Derby Darling

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Dress: Anthea Crawford neoprene & organza

Heels: Emerson @ Big W patent

Clutch: Fairmart chrome & vinyl

Cuff: Gian Paolo Maria from Lannah Dunn silver, semi-precious stone & crystal

Ring: Swarovski silver, semi-precious stone & crystal

Headpiece: Gift, satin & faux floral

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The Spring Racing Carnival is here again & one of the most prestigious events on the calendar is Derby Day, known for its distinctive black & white dress code & feature race boasting prize money of over one million dollars. Although I can't be in Melbourne for the event, I was lucky enough to attend a pre-Derby Day luncheon & fashion show full of inspirational monochromatic looks capable of turning even the most distinguished heads at Flemington! 

For such a special event I really pulled out all the stops, enhancing this amazing neoprene & organza 50s style dress (with bow at the back) from Anthea Crawford with a pair of shiny black patent closed-toe platforms by Emerson @ Big W & kitschy vinyl box clutch with chrome clasp & iconic Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's picture on each side. The entire effect was very whimsical & almost doll-like; a comparison I seem to receive regularly regardless of what I'm wearing! 

When it came to jewellery, these special 3oth-birthday-present pieces were ideal: the chunky silver cuff with an eclectic mix of inlaid semi-precious stones & crystals, handmade by Gian Paolo Maria in Paris & seemingly-matching Swarovski cocktail ring for a touch of daytime sparkle.

Of course, it wouldn't be Spring Racing without the headpiece - in this case a crown of black roses for texture & the illusion of height. 

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It goes without saying that November needn't be the only time of the year to dress up in exquisite frocks & don some fabulous heels... After all, Christmas is just around the corner & there's bound to be all manner of parties & events where something that-little-bit-extra-special is required! That being said, here are a few pictures of the look sans headpiece... & stay tuned over the coming days to check out how I style the dress with edgy accessories for Neil Diamond's Brisbane Concert...

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