The Fashions on the Field Competition is where you’ll always find me on race day and the Toowoomba Weetwood is the highlight of my racing calendar. Each racing event I attend, I fashion together an outfit that suits my colouring, body shape, and the seasonality of the race day.  This year, I fell in love with a piece of millinery and developed my idea around the headpiece.

A closer look at my millinery, created by Johanna Guerin called “Autumn Cascade”. Stunning velvet creation adorned with little orange butterflies. @johannaguerinmilliner

Image Credit: @my_art_of_style

This years’ main event – the  FOTF competition of course – was outstanding and each and every one of the finalists could have won.

Image Credit: @winnewstoowoomba

However, when you put that many excellent arrangements of clothing, millinery and accessories together, it gets a little bit harder! The judging panel had a tough decision to make, with guest celebrity judge Apollo Jackson admitting, “It was the hardest thing I have ever had to judge in my life!” Luckily, there were 5 judges in total to rely on for a fair result.

The outcome: 3 stunning, feminine race day outfits with unique millinery that suited the wearer and complimented their overall look.

Image Credit: @milanoimai
Left to right – Karen Wade (1st Runner Up), Emma Clarke (Winner), Anna Lukyanova (2nd Runner Up)

The Winners

Weetwood Fashions on the Field Winner – Emma Clarke

Image Credit: @missemmac

Emma was wearing an Alex Perry nude dress, with Portmans leather jacket, Christian Louboutin heels, Olga Berg clutch and Allport Millinery boater designed specifically for Emma’s outfit. A very elegant take on Autumn race wear, wouldn’t you say?

Weetwood Fashions on the Field 1st Runner Up – Karen Wade

Image Credit: @milanoimai

Karen is wearing a Veronika Maine skirt and top, Allport Millinery headpiece, Best Dressed Accessories clutch and broach (used as a belt clasp), Lovisa earrings, The Iconic heels and blue ribbon for added detail at the neckline. Personally, I love colour and for me, this outfit was put together in a way that shows exquisite flair for combining a classical look with a modern twist. That gold turban is really something special.

Weetwood Fashions on the Field 2nd Runner Up – Anna Lukyanova

Image Credit: @style_by_annalucky

Anna is wearing a Roksanda Ilincic dress, Anna & Fleur Sunflower head piece and Gucci heels. This really is a show stopping outfit. The colours in the millinery match the dress so well and the leather flower is a very impressive creation by Anna herself.

The Judges

Image Credit: @abraham_lewis

From left to right – Constance Bailey, Abraham Lewis, Apollo Jackson, Milano Imai & Amanda Thurbin

Judges Outfits (in alphabetical order)

Constance Bailey – the 2018 ‘Face of Weetwood’

Image Credit: @constancebaileyx

Constance is wearing a Thurley dress, Lady and the Fox accessories, Ava Jaxon custom Crown and Earrings. Her hair was also done by Minx Contemporary Boutique and Makeup by Mirror Mirror.  This delicate white outfit was fresh and pretty; just the right shape and style for Constance.

Milano Imai – Fashions on the Field Expert Blogger

Image Credit: @milanoimai

Milano was wearing a Thurley dress (hired from Glam Corner), millinery made by herself, Big W heels, Adorne clutch, Colette Hayman earrings. Milano expressed that she has a rule for herself – never skimp on hair.  So she had her favourite hair dresser Kirsten Carosi style her hair before she left the Gold Coast. A good up-do adds polish to any race day outfit. Definitely worth the effort, don’t you think?

Apollo Jackson –Bachelorette Star, Musician & Professional Magician

Image Credit: @my_art_of_style

Pictured here with myself, Apollo is wearing The Highbury paisley shirt, Kyle reversible belt, Chelsea stretch one button suit and Bedlam Boot in black. Apollo mentioned he purchased this all from the Johnny Big collection, which is fantastic if you are taller with broad shoulders. A grey or blue suit is perfect for daytime wear and the black shirt underneath really makes his look more stylish.

Abraham Lewis – Style Influencer in Men’s Fashion

Image Credit: @abraham_lewis

Abraham took a really detailed selfie here and I am so grateful that you can see how well he has put it together. He is wearing a Peter Jackson three-piece wool suit, Charles Tyrwhitt shirt, Bows-N-Ties wool-silk blend tie, plus a pair of his favourite brogue shoes. As you can see here, the tie and pocket square don’t have to match, they just need to compliment the rest of the suit. The pocket square has both the blue of the suit and the darker red of the tie. At FOTF you really can’t go wrong with a three-piece suit; it’s a very dapper look.

Amanda Thurbin – Owner of Laser Clinics Australia Toowoomba

Image Credit: @amanda_t_lcatwba

Amanda is wearing a Scanlan Theodore dress, Morgan & Taylor veil headpiece, Zimmerman heels, Mimco clutch, and a fur stole which belonged to her great-grandmother! You simply can’t go wrong with this beautiful rendition of a classic race wear look; the fur stole really takes it to a whole new level.  The hues in the fur are a subtle and complimentary shade to the dress, making it a good choice that doesn’t overpower the entire look. Very stylish.

Over the years, I have made friends at FOTF competitions, sharing a passion for elegance, style and millinery, we enjoy a catch up at local race days and discuss our outfits with fresh enthusiasm each time.

Image Credit: @my_art_of_style

Verelle O’Shanesy, myself and Amie Barclay having a chat before the competition begins. All three of us made it to finals of FOTF this year which was very exciting!

Verelle, is wearing her own millinery ( @verelleoshanesymillinery ) – disc design in black, nude and red leather with hand tooled leather flowers – a dress she also made herself with embossed velvet flowers which she also appliquéd to the dress in places too, plus she’s carrying an Adorne bag which she altered to suit her outfit.

Amie is wearing an Asos dress which she added the fringe to, plus added dyed laced panelling to the open back. The necklace is also sewn on so that it stayed in place and Amie also painted the flowers in her Millinery by Mel halo crown. She also carried an Olga Berg clutch and wore Missguided heels.

My outfit is comprised of millinery and matching bag from Johanna Guerin ( @johannaguerinmilliner ) – named “Autumn Cascade” my headpiece was made from hand wired flowers and leaves, with circling butterflies taking it to new heights –  my dress was from Shieke but I replaced the fabric belt with this rose gold option from Forever New so that complimented the colour from my headpiece, and I wore Wittner nude laser cut floral heels.

The driving gloves we’re all carrying can be found in specialty boutiques or online and come in a wide range of colours too.

Many people say at weddings, balls and fundraisers, that they just love an excuse to get dressed up. Well I invite anyone with a passion and flair for fashion to enter FOTF, even just once. Come join us and experience the thrill of competing in the styling stakes – you’ll have found your ‘tribe’ of fellow FOTF devotees and the day will be so much more enjoyable

Two things I will promise you: you’ll never break even, but you’ll have so much fun that you’ll be back again for the next round!