Cairns Amateurs 2013 Wrap Part 2

After a very busy day at Cannon Park for Ladies Day, it was back to the hotel for a super quick makeover to get ready for the Annual Amateurs Ball. It is a black tie event that only opened up to the public a few years ago. Each year there is a special musical guest which traditionally would be unveiled during the evening. This year there was a break from tradition and Jessica Mauboy was announced as the special guest in the lead up to the event. As well this year the Amateurs Ball moved locations to be held at the Esplanade. The dance floor was built over water and the whole event was to be held entirely outdoors. It would have been perfect had the weather decided to co-operate. All day at the races the clouds were threatening to rain, but they held off... until the outdoor ball.

I had the most amazing time again in Cairns getting to experience another Amateurs Carnival. The hospitality that was extended to myself and the warm welcome that Craig and I received was so lovely and made the whole trip so enjoyable and so much fun. We were both looked after very well and I cannot thank everyone involved enough for their kindness. All the hard work paid off for another fantastic and successful Cairns Amateurs Carnival!By Angela Menz

How to last in high heels

Sometimes in order to get the fashion look you want, you have to suffer a little. One look at my mangled feet pretty much says it all... and it ain't pretty! Day to day I generally wear flats (although that certainly wasn't the case for a few years) but getting dressed up for the races or an occasion means I've gotta strap some heels on my feet.I've started gathering bits and pieces to wear for spring carnival and my latest acquisition is an eye watering 17cm tall pair of high heels. Admittedly there is a platform at the front, but they still put my feet at a rather uncomfortable angle. As much as I know I'll want to cut my feet off after a spending a day at the races in them, it simply must be done.High heels simply make everything look better. Outfits look complete with the extra height and balance out my hats. Unlike other 'how to dress for the races' articles which suggest wearing a sensible heel, perhaps even wedges or *gasp* a kitten heel, I'm going to tell you how to last a little longer in those beautiful high heel horrors that you simply must have.1. Try new shoes on around the house. Pay special attention to any spot that rubs or pinches. Make sure you can walk in your shoes. If not, now is the time to learn.2. Pre-event foot preparation. This is a bit gross but don't get rid of every last callous on your feet. They will save you later. Keep your nails short and tidy. Nail polish is a must if your toes will be seen and if you're not sure what colour to paint them, you can't go wrong with a neutral shade.3. Shoe preparation. On the places your shoes felt like they would rub cut off small pieces moleskin padding (you can buy this at a chemist) and stick them inside your shoes. Alternatively there are small gel spots that do the same job. If your shoes have the room inside use party feet or thin insoles to alleviate pain on the balls of your feet. Finally if your shoes rub on the heel or slip a little for closed back shoes use leather heel grips- they are much more comfortable than the gel versions.4. On the day foot prep. Do not moisturise your feet. Any moisture on your feet will help cause blisters. If you're wearing sandals swipe moisturiser just on the parts of your feet that stick out of your shoe- you still want your feet to look nice. Any place that your shoes rub your toes wrap them in medical tape where it can't be seen ( I use Elastoplast in the red roll package ). If you aren't wearing hosiery I highly recommend Bama silky feet spray. This reduces friction and give the feeling of wearing fine stockings on your feet. If you're wearing shoes that allow it, wear padded footlets. There are half foot versions and ones for wearing with a peep toe.Now that's pretty much everything you can reasonably do to prepare. If you know it's going to be really painful still, on the day take a coordinating pair of lower heels and pop them in the cloak room as a back up. Also put some painkillers and band aids in your purse.If all else fails, you're struggling to make it through to the last race and extra champagne isn't helping anymore I will confess to having kicked off my shoes. This is a last resort and must be saved for the most extreme circumstances. If you go down this shameful path you must be sure there are no cameras around you and that the people around you have had too much to drink to notice. If you're going to back to back race days I have learnt to ice my feet in-between, and that the feeling will return to my toes after a few weeks.By Angela

EVENT: Cairns Cup 2013

The Brothers Cairns Cup weekend is coming up very soon at Cannon Park held by the Cairns Jockey Club. There are two big days of Fashions on the Field on Saturday 10th August (Ladies Day) and Sunday 11th of August (Cairns Cup)It has been announced that Myer ambassador Kris Smith with be a special guest judge on Saturday for the Myer fashions on the field competition.There are three categories on the day.• Myer Lady of the Day• Myer Contemporary Racewear• Myer Millinery AwardThe major prize is $3000 in Myer vouchers. Registration opens at 11am and closes at 12.15pm. Judging will be completed by 2pm. On Sunday at the Brothers Cairns Cup, the competition has three categories.• Babinda Electrics Classic Ladies Racewear• Babinda Electrics Under 35's Contemporary Ladies Racewear• Babinda Electrics Most Stylish CoupleThe major prize is $2000 cash and a trip for two to Melbourne. Registration opens at 12pm and closes at 1.15pm. Judging will be completed by 2.30pmThe ladies in Cairns know how to dress and over the past few years have made their mark outside of Queensland in the world of 'Fashions on the Field' so if you're attending make sure you bring your 'A' game! A handy tip if you're traveling from interstate would be to check the weather because its very warm in Cairns but remember tran-seasonal winter racewear is expected.Sadly I don't think i'll be able to make it, but i'll be sure to have my phone on me for updates as the day and competition progress.For full details and terms and conditions visit the Cairns Jockey Club onlineFashions on the Field infoCairns Jockey Club HomeBy Angela