TAB Betiquette – Spring Racing 2014

It is a truth universally acknowledged that I attend the races for the fashions, not the horses. In all my years of visiting Flemington, I am usually glued to the Myer Fashion on the Field stage, perusing the frocks and shocks that pass me by and writing a wish list in my head of all the stores I really need to visit to stock up my wardrobe.

sarah and jaimeeWith the TABs Jaimee Rodgers

I’m hoping this year will be different. You see, on Monday I met Jaimee Rodgers (famous TAB ad girl) and she shared a few tips and tricks about how to place a bet for this racing season. It was a truly delightful experience – all cupcakes and champagne in the Chairmans Lounge at Flemington – and I got to hold the golden cup to boot!

So, how does one place a bet on the Cup, or any other race over the Spring Racing Carnival? I’d suggest you start with a budget. Choose your spend for the day and stick to it.

KARON PHOTOGRAPHY -3699Thats the Melbourne Cup!! Wearing top by Barkins, skirt by Chicwish and shoes by Kmart. The glove goes with the cup… 

I like an each way bet generally (a win or a place, although $1 each way is not usually particularly profitable) but it means if your horse comes in 1st, 2nd or 3rd, you might make a pretty penny.

An Exacta, Trifecta and First 4 ask you to choose the first two, three or four horses in the right order, while a Quinella asks that you only pick two, that can finish in any order.

I personally liked the sound of a Box Trifecta – pick 3 horses that can finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd in any order – but of course the odds change according to the risk.

cupcakes

My thanks to the TAB and VRC for the invitation to the inaugural Betiquette luncheon. I do hope this is a Spring Racing carnival tradition in the making!

PS Gamble responsibly! x

  • 11 years ago
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Daily News – Spring Racing Millinery

Yesterday I attended the Myer Spring Fashion Lunch at Flemington and host Samantha Armytage was wearing an awesome fascinator. Or, headpiece, if you will.

Sam ArmytageSamantha Amytage wears Ann Shoebridge headpiece and Alex Perry dress. Image thanks to Donna Demaio

It took me several Instagram searches and a bit of googling to track down who had created said headpiece, before discovering it was made by milliner Ann Shoebridge.

dailypaper le monde

dailypaper

I ask you to admire this piece of millinery and its cleverness, playfulness and style, ahead of the Spring Racing Carnival, where no doubt many will not bother with headwear, or find something at a department store.

This bespoke piece is genius – and any who would like to donate to my Spring Racing Fund are welcome to help me pay for it.

  • 11 years ago
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Spring Racing Delivered

The last few weeks have truly shown me just how busy I am. And not that I can’t ‘make time’ if I really needed to, it’s more that sometimes, there are easier ways to do things. There are services that can assist in certain areas of your life. Like cleaners, and food delivery, and asking your friendly bar tender to post your mail.

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In this especially crazy Spring Racing period, the clever kids at Morgan & Taylor have introduced a super quick delivery service for Melbourne locals, ensuring that even when you forget an essential piece of your outfit, you can be assured they can take care of it – in a hurry.

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Order before 3pm on a business day (and be in the 3000-3006 or 3205 postcode areas) and you’ll have something fabulous for your head before bed. This offer is available right up until Derby Day, so no matter how busy you get, you don’t need to worry about your hat (and they have purses too!).

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As an avid fan of Morgan & Taylor for the past four years at Flemington, you know that these pieces are on trend, comfortable and fashion forward, sure to complete any race day outfit.

Shop online at www.morganandtaylor.com.au

  • 12 years ago
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Style Farm Spring Racing Shoot

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a princess. As I grew up, I realised that the chance of that happening were slim to none, and so I turned my attentions to being an actress or model. But since I’m not very tall, and not particularly talented in the drama space, I had to push that ambition to the side also, and focus on the things I was good at, like writing and being slightly amusing in person.

In the past few months, my inner child has been allowed out as Meagan Harding gave life to my long buried dreams of being a model. From the shots of me for this website, to my latest Spring Racing shoot, it has been THE BEST FUN to be in front of the camera. I’m too smiley to ever be successful on the catwalk, but maybe there is some life in this would be model yet.

Here are a few of my fave shots from the Spring Racing shoot. I totally encourage you to head to Meagan’s blog, Style Farm, and read about how she styled all the outfits and where you can get them yourself.

