FASHION — it’s all about labels, labels, labels, dahhhling.
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We’re talking of course, of Dior, of Versace, Louboutin and... er... an op shop in Benalla?
Yep, as it happens the winner of Lady of the Day at Wangaratta’s Fashions on the Field, Ally Ellis, made the most of her op shop (sorry, “vintage”) find to score a win trackside.
The judges couldn’t go past the bright colours and sweet A-line of Ms Ellis’ dress, made from an eye-catching (and suitably springtime) forest-and-meadow patterned fabric.
Accessorised with a stunning hat in two of the season’s hot colours, turquoise and purple, and dainty yellow leather driving gloves, Ms Ellis was a hit.
The glamour was, she admits, a far cry from her usual surrounds living on a farm just outside Wangaratta.
She spent yesterday hauling hay and the morning getting ready with her 18-month-old daughter clinging to her legs.
“I don’t get the chance to get dressed up that much, so it’s to nice feel like a lady for the day,” she said.
Her advice for future fashionistas was simple: “Just enjoy the clothes you’re wearing and have fun. You never know what the judges are looking for.”
This year, as the three judges revealed later, they were looking for co-ordinated accessories and lots of colour.
“Lose the black,” said Leanne Star from Wangaratta business Stax of Accessories.
“Get some colour: it’s spring, it’s during the day, it’s fun.”
Ladies are also advised to leave the mini-skirts at home —- the only appropriate length, says judge Bronwyn Douglas, is to the knees at least.
Second and third placegetters Alison Larkin and Chelsea Fleming agreed.
“A bit of length for the races is always classy,” said Ms Larkin, herself in a knee-length pencil skirt.
Among the lads, past winner Gavin Blair was pipped at the post this year by Shane McDowall.
