Angela's Top 5 Ladies Style and Racing Moments for 2013

5. Failing The Members Fashion Test.In the past week there have a been a couple of articles in the news (link & link) about women being asked to leave the members area at the race track for not adhering to the members dress codes. In both instances the women were spoken to due to complaints from fellow race goers. This makes the list because I think this is a problem that we will be seeing much more of in the coming months.Members dress codes and fashion haven't kept up to date with each other. With women being encouraged to dress in the latest fashions by race clubs, fashion magazines and retail outlets it doesn't make sense to me that members dress regulations currently don't allow many of the latest fashions to be worn. Celebrities flouting the dress codes are celebrated for their impeccable style, yet members who pay their fees each year have been left red-faced for wearing outfits that are far more modest. I also find it a little sad that there are members who are so offended that they can actually be bothered to have another member ejected from their line of view. Watch this space...4. Zara PhillipsThe Olympic silver medallist and member of the Royal family was appointed the Magic Millions Racing Women Ambassador for 2013. She attended the carnival early this year and it was announced in late October that she will continue in this role until 2018 (link). All very exciting news, but what pushed Zara Phillips on this list is her outfit from Ladies Day at Glorious Goodwood. Whilst sporting a baby bump she nailed racing style looking modern, feminine and appropriate for a day out at the races. This is how you do maternity racewear.3. Black CaviarFormer Vogue covergirl and owner of a large round rump, Black Caviar raced her way into the history books by getting 25 consecutive wins at the track- including 15 group 1 races. She also managed to collect the title of Australian Racehorse of the Year for the third time in 2013 and was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame. Enjoy your retirement Nelly, you've earned it!2. Myer Fashions on the Field National CompetitionWithout a doubt this is the ultimate and most prestigious competition in the world of fashions on the field. Winners from each state and an online people's choice award winner came together in the national final on Oaks Day at Flemington. Model, Chloe Moo from Sydney walked away with the sash and keys to her new car. With the competition starting all over again in a couple of weeks contestants will have a tough time trying to top this years victor.1. Gai WaterhouseOne of the most stylish ladies at the track, 2013 was Gai's year. After a rocky start to 2013 with public spats in the press, things turned around when her horse Fiorente went into the Melbourne Cup as one of the favourites. Having never won a Melbourne Cup race in her impressive career it came down to a nail biting finish! In the 3200 meter 'race that stops a nation' Fiorente, trained by Gai took the win by three quarters of a length from Red Cadeaux. Gai is the first Australian female trainer to win the Melbourne Cup. I hope this is the first of many for her.By Angela Menz

Cairns Amateurs 2013 Wrap Part 1

This year I was lucky enough to attend the Cairns Amateurs as the plus one of my friend Craig Braybrook. This was my third Amateurs Carnival and I was stoked to get the chance to escape Melbourne for a long weekend in sunny Far North Queensland. I arrived in Cairns late Wednesday night and had three very busy and fun days before heading home on Sunday.Thursday was the start of the Carnival with the Annual Ladies High Tea held at Cannon Park. This was great to get a glimpse of some early spring racewear. The women of Cairns know how to wear colour and as a great lover of bright happy colour I loved seeing everyone's outfits. The Ladies High Tea also showcases local boutiques and emerging designers in a series of fashion parades that ran throughout the morning. Craig had brought some of his couture gowns to display and milliner and Fashions on the Field judge Rebecca Share from Geelong had also brought some of her work to parade on stage. There was a mini "Fashions on the Field" with each table selecting a representative to go up onstage for the chance to win a table for the following year. The judges Craig and Rebecca didn't have an easy decision. There was also a charity raffle and lucky door prizes making for a very enjoyable and action packed morning.

I had a great day at the races and the Amateurs carnival continued into the night and the next day. I'll continue my wrap up in part 2 shortly.I also took photos of (I think) every contestant in Fashions on the Field. If I haven't put one up of you, feel free to email me at angela@ontrackontrend.com let me know what you were wearing and I'm happy to have a look and email you any pics I have.By Angela

EVENT: Cairns Amateurs

The Cairns Amateurs Fashions on the Field is on again this year with many categories over two days of the carnival on September 6 and 7. Having attended Amateurs for the past two years I'm very excited to see what everyone is wearing! No one else does colour quite like the ladies and gents of Queensland and as it's the first major carnival of spring, all eyes will be looking to see what racewear looks are strutting down the stage. Over recent years there have been a number of women from Cairns who have been very successful at the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field so the standard is very high and the competition attracts many competitors from interstate.The categories for 2013 are as follows-Ladies Day (Friday), September 6· Open Ladies Racewear· Millinery Award (judged from entrants in both Open Racewear categories)· Gold Class (Ladies 50 years and over)· Best Emerging DesignersThis category is open to any person without commercial design experience and encourages outstanding racewear design. The Garment and Millinery component must be designed and made by the entrant. There is a first prize for Best Emerging Designer and a runner-up for Best Emerging Milliner.Amateur Cup Day (Saturday), September 7· 25 & Under Ladies· Open Classic Ladies Racewear· Best Dressed Couple categories· Open Men's RacewearFor full details of the judging criteria and for pre-registration click hereIf you're thinking of entering I would suggest making sure you have a good look at the judging critera. Having judged at Cairns Amateurs previously it was certainly pulled out and referred to when making decisions on who would take home the sash. This year I'll be a spectator but I will be posting a few tips from a couple of the judges and what they will be looking for this year. I'll also be snapping photos and posting updates on all the fashion action during the carnival.If you haven't been to Cairns Amateurs before and wish to fully enjoy the Fashions on the Field, you might want to look into booking a seat in the Garden Party Marquee. The heats for Fashions on the Field are held here so you have a great view of all the fashion action. As a bonus it's airconditioned inside if you can't cope with the tropical heat. For details click hereThe Carlton MID Amateurs Carnival has a number of events and functions on too. Jessica Mauboy will be guest performer at the annual ball. Check it out

By Angela Menz