Spring racing carnival is almost here.
Fashion is fun, it's a form of expression and was never meant to be taken seriously and what better place to express your personality than 'Fashions on the Field'.
This year, as in many years past, I'm making my own outfit. This will include the dress, the millinery, the bag and usually painting or adding embellishment to my shoes.
The jewelry gets a makeover too and with a bit of practice I usually do my own hair and makeup.
People can spend thousands or just wear what they have. Either way it doesn't guarantee a win, and puts us all on an even playing field.
Vintage shoppers can really pull off some amazing outfits.
Cairns is chock full of some of the best vintage shops, money is never an excuse for dressing well.
It's the creativity that stands out and sometimes if a judge can see you have gone to a lot of creative effort, don't be surprised if you end up with a prize. Judges can, spontaneously invent new categories on the spot. Yes, it does happen, in fact I've seen it happen at a few race meets. It's all about getting into the spirit of the day.
Follow some of these tips for a bit of help.
1. Read the rules and try and stick to them, but not always, if you have got a killer look, go for it!
2. Bold colour, it's got to stand out on stage (helps but not always).
3. Just get up there on stage. If you don't win who cares. It's a bit of fun and a bit of an adrenaline rush. There's been a few times where I have guided a newbie onto the stage, the smile on their face after the catwalk is always priceless. One year they didn't have enough finalist and we all got a prize bag for entering. Winning by default is always a good thing.
4. There are always regular winners, but don't be intimated by them. They've got the look, poise, and class and they do deserve to win, but every now and then a judge can see the creative effort and go for a well dressed women (or man).
5. Look at trends, colours, silhouettes, latest designer ranges etc. The judges are usually on point and are true fashionistas. They are not your mum or boyfriend, so go looking for sound advice from your most fashion forward friend.
6. Don't take it seriously, congratulate a winner, be a role model. One race meet I went to, a few race goers were upset as the winner had worn her outfit before. Really, this did happen!
Kate Middleton does it all the time. There will always be someone upset at the winner, stop them in their tracks and be a better person, something polite is all it takes like, "I loved her look".
Take a page out of Marie Kondo's book, we don't want to end up with a wardrobe full of out fits, we only wear once. If this is happening to you, then look at re-designing the garment. Usually there's a good reason why you bought it, may be the colour or the feel of the fabric. Change it up a bit, may be, add a trim, chop it short, bleach it, dye it, or cut it up and turn it into a patch work quilt. One pet hate about giving clothes away or donating, don't do it unless they are in really good condition as you don't want to give someone else your problems. Charity stores spend a fortune on sending unwanted goods to land fill.
Or if it's really had its day then, chop it up and turn it into a woven floor mat, or weave it into a basket, or give them to a mechanic / painter.
I can't wait to see what everybody will be wearing. I know the Fashion Committee go to a lot of trouble months in advance, getting things looking just right. Usually they aren't paid and can't enter, so a big thank you from me to them.
This year I will be doing fashion illustrations at the 'Nautilus Aviation Cairns Cup' on the 3rd and 10th of August 2019 for $50.00, on beautiful artist quality paper. Using only the best art supplies. Each illustration will be packaged in a plastic sleeve for pick up later in the day or I can mail them out to you if you need to party on.
I won't be entering the competition, but it doesn't stop me from dressing up, it's a great time to have fun with fashion, you wouldn't wear very day of the week.
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