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. 

As you may have read, I have a part in planning the Be Wines Launch party and by the looks of things, whoever wins, is going to have a brilliant time. That goes for you guys too, because some of you will be able to attend this fab soiree!

So I want to know – what do you like? What don’t you? What would you like to see at a launch party that you have always dreamt of?

I’m envisioning the outdoors for my Be. Fresh green theme, with lot’s of plants and fresh flowers. Of course, I love the eco side of green as well and have planned recyclable furniture, utensils and decor to suit. 

Green food doesn’t have to be healthy, although it certainly helps my plans for a bikini body! There are some yummy things on my menu that I hope you will enjoy too.

And when it comes to music, you can’t go past the fresh beats of the girls from Kolors. We’ll be having a rocking garden party if I ever saw one.

There are just a few days left until the shortlist is created so speak now about what you’d like to see at your party – or forever hold your peace!

I wonder if there is room left in the budget for a party dress?

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!

This incredible creation won the Design Award at yesterdays Fashions of the Field, created by none other than the superbly talented Craig Braybrook, who I was thrilled to be able to congratulate personally after the event. Craig put this stunning outfit together in just four days, with hat by Kerrie Stanley Millinery. Modelled by the gorgeous Mary Vitinaros who was lovely enough to pose for a photo with us too. (She is sooooo tall in those shoes!)

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!

Derby Day Fashions on the Field Winner, Lisa Welling, in Toni Maticveski.
Image thanks to Herald Sun. 

Check out this make up and styling tutorial inspired by Be. Fresh – the theme for my launch party for Be. Wines.

Don’t forget to check out my Pinterest boards for inspiration and send me anything you’d like to see at the party!

Going to the races is a stack of fun. I’ve done it for a few years now (look out for me at Fashions on the Field next week!) but I will confess that after a week of frocks and fascinators, there comes a point where all you want to do is lie on the couch with a cold compress on your head and take a deep breath.

So, is it bad that 4 days before the official race week even starts, I feel that way? There has already been a fair bit of dressing up and donning a hat this year, and I’m just kinda tired. I’m sure you understand. All I want is a cocktail and a beach and a few minutes to myself.

How about one out of three?

Having been introduced to the Flemington Fling cocktail at the Melbourne Cup preview day Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar, I was thrilled when I received a kit to DIY the fling at home. With everything I needed to create my cocktail/couch/compress, I teamed up with girlfriends to create the ultimate stay at home ‘night in’.

Take one part vodka, two parts Schweppes Agrum Blood Orange, some lime juice and mint leaves and hey presto, you have yourself a party.

Of course, I was educated about ‘clapping’ mint leaves on this particular occasion (who knew that was how the aroma was released?) and that two pizzas is never enough when paired with vodka.

If you can’t make it to the races this year (or even if you would just rather stay at home!) try a Flemington Fling in the comfort of your living room. I’ll even send you a copy of the cocktail recipe book, lovingly put together for you by Schweppes. (Seriously, if you would like a cocktail recipe book, please leave me your postal address in the comments!)

Alternatively, win tickets to Melbourne Cup Day here!

I get to do some very cool stuff as a blogger. I get invited to fabulous events, get sent amazing products and I get to meet exciting people.

So after three and a half years of blogging about all this great stuff, I have finally been invited to help plan a fabulous event, launching an amazing product that will host very exciting people. You guys!

Confused? Don’t be.

The newest wine brand to hit Australian shores, Be. Wine, is launching in our fine country very soon and to celebrate, the Be. Wine team have invited six bloggers, myself included, to help plan a spectacular launch party.

There are three varieties of wine – Be. Fresh, Be. Breezy and Be. Luscious – and three bloggers each in Melbourne and Sydney. We each have a variety of wine that’s been paired with a colour and using Pinterest, we get to plan how best to celebrate the launch.

Everything from decor, food, music, gift bags, the location – EVERYTHING – needs to be planned by us.

The winning ‘designer’ will then host the launch party on the 29th of November 2012, attended by 40 of our friends and some other special guests.

So who are these fab bloggers I’ll be competing against?

In Melbourne, my friends Sarah of SyleMelbourne.com – Be. Luscious (Yellow) and Cecylia of Cecylia.com – Be. Breezy (Pink) will be head to head with me, planning the Be. Fresh (Green) party.

In Sydney, Maria Gallifuoco of FashionFazer.com – Be. Fresh (Green), Sarah Goodwin of SarahG2747.com – Be. Breezy (Pink) and Monique Friedlander of SneakPeek.360fashion.net – Be. Luscious (Yellow) will be fighting it out.

The winner will be announced on the 16th of November and you can play along at home by checking out the challenge on the Be. Facebook page, the Be. Pinterest page or the Be. Twitter account.

Of course, I’d love to hear your thoughts as well, so if you see something or have an idea for the party, please do send things through!

Looking forward to celebrating with you all soon!

Visit my Pinterest page here – http://pinterest.com/sarahsemporium/

Every once in a while, it’s hard to not feel like this whole fashion caper isn’t a little bit superficial. With all the stats about sustainability and the clothing industry flying around – I’m sure you’ve heard about the tonnes of unwanted clothes that end up in landfill every year – my mind often wanders to the ‘how can we fix this?’ conundrum.

While the brand I’m going to tell you about today are not going to fix this problem either, they have at least considered the world when producing their products and developed a program that fits the ‘how can we help?’ bill.

TOMS make shoes and sunnies. It’s as simple as that. But their innovative One for One program means that for every pair of shoes you buy, they’ll give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. And for every pair of sunnies sold, they’ll give sight to someone, through prescription glasses, surgery or medical treatment.

The One for One program is the initiative of founder Blake Mycoskie, who wanted to help create a better tomorrow. As at October 2011, TOMS had given away over 2 million pairs of shoes to children in need in over 40 countries. Amazing.

So this week, TOMS launched in Australia, with a function at Speakeasy in South Yarra. Their business philosophies were clear and it was a thrill to discover that maybe fashion isn’t so superficial after all.

And by the way, the shoes – and sunnies – are pretty awesome too.