at the races

Style, particularly with the inception of Myer's Fashions on the Field competition in 1962, has become an integral part of the Spring Racing Carnival for many around the nation. It gives us the chance to leave behind the everyday wardrobe and dress as a princess (or prince) for a day. I'm not really a conservative person but I am a bit of a traditionalist, and as such I believe that fashion for the races should be classy. Now I'm not suggesting that we lose all creativity, but I don't think that strapless mini dresses for les filles and coloured suits for the gents are a great idea.

Photo from http://www.squidoo.com/sixties-style

Ironically, this famous white shift "mini" dress worn by Jean Shrimpton in 1965, which almost enabled the movement towards less traditional race-wear, would look fairly conservative trackside in 2009. I do rather like this look though!

Whilst a dress code apparently applies at most race tracks in Australia, the rules don't seem to be too strictly upheld. Anyway, I'll move on, here are a couple of my celeb favourites from this season:

I have adored nearly all of Rebecca Twigley's outfits during the carnival, Photo by Rebecca Hallas of The Age

Jennifer Hawkins at Derby Day, Photo from Rameus at celebutopia.com

Miranda Kerr and Megan Gale at the Caulfield Cup, Photo from celebuzz.com

When trying to imagine my ensemble I like to consider Blair Waldorf:

Blair (Leighton Meester) in Gossip Girl: The Freshman, Photo from http://www.stylehop.com/fashion-blog/

the future of footwear?

OK, I am usually pretty open in my opinions about shoes - honest - but I just don't get this new pair from Wanted. I mean the mess of crystals, tan leather strap, and, the piece de resistance, the heel and platform! For me there is no synthesis here, it's as though a group of designers didn't manage to reach an effective compromise. I can almost visualise it working with a simpler heel and no platform though.

It does look like the franchise is trying to shift their demographic, bringing in a range from Pura Lopez at prices more than double their normal offering. Wonder if it will work for them...

What do you think of this pic? The popular opinion on facebook seems to be negative but the group's administrators are sticking by it, apparently it's ahead of its time. If this is a sign of things to come I can't say I'm too excited.

Photo from Wanted Shoes on facebook.