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Spring Racing

Fashion, What I Wore

30 spring racing headwear options for a winning look

19th October, 2018

Putting together a spring racing look takes loads of time and effort but often headwear can be a last minute consideration. Don’t make this mistake as the right headpiece can actually end up making a look. Case in point: I fell in love with a pink Gucci turban and ended up working last year’s entire Melbourne Cup look around it such was my determination to wear it.

Over the years I’ve tried everything from hats to headbands and turbans and can attest that they were the finishing touch that really elevated my outfit. I find choosing my headwear a fun experience as the sky is the limit when it comes to shapes, textures and styles. I often like to go big and bold and am drawn to pieces that make a statement.

If you’re heading to the races and are on the hunt for the ideal headpiece, then look no further as I’ve rounded up 30 gorgeous options to suit every style.

Option 1: Hats

A beautiful hat is always a classic option but remember straw hats are for spring racing, felt for autumn racing. If you want something a little different, an emerging trend is leather hats which are modern and a bit daring and are a departure from your more traditional options.

I went for a crisp white hat for Derby Day in 2015

 

Option 2: Headbands

I’ve got a soft spot for headbands as race day headwear as they’re feminine, fun and so easy to wear. I’ve opted for everything from a big bow to jewelled embellishments and even my name over the years and my love affair with this style still endures. The great thing about headbands is that you can extend their wear long after spring racing is over which is a definite plus.

A throwback to last year’s spring racing season. I loved this Gucci headband and its oversized bow dotted with pearls.

 

Option 3: Go bold

From fascinators to embellished hair clips and my personal fave – the turban I am all for embracing headpieces that are unique with an added element of personality. I’ve worn everything from a turban fashioned out of bronze mesh to a gold wreath in the past and love thinking outside the box when it comes to headwear. This year, don’t be afraid to push the boundaries…

This is the Gucci turban that I centred my entire 2017 Melbourne Cup look around!

What’s your favourite style of racing headwear?

 

Fashion, Lifestyle

Kicking off Spring Racing Carnival

17th October, 2018

Last night I hosted a special dinner at the gorgeous Nobu restaurant at the Crown Resort in Melbourne to celebrate the launch of the Spring Racing Carnival. This is one of my favourite times of the year so I was thrilled to be able to kick it off in such a fun way.

I flew down to Melbourne early in the day and spent the rest of the afternoon prepping and getting ready at my hotel (not a hard ask considering the impressive rooms at the Crown Melbourne). My good friend Nadia Fairfax was also attending the dinner and staying at the hotel so we had a great time getting ready together for the event. My outfit for the evening was classic meets daring, comprising of a crisp white shirt, worked back with a Maticevski skirt that can only be described as a wearable piece of art and Off White heels.

Nobu is one of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne so it was exciting to be hosting a dinner there. It was a small event — I’d invited just 30 people, a mixture of friends, family and a few media people. This was great as it gave me the opportunity to catch up with everyone before the craziness of spring racing commences.

As you would expect the food we had was incredible. We were served a Japanese inspired menu of three courses and dessert featuring some truly delicious sushi and sashimi paired with amazing wine. I was in heaven and judging from my guests’ reactions, they were too.

Having my friends and family there, including mum and dad, made the night even better. We had a thoroughly great evening and it has made me more excited to throw myself into spring racing season.

Check out a few snaps of the evening below.

With my parents

Rebecca Vallance-Gasan and Elliot Garnaut

Lindy Rama-Ellis and husband, Adam Ellis

Melissa Singer and Brooke Meredith

Suzy Eskander and Sally Crinis

Nadia Fairfax

Actor Tim Kano and Mavournee Hazel

With Nadia Fairfax and Elliot Garnaut

The chic table setting

Our delicious menu for the evening

One of the amazing dishes of the evening

Beautiful florals set the scene

My guests relaxing and having a great time

Photography: Carly Ravenhall

 

 

 

 

Fashion

How to elevate a spring racing outfit

10th October, 2018

And just like that spring racing is upon us once again. This is always a hectic time of year for me as I have multiple events to juggle which means a number of outfits that I have to co-ordinate. And even though I’ve done it for years, styling just the right outfit can still be a little tricky at times as I have to take into account the dress codes, current trends and staying comfortable throughout the day.

