Cairns Amateurs 2016 Wrap Day 1

What happens when you mix three action packed days in Cairns, a whole lotta fun and five functions?You get a lot of outfit panic at the Carlton Mid Cairns Amateurs Carnival!I was lucky enough to head up to Cairns to enjoy my fourth carnival and be a part of the judging panel for the QT Port Douglas Fashions on the Field. For those of you that aren't familiar with the Cairns Amateurs Carnival it is held over three days with two days of racing, a Ladies High Tea, Cocktail Party and a Ball.Flying in from Melbourne and landing late in Cairns on Wednesday night I was up early to attend the Cairns Central Ladies Fashion High Tea. As the name says, fashion was the focus of the event, with a long catwalk and non-stop parades throughout the morning featuring fashion from Cairns Central, Anthea Crawford, Kim Fletcher and incredible local Cairns designers and milliners. Being a racing event there was a best dressed competition too- each table nominated one person to go up on stage to be a part of the competition with the winner taking home $1000 gift voucher from Anthea Crawford.

After the fun of the morning was over it was time to go back to my hotel to relax and get ready for the Reef Hotel Casino President's Welcome Cocktail Party.This cocktail party is the official start to the Cairns Amateurs Carnival. Held for members and VIPs it was the perfect way to meet some of the people that make the Cairns Amateurs Carnival happen each year and celebrate the carnival in a relaxed and stylish way. Usually held outdoors on the roof top deck of the Reef Hotel and Casino, grey angry looking clouds forced the event to be moved indoors. With live music, canapes and flowing drinks the slight shift in surroundings didn't affect an enjoyable evening with great company.Stay tuned for the rest of my Cairns Amateurs wrap!By Angela Menz 

High Fashion High Tea for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week presented by Kangan Institute and the Westin Melbourne

What happens when you combine Kangan Institute millinery students, graduates and high tea at The Westin? You get one fabulous perfect afternoon! I was thrilled to be invited as a guest to enjoy an indulgent high tea whilst checking out a showcase parade from Kangan Institute's graduates and current students.Hosted as a part of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week in The Westin's Lobby Lounge, the space was decked out with displays of millinery and piles of delectable savoury and sweet treats.

Thank you to Kangan Institute for having me along for the afternoon, and the generous sponsors who provided all attendees with a gift bagBy Angela Menz 

2016 Myer Fashions on the Field National Competition

Want to keep track of the Myer Fashions on the Field National Competition? This post will be updated as each finalist is revealed...STATE FINAL 1: QueenslandEvent date: Saturday, January 9. Gold Coast Turf Club at Magic Millions raceday.Judging panel: Viktoria Novak (Myer Milliner), Jackie Frank (Group Publisher at Pacific Magazines), Edwina Robinson, Adrian Norris (Directors/ Designers from Aje) Lizzie Stafford (Courier Mail Fashion Editor)State finalist: Inessa McIntyre from Benowa (yes she's a Queenslander!).Outfit details: Inessa wore a Versace signature patterned blouse with a black and gold striped skirt from a designer in the Ukraine. Her head was adorned with a bright and bold yellow flower headpiece with butterflies on it. Her shoes matched her headpiece perfectly with Inessa wearing yellow pumps with butterflies on the back. There must be a special mention of her hair- she had little curls of plaits all around the front of her face. Prizes: The main prize of course is a coveted place in the National Myer Fashions on the Field competition which includes  a 10-night trip to the Melbourne Cup Carnival and automatic entry into the women’s national FOTF final on Oaks Day. $2,000 to spend at Myer, a 2-night luxury getaway at the Marriott, a Zara Phillips Collection by Calleija white gold and white diamond ‘Saddle’ Pendant and matching earring set valued at $11,600, a $200 gift card from Review, an Antler luggage pack and a Jero (that’s 3L) of Moët & Chandon.Runners-up: in 2nd place was Yvette Hardy in a full skirt dress by Maticevski and a swirl of millinery from Rebecca Share.3rd place went to Gracyn Masterson in a patterened Alice McCall top and matching skirt with striking millinery by SonliaSTATE FINAL 2: South AustraliaEvent date: Monday, March 14, Morphettville Racecourse SAJudging Panel: Kris Smith- Myer Ambassador, Kim Fletcher- Milliner, Anna Vlach- Fashion Editor or the Adelaide Advertiser, Cimon Vozzo- Fashion Editor The Sunday MailState Finalist: Courtney Moore 23 from Victoria.Outfit Details: Navy raised front, mid calf skirt from Ellery. Cut out top from Alice McCall and co-ordinating Moore Millinery percher style headpiece (Courtney's mum is one talented milliner!)Prizes: taking home prizes worth over $10,000 Courtney will of course enjoy a 10 day trip to the Melbourne Cup Carnival including flights, accomodation and ticketing. She will represent South Australia at the National Final of Myer Fashions on the Field on Oaks Day.Runners Up: 2nd place Kristie Edwards, 3rd place Crystal KimberBy Angela Menz