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?

I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel Book Review

{Disclaimer: This review contains affiliate links to Amazon.com. I will be compensated a very small amount per book purchased through the links contained in this post, at no additional charge to you. I was provided an advance copy of the book by the author; all opinions are my own.}

My friend Anne Bogel's book of bookish essays came out a couple of weeks ago and y'all, it is so good.

Anne is the blogger behind Modern Mrs. Darcy and the podcaster behind What Should I Read Next? and, as her internet ventures' names would suggest, she really knows books. She also knows people, and human nature. She's a smart, kind, and funny lady who's spent a lot of time reflecting on personality types, reading styles, and all sorts of meta/ intellectual things. And she manages to write about these things in an accessible, warm, and funny style.

I’d Rather Be Reading is a collection of brief, lovely essays about the delights and obstacles encountered by those of us who really know and love books. There are musings on how many copies of a title you should own (If you find yourself in possession of multiples, you should own three. Two, it seems, is an oversight; three is a collection), reflections on reading the right books at the right time, and a charming story about how different the dream of working as a bookseller is from the job’s reality.

Louisville natives will recognize the St Matthews Eline Library as the “library next door” which Anne visited daily when her children were young, as well as Carmichael’s Bookstore and the late, lamented Hawley-Cooke Booksellers. Anyone who loves books will appreciate her quest to read as often as possible.

Tips & Tricks for Shopping the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale

(This post contains affiliate links; I will receive a very small commission per click at no cost to the reader.)

I'm sure you've heard by now that the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale starts tomorrow morning, September 10th, at 8 a.m. I always at least browse (okay, I stock up...) this sale, and I've developed a few pro tips to help you navigate it quickly and efficiently.

1. Log on early... and prepare to wait. Have a browser window open to lillypulitzer.com by 7 am, and be prepared to be placed in a long online queue once the sale goes live around 8. 

2. Know what you want to shop. I usually formulate a list of the searches I'm going to conduct, based on my tried and true favorite styles. I usually search for the Skipper Popover, the Elsa Blouse, the Sophie Dress (my mom's favorite style!) and for "maxi", to get results for both maxi dresses and maxi skirts. This year, I'm adding the search for "luxletic", which is Lilly's amazing athleisure line. I hope to score a Skipper popover (Fingers crossed they add the popover dress to the sale!) and some Luxletic leggings.

Skipper Popover

Elsa Top

Luxletic

3. Place a couple of smaller orders rather than one large haul. This will ensure that you don't "lose" as many items in your cart to faster shoppers. 

Wish List

4. Run a filter for your size. See what's available to fit you. After I look for myself, I run quick searches for my mom's sizes and my little nieces. (We take Lilly pretty seriously in my family!)

Frenchies Modern Nail Care

{Frenchies Modern Nail Care of Louisville graciously provided me with a complimentary manicure and pedicure in exchange for an honest review of their services. All opinions are my own.}

It's hard to find a great place to get your nails done. Some places seem pushy, others are dirty, and some, well, just don't do a great job. I'm so thrilled to finally find a spot that really does an amazing job here in Louisville. Frenchies Modern Nail Care is committed to providing the cleanest possible environment and educating their customers about nail care and proper hygiene. I absolutely love Frenchies and am thrilled to hear that the Middletown location is one of three Frenchies stores planned for Louisville! There's one going in at the Lexington Green shopping center as well!

Frenchies is adamant about their motto, We Love Clean. This is apparent from the minute you walk into the salon. They don't do acrylic nails at all, so the horrible smell of fake nails and acetone is gone. Speaking of scents, you get to choose among several wonderful sugar scrub scents for your treatment.

The salon is so committed to cleanliness. The tools are sterilized in a medical-grade autoclave after each use. The salon has a washer and dryer on hand and launders their own towels and washcloths every day. 

The pedicure basins don't have the jets you may have seen in other nail salons. I never even thought about the bacteria that can grow in pedicure basins, but apparently the warm, wet jets are an easy place for this to happen!

