Summer 2020 - All Wrapped Up
Milva wraps up Summer 2020 and some of her client’s gorgeous MCD outfits!
Where does the time go!
We're already in March and the start of a new decade and it has been a busy 3 months here at MCD HQ. Wrapping up the summer season and taking a moment to reflect on some of the amazing one-off outfits that have been created for clients and the ever growing community of our MCD women in a few ready to wear pieces.
Kerrie
My first creation for a new decade was for Kerrie who attended the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo on the Gold Coast. Her amazing outfit and styled by her as she so beautifully always does, saw her take home the Magic Millions Polo Runner Up sash. So super proud of her efforts and making her custom made MCD outfit come to life.
The end product of any custom made is admired but so much planning and time is spent beforehand sourcing fabric, finalising style specifics and creating the perfect final look.
Though what is the process for a custom made piece you may ask?
Kerrie’s inspiration from the trending 80’s silhouettes and features was where the style began. Her love for the shirt style dress evolved to incorporate the drop waist skirt that was a feature we had used and drew inspiration from her winning Stradbroke Cup Day outfit. The trending exaggerated sleeve and fitted long cuff was another aspect we incorporated into the design to create balance and also complimented the use of fabric as a point of interest.
The fabric choice on any MCD designs is never taken lightly and one of the most challenging parts of curating a custom made outfit. At times you find the perfect print or colour tone though it may not be the right fabric composite to execute the final look. Having experience and expertise of over 30 years of dressmaking assists in combating this challenge and like in this case with Kerrie's fabric. Kerrie sourced the beautiful Italian linen which worked beautifully for the skirt but didn't have the structure for the bodice. Additional extra fabric was added to give the silhouette and we decided to create a component of illusion dressing by so cleverly utilising the stripe to be cut on the cross to draw the eye down the body in a flattering angled line.
The following weekend saw Kerrie attend The Star Magic Millions Races. A very prestigious summer race event on the Gold Coast that is renowned for it's bright colours and high level of executed fashion.
Kerrie’s outfit was a beautiful style born from making use of an unusual designer brocade fabric in a vibrant pink and white thistle like print. Combining both existing signature styles with a fresh new take, of statement sleeve and a squared low backline. The final look was certainly a standout, with a contrasted emerald green and texture white headpiece by Allport Millinery. Undoubtedly, this fresh new look placed Kerrie in Top 10 at Pacific Fair Fashions on The Field.
Brenda
Brenda attended a local country race meet on the same day as Magic Million’s Raceday! She wore a fresh custom take on our signature style ‘Lilla’ to a local race meet that was also a joint celebration of a blue themed family members 21st birthday.
The fabric was a stand by I had sourced a few months back and perfect colour tones for what Brenda needed. We opted to contrast the print with a white organza for a fresh and summer look! Brenda was so pleased with the end result especially with the stretch in the fabric and feel of the silky satin fabric.
Brenda & her daughter Zoe - Both wearing custom Milva Carucci Designs outfits
Sally
Sally purchased our ‘Rosa’ dress from our summer ready to wear collection. The beautiful shade of pink variegated and green detail brocade fabric had a stunning glitz finish that demands attention! In a classic A-line style and knotted circular flared sleeve was a feature that dress Sally to make this dress her own! With a real art of being able to match her outfits with the perfect matching accessories and winning style led her to win Champion of the Day.
Sally wearing her Ready To Wear ‘Rosa’ Dress
Emma
Ironically on the same weekend my other client Emma also placed in her age group.
Her beautiful fabric was sourced by Emma herself and she engaged with my expertise on choosing a style that would fit and flatter her body shape. I suggested a flare skirt to show off the extent and beauty of the bold print to it fullest! Emma loved Our signature puffy sleeve with an added cuff and the back style of Kerrie Magic Millions bodice.
Emma wearing custom made MCD dress and winning
Thoughts and inspiration become curated ideas that is something that forms and fits every woman's silhouette. By creating a piece that is individual, a style that is uniquely you, a custom made dress is something like no other.
Milva xx
Interested in finding out more about your own custom made outfit?
Spring All Wrapped Up!