And if you once dreamed of being a model – don’t be shy – call Meagan and she’ll make you look like a superstar!

Danica Erard Millinery

Tallulah

APOM

Alex Perry

Stylestalker

 

 

  • 12 years ago
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The A-Z Of Spring Racing

I’m hanging out for the Spring Racing Carnival. It’s that one week of the year where fashion and sport become one, and the word ‘marquee’ doesn’t mean a plastic tent. You might remember I’ve been doing some writing for Urban List, so I put together your form guide on all things Spring Racing. You might like to take a look!

Spring Racing

This article first appeared on The Urban List, September 2013

The Spring Racing Carnival is so close I can almost smell the roses at Flemington. While you might not yet have the frock, or the hat, it’s never too early to start planning all the other stuff that comes with a season of fashion and horse racing.

So, to help with your preparation, we’ve put together an (almost) A to Z guide of where to shop, snack, sleep, indulge and imbibe during Spring Racing.
~
  • 12 years ago
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Spring Racing Carnival 2012 – Stakes Day

The races have been run, the fashions prizes decided and oodles of champagne has been consumed. The Spring Carnival is over and with it, another week of dresses, drunkenness and divas takes its place in the history of the race that stops a nation.

I prepared for Emirates Stakes Day in much the same way I had readied myself for the three days prior – by changing my outfit at the very last minute! The Oaks Day sunburn had caused a tiger like stripe on both my shoulders and the planned dress just wasn’t going to cut it.

Be Happy! at the Myer Marquee. Dress by Jolet, Facinator by Morgan & Taylor, Shoes from Paris, Bag is vintage.
 
New frock selected, emergency fascinator obtained and sheer willpower invested to get through the day in the chosen shoes and I set off for Flemington for one last hurrah.

Olivia and I on the Emirates Fashions on the Field stage
Having been absent on Stakes Day in my first year, and ill last year, I was truly looking forward to capping off the excellent week with my Fashions on the Field team, with our fingers crossed for the Myer Marquee – the holy grail for our team on that last Saturday.
 
The Stakes Day fashion competition featured families and children under 17 (in two categories, Junior and Senior) and while the littlies were too cute for words, some of the girls in the Senior category (13-17) probably needed someone to check their outfit before they left home. (I reiterate – they are 15, not 35!!)
Family Category Fashions on the Field Winners: Bobbi and Ben Edwards with Indi (Image thanks to Daily Telegraph)

The day was predicted to be fine and sunny, with a top of 20, so of course the first two hours were spent shivering through the wind chill in the shade. But of course the sun did come out and a perfect day was had weatherwise.
 
We started our off course antics at 3.30pm in the Fashions on the Field enclosure, toasting to a wonderful week with thanks all round. From here we headed to Emirates, who I must thank profusely for their hospitality this entire week.
Taking a load off at Emirates: L-R Olivia, Me, Emma and Elizabeth

After some of the divine food (and use of their plumbed loos!!) we were thrilled to be welcomed at Myer, a sublime florist-esque marquee complete with crystal champagne glasses and a pumping dance floor.

Champagne and fries. All kinds of classy.
 
There was heel kicking and letting of hair down and when the last song played closer to 7pm, we were definitely not ready to go home. Final drinks were had in the carpark on the way out, where friends had planned a picnic of champagne and sandwiches and shoes were finally taken off.
Emirates destinations. I know I’m ready for a holiday!
Another massive – but hugely enjoyable – week, made possible by MiNC events (thank you for having me for another year!), my VIP team Emma and Olivia (you are both too gorgeous for words, and special thanks to Liv for all the happy snaps this week!), Geoff & Dave at Morgan & Taylor for fitting me out with such beautiful headpieces, everyone who visited me over the week and Breece for putting up with curling tongs, hairspray clouds, shoes, handbag and dress explosions in our house and too many compaints about how much my feet hurt. 


Top: our amazing VIP team and Below: with Geoff from Morgan & Taylor

  • 12 years ago
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Spring Racing Carnival 2012 – Oaks Day

It is entirely possibly I have found the secret to success for a day at the races. It won’t win you any money, and it won’t win you Fashions on the Field, but after three days of being the door girl at Flemington and endless hours partying on afterwards, this secret might just be the key to making it through the week.

