[twocol_one]Talk about last minute for a week of Flemington fashion that I knew a year ago that I would be attending. This seems to be a trend with me and I guess it’s a bit like unplanned nights out or fleeting holidays, they are always the best times. So heres to pulling together a weeks worth of fashion in a few days with express shipping my best friend or god forbid a trip to an actual store! Not for a second if you are also in this situation should you be freaking out, plenty of options and with a few rules to live by we will be fine.

The first day of the Carnival and naturally my favourite with the tradition being all things black and white- easy! My rules for all of the races and race wear events through the week are as follows : Keep the hemlines just under the knee or if above the knee make them structured and A-line, not only is it the most flattering length but when the Melbourne weather offers 4 seasons in one day the attempt to literally hold onto your hats, your clutch and then your cute floaty skirt as well may prove to be a challenging task. The midi skirt trend is happening so there are plenty of options from pencil to ball skirt which I am privy to both. I like a balancing act with races outfits as in if the skirts full give your waist some shape with a tucked in top or belted situation and with the slim pencil shape get some volume and structure through the top half of the look. Comprende? [/twocol_one] [twocol_one_last]With all of this said I have my last rule that I will stick by all week and that is do your own thing and stick to your personal style. If you don’t like florals don’t wear them just because Oaks day calls for lady like glamour. I am of course a lady and on my way (thanks to my Parisian sisters) to be as chic as all hell but my lady like style leans more to black lace or a structured jacket and pant combo with a bold lip and layered fine jewellery. Each to their own. I think that true style comes when you are pulling things from a few different brands and making accessories work hard. There is a lot more room for flavour when you scour the pages or racks (if thats your thing) for the pieces that catch your eye and trends filter from Chanel all the way to Asos so budget doesn’t stop anyone from styling looks. If all four days are on the cards for you and like me prefer to buy jeans and shirts over dresses and headwear Asos and Topshop chic is always a good idea.

Don’t be afraid to get your DIY on either. Mimco and Asos (Inside info, I have this) have options to build on to make what suits. A hair clip or headband to start and add the mesh veil on top or a piece of beautiful lace. If you can justify my favourite headwear designer is Nerida Winter with her hats the only ones that I think could work for my style. Edgy fascinators ticking my boxes. See you there. [/twocol_one_last]

CLUTCH Jimmy Choo | SKIRT Josh Goot |  HEELS Balenciaga | HEADPIECE Nerida Winter | CAMI topshop

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