I loved that my technician took pains to discuss nail health -- including my nasty habit of picking at my cuticles -- with me. I also love that no tools will be reused. The orange stick, buffer, and nail file were bagged up and sent home with me (there was also the option to throw them away) so that there's no chance of contamination from previous patrons. Metal tools had been sterilized and will be returned to the autoclave before their next use. Even the moisturizing mask and sugar scrub that were used in my treatment were handled in the cleanest manner possible, portioned into individual tubs for each use.

You can book an event at Frenchies with no cover charge! There's a lovely sitting area with coffee and ice water, and guests in large parties are welcome to bring their own wine. (Check with the location for further details!)

Book your appointment with Frenchies in Middletown today! I think you'll love it!

Draper James Lucky You Sale Favorites

My dress is $40 (also available in navy!!)

(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.)

Y'all, the Draper James summer sale is the best LDW sale I've seen (and trust me, I've looked at them all!) There are so many pieces that I've worn time and again, and the prices are insane -- up to 75% off! This bell-sleeved dress has been my go-to all summer because it's just so flattering and easy to wear; it's cut to $40, and I'm thinking of snagging it in navy as well! Here are a few more favorites for you!

Tees

This is a great time to stock up on DJ tees and tops. The striped tops are great beyond Labor Day and the tees are $10! The bell sleeved stripe tee has been a staple in my wardrobe all summer -- it's perfect for easy elegance -- and the What Would Dolly Do tee has gotten more compliments than possibly any other article of clothing I own.

Shoes and Boots

I'm pretty certain that I would wear Jack Rogers sandals every day if I could. I love these logo Jacks -- the Howdy Y'all and the Southern Belle are both adorable! The Soludos espadrilles and Old Gringo boots are great deals, too!

Magnolia Dress

Magnolia dress $50; Elizabeth's dress is sold out. (this photo is an iPhone snap!)

This dress is perfection, y'all. I wore it to the track and to a garden party and I've never felt more Southern in my life. The Ponte fabric is ridiculously flattering, and the print is fabulous. It's down to $50. Trust me, you'll be glad it's in your closet next spring!

Let me know if you score anything good from the DJ Lucky You sale! It runs through tomorrow, September 4th.

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman Book Review

{This book review contains Amazon Affiliate links. I receive a small compensation for books purchased through the links in this post.}

I recently finished Catherine Steadman's Something in the Water in Audible audiobook format; it came recommended as the June selection for Reese Witherspoon's Book Club. This is such a great thriller, one that raises a lot of questions about personal ethics and the extent to which "good people" will allow themselves to go. 

Something in the Water is the story of a London couple, Erin and Mark, who lead a seemingly charmed life. Erin, a fledgling filmmaker, is working on a documentary about three incarcerated Londoners and their plans for post-prison life When investment banker Mark loses his job weeks before their wedding, cracks begin to appear in their perfect relationship.  Meanwhile, Erin becomes more deeply entrenched in the lives of her documentary subjects. When they embark on a honeymoon in Bora Bora, they discover a small fortune and must question how far they're willing to go for money, and what it actually means to be a good person. There are elements of classic parables like The Pearl or The Diamond as Big as the Ritz mixed with gangsters, money, and pretty people.  It's a fast-paced and riveting story, and I found myself extremely anxious to see what happened next. Although the novel was only released last month, I already find myself hoping it'll be optioned for film soon!

The Audible audiobook is narrated by the book's author, Catherine Steadman, who is also an actress who appeared as one of Lady Mary's romantic rivals on Downton Abbey. Ms. Steadman's narration lends the appropriate amount of drama and suspense to the tale, and her posh British accent works well with the characters she creates.

This book is a great listen in audiobook format; I can see it being fantastic in print as well. It's a fantastic vacation read -- all the talk of beaches and flights incites more than a little wanderlust! 

Let me know in the comments if you've read Something in the Water yet and if you like suspenseful novels like this one!

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.

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