Reese Loves HP Village

Guests were sent home with a specialty Draper James tote filled with goodies.

Last month, Highland Park Village welcomed Reese Witherspoon to Dallas as she hosted the grand opening of her second Southern-inspired lifestyle boutique, Draper James. Named after Witherspoon’s grandparents, Dorothea Draper and William James, Draper James has quickly become known for witty sayings – ‘Totes Y’all’ and ‘Hello Sugar’ – adorned on tote bags and a collection of feminine ready-to-wear pieces.

A stunning display of fresh hydrangeas anchored the evening’s decor.

In true Draper James style, Witherspoon welcomed guests with cocktails, light bites and decor infused with a chic, Southern flair.

Witherspoon posed with guests for a photo.

Witherspoon welcomed guests.

Witherspoon showed what Southern charm is all about as she mingled among the crowd and personally thanked everyone for attending. Nashville based husband and wife musicians, Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall,  entertained the crowd with soothing country ballads.

Witherspoon with musicians, Jessi Alexander (left) and Jon Randall (right).

During Witherspoon’s visit we got a chance to get a bit more personal with the Academy-Award winning actress, mom and designer to find out who is currently inspiring her and what she loves to cook when her schedule affords the downtime.

HIGHLAND PARK VILLAGE: You are very active on your personal social media account – do your followers influence the Draper James brand at all?

REESE WITHERSPOON: Yes, I love to see how bloggers and fans of the brand wear the clothes. Everyone is so creative. It gives me a lot of great ideas.

HPV: Who are your personal favorite brands/designers?

RW: Carolina Herrera, Giambatista Valli, Frame Denim and Emily Current & Merritt Ellitt’s line The Great.

HPV: Who are some of the women inspiring you right now?

RW: I’m very excited to be working with Nancy Meyers and her daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer on a movie called Home Again. And I’m thrilled to collaborate with Director Ava Duvernay on Wrinkle in Time, starring alongside Oprah & Mindy Kaling.

HPV: You have the “Oprah affect” when it comes to book recommendations. Where does your love of reading come from?

RW:  My grandmother taught me to read when I was a little girl. She would always read books aloud to me, doing all the character voices and making the book come alive in my mind. She definitely inspired my love of reading.

HPV: Do you have any favorite children’s books that you read to your kids? 

RW: I love the George and Martha books by James Marshall and anything written by Mo Willems.

HPV: What’s your go-to dish when you’re in the kitchen cooking?

RW: I love to make roasted chicken for dinner or chicken soup. I use my grandmother’s recipe and it always makes the whole family happy.