Yesterday morning I started my preparations to frock up for ladies day and faced a shoe dilemma. The nude patent pumps worked with the dress and the fascinator, but I knew from experience I couldn’t go the whole day in them.

Our fabulous Fashions on the Field team, from MiNC Events: L-R, Katie, Emma, Olivia, me, and Bridget.

Meanwhile, I had a lovely pair of flats in the same shade as the headpiece that would work a treat. Was I prepared to break the rules of fashion and go flat to Flemington?

I will say this – once you go flat, you’ll never go back.

Fashions on the Field VIP team: Olivia, Emma and I.
My outfit: Dress by Grazia for Target (belt included), Fascinator by Morgan & Taylor, Shoes by Tony Bianco, earrings by Diva.

Five hours in the sun on the door of the Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure was made all the more enjoyable by my personal comfort and heightened demeanor. Smiles all round.

And when the fashions were over and it was time to play, I traded the flats for the heels and went on my merry way.

Amy Robson, Myer Fashions on the Field National Winner, from NSW (Image thanks to The Age).

NSW took out the National Womens Racewear prize – a gorgeous Lexus among other goodies – and the Millinery Award was hard fought with over 60 entrants working their fingers to the bone to produce amazing creations and the chance to win a trip to London.

Olivia and I were thrilled to pop our heads into the Emirates Marquee for a glass of G.H. Mumm, before we stopped into Lexus for a drink and a dance. Our thanks to PPR Melbourne and Tink PR!) The fabulous were out in force as well, namely Cecylia, Phoebe of Lady Melbourne, Sarah of Style Melbourne, stylist Philip Boon, milliner Kerrie Stanley, Olympian James Tomkins and Grazia Fashion Editor Emma Read – who recognized my dress from the Grazia for Target collection, said it looked fab, and made my day.

With Olympic Rower James Tomkins. James wears a suit by bespoke tailor Adriano Carbone with 124 Shoes. And I’m standing two steps up!

Three days down. I am forever grateful that the weather has been as kind as it has this week, and only hope my back, feet, hair, skin and liver and prepared to put up with one more day of action. 

  • 12 years ago
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Spring Racing Carnival 2012 – Cup Day

It may be the race that stops a nation, but nothing stops a party faster than a few drops of rain. The weatherman had predicted showers and shower it did, once in the morning around 11am for ten minutes, and again after the race, sending the capacity crowd at Flemington running for cover. Thunder echoed across the racetrack as many a fashionista huddled under an umbrella, desperate to save a hairdo, suede shoe or white dress.

Watching the race that stops a nation from the Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure.

The fashions of the day called for bright colours and Flemington was awash with neon pink and acid yellow. Design Award winner Craig Braybrook put together a yellow and white look, while the Fashions on the Field winner for Cup Day, Lauren Andrews, was more demure in chartreuse and navy. 

With Fashions on the Field winner, Lauren Andrews

After changing outfits at the eleventh hour on Derby Day (always remember to try on the frock with the right underwear with PLENTY of time to shop if need be), I had played dress ups on Monday with my Cup outfit and discovered the belt I wanted to wear could nearly wrap around me twice. A quick visit to the guy who fixes my shoes and my belt – together with an array of other pink hued accessories – was ready to go.

Cup Day colour: Dress by ASOS (Australian Edit), Shoes by Novo, Fascinator by Morgan & Taylor, Earrings by Diva.

But it wouldn’t be ‘me’ if there wasn’t something amiss and little did I know, I put my Morgan & Taylor headpiece on backwards! How was I supposed to know it had a ‘right’ or a ‘wrong’ way? I laughed it off and figured that with all the crazy and kooky headpieces getting around the track, I doubted anyone would have any the wiser.

Enjoying the high life in the Emirates Marquee! (And remembering the importance of hydration!)

Following a successful morning of fashion, my partner in crime and I headed to the Emirates Marquee in the birdcage where we enjoyed all the wonderful things I had been teased with at the launch. Cocktails, delicious desserts and a sighting of Mischa Barton. Day made!

