Showing posts with label Flemington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flemington. Show all posts

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?

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Horses? What Horses?

One of the most fabulous things about Melbourne in November is of course the Spring Racing Carnival.

The shops are brimming with lots of soft, feminine dresses, hats, fascinators of all shapes sizes and colours, to say nothing of the multitudes of matching shoes and handbags.

I have been the lucky guest at racetrack car parks and marquees over many seasons and they keep telling me there are actually horses there somewhere. I don't believe them though.... Too many pretty things on two legs to look at!

Now as a seasoned race-goer, I must admit that I have also seen the very worst of the worst over the years in terms of what some young ladies consider as appropriate race wear. In many instances I have wanted to grab some poor unsuspecting girl , shake her by the shoulders and shout "nightclub wear is NOT race ware!!" But I digress...

My theme for this year's Carnival was "40's Glamour"

Now, you will have to excuse these reasonably non-descriptive photos as these were taken before I decided to start Vintage Verve, so I have no shots of the stockings, shoes, clutch purse or other close up details!

Sinmay, feather and netting fascinator - David Jones (from about four seasons ago)
High waisted skirt with button detail - Miss Hussy Clothing (eBay)
Sunny Girl Blouse with ruffled detail and ric-rac edging - InStore Clothing, Acland St
Witchery Black wool swing jacket - consignment store in Elsternwick
Faux pearl necklace - Corner Closet, Acland St