It’s that time of year. We tip our hats to the class of 2010. Whatever the next step may be, be it moving onto middle school, braving the college campus, or (do I really have to grow up?) permeating the working world, it is a time to celebrate and honor successes with gifts. In fact, we shower those grads with gifts. But here in the South, we like to add a twist; a personal touch, if you will. Yes, I speak of the monogram.

Not sure what it is about it, but those Southern boys and girls just love to emblazon every graduation gift with an intricately stitched or engraved pattern of interlocking initials. And the Southern girls of 2PreppyGirls Boutique are no exception. Inspired by Southern Charm, these girls will take any item imaginable and preppify by slapping a monogram on it…

No need to label a plastic cup anymore. There’s no mistaking this one. It’s all yours.

Surely this checkbook cover makes balancing easier. Right?

Any article of clothing from head to toe…they’ve got it covered.

Yes, you see that right. It’s a laundry bag. No need to neglect your dirties.

Congrats, Grads! As you move forward, don’t forget to leave your mark!!

Organized by Charleston Magazine (which we love, BTW), Charleston Fashion Week has become a huge event in the fashion world.

Don’t miss our article in the Summer issue about CFW, featuring amazing photos by the talented David Despeaux. Only five days left!

{ photo: nina leen for life magazine, c. 1950′s }

Living proof that class and sophistication never go out of style. What’s old is always new again.

Every Thursday, we highlight great Southern traditions and events — from festivals to sporting events to concerts to cook-offs (and everything in between).

Everyone has heard of the Kentucky Derby, but did you know that a wonderful two-week festival precedes the main event? There’s the always spectacular Thunder Over Louisville:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdilullo/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The family friendly and extremely cool Great Balloon Glow, during which some amazing hot hair balloons light up at night.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brims1285/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

The day before the Derby is the Kentucky Oaks, often called the “local’s Derby,” which finds the fillies (aka the gals) racing for the prize. While girls can race in the Derby, the Kentucky Oaks race is limited to the ladies. The official drink of Oaks is the “Lilly,” hence the popularity of the flower at the event.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pikmin/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pikmin/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

And, of course, the main event…full of big hats, beautiful dresses, lots of betting and — if you’re lucky — a beautiful day at the track.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/reeselloyd/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

http://www.flickr.com/photos/juniorvelo/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo by Francis Miller for Life Magazine