What to Wear to Keeneland's 2018 Fall Meet
Find the perfect outfit for a day at the racetrack!
{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC will receive a nominal commission per click at no cost to the reader. }
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!
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 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 picked up Where the Crawdads Sing because it was the September book for Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, and y’all know I pretty much do everything Reese tells me to. It was an interesting debut novel that I can only describe as Barbara Kingsolver meets Pat Conroy.
Where the Crawdads Sing is the story of Kya Clark, a young woman who, abandoned by her family, grew up alone in the marshlands of 1950s North Carolina. Kya is deemed “marsh trash” by most denizens of the nearby town and attends only one day of school in her life. She forges a few strong friendships, develops an almost preternatural knowledge of the local flora and fauna, and learns to read (and love) with the help of a kind local boy. The story alternates between Kya’s bleak 1950s childhood and the late 1960s when, as a young adult, the “Marsh Girl” finds herself on trial for the murder of the town’s golden boy.
Where the Crawdads Sing creates a delicate and fascinating world within the North Carolina marshes. In her fiction debut, author Delia Owens, an internationally-acclaimed wildlife scientists, raises complex questions about the laws and morality of the natural world vs. those proscribed by society. This was a very good book that could have been a great book if the ending had been a little more finely tuned. I recommend to anyone who loves murder mysteries, stories of the Carolina Coast, or the works of Barbara Kingsolver.
More HerKentucky Book Reviews
Target Denim Shirt Dress
The perfect casual fall dress under $30!
{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC will receive a nominal commission per click at no cost to the reader. }
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
Celebrating Fashion, Family, and Philanthropy with Kendra Scott Lexington!
{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC will receive a nominal commission per click at no cost to the reader. }
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
The perfect outfit for Kentucky football games!
{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC will receive a nominal commission per click at no cost to the reader. All photos are © Sarah Caton of Space, Place & Southern Grace unless otherwise noted.)
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!
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
A fun and meaningful look at Southern traditions.
{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.}
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
Old Forester Distillery
Louisville’s must-visit distillery tour
I’m frequently asked what I recommend on a short list of Louisville tourism destinations — where to go if you only have a day or two to spend in the Derby City. I also often hear folks wondering where to start their bourbon tourism education. The Old Forester Distillery is the perfect answer to both of those questions.
Old Forester was the first bourbon whiskey to be sold exclusively in sealed bottles, and it’s the oldest bourbon on the market. It was even produced during Prohibition for medicinal use. If you want a great primer on the history of Kentucky bourbon — sales, marketing, and production — you need to visit Old Forester.
At the turn of the 20th Century, the 100 block of Louisville’s Main Street was integral to Kentucky’s bourbon industry. Over the years, production and storage facilities moved to more spacious areas, with Whiskey Row revitalization efforts only arising over the past few years. Brown-Forman built the Old Forester Distillery on the site of the brand’s original headquarters, providing both a tourism facility and a working distillery on history Whiskey Row.
In addition to giving visitors an overview of how the bourbon is made, the Old Forester tour actually gives its guests a glimpse into the cooperage process. Brown-Forman, Old Forester’s parent company, is the only distilling company that makes its own barrels. This tradition is honored at OldFo, as you can actually watch barrels being constructed and charred as part of the tour.
Don’t miss the gift shop which offers the Whiskey Row series (the 1920 blend is fantastic!) and the Distillery-Exclusive President’s Choice single barrel blend!
The Old Forester Distillery is open for tours and shopping 7 days a week at 119 West Main Street in Louisville. The $16 tour includes a tasting for guests over 21. Click here for more tour details.