Well that went truly so quickly! September and October came, and seemed like it just went again and before we know it we are at the end of Spring! Yes 2017 is moving a truly rapid pace! It only feels like yesterday that I was sitting on the plane back to Brisbane after what was a phenomenal weekend spent back in the sunny FNQ with sore cheeks, sore feet, new friends and a little heart that has been filled with even more gratitude for simply having some beautiful people in my life.
Milva Carucci Designs has had an exciting and busy few months with some incredible new and loyal MCD customers truly exceeding all fashionista levels and taking racing fashion by storm. They have collected numerous sashes, Top 10 finishes though most importantly was a chance for every amazing client to look and feel amazing! Having a custom fit, one off outfit is more then just fabric, a dress or an ensemble; it is a creator of opportunities and the expression of true individuality!
We had the official start of spring on September 1st with Cairns Amateurs Ladies Day. The Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival is truly a highlight for FNQ as far as the perfect way to combine fashion, horse racing and plenty of fun with friends! Cairns Amateurs is renowned for bright colours, pushing the envelope a little with fashion trends and also having fun with the 2 day racing carnival.
The theme this year was ‘Colours of the Reef’ which truly invited fashionistas from all over the country to bring their brightest foot forward! The Major prize for Best Dressed Lady was a trip for two to Hong Kong, so truly incredible!
Ladies Day was spent in true gal pal style! Having fellow FOTF enthusiast Sophie, Carle join both myself and mum, it was honestly one of the best girl’s day out! All frocked up, having an amazing day of fashions and celebrating life and few lucky win’s on the ponies!
My outfit is another one of my faves! Channelling the bright colours that is on trend this spring and also a slight nod to the ‘Colours’ of the Reef theme, this gorgeous Dolce and Gabbana inspired apple print fabric was super fun and screaming tropical FNQ and Cairns Amateurs. With a new Milva Carucci Designs style using the spring trend off the shoulder and lady like frill this bright dress was so much fun to wear!
Complete with an amazing abstract piece by Allport Millinery that was referencing an apple peel, this headpiece was incredible and surely a standout in white and red.
Milva was also wearing a new season flounce skirt dress in a classic monochrome colour palette complete with an amazing Allport Millinery piece.
Absolutely incredible way to kick off the first day of the spring racing calendar!
Saturday 2nd was Cairns Amateurs Day though also the main race day at Birdsville Races. Complete contrasts between sunny and warm FNQ and the dust and fun out in Central Queensland. The best part about racing fashion is truly the emphasis that anyone can have the perfect outfit for any occasion!
Enjoying the festivities of Cairns Amateurs, the Italian Carnival style was where inspiration was drawn for my amazing Dolce and Gabbana ‘Ferris Wheel’ Dress. With a bold print and a subtle turban, this is one of my favourite outfits. Somewhat simplistic yet a pattern dress really can allow the fabric to do all the talking! Finished off with a white bamboo ‘Summer Nights’ clutch from Best Dressed Accessories.
Along with another MCD client Danni, pictured below in her striped horse print dress. we both made Top 10 for the Under 30's category.
A few more gorgeous client's enjoying the races in FNQ!
So amongst all the outback fun, there is always one glamour! Kacey is not stranger to the track though my gosh did she bring standout pizazz to Birdsville! Who knew someone could look this incredible in our Princess Poppy after getting ready in a 2 man tent! Yes ladies it is possible! This amazing piece was from our Spring Collaboration with Allport Millinery and The Opulent Lifestyle Collective.
See more of the amazing outfits worn by Milva Carucci Design customers! Country races to Myer State Finals, the last couple of months have certainly been a busy one!
Gorgeous ladies in their custom outfits at country races!
Never to young to express your individual style!
Stunning client's sashed, making the finals and simply encompassing amazing fashion at any age!
Captured here by Wendell Teodoro at Coogee Pavilion for the NSW Myer State Final.
Melbourne Spring Racing carnival kicked off with Derby Day and some of the gorgeous clients both in Melbourne and country races looking incredible in black and white ensembles!
Both Courtney and myself in Melbourne for Cup Day! Courtney making it through to the preliminary finals in the Fashion on the Field.
Oaks Day fun in Melbourne!
How incredible do all of these ladies look? Popping in a vision of spring colours!
