Thursday, October 29, 2009

Spring Racing Advice - Keep Yourself Nice, Kittens

The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is in full swing Kittens! I just love this time of year.

If you are lucky enough to be heading to the track this year, I have some advice to help get you through the long days and subsequently long festive nights in tip top shape.


Rule number one Kittens: Nightclub wear is NOT appropriate race wear. Decorum and etiquette go hand in hand. Remember, this is a day time event - try to head more in the feminine, pretty direction, rather than man-eating vamp direction. Less is definitely not more.



2. Colour is your friend. There is nothing wrong with the classic black and white ensemble (after all, B&W is the traditional theme for Derby Day), but this is a great opportunity to to let colours show off your skin tone:


Sigh. I just adore Nicolangela dresses (above).


3. Be prepared! Keep bandaids, Hollywood tape, tampons and aspirin in your purse. Generously offer them to others 'caught short' during the day.


4. Check the weather report well in advance. Don't freeze to death for the sake of fashion and for heaven's sake - wear sunscreen all over lest your shoulders and back end up matching your garish hat/sash/shoes:

(I have nothing nice to say regarding these ensembles, so I shall remain silent...)


5. (and this is a big one) EAT as well as drink. Imbibe H2O as well as the free flowing champagne.

You'll not only feel better the next morning, but you'll also avoid scenes such as the wreck below:

Not a good look Kittens. Not a good look at all.


Finally, rule 6. Think about your shoes. Try not to trial brand new ones that slice through your tender tootsies after an hour's wear. Wedges are ideal for standing on grass and there are many choices available this season. If you cannot get the right colour to match your accessories go for a neutral or nude colour - these will go with everything in your wardrobe and keep you looking nice long after the last race is run and the last train home has pulled away from the station.


What are your tips for keeping your self nice during the racing season?

8 comments:

Nicole said...

Lovely tips Miss V - I live near Flemington racecourse so every year I get a good view of what everyone looks like after a day at the races, and mostly it's not pretty - so I offer the following:

- Choose something that is comfortable, and will still look good after you've been wearing it all day. Avoid tight satin dresses unless you wish to look like a sausage!
- Repeat after me: shoes stay on the feet! If you must, pack a comfortable pair of flatties for when you've had enough: much better than walking bare foot and swinging your strappy stillettos.
- Take sunscreen with you, for reapplication.
- Don't wear a big or uncomfortable hat that you'll want to take off after a while. This is part of point 1.
- Either take a jacket or a well dressed man who will lend you his. It can be a long day and the weather can change quite a bit.

Bucca said...

Great tips! Another good idea is to take along all manner of 'party feet'(or similar) products they are a godsend when your shoes start hurting!

weenie_elise said...

a man should never remove his jacket at the racecourse... the stewards wouldn't hear of it!

my biggest tip is to moderate your alcohol consumption for many more hours of fun.

take the train... don't even think about driving as you'll just get frustrated and stuck in traffic or be like my mother-in-law and end uup out at the race track at 8.30 am because of your fears about the traffic

also plan a lovely dinner afterwards at one of your favourite places and all of your friends... gives a nice round out to a lovely day out

Rosie Unknown said...

This tip is somewhat silly, somewhat practical: bring a date/male friend. Not only are they excellent for all sorts of things, you can get away with wearing a much more flashy ensemble if you have a well dressed male with you. That way, you don't look too desperate for attention.

Sarah said...

Aww I wish I lived in Melbourne at this time of year- I just adore watching all the gorgeous girls frock up on Channel 7's coverage of the Spring Racing Carnival.
Have a fab time at the races and good luck if you're having a bet :)
(P.S. Just found your blog and love it!)

Allegra said...

good to know, dear!

Anonymous said...

I'm heading to the Canberra races later this month and I am TERRIFIED!

My first Fear is that I'm going to die wearing a suit in the heat all day, being that I am not at all great with heat in the first place.

My second Fear is that I'm not going to be able to find a fascinator (Masinator?) that will go with my ensemble.

My third Fear is that I'm going to have some drunken girl fall at my feat, smearing her fake-tan all over my nice new suit in a vague effort to stand.

Any tips for the lads attending racing events?

Xx

vogue-sky said...

stunning,love it,love it…the fashion is just so awesome,love the images…love your blog xo