Derby Day Daaaaaarling!!

Early last week I was comparing the Polo to the Horse Races, so off I trotted (get it, trot... like a horse! ha) to Royal Randwick's Derby Day to see for myself exactly which I prefer.

Well dear readers, I have to say it is a tie. I love both the Polo and the Horse Races equally. There is a lot that differentiates them. For example, the Polo usually only has two games per day and each game goes for 90 minutes. The horse races run all day and in quick sprints so you can weave your way up and down the track all day without missing a thing. Total.

I have to say Derby Day was a much classier event then some horse races I have been to in the past. We were lucky enough to have media tickets which allowed us into the Member's area, including the Veuve garden (oh la la) and we "may" have snuck our way into a tent (surprisingly snore worthy), however, I have to say out on the lawn in front of the track was my absolute favourite place to be.

Everyone is in a great mood, the boys are suited up and the sparkles are flowing. It's a great vibe and a lot of fun!!

The key to Derby Day, dear readers, is to come dressed in your finest black and white outfits, and unlike the Polo, heels are a MUST!

Do not, I repeat, do not, make the mistake of wearing a brightly colored dress like I have done in the past. You will be tut-tutted all day and who doesn't enjoy taking part in a theme. Also, when it comes to fascinators and hats, just say YES!! At what other event do you get to plonk something fabulously flamboyant on your head?!

I was very lucky to be invited to the media call in the Vogue/David Jones/GQ Style Stakes tent and not only did I score myself the latest copy of Vogue (hurrah!), but also a quick interview with the divinely stunning David Jones Ambassador Samantha Harris (Video to come, so stay tuned!).

Here are Samantha's three top tips for the races..

1. Wear a comfortable pair of heels. Every girls loves to pick the perfect shoes to go with the perfect outfit, but if you haven't worn in a pair of shoes, don't bother. It is a long day and you don't want to spend it in pain.

2. When it comes to putting on your hat or fascinator, get the hairdresser to put it on for you. They will place it so it will sit correctly and it won't fall out during the day.

3. Just have fun!!

Oh Sam! I am seriously girl crushing on her at the moment! Not only is she crazy tall and flawlessly beautiful, but she was surprisingly lovely and so well-spoken! Totes besties!

Here are some more tips to help you work that Race Day like nobody's business!

1. Always wear heels

2. Don't take your heels off. Under no circumstances. Don't be "that" girl holding her shoes on the walk to the taxi line. Suck it up, drink a pain-numbing glass of sparkles and soldier on! Ooh also invest in some foot pads that you stick into the sole of your shoes. They work wonders.

2. If you are wearing a dress that can't be worn with a bra, go to "Bras' and Things'"and pick yourself up some adhesive uplift stickers. Seriously they are easy to put on, hide the fripples, and keep your bustier in place the whole day. Ahh-maze!!

3. Stick to the theme. If it's Black and White, wear black and white! Who doesn't love a theme?? Have fun with it!

4.  Invest in a mani and pedi. You will be holding a drink of some form, so why not show-off those pinkies!

5. Freshen up your makeup at the sponsored stands placed around the racecourse. Let's face it, you're going to smudge or wear off your makeup during the day, and yes you may feel a little silly sitting in the makeup chair, but you get expert advice and you save the embarrassment of popping up in a facebook pic looking a little worse for wear.
Derby Day was sponsored by Clinique and they even give you a little gift bag filled with makeup goodness (loving life!)

6. Attend the after party. Everyone is in fine form, there is a DJ, and you can dance however you like because everyone is too tipsy to judge.

What I wore:
- Dress by Trelise Cooper (black and white theme)
- Chanel handbag (circa 3 seasons ago, but what I love about Chanel is that it never goes out of date! Oh Coco you know the way to my heart.. just not my bank balance)
- Black high heels from Tony Bianco. Super high, yet they still made me look like a midget next to Samantha humpfff!

Whoever said French sparkles doesn't give you a hangover... lied!!