I just wanted to say a huge congratulations to all of these amazing women! How you have put your outfits together, combining the talent of amazing milliners and accessories to perfection, sash winner, finalist or not, you all truly allow MCD to shine!
Finishing off this blog, both mum and I are planning on something exciting in the next month. Perfect for spring time polo, relaxed racing and ahead of 2018 Magic Millions!
For all of your Melbourne Cup carnival wrap up in detail, pop over to The Opulent Lifestyle Collective and follow to stay up to date!
Kerrie x
FLEMINGTON, FASHION & MELBOURNE'S BIGGEST WEEK - SPRING CARNIVAL 2016 wrap up
We came, we GIPHY'd, we sipped champagne & rode the Flemington Ferris Wheel
I'm sure most of you are feeling the 'festive season flutter' now the warmer months are truly are upon us here in Queensland, the days are getting longer and the social calendars are filling fast!
The delay for this wrap up is in light of the absolute perpetual fatigue following the epic lead up to the week, results of the truly amazing time we all had and the sultry weekend conditions on arrival back into HOT Brisbane! It's safe to say that say that Melbourne got us good! An absolutely fantastic week indulging in some amazing quality family time, a few too many Brunetti's treats, fabric sourcing, fashion and of course some amazing race day fun with friends! And for the record, anyone looking at going to the Spring Carnival next year, get yourself to THE PARK! Honestly one of the best set ups I've ever seen! Amazingly themed, areas, food stalls, numerous bars, entertainment was next level and the little touches like cute GIPHY booths and custom illustrations were aplenty!
The new and improved 'The Park' where we hung out for the Spring Carnival
Treats were a plenty! Ohh Brunetti's
When we first booked flights and accommodation all the way back in May on what would be one of the BIGGEST bucket list items of mine, it seemed like it was soo far away with plenty of time to plan all things racing fashion! How mistaken was I!
For those who are only new on the racing fashion scene or have watched from afar, Melbourne is the PINNACLE of Australian Racing Fashion! Being the most prestigious event of the year, the race that literally stops the nation, naturally comes international beauties, show stopping millinery and some beyond amazingly styled outfits! Collating outfits for the 3 main race days is a fashionista's dream though also somewhat a stressful, STRESSFUL venture. It's not just about the bags, shoes, outfits, millinery, hairdressers appointments, getting in and out of cabs, ubers or public transport with handcrafted masterpieces on your head all the while ensuring you don't sink on the grass......
It's the months of planning, sketching, Sunday's spent fabric sourcing, stalking runways for inspiration, more sketches, a GIZZILON picture messages back and forth (think my running total with mum is around 5,000) hahah, building the 'looks' that you want to achieve. Now for the part that you don't truly consider when you are all 'warm & fuzzy' with your outfit choices, have shed blood, sweat and tears conjuring them up and are soooo emotionally invested in the certainty that you have nailed the perfection combination of current trends, palettes though of course with your own twist.
You look amazing, feel amazing but then it happens.....
(WARNING - Style and fashion is an art. Like any art it's always up for interpretation)
The judging panel and their solitude racing fashion opinion on the day is simple:
• May not like pink
• May not be comfortable with textural clashing
• May not like the way you pose
• May be over seeing bell sleeves
• May not like crowns
• May be thinking about the delicious espresso martini's they will have later in the birdcage
You can see a bit of a trend here? So really throwing out a bit of a bold statement, though unless they are ex-national finalists of previous fashions on the field, winners, racing fashion influencer's or milliner's within the industry then there is subsequent amount of variables. When you're literally wearing a little bit of your heart on 'your sleeve' it can be a bit of a blow to your fashionista ego not even make it through to the next round. Something to be mindful of and THE most important thing to remember is that it's just one person's opinion. Though I'm sure any contestant will agree, it's a dam good feeling having your number called out and better yet to be SASHED!
To the outfits
Milva Carucci Designs was represented not only for the first time on custom pieces worn by myself though also mum and a few stunning clients! For mum that was a fantastic achievement in itself to have her workmanship in amongst the best!
DERBY DAY
The first official day of Spring Carnival renowned for black and white and classic styles! Well Melbourne certainly delivered! An amazing, blue sky day, pleasurable temperature and being a Saturday it certainly brings Melbourne-ites out of hiding!
