J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar
J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar
J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

The Perfect Derby Outfits

Get Ready for the Races with J.McLaughlin

This Post is in Partnership with J.McLaughlin.

The Kentucky Derby is one of my favorite times of the year, since it’s the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and don a hat. The weather is typically warm and sunny, and everyone is sipping on mint juleps. This year, I partnered with J. McLaughlin to bring you two derby date outfits. These outfits are wonderful for either attending the Derby or a derby themed party!

It was tough to pick just two outfits, but I finally decided on this embroidered lace shift dress since the touch of blue makes it the perfect sundress. I paired this with their palm river hat, that has a grosgrain ribbon trim in a matching blue. I finished the outfit with their ostrich embossed leather wristlet, since it adds a fun pop of yellow. This wristlet is fashionable, yet also functional since it comes with a cross body strap, making it easy to carry around with you. And voila, you have the perfect derby day outfit! My other outfit for the horse races included a yellow lindbrook houndstooth skirt with an egret white renata sweater. As a southern lady, you can never go wrong with houndstooth!

The gorgeous Frederica Stables on St. Simon’s Island provided the perfect backdrop for these photos. Since the Kentucky Derby is such a renowned southern tradition, it’s the perfect opportunity to host your own race themed party! Since Mint Juleps are such a classic derby drink, creating a bourbon bar is the perfect way to set up a cocktail station for your guests.

To display the bourbon, I used my family’s gorgeous heirloom decanters filled with an assortment of different bourbons from my husband’s collection. I used my husband’s Nana’s silver-plated English Oak Biscuit Barrel to hold the beautiful floral arrangement from the Vine Garden Market.

When I found this unique cowhide at Two Friends, I knew I wanted to incorporate it into the bar. It served as the perfect table runner and also added just the right amount of texture. The rustic look of this community table fit in perfectly with the scenery. The brass lanterns and bronze tray from Beachview Events really added to the look of the table. Of course, no party is complete without cocktail napkins, so I used my favorite white with gold embroidered napkins from Emily McCarthy. And of course I love these handcrafted wooden horse stir sticks from Hope Farm Co!

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

J.McLaughlin Derby Day Bourbon Bar

Kelli Boyd Photography

14 Comments

  • Reply Gillian May 4, 2016 at 8:37 am

    What an adorable shoot! J.Mclaughlin makes the sweetest Southern clothes and I just love the fun straws in your drinks!

    • Reply Monica May 4, 2016 at 8:44 am

      Thanks, Gillian! Yes — love their clothes! Perfect for the South!

  • Reply Liz Martin | Charleston Weekender May 4, 2016 at 8:41 am

    I need that hat! Can’t believe Derby time is already here!

    • Reply Monica May 4, 2016 at 8:44 am

      Thanks, Liz. I just wore that hat running errands yesterday!

  • Reply Ryan | A Polished Palate May 4, 2016 at 8:56 am

    Such a pretty set up!I love all of the details, especially the straws and the barrel with the flower arrangement…and of course the outfits!

    • Reply Monica May 4, 2016 at 9:17 am

      Thanks, Ryan! I wish I was going to the Derby! Maybe next year?!

  • Reply Kim: Blush & Bashful May 4, 2016 at 9:01 am

    How much fun!!! I love everything here!!!

    • Reply Monica May 4, 2016 at 9:18 am

      Thanks, Kim. I’m lucky because I have beautiful stables right down the street from me which provides the perfect backdrop!

  • Reply Kelley May 4, 2016 at 9:03 am

    I LOVE the bourbon set up and the cute straws! Those look like perfect mint juleps and now I want one 😉

    • Reply Monica May 4, 2016 at 9:19 am

      Thanks, Kelley! Those dresses were really the inspiration for the whole story — so it was easy to find the other entertaining pieces!

  • Reply English Drews May 4, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    Beautiful settings – the stables and table display! I am trying to use more of my silver instead of keeping it put away – thanks for the inspiration (Nana)!!

    • Reply Monica May 5, 2016 at 9:58 pm

      Thanks, English! Great meeting you at the Summit!

  • Reply lauren | love lola May 4, 2016 at 4:18 pm

    these looks are perfect! beautiful!!

    • Reply Monica May 5, 2016 at 9:57 pm

      Thanks, Lauren!

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