  • 12 years ago
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Spring Racing Carnival 2012 – Derby Day

Rumour has it, Derby Day is notorious for being damp and miserable, however my experience proves that this just isn’t the case. Today, and last year, I have gotten burnt on Derby Day (yes I wore sunscreen but when you DIY you are bound to miss spots!) in the most amusing patterns and shapes. 

Derby Day: Dress by Ojay, Shrug by Temt, Shoes by Tony Bianco, Facinator thanks to Morgan & Taylor.

Today I am sporting a patch of sunburn on my neck, neatly lined with the stripe of my lanyard, and what I feel has to be wind burn based on the tightness of my forehead. The day was indeed spectacular weatherwise (and there will be many a sore bod and head because of it!) but as it so often does, sunshine brings out the silly in many and it was in abundance today. (Take note ladies walking home in bare feet!)

Derby Day in the Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure. Olivia looking super!

Meanwhile, the sensible among us frocked up and hit up Fashions on the Field, where Lisa Welling took out the Derby Day prize in Toni Maticveski. No stranger to Fashions on the Field, Lisa has been in the preliminary finals before. As I have the past two years, I am working at Fashions on the Field again, manning the VIP entrance to the enclosure. As you may have heard, this year we are celebrating 50 years of fashions on the field, which is an amazing achievement! Gorgeous black and white prints adorn the walls in the backstage area this year.

Olivia and I in traditional Black and White.

And once the fashions were over for the day, the exhaustion of two big days caught up with me and I was ready to head home.

Late Mail Luncheon: Olivia and I frocking up on a Friday. Olivia’s dress by Liza Emanuele. My dress is Dion Lee for Cue, Shoes by Toni Maticveski for Siren, headband by Diva.

Two big days? Well, yesterday I went along to the Late Mail Luncheon as a guest of Olivia Nunn, whom I share the Fashions on the Field door girl stage with. Liv is an Adelaide racing celeb in her own right and was a guest of honour at the luncheon – now if that doesn’t call for a few champers, what does?

One day down and three to go. So many more dress dilemmas, picking a winner and the fantastic Peter Rowland raspberry macaroons to come!

  • 12 years ago
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Spring Racing Carnival 2012 Musings

It is a truth universally acknowledged that many people simply do not know how to hold a wine glass properly, and as we enter the Spring Racing season, it seems timely that someone needs to tell those poor, poorly dressed girls just how it’s done. After all, they shouldn’t want to draw more attention to themselves in those patent platform pumps and polyester nightclub dresses – do they?

So it seems that many a punter believes that the best way to hold a wine glass is to envelope the bowl of the glass with your hand. How common.

THIS IS NOT HOW IT IS DONE!!!

How it should be done.
Red, white, rose, bubbles – I don’t care what you are drinking, the glass should ALWAYS be held by the stem. And if it feels unsteady? It’s probably too full. After all, a wine glass should only be a quarter to a third full.

The reason why we hold by the stem? Holding the bowl of a white wine or champagne flute warms the beverage, and no one likes warm bubbles! As for reds, holding by the stem minimises fingerprints and allows you to see the colour of the wine. Particularly lovely when it catches the sun.

Of course, cocktails are another kettle of fish all together – martini glasses can be held by the stem but are often filled to the brim (tread carefully if you have had a few of these!) and tall glasses offer no other option that to hold the vessel fully in the palm of your hand.

Cocktails. Make sure you have a manicure worthy of such gorgeous drinks. With Erica and Phoebe.
My recommendation? Find yourself a possie on a stool next to a bar or tall table in the Schweppes Flemington Fling bar. Choose a cocktail simply because they are prettier, and place it on the surface, procure a straw and elegantly perch yourself there for the remainder of the day. This will eliminate stumbles, spills, warm drinks and the likelihood or running into anyone wearing the same outfit as you.

Would you like the chance to go attend Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington for you and a friend? Test your wine glass holding skills and have a reason to buy a new frock? (And shoes too if you are planning on wearing the aforementioned patent platform pumps). I suggest a wedge shoe, a pop of colour for your dress and a headpiece designed to dazzle.

Simply comment below with your biggest races faux pas. Go on – Spill! And don’t forget your email address or Twitter handle so I can get in touch if you are the lucky winner! Drawn 30 October by random selection; prize is one double pass to the General Admission area of Flemington for Melbourne Cup Day (including the Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar), Tuesday 6 Nov.

  • 13 years ago
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