(Photo:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-canberra)Stacey Hanley has placed second at Fashions in the Field at Derby Day in Melbourne – and she did it in the same dress that won her a prize in New Zealand.
The Auckland hairdresser won the supreme award at Auckland Racing Club’s March competition. That victory meant she qualified to try her luck in Melbourne, and even before the main event, she’s had a great result.
Hanley says there’s no rule against repeating outfits, and with Melbourne Cup Day yet to come, she thought her Toni Mateveski number could do with another outing.
„Some people only put one outfit together for the season and wear it to all the fashion events,“ she said.
Hanley’s black and white outfit was praised by judges at Ellerslie for its blend of modernity and old-world style.
They called it „modern and directional, but with a touch of old-style Hollywood glamour.“
Hanley said the ultimate race day outfit is one „that makes you feels comfortable and confident… Race day fashion has an emphasis on more fabric and less flesh.“
Melbourne crowds tend to be very fashion forward, she said, but „this means you can be bold and out-there with your outfit.“
She also recommends a comfortable heel height and long-wearing makeup.
Hanley will compete on Melbourne Cup Day itself on Tuesday. She’ll be joined by Canterbury dairy farmer Katie Flett, who values the opportunity to get a bit glamorous.
„I love celebrating being a woman and embracing my femininity. It’s a wonderful creative outlet,“ she said.Read more at:red cocktail dress