Race That Stops A Nation

 

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Dress: Sacha Drake jacquard

Heels: Wittner leather, elastic

Clutch: Gift, Alannah Hill beaded

Headband: Lovisa mesh

Bangles: Gift, vintage silver (from India)

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Although I didn't attend as many Spring Racing Carnival events this year as I normally would due to a packed work schedule, it didn't make my outfit for the "Race That Stops A Nation" or the raceday celebrations any less special! For the occasion - bubbly & a bit of a flutter for charity - I wore a stunning navy blue & silver floral jacquard fit-to-flare gown with asymmetrical neckline from Australian designer Sacha Drake, styled up with a pair of black leather & elastic gladiator-style stiletto heels from Wittner for an unexpected bohemian touch, a silver art-deco style silver & black beaded envelope clutch from Alannah Hill that my parents gave me as a birthday present a few years ago, a black mesh headband with rosette detailing from Lovisa (hiding in a box in the back of my closet for at least ten years, which is why I try to hold on to as much stuff as possible... you never know when it will come in handy for a look) to continue to evoke the "roaring twenties" vibe & finally, two chunky vintage silver bangles that a dear friend brought back from a trip to India to complete the look & add some daytime shine.

Scroll down to see more of the ensemble in these pictures taken under the breathtaking tree arch at a local park...

LBD

 

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Dress: City Chic satin, mesh, embroidery

Jacket: Tree of Life woven cotton

Heels: Kitten D'Amour patent vegan leather, suede, buttons, bows

Bag: Kitten D'Amour natural woven straw, resin

Hinged Bangle: Oxfam hinged bangle

Bangle with Charms: Gift, Pandora silver, onyx

Ring: Gift, Pandora silver, onyx

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While it's true that I absolutely adore colour, sometimes it's nice to style up a look that's a little more classic & a lot more muted. Case in point: this absolutely stunning ensemble that I wore to enjoy a recent ballet performance in my beloved River City. I'm wearing a divine black floral embroidered mesh empire-line maxi dress with sweet sheer straps & soft satin lining from City Chic, a monochrome ikat woven cotton cropped jacket from Tree of Life to ward off the chill in the air, a pair of black vegan suede & off-white vegan patent t-bar heels with buttons & bows & matching woven straw handbag with black resin beaded handle from retro-inspired Australian label Kitten D'Amour, a silver hinged bangle from Oxfam that I've had since my year 12 formal (& still love just as much as the day I proudly carried it home) & finally, matching silver & onyx charm bangle & ring from Pandora to complete the look.

Scroll down to see more...