We’re home from a weekend in Louisville, KY and look forward to settling back into our routines! Poor Nick will be slower in doing so as it appears he caught a bug on the road. I loaded the fridge up with his favorite chicken pho, which usually helps. We have family and friends visiting in the coming weeks, so I hope to finally finish my “Boston favorites” post which I always get requests for!
This was my first time visiting Louisville, even though I had spent some time living in Cincinnati not far away. It was interesting that many locals had a friendly Southern drawl and restaurants served Southern fare aplenty, whereas I don’t recall that in Ohio! Our group got see a bit of the city via a traditional steamboat down the river and a carriage through downtown, plus ventured out to a local apple orchard.
This was also my first time at the Kentucky Derby, which was an entirely different experience from Saratoga by my parents’ home. I felt overdressed at the latter, and in contrast, not dressed up enough at Churchill Downs! There, it seemed standout fashion and hats for both ladies and gents were of similar importance to the actual racing. There were bright colors and pastels galore, but I have to say my favorites were the feminine white and metallic looks (pics taken from Snapchat):
I managed to pack for both recent trips with just carry-on luggage, while Nick was the one toting a checked bag (he insists his clothes & shoes are just “bigger” ; ) I started a post on packing light with mix-and-match pieces, based on what worked well for me!
My vintage-inspired trunk collection grows with this Steamline suitcase. There is so much attention to detail on it, including a matching striped divider (not pictured) that functions as a hanging organizer for toiletries or small items.
I knew there’d be walking galore this weekend so left all high heels at home. Low and mid heels are some of my favorites for prolonged wear, and don’t have to be boring nor matronly! This pair with jewels are a compliment magnet from strangers of all ages. Mine are old but the same British brand, Dune, makes embellished sandals again this year like this very similar p
air or this nearly flat pair. Please note their smallest size is a 36 which I feel fits like a US 6, not a US 5 like some websites convert it to.
I've been looking at this suitcase forever, but am nervous at how easily it may get damaged, even as a carry on. Have you had an issues with scratches or cleaning it?
I love a neatly packed case and I too use the fab rolling technique!
Precious-needs.com
I would love to see a tutorial on how you packed your beautiful dresses in that carry on! I can pack for a week in the mountains with a carry on but I have never mastered the art of packing a dress.
First dress is so beautiful!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Looking forward to your post on carry-on packing as I am getting ready for the summer! As always your blog is awesome. You offer lots of inspiration and push me to try new styles.
Love the white dress in the photo marked as love, which brand is it? also love the pink suitcase. so cute!
That floral dress (well, dresses) is too stunning!! I love the colors 🙂
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Just found your blog, and I LOVE IT!
Rilee xx
http://www.rileejefferson.com
Loved seeing all the snaps from the Kentucky Derby! x
affecionada
I cannot get over these pics!! The Kentucky Derby looks like so much fun!!!
Meghan | BeyondBasicBlog.com
Amazing look! Hope you had a great time 🙂
a small bit | bloglovin | twitter | latest post
You look stunning and so chic! Louisville seems like a cute place to visit. Love the cinderella carriage you and Nick took 🙂
Too bad he cought a bug on the trip :p
Best wishes
http://style-hue.com/
Beautiful outfits! Looking great per usual 🙂
Hi Jean,
Where did you get your hat for the Kentucky Derby? Just got tickets to the Belmont Stakes in New York next month and the hunt for the perfect hat has begun in earnest haha! Would love to know your recommendation!
~Danielle
Your blush suitcase is SO cute! Is it made of leather? Has it held up well? I'd be afraid to stain it accidentally!
Very nice shoot, I love it 🙂 !
Pauline
http://lesselfiesdepauline.blogspot.fr
You are the best, I always love your posts and you've given me so much more confidence in wardrobe choices as a fellow petite. I love the look of your suitcase but wonder if it is heavy? I have a bit of a bad back so my biggest concern when traveling or even just on my daily commute is whether my purses and/or luggage is adding weight to what I'm carrying. Would love to know if this is on the lighter side and/or if it is easy to roll. Thank you, Jean!
– Leah from http://www.urban20something.com
What beautiful photos, you look incredible!!
Blonde in Cashmere
Sounds like a fun weekend!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
I have always wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby! I love your dress and hat and definitely think you were dressed up enough! Great pictures! Thanks for letting me live through you lol!
-Cheyanne
http://www.lifeofcheyanne.blogspot.com
Wow so pretty!! I like you post and the dresses which you styled in a very elegant manner. Really looking very pretty in all dress. I like to wear frock kurtis and net sarees in this summer. Thanks for sharing with us.
Very cute luggage but is it practical for long haul trip? Thank you.
That luggage is simply adorable, I love all the little details. I'm also amazed at your packing skills – mine is always an over stuffed scrambled mess!
Laura xx | Loved By Laura
You are beautiful! Such a pretty dress! Food looks so delicious!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Gorgeous girly look! Love the vintage style trunk.
Avanti
xxx
Avantigarde.wordpress.com
Love all the pictures! Your floral dress was beautiful. 🙂
Vanessasrunway
I can't wait for your post on carry-on packing for an event like this, Jean! I have a lot of fancy schmancy work trips and I always, ALWAYS, overpack. Argh.