This is one of the few times I have worn my hair out at the track. I had just discovered a good blow dry bar that I could just walk in without an appointment. This hat is one of my favourites and is a shape I use quite a bit in my millinery work. The dress has the back cut out as I though it looked too matronly otherwise. I later wore this outfit at the Pakenham Cup where I won Fashions on the Field.
Last year I was running on empty trying to get my outfit together. I was really happy with how it turned out though. My dress is made from fabric I had purchased in Singapore. It comes from the same place where some of the Chanel tweeds are made. The black straps are ruffle elastic and there is black wool trim around the hem. The lace petticoat is actually curtain lace and if you look underneath you can see the holes to attach curtain hooks. I couldn't find any normal lace I liked in my budget, but was really happy with this lacey find. The hat was one I'd worn earlier in the year to Epsom Derby in the UK. Its made from vintage braid, glitter and feather quills. I added the veil for Caulfield Cup. This dress has since become part of my regular wardrobe and has been worn a number of timesNow i'm up to 2015 and my 10th Caulfield Cup. You'll have to stay tuned for this years outfit! I'll update this post after the event.
UPDATE-
For 2015 I decided to re-wear a dress I made for Royal Ascot earlier in the year. I was really happy with how it turned out and felt comfortable wearing it. Made from an orange sherbet coloured mesh, bonded nylon, the hemline was a long lantern shape with a fitted bodice. My hat was a black leather percher with curled turkey feathers. I kept my accessories pretty simple with a gold belt (I actually wore the same belt to the Caulfield Cup in 2013) and a necklace i'd picked up on a work trip to China. My shoes were a sample pair given to me by a factory I work with and were perfect as lace up shoes are a key trend for the season. Keeping up with tradition I bombed out of the Fashion Stakes in the first round. I especially can't wait to see what everyone else is wearing- I'll be there again taking snaps for On Track On Trend.
By Angela Menz
What happens when you combine Kangan Institute millinery students, graduates and high tea at The Westin? You get one fabulous perfect afternoon! I was thrilled to be invited as a guest to enjoy an indulgent high tea whilst checking out a showcase parade from Kangan Institute's graduates and current students.Hosted as a part of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week in The Westin's Lobby Lounge, the space was decked out with displays of millinery and piles of delectable savoury and sweet treats.
Thank you to Kangan Institute for having me along for the afternoon, and the generous sponsors who provided all attendees with a gift bag
By Angela Menz