One thing I do try and do every spring carnival is take a few style risks, experiment with different trends and elevate my look in various ways. It’s the perfect time to get dressed up and have a little fun with fashion. If you’re off to a few events, here are a few ways you can take your look next level, whether you’re opting for a bold, colourful ensemble, or a classic look of muted tones such as black and white. Here’s how to stand out in a crowd and pull together a winning outfit.

If you’re doing colour…

A colourful look makes an impactful statement so if you’re doing it, don’t be afraid to go bright and bold. Wearing a striking hue that packs a punch whether it’s shades such as fuchsia, a bright sunshine yellow or a rich green makes for a strong look. Now is the time to get in touch with your inner rainbow and try a few fun colours. I guarantee you’ll turn heads.

With coloured pieces it’s a great idea to also work with different silhouettes to give the look some further depth. A dramatic neckline, an elegant split or statement sleeves are all elements that can take your look to another level. The dress I’m wearing below works a vibrant pink with a Victorian neckline and an understated balloon sleeve and gives it a modern, yet classic feel.

It’s important to let your outfit take centre stage but that doesn’t mean you can afford to neglect your accessories. Quite the contrary. The right complementary pieces will enhance your look not detract from it. Headwear is a must at all racing events, so it’s a crucial component of your look. When wearing colour try having fun with your headpiece, incorporating texture and subtle embellishments.. My go-to is a great headband which is understated yet still hold its own, such as the star one I am wearing below. Other options I like include a straw hat or a beautiful turban, both of which I’ve worn in the past. Accoutrements should be the final finishing touch that completes your look.

Credits: Dress, Alessandra Rich; Shoes, Alaïa; Headpiece, Jennifer Behr

Shop my edit of vibrant pieces below:
Dresses:

Shoes:

Headwear:

 

If you’re doing muted tones…

When you’re doing slightly more muted tones such as black and white, it’s important to try and be a little more daring with the style and finishing touches to help elevate it. The black dress I’m wearing below features an on trend off the shoulder neckline, a textured finish along with a dramatic ruffled effect, all elements that that make it look far from an ordinary LBD. It’s a fun spring racing ensemble but with contemporary touches that make it stand out.

With black you can incorporate the colour head to toe, by wearing black accessories too, but choose pieces that have a little more edge to them to give the look some added depth. In the looks below I’m wearing two different headpieces, both of which are strong pieces in their own way. One is a beret which I feel gives the look a bit of a stylish edge, and adds an unexpected element to my ensemble, the other is an oversized bow headband which has a more playful feminine feel. Both are a great example of experimenting with headpieces—when you’re wearing black you have to ensure that your headwear is a knockout so the look doesn’t present flat.

Muted shades that are guaranteed to work—they’re classic, strong and have presence but it’s important to elevate them with the right finishes and accoutrements. By adding these touches, you are able to turn them into something that’s striking and different, whilst maintaining their general classic feel.

Credits: Dress, Marchesa; Headpiece 1 (Beret), Clyde; Headpiece 2 (Bow), Miu Miu; Shoes, Alaïa

Shop my edit of muted pieces below
Dresses:

Shoes:

Headwear:

Photography: Sophia Athas

This post was produced in collaboration with Net-a-Porter

 

 

 

Fashion, Lifestyle

My 2017 Derby Day Diary

7th November, 2017

Derby Day is a family affair for me every year as we all fly down to Melbourne for the event. Luke and the girls and I usually stay at my parents’ apartment whilst my brother, his wife and their kids stay nearby. It’s almost always a full house on the morning of Derby Day and Melbourne Cup as we all get ready together. The kids love it as they can watch as we get our hair and makeup done and see the adults get all dressed up.

As a Lexus ambassador, I’m usually lucky enough to be picked up by a Lexus car and driver on the day and driven to Flemington.  Luke and I made our way over together and as soon as I got to the race course it was straight into radio and TV interviews which took up a fair bit of time. Lucky I’m able to head over to the Lexus Design Pavilion in the Bird Cage throughout the day to have a little breather. The three-level site has been designed by sustainable artist Joost Bakker and as expected it was next-level. The flowers, the decor, the furniture it was all seriously on point. We’re usually treated to a spectacular lunch too and this year the menu was curated by Ben Shewry of Attica so I was beyond happy to sit down and enjoy a meal after the busy morning I had had. It was also great to catch up with friends like Anthony Minichiello who was also there as a fellow Lexus ambassador.