My Derby Day outfit started with some gorgeous textural brocade patent look fabric sourced a few months ago from The Fabric Store in Brisbane. Wanting something classic with clean, structured lines, mum and I decided to use a similar style from what I wore earlier in the year.
The ever amazing and talented Sophie of Allport Millinery worked her magic to create the perfect complementary piece! Deciding to go with the large off white texture sinamay disc allowed the outfit to have a little mystery though also a suttle statement. Shoes by Divaolina provided the clean lines and patent feel to be continued and additionally a hexagon shaped Olga Berg Clutch.
Mum's dress was a gorgeous fluted collar and bell sleeve combination in an offwhite and black contrast Josh Goot fabric also sourced from The Fabric Store. A custom piece by Liana of Sonlia Fashion added texture and femininity to the outfit.
I didn't have any luck in making it through the heats that day though we had a good day on the punt and enjoyed the hospitality and 'Park' vibes of Day 1!
Between the arches of The Park
Mum and I enjoying the first day of fashion and race day fun
Both wearing custom Milva Carucci Design dresses & Sonlia Millinery (L) and Allport Millinery (R)
(Photo by Liana Hastie)
MELBOURNE CUP DAY
The race that stops the nation! Though also brings some amazing, unusual and showstopping pieces to the track! There were giant feather mohawks, bright colour palettes and some colourful characters on display. Some even took the chance to strip down to their bright budgy smugglers to make the most of Melbourne's sunshine!
The idea behind this impart was just all about the focal point of the fabric. This was sourced a few years ago again from The Fabric store in Brisbane. A gorgeous textured polyester fabric that had the sweetest blue bird print. With blue being a large trend this year, I thought it would be only fitting to keep the style simple to let the fabric really sing and then pick up the subtle blue in the fabric in accessories and millinery. Another big trend this racing season has been the boater and seeing the work of Ann Shoebridge last year I decided to go with a custom lace brim boater. Accessories were simple with jewellery from Lovisa, shoes Tony Bianco and a Colette clutch.
Keeping with a bird theme, Mum's amazing outfit also had a statement print in a tonal blue palette also sourced from The Fabric Store. With a gorgeous simple style to allow the print do the talking, contrasted bell sleeves allowed a section of flow to her outfit. Again complemented by an eye catching millinery piece by Sonlia.
As the nerves were a little less on being the second day, I was absolutely wrapped to have made it through to the Prelim finals. From there all competitors go back to the green room for a champagne and await the next round. From up to 80 girls it is cut to the Top 10! It was an amazing experience and somewhat achievement to make it through! Though the true highlight was spending the day enjoying the races, espresso martini's,dancing to Betty Who and Marcia Hines though having so many lovely people in the crowd compliment me on my outfit that day! That's what fashion really is about, loving your outfit, owning your styling and having a good time!
Not only did I make it through to the prelims but so did another of mum's clients. The gorgeous, bubbly Leanne who's personality is a reflection of her amazing, bright and eye catching pink, purple and gold outfit! Was so lovely catching up with them!
Cassandra also wearing a custom Milva Carucci Designs dress and her own millinery creation opted for a gorgeous purple and orange number that caught the attention of many photographers and spectators!
Amanda wore a stunning emerald green fitted lace dress that had an amazing back detail!
CROWN OAKS DAY
Last day of the carnival is always the biggest! Unfortunately mum and dad had to fly out that morning so today was the last day to really enjoy Flemington! The State finals for Victoria with the winner going through to the National finals where the winner receives up to $300k in prizes including a new Lexus!!
My outfit was simple in style as once again the fabric did most of the talking. Taking inspiration from Self Portrait, Mum had sourced the fabric from spotlight and opting with a combination of off the shoulder and a gathered sleeve. Being the feminine themed day of the carnival, lace and pastels seemed too fitting. This was complemented by my stunning crown by Allport Millinery! The inspiration behind the outfit was simple, 'Some days you just need to wear a crown'.
Keeping accessories to rose gold, the simplistic palette was feminine yet metallic. Shoes from Target and my trusty Olga berg clutch. Again I was so very excited to have made it into the prelim finals! So many amazing outfits!
