Flemington Autumn Fashion Instagram Competition

Recognising that the vast majority of us are Instagram addicts (not me - damn Windows 7 Nokia!), the VRC have introduced an ingenious competition for the Festival of Racing which makes great use of our smart phone-assisted photography habit.The Flemington Autumn Fashion Instagram competition invites anyone* - male or female - with an Instagram account to enter. The steps to do so are simple:1. Dress in your finest autumn racewear (that means no straw hats, ladies! Felt, fabric and leather only).2. Take a full-length snap, and make sure you include both your millinery and your shoes.3. Follow @flemingtonvrc on Instagram.4. Upload your photo to your own Instagram account, tagging @flemingtonvrc and using the hashtag #MyerBGFL.5. Make sure your account is not set to "private".*Please note: as per new VRC rules, commercial designers and milliners, and their immediate families or households are ineligible to enter.Apart from obtaining Instagram glory, reasons why you should enter include the following incredible prizes: a night for two people at the swanky Sofitel Melbourne on Collins; two tickets to the Myer Beautiful Girls Fashion Lunch on March 5, including transfers and a meet and greet with the beautiful Myer ambassadors (think hunky Kris Smith!); and a much-required $500 shopping spree at Myer so you can dress to impress for the occasion!Entries are open right now, and will remain open until 9am on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. For full terms and conditions, click here.Good luck, and we're looking forward to meeting the winner at the Myer Beautiful Girls Fashion Lunch!Photo credits: Flemington Racecourse VRC Facebook page.By Lisa Tan.

Queensland Myer Fashions on the Field Final 2014

It all seems to be happening so fast these days! Just two months after crowning Chloe Moo as the national Myer Fashions on the Field winner for 2013, we're already bestowing a sash upon Queensland's representative for 2014.The Magic Millions carnival on Queensland's sunny Gold Coast has been in Myer's domain for a few seasons now, and this year they took the unprecendented step of holding the Queensland Myer Fashions on the Field final there, bringing it forward by seven months and making Queensland the first state final of the year.Although this move was announced only a short time before the competition date, entrants had no doubt been planning their Magic Millions outfits meticulously, and as such there was no drop in standard of the competitors - if anything, the competition was tougher than it's ever been before.101 ladies lined up for the chance to represent Queensland at Flemington during the 2014 Melbourne Cup Carnival, with Brisbane native and Fashions on the Field regular Stephanie Martin claiming top honours. Stephanie's outfit comprised a bold blue, white and orange striped dress, which was a bargain buy on eBay, and a coordinating orange woven straw cap by Ann Shoebridge. She accessorised the look with strappy Wittner heels, a Colette clutch and orange gloves.Fellow Queenslander Jodie Hinchliffe was named the first runner-up in a green geometric panelled dress by Kelly-Anne Russell, and a striking wired headpiece by Pink Lane Hats. Melbourne milliner Lisa Xu claimed third place in a similar colour scheme to the winner, wearing an ensemble by Fabritoria and a swirling starburst headpiece she created herself.The next Myer Fashions on the Field state final will be held in a couple of weeks' time on February 9, when the Tasmanian Racing Club hosts the competition at its Hobart Cup meeting. Adelaide will follow a month later on March 10, when the South Australian finalist will be decided at Morphettville's Adelaide Cup meeting. For more information, visit the VRC website.Photo credit: Myer Instagram account.By Lisa Tan

Angela's Top 5 Ladies Style and Racing Moments for 2013

5. Failing The Members Fashion Test.In the past week there have a been a couple of articles in the news (link & link) about women being asked to leave the members area at the race track for not adhering to the members dress codes. In both instances the women were spoken to due to complaints from fellow race goers. This makes the list because I think this is a problem that we will be seeing much more of in the coming months.Members dress codes and fashion haven't kept up to date with each other. With women being encouraged to dress in the latest fashions by race clubs, fashion magazines and retail outlets it doesn't make sense to me that members dress regulations currently don't allow many of the latest fashions to be worn. Celebrities flouting the dress codes are celebrated for their impeccable style, yet members who pay their fees each year have been left red-faced for wearing outfits that are far more modest. I also find it a little sad that there are members who are so offended that they can actually be bothered to have another member ejected from their line of view. Watch this space...4. Zara PhillipsThe Olympic silver medallist and member of the Royal family was appointed the Magic Millions Racing Women Ambassador for 2013. She attended the carnival early this year and it was announced in late October that she will continue in this role until 2018 (link). All very exciting news, but what pushed Zara Phillips on this list is her outfit from Ladies Day at Glorious Goodwood. Whilst sporting a baby bump she nailed racing style looking modern, feminine and appropriate for a day out at the races. This is how you do maternity racewear.3. Black CaviarFormer Vogue covergirl and owner of a large round rump, Black Caviar raced her way into the history books by getting 25 consecutive wins at the track- including 15 group 1 races. She also managed to collect the title of Australian Racehorse of the Year for the third time in 2013 and was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame. Enjoy your retirement Nelly, you've earned it!2. Myer Fashions on the Field National CompetitionWithout a doubt this is the ultimate and most prestigious competition in the world of fashions on the field. Winners from each state and an online people's choice award winner came together in the national final on Oaks Day at Flemington. Model, Chloe Moo from Sydney walked away with the sash and keys to her new car. With the competition starting all over again in a couple of weeks contestants will have a tough time trying to top this years victor.1. Gai WaterhouseOne of the most stylish ladies at the track, 2013 was Gai's year. After a rocky start to 2013 with public spats in the press, things turned around when her horse Fiorente went into the Melbourne Cup as one of the favourites. Having never won a Melbourne Cup race in her impressive career it came down to a nail biting finish! In the 3200 meter 'race that stops a nation' Fiorente, trained by Gai took the win by three quarters of a length from Red Cadeaux. Gai is the first Australian female trainer to win the Melbourne Cup. I hope this is the first of many for her.By Angela Menz