You may have seen from my Facebook updates lately that I’ve been so blessed to attend the 2011 BMW Caulfield Racing Carnival. I’ve never been to the Races before so you can imagine my excitement and gratitude when I was invited to join the Pegasus Club marquee in ultra fine company with fellow bloggers, stylists, models, actors and TV celebrities. I tried to adhere to the Races dress-code of wearing a knee-length frock which covered my shoulder(s), a head piece, a clutch and heels. Of course I put a quirky and eclectic spin to the ‘typical’ Races dress code and opted for this neon yellow Roksanda Ilincic dress, which apparently was previously worn by Ginnifer Goodwin to Comic-Con 2011. I bought it as a sample from the designer (as I’m supporting Buy Nothing New October). Roksanda didn’t send me the H-shaped feather belt piece, but I had an even more special brooch given to me by my fashion mentors Dean and JC of Madam Virtue to wear.
The exquisite Lady Melbourne, in vintage and self-made hat and bangles
Phoebe’s self-made pearl bangles, I’m sporting Australian designers Paula Walden piano ring and Estelle Deve cuff
Sarah (Style Melbourne), Ben, Phoebe and I at the Pegasus Club, my head piece kept falling off because I washed my hair and couldn’t find bobby pins to lock it in, so I kept taking it off and putting it on. Here I am sporting it back to front without realising it!
Josh Koko & Phillip Boon, celebrity stylist, looking as sharp as ever
My first-time entering the Chadstone’s Fashion Stakes. I had no idea that the competition involved walking, I thought we just stood on the stage and the judges marked us. My jaw dropped as I found out that we actually have to strut…
I tried my best and was so thankful that I didn’t fall over and had moved from my Heat into the Finals. With gorgeous ladies waiting to be judged.
The 3 finalists from Caulfield Guineas Day, Laura is demure in black and white, adore her heels! Joanne reminds me of Grace Kelly in her beautiful YeoJin Bae dress. I look so bland next to these beautiful ladies, note to self: must wear make-up next week!
After the competition, we were interviewed by the Runner Up of the Face of Caulfield, Maggie, about our inspirations for our outfits. I described mine as ‘a highlighter’.
Bree, the Face of Caulfield, in Gorman, Giaan Rooney, the Ambassador of the Caulfield Races, in Perri Cutten. These ladies are simply sublime!
Last Saturday was the Caulfield Cup, I was ordered to wear the exact same outfit as I’ve been lucky enough to be in the Grand Final for the Chadstone Fashion Stakes, so I apologize for boring you with the same outfit. I learnt from my mistakes from the previous week at Guineas Day so I asked my bestie Vicki to do my make-up and had my head piece properly fitted, by the gorgeous Peter from Salon M. I compeltely forgot to practise my walk though…
My fair lady: Sarah of Style Melbourne
The ever so stylish Phillip Boon, celebrity stylist, in vintage Pierre Cardin
Bloggers Adrian Fernand of I Do Belive I Came With a Hat, Sarah and Luke of D’Marge. Told you I was in fine company. To my stylish male readers, do yourself a favour and check out these boys’ blogs!
Lady Melbourne and I, again in a self-made hat. This girl has style from head to toe.
Anna Mott, of Racing Fashion Victoria, the most amicable and glamorous personality I’ve ever met. Her dazzling couture headpiece is created by the incredibly handsome Brett Morley. I am in love with Anna’s Alexander McQueen silk clutch!
The most stylish couple: Ren and Christian of Style Sage!
Georgia Sinclair, DJ of the Pegasus Club, in Miu Miu shades and Missoni dress
Phillip and Bree, the Face of Caulfield, ladylike and classy. I think together, we have mastered colour-blocking.
Ambassador of the 2011 BMW Caulfield Carnival, Giaan Rooney, such a stunning lady.
The grand Finals of the Fashion Stakes wasn’t until the end of the day. As the hour approached, more butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Nervousness and excitement infiltrated my veins.
Just smile and walk straight and don’t let your head piece fall…
It was a surreal moment when the hosts called out my number, ’4′. I was so honoured to attend the Chadstone Fashion Stakes and to be amongst so many gorgeous ladies, many of which were more deserving of my title. I was stoked to have been awarded 3rd place ’2nd Runner Up’ in the competition. I never thought I would have come thus far. A huge Thank You to Melbourne Racing Club and Style Counsel for having me, to everyone who eased my nerves with your loving, encouraging words and well-wishes, to Sally (Styled by Sally) for lending me her Chanel nail polish, to Vicki for making me look awake, Salon M for fitting my fascinator, to Dean and JC for my beautiful feather brooch and to the judges for being so kind to me. I feel immensely humbled and intensely privileged.
The Caulfield Races has been an experience of a lifetime for me, from the delicious courses at the Ladies luncheons to feeling the adrenaline rush watching the horses race and seeing so many stunningly dressed Race-goers, I have been blown away by the abundance of elegance, extravagance, and ambience!
Sorry to sound like a dork, but out of all the amazing prizes, I’m most excited about my one year subscription to The Age! Hopefully it will improve my morning routine making me rise earlier, eat breakfast and increase my little knowledge of the world.
So that was my weekend, not short of epic. Hope yours was wonderfully charged with love and joy too!
His: H&M hat, Country Road suit, Coton Doux shirt, Vivienne Westwood tie, Arabella Ramsay pocketchief, Jil Sander shoes
Hers: Paula Walden Bow headpiece, vintage earrings, Roksanda Ilincic silk gazar dress, Madam Virtue feather brooch, Paula Walden piano ring, Estelle Deve cuff, vintage clutch, Chloe heels