Following the announcement of the winner it was a swift trip back to the city to jump on a plane!! Which might I add we almost missed! Quite the adventure, running through Tullamarine airport juggling hat boxes, suitcases all the while still wearing the crown which for future reference WILL prove difficult when going through airport security!
On reflection, I think my choices stood true to my style, body shape and personal 'looks' I wanted to achieve, though moving forward, Melbourne is in a bag of it's own! It's all about pushing boundaries within limits, being noticed though not focal, being structured though fluid and on trend without trending. You can see how easily it is to sit in that sash worthy position! *chuckle worthy*
Wrapping up, I can say that this has been a HUGE tick on my bucket list, some amazing quality time with my family and fashionista friends is what makes moments like these in our lives memorable! It's really not about the shoes, bags, fascinators or sashes, it's truly about the time and people for all facets of life that you surround yourself in these beautiful memories.
Absolutely bursting with gratitude the last couple of months preparation and wanted to take a moment to truly thank those involved with bringing my visions to life. To the ever talented Sophie of Allport Milinery thank you for simply creating such amazing pieces! Ann Shoebridge my blue boater is certainly now a favorite in my collection, thank you for letting those little birds fly!
But last but not least is my amazing and uber talented mum, words can't express how grateful and in oar I am of you and your amazing seamstress skills! I know I'm possibly your most difficult client though you never cease to amaze me!
P.S. If you're still reading, thanks for clicking the link! Your support to myself though most importantly my amazing Mum's brand is truly appreciated! Between us both, there is more creative inspiration then the walls of Chanel!
2017 is promised to be an exciting one with many plans on 'THE LIST". To stay up to date and in the know on sneak peaks, new fabrics and collections, make sure you subscribe and follow us on social media! Links are below.
Kerrie xox
AUTUMN WINTER CARNIVAL - ALL WRAPPED UP
Wow!
Gosh what a busy few weeks it has been! I'm sure my fellow Fashions on the Field Enthusiasts can vouch for the slight exhaustion felt after 5-6 consecutive weeks of getting dolled up, collating outfits and putting your best fashion foot forward! To some even reading this might some exhausting and just far too much effort.... though to the crazy one's, we just simply love it!
After months of planning and saving, collecting ideas, numerous sketches, sourcing fabrics, meetings with milliner's, a multitude of picture messages and phone calls, a new love affair started with my postman and the reassurance that each races day's theme was met, the winter races finally stormed around!! Tedious? I think not, THAT is the fun part!
The first event that kicked off the season officially/unofficially was the Prime Minister's Cup held on the Gold Coast Turf Club on 7th May. With sunny Queensland never disappointing, a gorgeous clear 30 degree day would never have given away the fact that it was late Autumn! The Gold Coast is renowned for bringing out the best in bright, fun and a little 'out of the box' fashion! This was the perfect time to finally use a gorgeous stained glass printed fabric that was sourced a couple of years ago and was just waiting to make it's debut!
Being inspired by the 'regal' fall collection by Dolce & Gabbana's and also drawing inspiration from Camilla with Love's Runway show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, left room for something bold and different!
Photo via Pinterest
Dolce & Gabbana Fall Collection
To make the print in the skirt 'pop', mum & I decided that a cherry red was the most complimentary colour for the outfit. We opted for a longer length sleeved, boat neck top with a slit opening mid arm to bring a bit of flow to quite a structured outfit and symmetrical print. This flow was also continued throughout with a fish-tail like addition at the back of the skirt in place of where a traditional split would be. It added a feature and a point of difference that can sometimes be the deciding factor between podium placings.
Image by Ross Stevenson
The outfit was complete with a vintage fedora that had the addition of black veiling added to it to bring a bit of modern flair. Accessories included a gorgeous pair of regal gold crucifix earrings, gold clutch and jewellery complete with a faithful pair of patent black heels. I didn't come away with a sash that day though was the lucky recipient of the Bruce Lynton Jaguar competition! Such a nice surprise, so stay tuned for my next blog when I can bring you a stylish and fashionable Jaguar weekend driving experience!