The day as it always does goes by really quickly. As soon as the event is over it’s usually home then out again for dinner with friends…

For my full outfit details, check out What I Wore

Photography and videography: Sophia Athas

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: Net-a-Porter spring launch

10th October, 2017

When it came time to celebrate the start of spring and spring racing season with Net-a-Porter in Melbourne, I wanted a look that was classic and understated. Enter this white Miu Miu dress. I really loved the simple v-neckline and most especially the bow which is always a sweet finishing touch. Also I don’t know about you but I always love a dress with pockets—it’s definitely an underrated feature! I wanted to maintain the simplicity of the outfit so opted for a monochrome colour palette by pairing the dress with my black Alaïa heels. It’s definitely a combination that I can see myself wearing again and becoming a go-to ensemble for events that require a look that’s unfussy and polished.

Credits: Dress, Miu Miu; Heels, Alaia

Fashion, Shop, What I Wore

Style masterclass: the perfect spring racing look

28th September, 2017

I’ve lost count of how many spring racing looks I’ve had to pull together over the years but if there’s one thing that’s a constant it’s that I’ve got a few key rules I stick to. It not only makes it easier to zero in on the perfect outfit it also ensures that I am able to adhere to the dress code for each race day event with minimal fuss. If you’re planning to head to the races this spring carnival you may fall into two camps: colour or muted tones such as black and white. I always like to mix it up so I’ve done both multiple times and either can be a standout option—it’s just a matter of keeping in mind a few crucial style and beauty elements…

How to do colour

If there’s one day to go all out with vibrant colour it’s Melbourne Cup day. It’s the one day of the spring racing calendar where it pays to be a bit daring and embrace bold hues such as pinks, yellows and purples. The more striking the better! When it comes to Oaks Day you’ll want to dial it down and embrace feminine hues—pretty pastels are always a winner or do florals if you want to go with a print.

The important thing to keep in mind when you’re doing colour is that your accessories should complement not compete with your outfit. Headwear is a must at all race day events and if you’re doing colour a great choice would be an elegant headband (such as what I have in my outfit below) or crown for something fashion forward. A straw boater is great for something a little more traditional. It’s better to go for a simple, classic headpiece as opposed to being too over the top—way too many embellishments can really make your outfit look dated. Invest in the best quality headwear you can as it can really be the finishing touch that elevates your look from so-so to sensational.

When it comes to handbags it’s best to carry a clutch or a small bag with a strap. Leave your big carryall at home! You can either go for an equally bold colour or dramatic features such as metallic accents or a textured finish.

Shop the look: Dress, Roland Mouret; Heels, Alaïa; Headpiece, Cornelia Webb

 

My Top Colour Picks
Dresses

Heels

 

Headwear

 

How to do monochrome

If there’s one day on which you must wear black or white (or both!) it’s Derby Day. I’ve often either opted for an all white look or an all black look as I find it’s more impactful as a top to toe ensemble. However the one thing both have in common is that in order for the outfit not to look flat there have to be textural elements and also a hint of contrasting colour with your accessories. In the case of my outfit below the ruching on the dress adds another dimension to the overall look, the same goes for my shoes which have a studded feature.

Monochrome accessories are often the easiest to work with as both colours are generally able to be worked back with a multitude of looks. Generally headbands work well when in a black and white colourway and are a great option for headwear as you’ll definitely be able to use it again. This season there are so many beautiful headband options with accents such as bows, flowers and pearls (such is the case with mine below) that you’re bound to find one to suit. You could also opt for a turban or a veiled headpiece for something a little more dramatic.

When it comes to your bag choice for a monochrome look keep it strictly black or white for Derby Day but on other days you may want to experiment with a little pop of colour or embellishment.

