A-lister, Reese Witherspoon has created and launched a new online shopping destination in honor of her Southern heritage called Draper James, named after her grandmother and grandfather, from whom she learned to dress and act like a lady, to take pride in my home, to reach out to help a neighbor, and to always invite everyone in for a visit.
Featuring all things ladylike, and highlighting gracious Southern living and charm, because pretty please! is a lifestyle, Draper James is ALSO a destination for getting to know many of the diverse and talented people doing creative things in the South.
In her own words: Whether it’s Nashville or New Orleans, Beaufort or Birmingham, there is a special breed of charm and grace that’s signature to the American South. With Draper James, our goal is to bring contemporary, yet timeless Southern style to your wardrobe and your home, no matter where you live. We hope you will stop in to see us often—our door is always open.
I wanted to recapture and celebrate all that I love and remember about my grandparents and the South. That is why I created Draper James.
Draper James loves and supports Girls Inc. and their incredible commitment to helping young women become entrepreneurs, effective leaders, and creators of social change. To learn more, go to www.girlsinc.org.
It seems there are some who think the prices are just too high, according to the comments on her Instagram feed, however, most of the high-priced items are already sold out! I think as Americans, we may have grown up thinking more is better, but wouldn’t you rather have top quality items, crafted by artisans, that you keep in your closet and in your life forever, rather than tons of throw-away clothes and “things” that take up space? I would. But I’m also one of those who “collects” my wardrobe over time, choosing classic and timeless pieces, and so each piece has a story {or most of them anyway}, and I love that about my closet. Some of my favorite items were my grandmother’s or made by me… It’s the things I’ve purchased on a whim, or because they were such a great price, that I ended up wasting money on because I never wear them and they sit in my drawers taking up space. Even as a “fashion blogger” I try to demonstrate that kind of thinking and though I am sent a lot of items and splurge on handbags, I’d rather inspire you to get creative with what you have, than to just buy everything I’m wearing – and I hope that comes across… I think quality over quantity is not only a closet goal, but a life goal as well.
Shop…
Home and Gifting // Accessories // Clothing // Jewelry
* Nashville Navy Magnolia print top and shorts
* Other Sayings ~ Cocktail Napkins
Every month Draper James will introduce Southern artists, writers, musicians, storeowners, chefs, and more through their answers to the Draper James Seven—seven questions that define a Southern style maker. They’ve kicked off the series by asking Reese the questions—after all, she’s a Southerner, so she likes to share!
1. What is your favorite Southern city?
Nashville or New Orleans.
2. Favorite Southern restaurant?
Husk in Nashville or The Optimist in Atlanta.
3. Favorite Southern tradition?
Dressing up for church.
4. Sweet tea or unsweetened?
Sweet, of course!
5. Cowboy boots or heels?
Cowboy boots.
6. How do you describe Southern style?
Women in the South love to dress up. They love color and prints and generally love to look put together. Depending on the occasion, several days of thought can go into one outfit!
The South is a very lively, stylish place. There is always a backyard party, a luncheon, or a family celebration that calls for getting dressed up!
Southern girls also love treasured family heirlooms. For instance, my mother gave me her own pearl earrings and I cherish them. There is no replacement for something that reminds you of your upbringing. I also use my grandmother’s china everyday.
7. Describe your style.
My own personal style is pretty eclectic. When I’m running around chasing the kids, I love to wear a great pair of jeans with short cowboy boots and a plaid shirt.
For meetings, I like to dress up a little—a skirt with a colorful blouse and heels seem to be my go-to outfit. And of course, a great purse is important for feeling put together.
At night, I love a party dress. I usually accessorize with a pair of sandals (always a pair I can dance in!) and a simple clutch. I love a big pair of statement earrings to add the perfect punctuation to a great outfit.
I love clothes with color and happy prints because you only get one life, so you might as well make it pretty!
* Find: Draper James on Instagram and Reese on Instagram
