This Saturday coming I have the pleasure of judging the finals at, Fashion at the Races at Morphetville Adelaide. This is one of the most coveted prizes in Australia as you win a car and you get to keep it.
During Winter/Autumn, the hard and fast rule is not to wear a straw or sinemay hat, but besides that almost anything goes. Personally I am not a huge fan of leather, in saying that, when I was judging in Darwin I was so taken with Christine Spilman's Hat, she won best hat in leather. It was beautifully styled and then went onto Melbourne Cup Carnival and make the finals.
One thing I love, is to see authentic outfits. I know there is allot of selling and purchasing on Facebook and it is a great idea, but I still love to see what YOU come up with, not what has already been formulated as an outfit. There can be exceptions to the rule, as I say, if you are the best on the day, you will be the best on the day although scrolling through Facebook I like to see individuality so pair with different hat and shoes. Nothing that would let you see that it was purchased online. Also if you are purchasing from a Milliner online which has been featured on Facebook, make sure you are not paying for a bespoke piece. I think it is much better to converse and tell someone what you want and how you want it to sit on your head rather that sight unseen. I have been fooled by this one and had myself with migraines for days later as the hat was unwearable. Allot of hats on Facebook do sometimes look like a production line. Sure they are great hats, but they are not made just for you. Ask the Milliner to make it in your colours, or see what options you have for the same price.
A couple of helpful hints are to make sure your shoes are closed toe for the season, I like to see hosiery, but again it is not a huge rule.
In Autumn/Winter, stick to your own true skin tone. There is nothing worse that seeing tan in Winter or cooler months when you know it has been applied. Even Top Models and a certain Celebrity had a big bungle with Fake Tan last Melbourne cup season in a lighter colour dress. It was a bad advertisement.
Make sure your hat is a statement and I cannot stand knowing how much someone has paid and seen it online as well. If you purchase something from Facebook ask the Milliner to change something so it is unrecognisable from the page. It makes it look mass produced if it has been seen allot of times previously.
Keep in mind that this is a competition about fashion and wearing it. It has nothing to do with your height, age or weight. I just like to see really well attired ladies wearing suitable clothes that make them feel good and you know when someone feels really comfortable. There is an ease on their face and the best attribute is a good attitude. Don't go in, JUST TO WIN, you more than likely will be so focused on winning you will forget to have a good time and enjoy other peoples company.
Make sure you nails are short and coloured without to much flare. Nail art is not for Fashions on the Field.
I take judging seriously as this is my full time job and I live, breath and exist on hats and dressing at the races on a world scale. Every course has different aesthetics, so don't compare. Find your best features and show it off. Adelaide is one of the friendliest cities in Australia, so this is about fun and enjoyment and judges are watching constantly. You are always on show.
Most of all, remember we live in an amazing country where we are showcasing feeling fantastic in hats and attire. Be gracious. Remember Nepal has just had a devastating earthquake and 1000s have lost their lives. Winning is a cherry on top, and believe you are already a winner. To live in a safe place where we have food on the table and this is our entertainment we must always keep that in perspective.
During Winter/Autumn, the hard and fast rule is not to wear a straw or sinemay hat, but besides that almost anything goes. Personally I am not a huge fan of leather, in saying that, when I was judging in Darwin I was so taken with Christine Spilman's Hat, she won best hat in leather. It was beautifully styled and then went onto Melbourne Cup Carnival and make the finals.
One thing I love, is to see authentic outfits. I know there is allot of selling and purchasing on Facebook and it is a great idea, but I still love to see what YOU come up with, not what has already been formulated as an outfit. There can be exceptions to the rule, as I say, if you are the best on the day, you will be the best on the day although scrolling through Facebook I like to see individuality so pair with different hat and shoes. Nothing that would let you see that it was purchased online. Also if you are purchasing from a Milliner online which has been featured on Facebook, make sure you are not paying for a bespoke piece. I think it is much better to converse and tell someone what you want and how you want it to sit on your head rather that sight unseen. I have been fooled by this one and had myself with migraines for days later as the hat was unwearable. Allot of hats on Facebook do sometimes look like a production line. Sure they are great hats, but they are not made just for you. Ask the Milliner to make it in your colours, or see what options you have for the same price.
A couple of helpful hints are to make sure your shoes are closed toe for the season, I like to see hosiery, but again it is not a huge rule.
In Autumn/Winter, stick to your own true skin tone. There is nothing worse that seeing tan in Winter or cooler months when you know it has been applied. Even Top Models and a certain Celebrity had a big bungle with Fake Tan last Melbourne cup season in a lighter colour dress. It was a bad advertisement.
Make sure your hat is a statement and I cannot stand knowing how much someone has paid and seen it online as well. If you purchase something from Facebook ask the Milliner to change something so it is unrecognisable from the page. It makes it look mass produced if it has been seen allot of times previously.
Keep in mind that this is a competition about fashion and wearing it. It has nothing to do with your height, age or weight. I just like to see really well attired ladies wearing suitable clothes that make them feel good and you know when someone feels really comfortable. There is an ease on their face and the best attribute is a good attitude. Don't go in, JUST TO WIN, you more than likely will be so focused on winning you will forget to have a good time and enjoy other peoples company.
Make sure you nails are short and coloured without to much flare. Nail art is not for Fashions on the Field.
I take judging seriously as this is my full time job and I live, breath and exist on hats and dressing at the races on a world scale. Every course has different aesthetics, so don't compare. Find your best features and show it off. Adelaide is one of the friendliest cities in Australia, so this is about fun and enjoyment and judges are watching constantly. You are always on show.
Most of all, remember we live in an amazing country where we are showcasing feeling fantastic in hats and attire. Be gracious. Remember Nepal has just had a devastating earthquake and 1000s have lost their lives. Winning is a cherry on top, and believe you are already a winner. To live in a safe place where we have food on the table and this is our entertainment we must always keep that in perspective.
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| Racing Fashion Featuring Marie Claire Hats and Racing Attire |
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| Racing Fashion Featuring Marie Claire Hats and Racing Attire |
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| Racing Fashion Featuring Marie Claire Hats and Racing Attire |
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| Racing Fashion Featuring Marie Claire Hats and Racing Attire |
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| Racing Fashion Featuring Marie Claire Hats and Racing Attire Please note the images above are hugely outdated and just choosing to use these as an accompaniment. Not what I am looking for as a winner. www.racingfashion.com.au |
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