Shop my look: Dress, The Row; Heels, Alaïa; Headpiece, Gucci
My Top Monochrome Picks
Dresses

Heels

Headwear

 

How to do a winning beauty look

The most important thing to remember about a spring racing beauty look is that it’s a day event. So leave the ultra glam makeup for a big night out and instead opt for a fresh faced approach. I like to focus on having good skin on the day so ensure that I am sticking religiously to my skincare regimen and may even have a facial in the lead up to it to ensure my complexion is glowing. I find if you’ve got great skin as a base your makeup will sit well. Most of my routine involves at-home treatments, one in particular that I am loving is the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask which helps to reduce pores and brighten dull skin. If I find my skin is looking a little puffy I always use Anne Semonin Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes which helps to tighten skin and reduce puffiness (it’s perfect in the lead up to a big event).

With spring racing beauty I think it’s important to look polished yet still very natural. In this instance I went for a bold eye and a neutral lip (I always choose one feature to highlight, never both) which I found complemented both outfits. To ensure my makeup lasts all day I use Kevyn Aucoin The Primed Skin Developer which is a nourishing serum that acts as the ideal base for makeup. I will always use a highlighter and a subtle bronzer to achieve glowing skin and accentuate my features, and I find both work well in the daytime. Lashings of mascara are always a part of any dramatic eye look I do and at the moment I really like Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara in Noir—it gives a great falsh lash effect. As the final finishing touch I have a mani and pedi and either go for a dark polish to add a bit of punch to an outfit or a neutral shade for a subtle, understated effect.

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

Produced in collaboration with Net-a-Porter

 

Fashion, Lifestyle, Social

My 2016 Melbourne Cup Diary

3rd November, 2016

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Another year, another Melbourne Cup done!

This year, my day started early at our apartment in Melbourne. That is where we stay with my family so it was great to be able to spend Cup Day with them. With three kids and a baby present it was certainly busy but it was nice that my girls and my niece and nephew were all with us. I spent the morning getting ready with Mum and my sister-in-law Hoda and as always it was fun for us to all get our hair and makeup done together. My outfit was already sorted (it’s always something I like to lock in well in advance) so it was just a matter of putting the final finishing touches to it and I was ready to walk out the door.

We were lucky enough to be picked up by a Lexus car to take us to the Birdcage and when we got there headed straight for the Lexus Design Pavilion, which as per usual was on another level. It was definitely the place to be in the Birdcage and stood out as the most stylish and sophisticated marquee. The interiors were amazing and the architecture of the entire building was striking. Guests in the Pavilion included Jessica Gomes, Emma Freedman and Margaret Zhang so it was a great opportunity to catch up with a lot of people. We had an amazing lunch experience in there too which involved a three course tasting plate hosted by Ben Shewry, the head chef and owner of Attica restaurant in Melbourne. Needless to say, the food was delicious.

I was also on Lexus ambassador duties on the day so I had to juggle multiple media interviews including TV and radio spots which is always fun! However the most enjoyable part of the day is definitely being able to watch the race with my family, Mum especially. She had a runner in the race called Excess Knowledge so we watched the it with her in the owners’ stand. It’s always really nice being able to take in the race with her as I know all the hard work that goes into making it to the Melbourne Cup.

Cup Day is always a crazy busy day and it often passes by in a whirlwind of admiring all the beautiful outfits and headwear, toasting the day with champagne and race day duties for me but it’s something I look forward to every year. Counting down to 2017!

Getting dolled up with the help of my go-to makeup artist Blanka Dudas

Test driving my Gucci heels

Selfie for Instagram

Sophia hanging out in the apartment

Outfit details close up

All smiles with Mum and Hoda

Heading to the Birdcage with a little help from Lexus

Walking in with Luke

Catching up with Nadia Fairfax

Doing a radio interview

… and more interviews!

The media at the Lexus Design Pavilion

A peek at the interiors inside the Lexus Design Pavilion

So many beautiful finishes

Gorgeous blooms

Impressive set of wheels on display!

The outdoor area

We were truly spoilt in the food and drinks department

Guests at the bar

Cheers!

Jessica Gomes and Louise van de Vorst

Emma Freedman

Margaret Zhang

Enjoying the day with Luke

Photography: Adam Nalapraya and Karon Photography

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: 2016 Melbourne Cup

1st November, 2016

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When it comes to attire for the Melbourne Cup it’s all about going bold. And this year, I decided to embrace colour and opted for this beautiful pink and forest green dress by Gucci. The sweet ruffles on the sleeves give the dress an air of playfulness which really works for today and whilst the unexpected colour combination is striking it’s the pearl detailing on the back and front that really caught my eye – it’s so unbelievable in person that it definitely cemented the dress as THE dress for Cup Day.