A little #flatlay loving
UBET BTC CUP Day
The following weekend was the official start of Brisbane Racing Club's Seven Sin's Winter Racing Carnival! The first day of the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre's Fashion on the Field competition kicked off the carnival was the inaugural 'Bold Colour' theme at UBET BTC Cup Day. Having the perfect outfit for this theme, I committed to what some may say is the fashions on the field cardinal rule, I outfit repeated! Yes I did it! Though when you have the perfect outfit that simply just works, it's sometimes a sheer waste to just wear it to one event. So a bit of a change to the styling and accessories and it was ready to hit the track!
Image by Ross Stevenson
JAMES BOAG’S PREMIUM DOOMBEN 10,000 DAY
The next day of the carnival I attended was the James Boag's Premium Doomben 10,000 Day. This was the last of the carnival being held at the Doomben track and again another killer autumn's day. The sun was out and was just the perfect temperature to be frocked up and sipping on champagne! The day is themed with a touch of metallic, which saw a field of gold and glistening glamours!
For this particular outfit I had picked up a very different fabric that was sourced from The Fabric Store here in Brisbane a few months ago. It caught my eye, though being a cream, black and teal sequined chiffon it needed to have a specific style to utilise it. Having the right fabric for the style of your outfit is paramount, though being able to utilise mum's expertise you can sometimes think outside the box. Wanting a bit of a different flair and also after falling in love with a dress by Jonathon Simkhai had in his fall collection, we drew inspiration to a mid-length gored skirt complete with a 3/4 sleeve with a bell detail.
Again having a prominent geometric pattern like a houndstooth, bringing flow to the outfit allows it to work harmoniously. As the accent colour I wanted to play up was the gorgeous teal colour, we found the perfect cotton ponte at The Fabric Store again and also a matte chiffon. The combination of these fabrics worked really well as ponte doesn't always have the best finish for an outfit so using that as a lining and layering the two chiffons over it allowed the design to have the weight required and also the fit. The clear sequins that covered the houndstooth pattern gave a sheen and metallic feel to the outfit.
I had envisioned this outfit with a wide brim hat or headpiece though also wasn't completely sure about the style, as it had just happened Jill at Jill & Jack Millinery had just made a ready to wear piece that was just perfect! A slightly asymmetrical deep crown, wide brim hat in a winter cream felt finished with a balck feathered band. The outfit was styled to have complimentary patent black Dior inspired sling back heels from Jessica Buurman, a matching Olga Berg bag, blakc palm gloves and gunmetal silver jewellery.
Spending so much time at the track you naturally form some wonderful friendships with fellow fashions on the field friends - Caren, Marla & Alla.
Image by Alla Demich
TREASURY CASINO & HOTEL LADIES’ OAKS DAY
Well, from one extreme to another, the first race day of winter up until this week we had some fantastic weather! Though with the Queensland extremities the weekend's forecast for the grand opening of Eagle Farm's Racecourse 18 month renovation was looking pretty grim! I was also fortunate enough to have my parents flying in for the weekend and a planned fun day at Ladies Day! Torrential rain, flooding, high tides and the rest of the craziness that comes with a large low sitting over SEQ, the horse races were cancelled, though all of the events and fashions on the field was to go ahead! Some call us crazy though rain, hail or shine we were prepared to go! The biggest styling feat was to figure out how to incorporate ponchos into your outfit!
Traditionally, Ladies' Oak Day is themed to be feminine, floaty and pastel colour palettes. Keeping this in mind I had been on the hunt for a few good months to find a suitable fabric to bring my idea together. Inspired by 70's style balloon sleeve, Zimmermann's AW collection and even possibly a little bit of Game of Thrones, I opted for a floaty A-line silhoutte with sheer sleeves. The Fabric Store had just gotten a shipment of Liberty of London prints in and this was where I found a gorgeous merlot coloured print in a chiffon and a lightweight faile. I could see the potential with the colour palette to incorporate the pastels and rose gold hues that I had in mind from the accent tones in the print of the fabric. Utilising the contrast of the different denier's of the fabric can ensure that you aren't left with an outfit that has an overall dark feel to it.
This outfit for me was the hardest of all to plan what style of headpiece would be appropriate though most importantly compliment the look. I had already made arrangements to have an appointment with the ever talented Sophie of Allport Millinery for a custom piece so after a good chat about colours, textures and possible designs the gorgeous rose gold crown was conjured!
