My favorite pieces form the collaboration

The standout pieces for me are waterproof ankle boots in pink and yellow. I LOVE these, and the price point is fantastic. What a fun pop of color for spring showers!

---

I also adore these two-toned ankle boots. The olive and orange combo is so fun and I think I'm going to need these navy and red! 

---

And, I'm crushing hard on these waterproof rain boots in orange and olive. (They also come in black and red!)

---

And how cute are these unisex packable rain jackets? The yellow and the red are adorable, and at $40, they're perfect to throw in the car, a work bag, or anywhere you might hit bad weather.

I'm pretty sure my little niece is going to need this toddler packable rain jacket and the matching rash guard. 

---

While her older sister is going to need this striped performance skirt and these athletic shorts.

---

And there are inexpensive rash guards for the entire family -- toddlers, kids, women's, women's plus, and men's -- to keep everyone safe from harsh sunlight.

Let me know your Hunter for Target picks and if you find anything fun!