Pink and green can be a little tricky when it comes to shoe options however it was Gucci to the rescue again. The gold heels dotted with pearls that I spotted in their latest collection perfectly offset the hues in my dress. With such a bold look, I wanted to strike the right balance between making a statement with my headwear whilst not overpowering the dress and shoes. The flower crown by Hatmaker was just on the right side of understated to really complement my overall look. The gems throughout the crown also subtly picked up some of the colours in my dress and really helped highlight the pink and green.

I hope you’re having a great Melbourne Cup day!

Shop more of my favourite racing looks

Credits: Dress, Gucci; Crown, Hatmaker; Heels, Gucci (sandal version)

Photography: Danielle Castano and Adam Nalapraya 

 

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: Derby Day

31st October, 2016

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Derby Day is all about monochrome and last year having worn all white I decided to go for something completely different and opt for an all black look from head to toe.

I wanted to wear something that was sophisticated and sleek and the Balmain dress I wore perfectly fit the bill, with its high neck silhouette and intricate metal detailing. The midi length is a favourite of mine at the moment so the cut of the dress really caught my eye. One of my favourite Alaia heels perfectly complemented the look and headband by Hatmaker was just the piece to give the look a touch of drama.

Haven’t sorted our your Cup outfit yet? Check out my other favourite looks for Spring Racing here

 

 

SHOP THE LOOK

Fascinator: Hatmaker 

Dress: Balmain 

Heels: Alaïa

 

Photography: Danielle Castano.

Fashion

4 ways to accessorise your spring racing look

25th October, 2016

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When it comes to your spring racing look your accessories should definitely be a key consideration – don’t relegate it to a last minute choice as you dash out the door! Each of the key days in the racing calendar will allow you to explore some great accessories options and as bags are always one of the first things I think about, I’ve teamed up with The Daily Edited to showcase the right bag and accessories to help you pull together a wining race day look.

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The event: Derby Day

The monochrome dress code of Derby Day is generally really easy to follow when it comes to accessories because virtually every woman has a black clutch in her wardrobe. It’s like the LBD of the accessories world. If you want to opt for something different though a nice alternative is a cream bag.

As everyone will be wearing black and white it can become easy to get lost in the crowd so to stand out, attention to detail and beautiful craftsmanship with your accessories is important. One of the reasons I love the bags from The Daily Edited is because little touches like personalisation and being able to monogram your bag allows you to differentiate your accessories from the rest.

The thing with accessories is to make sure you’re comfortable and that you won’t constantly be fussing with them throughout the day. If you’re fine to put your clutch under your arm then great but otherwise opt for a shoulder strap so you can juggle champagne and a pen for writing down tips.

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The event: Melbourne Cup

For Melbourne Cup Day you can afford to go a little more bold with your look. You can inject a little bit of colour in your outfit but I think that if you’re going to opt for a striking headpiece try and tone it down a bit with the rest of your accessories because you have to have one standout item. I’ve always liked rich burgundy or a classic navy for a bag that will look classic but still make a statement. Also don’t forget about texture. For example something like a faux ostrich fabrication makes for a really nice and interesting alternative if you want to be a little more daring.

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The event: Oaks Day

Traditionally known as ladies’ day, this particular event is all about super feminine dressing. Think floral prints and really soft, pretty hues. With your accessories, go for a soft approach. I think gorgeous pastels are a great option when it comes to choosing a shade of handbag to bring with you on the day. It’s classic with just a touch of girliness so it’s the perfect finishing touch to your outfit on the day.

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The event: Stakes Day

Stakes Day is family day so don’t be afraid to have a bit of fun with colour. Also instead of a clutch why not try something different and opt for a shoulder bag instead? It makes for an effortless look and when you go for a bag in an interesting shade such as grey, it’s one way to ensure that you set yourself apart from other racegoers. As for the rest of your look don’t be afraid to be quite playful in your other accessories and try a unique headpiece or bold jewellery.

For more Spring Racing looks check out my other blog post