This by far is one of my most FAVOURITE millinery pieces yet! This was the first of a crown like this that Sophie had made and her workmanship is just exceptional! The detailing of each hand tooled leaf and rose petal is to die for! Like anything that is new or done for the first time there is certainly a risk, it can quickly be a love or hate as far as personal preference goes as I do know a few counterparts of male gender that just 'didn't get what was going on'! That is the beauty about fashion and styling! It's open for interpretation though most importantly it's personal preference and expression of your personality! It is as simple as feeling confident in what you have put together!
The outfit was detailed with rose gold and pastel jewellery from Lovisa, pastel pink half gloves a rose gold Olga Berg clutch and the bling was carried to the shoes by Nine West's latest range of winter pumps.
With the talented lady behind all of the Milva Carucci Designs magic my amazing mum
Both wearing Milva Carucci Designs outfits
After the rain had cleared with my amazing family
AAMI Stradbroke Day
Traditional Black, White and a touch of Red is the theme for the last and biggest day of the Brisbane Racing Club Seven Sins Winter Carnival. Since the racing had been cancelled from the weekend before, this was set to be the biggest race day prize pool in Queensland that year, though also a super fun day to finally let your hair down for the close of the carnival though more importantly Brisbane Racing Club's chance to show off the new and improved Eagle Farm Racecourse!
This outfit started a little differently to the others, I had no idea what design I wanted nor style preference. I purchased this geometric black lace again from The Fabric Store some months ago and decided to play up to the edgyness of the fabric though lace can sometimes be a little difficult to start with. So knowing that I wanted to key the geometeric diamond feature in the overall edgy look that I had in mind, I called upon Sophie who worked her talented hands once again on making this gorgeous diamond percher headpiece to tie the clean lines into this outfit. Having a monochrome theme though adding the fire engine red roses for 'the touch of red' really allowed this shape to dynamically hit the mark. Having a custom piece for your wardrobe or millinery collection (as I now refer to mine) is nothing short of amazing! Between you and the master of their special craft you are creating something special and most times beautiful friendships will be made, from this I am also so very grateful to call this talented lady a friend.
So the millinery was sorted though I was still at a loss as to what the design would be. Having mum down the weekend before she actually sewed it while she was here for the weekend! A little different to the usual parcel delivered by Jeff my trusty delivery man the week prior!
Being well and truly in winter, we opted for a long sheer sleeved, mid length dress. What started off as a round neck didn't quite give the right lines to the structure of the dress pattern and lace so a few modifications and the dress quickly become a v neck. When having quite a repetitive pattern and busy fabric it's important to be conscious about closing up the neckline too much. Also when using a dense or busy lace or sheer fabric, try using a complimentary lighter colour to allow the integrity of the pattern to remain as the true feature. The decision to use the white lining rather then the black allowed this to happen though also ticked the theme boxes of black and white.
The overall look was finished a wide Cue black and jeweled waist belt which allowed the lace to be broken up and also compliments my silhouette. Continuing that edginess a black satin choker was added along with a pair of black Zara ankle tie heels, black gloves and nails and a black patent rectangular clutch.
With my friend and client Amanda both wearing custom pieces
Image by Ross Stevenson
With the lady behind the millinery masterpieces, Sophie (centre) of Allport Millinery and gorgeous ladies at Indooroopilly FOTF stage.
Image by Ross Stevenson
Tattersall's club tiara race day
The very last day of the winter carnival here in Brisbane was the Tattersall's Club Tiara Race Day with the Wintergarden's Fashions on the Field competition. Wearing the gorgeous teal number with a few styling changes in accessories it was a fantastic way to finish off the Brisbane winter race fashions.
When seeing the same familiar faces week after week, all sharing the same passion for fashion, innovating new and wonderful takes on racing fashion and bringing their very best in personal style there is no doubt that some truly wonderful friendships are made. Though it is a competition with some fabulous prizes on offer, you truly never know what the judges will be looking for. The supportive environment and genuineness expressed to fellow fashioinista's when they do come away with a sash is a testament to women simple supporting other women in their quest to express themselves! Truly one of my favourite things about racing fashion and fashions on the field competitions!!
For now, the next few months will be spent frantically planning for the Spring Carnival! Though stay posted for the next blog post giving you a few tips tricks and just something to read while you're having a cup of tea!
Kerrie xx
