Ready, Steady, Spring Carnival

Nothing says 'let's get ready for the races' like this beautiful burst of spring sunshine from mid-October through the first week in November.  Of course, you can't count it being a rain free event (what with Melbourne weather being what it is and always will be!)... but you can outshine your acquaintances (and possibly the lady that bought the hat that you wanted), with a well chosen race outfit for three of the most glamourous racing days on the calendar.

Let's start with this coming Saturday, Derby Day.  Derby day is all about Black & White; it's young, fun,  sassy and fashionable and without a shortage of inspiration even from the recent overseas ready-to-wear runways, black & white is always popular choice.

Centre; Dries Van Noten Pants & Vest, S/S 2013 ; Clockwise from bottom left, 

Nicholas Kirkwood Slingbacks ; DayBirger et Mikkelsen Leather & Resin Necklace;

TwoMrsGrenvilles Large Sinamay Waveson Headband; Ksubi Sham Sunglasses

Centre; Anu Zebra Print Drape Tunic; Clockwise from bottom left,

Christian Louboutin Artemis Embellished Shoulder Bag; Alyssa Norton Braided Silk

Pearl Glass Necklace; Arturo Rios 'Annabelle' hat; Tom Ford Calgary sunglasses; 

Martin Margiela Patent Leather T-Bars

Centre; Giambattista Valli Dress; Clockwise from bottom left, Celine Leather & Silk Platforms; 

Liza Stedman Hat; Marni Necklace

After that, it's the big one, Melbourne Cup day on next Tuesday.  This day heralds colour, champagne, heels, colour, bling, fun, colour and a huge party atmosphere.  Did I mention colour?  And if you haven't got your outfit sorted, then here are some little suggestions below;

Centre, Marni Dress; Clockwise from bottom left, Alexander McQueen Suede Peeptoes;

Emilio Pucci Embellished Box Clutch; Arturo Rios 'Linda' Hat; Lisa Ho Double Pyramid Crystal Necklace

Centre, Carl Kapp Venezuela Crepe Dress; Clockwise from bottom left, 

Carven Bow Embellished Suede Pumps; Morgan & Taylor Petal Frame Clutch;

Meredith McMaster Fascinator; Dannijo Wynn Bracelet;

Centre, Ellery Dress; Clockwise from bottom left, Christian Louboutin Unzip 100 Suede Sandals; 

Alyssa Norton Braided Silk Diamante Necklace; Brett Morley 'Chloe' Hat;

Pippa Small 18kgold Tourmaline ring; YSL Belle de Jour patent leather clutch

Following on from a huge Cup Day, and if your feet can stand the heels again, it's Oaks Day; traditionally Ladies day, which was viewed as a day out for the ladies.  For me, I think this day is the most stylish; it's chic, elegant, ladylike and feminine with groups of female friends buying tickets for a table in a marquee and making a whole day of it.   Horses?  what horses?  It's more about the food, the bubbles and the clothes!

Are you stuck for something to wear?  Here are some chic suggestions below -

Centre, Lisa Ho Tulle Dress; Clockwise from bottom left, Nicholas Kirkwood Embroidered Mesh Sandals, 

Ippolita Lollipop 18k gold aquamarine earrings; Morgan & Taylor Woven Twist Fascinator; Shourouk Isia Necklace

Centre, Dion Lee Cell Dress; Clockwise from bottom left, Chloe Small Shoulder Bag; 

Arturo Rios 'Dahlia' Hat; Blue Optix Marni Jackie Sunglasses; Chloe Small Holly enamelled ring; Walter Steiger Floral Court Heel

Centre, Chloe Dress; Clockwise from bottom left, Christian Louboutin Vampanodo 100 Suede sandals; 

Christian Louboutin Elisa bow embellished suede clutch; Liza Stedman Hat; Herve van der Straeten 24k gold plated disc necklace; 

Chloe Holly enamelled ring

The combinations are endless... and it's been fun for me.   Hope you enjoy the season, because you know what comes after spring carnival- 8 weeks exactly today!