How was your weekend lovelies?

As promised, here are the stylish shenanigans captured from Saturday morning’s Spring Racing Brunch hosted at the Como Mansion. Whilst guests savored the delectable canapes, the real treat, much to our surprise, was an intimate fashion salon show that featured vintage garments sourced from the 40s to the 70s.

Researcher, collector and photographer Tom McEvoy, of the Darlington Australian Fashion History Museum and Hand Crafted Weddings, was like a walking fashion history encyclopedia. We watched in awe as he described the history and story behind every garment. He took us on a journey, to a bygone era when dressing up was an art form.

Tom made his vintage gowns culturally diverse. Clever man. He even knew the previous owners of these gowns and which events they wore them to! Each dress, all Spring Racing-appropriate, fittingly represented the era from which it was crafted. Ah, they don’t make clothes like they used to…

The elegant and poised Julie Poulter, writer, blogger (Forbidden-Charm) and vintage aficionado, is wearing a frock that belonged to her grandmother! Great style runs in their family!

No one could resist the charm of the 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup. We queued to have and to hold… Made from 18 carat gold and worth $175,000, it comes with its own body guard and already has more frequent flyer points than me. I’m pictured here with Olivia Ceddia of Melbourne Darling blog (in Zara florals) and her pretty-as-a-daisy friend Anna, trying desperately not to drop the prestigious and heavy trophy…

It was also a privilege to have the 2002 Fashion On The Fields Winner, nutritionist, author and mother, Arabella Forge, grace her presence and share her racing experience and fashion tips with us.

Arabella, aged 20, a uni student at the time, had just returned from a holiday in Europe. When in Rome, she bought a vibrant Diane von Furstenberg frock to wear to the races. Upon her return, she headed to Ascot Milliners who created her the exquisite and unique headpiece that helped her nab first place. Champagne, luggage, an overseas trip and her beloved Longines watch (pictured above) were just some of her winnings.

Arabella believes that racewear etiquette should be adhered to. Dresses appropriate for the races should be knee-length and have shoulders covered. I completely agree. Because, after all, you can don any other frock, mini, maxi or missing bits, elsewhere. Some rules just should not be broken…

DIY Headpiece (last seen HERE) // Vintage Top & Bag // Livia Arena Skirt // Jil Sander Heels