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?

Vintage Manners - The RSVP

I am in the midst of organising a rather large party, which includes a splendid new frock for myself and a formal dinner for my guests.

For catering, seating and a myriad of other reasons, my hand crafted invitations include RSVP instructions, which led me to think of the proper etiquette of the required response.

Essentially, RSVP is an abbreviation of the French Répondez s'il vous plaît or, in English, literally translated as "Please respond". There are usually detailed instructions accompanying a RSVP request, such as whom you are to contact, how you are to contact them and by what date your response is required.

So, in a world where such etiquette is often confused, forgotten or not taught at all, I have constructed some pointers - just in case you were wondering Kittens!There are a myriad of books and online resources regarding etiquette, but it boils down to only three main points:

General rules are as follows:

1. You should respond within 24 hours of receiving the invitation with either the names of those attending* or indicate an inability to attend.

*It should be noted that if only one name appears on your personalised invitation, then you are to assume that the invitation is not extended to others.

2. Respond in writing if possible, or via the same method the invitation was extended. To be most proper, a hand-written response is the best way to RSVP. However, if an invitation was sent via email, an email RSVP is appropriate.

3. Respond even if you are unable to make it. You don't need to go into details and there are many ways to politely decline an invitation that won't embarrass you or your host.

Example:

Dear Host,

Thank you for your kind invitation to attend (insert event name here) on (insert event date, venue and time here).

Unfortunately I am unable to attend, but know that your party/dinner/wedding/school fete will be a wonderful/successful/memorable event.

Warm regards,

Vintage Verve.

There! Nice and easy!