Dressing for a day at the Races

Well summer has finally arrived in the UK, which means the round of summer events can begin, as summer doesn’t last long here, we like to make the most of the time by attending, picnics, fete’s, polo, boating events, weddings and days out at the races, primarily we love Ladies Day at Ascot.

As Ascot is just in a couple of weeks’ time, I thought it was a good time to start thinking about what you’re going to wear, so hear is a quick race-goers guide to looking good at the races.

I always think that a hat can make or break an outfit when I look through the magazines at pictures of the races every year. So take some time to invest in a great hat.

For those of you who are lucky to be invited into the Royal Circle at Ascot, take your cue from the royals who do formal wear like no one else.

 Formal wear is a requirement for the Royal Enclosure which means:

•   Dresses and skirts should be a modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater
• Jackets and pashmina’s may be worn but the dresses should still follow the above guidelines.
• Trousers suits are acceptable as long as they are full length and are of matching materials and colour.
• Hats should be worn at all times, if wearing a headpiece, it should have a base of t least 10cm in diameter. Fascinators are no longer allowed in the Royal Enclosure and grandstand arrears. 

Those of you who are in the Grandstand enclosure, the dress code is still formal as above, here are a few extra things to avoid.

• Strapless or sheer strap dress are not to be worn.
• Midriffs should be covered.
• Fascinators are not permitted.
• Shorts are a definite no, no.

Here are some outfits to avoid:

In the Silver ring and Heath enclosures, there is no formal dress code applies, however it is encourages that you wear smart clothing. Remember that fancy dress is never allowed!

A quick note for the men in the Royal Enclosure, you should be wearing a morning suit in grey or black with a black or grey top hat. All suits must have a waistcoat and tie. Otherwise in all other enclosures a suit and tie is a must.

 If you can invest in a great outfit for the races, the outfit can be used again on other occasions such as a wedding, christening etc. So here are some outfits that can be mixed and matched and used again.

  

If you’re going to the races this year, drop us a line on Facebook and let us know what you’re wearing or even better post a picture of your outfit.

Summer here we come!

T-Shirts Gone Mad!

I do love fashion with so many different trends and colours from so many designers, there is always something to fit everyone's taste and budget.

I sometimes think that  we spend too much money and go overboard on buying fashion items we don't really need. Even if I was a millionaire, I still wouldn't spend money for certain things, like cat-ear headbands for £660.00 (Maison Michel).

Hermes Crocodile T-shirt $91,500.00

I was reading an article recently that reminded me just how frivolous the fashion industry can be.  Hermes is selling a crocodile skin men's T-shirt for $91,500.00 or £59,784! Yes 91 thousand dollars! it's not a typing error but the cost of a t-shirt.

Gucci blk leather t-shirt

No one would think we are in a double dip recession, clearly the fashion industry clearly thinks there are still people out there who can afford and want to pay such a huge some of money for t-shirt. Fashion industry insiders think that Hermes are aiming their crocodile t-shirt at the middle eastern market

Maison Martin Margiela t-shirt

Who pays nearly £60,000.00 on a t-shirt? in certain parts of the country I can buy a house for that. I thought when I saw the black leather t-shirts being sold by Gucci and Maison Martin Margiela for around £1000.00 that was pushing the boat out a bit but £91,000 grand! I personally would want it to be made from Platinum for that price...

Lanvin White t-shirt

It would seem the humble t-shirt has indeed been turned into haute couture in 2013 with many fashion houses embracing the trend. Lanvin has embellished white t-shirts on sale from £450.00 - £1485.00. Although I can imagine people saving for rising star Simone Rocha luxurious sheer daisy print t-shirts for £695.00. 

But are shoppers really willing to spend this kind of money on a wardrobe staple?

Simone Rocha daisy print £695.00

Michael Van Der Ham £1705

After asking friends and acquaintances no one I know would spend that much on a t-shirt. I hope this is a time when common sense prevails over crazy fashion prices in 2013.


Would you buy a crocodile t-shirt for £59,784?  

Let me know what you think, post a comment below.