Elyse Lynch held back tears as she donned the Myer Lady of the Day sash.
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The Woomargama mum of a six-month-old and two toddlers chose a day at the races to let her hair down, and didn’t expected to take home the title of most stylish lady.
“I’ve never been before and needed a day away from the kids,” she said.
“First, I found the skirt, then looked for the hat and matched the top last.” Her winning ensemble was rich with berry and leather and included a Bel Capello top, Maticevski skirt and fascinator from Millinery by Mel.
Ms Lynch said it was her first time competing in Fashions on the Field, though it might not be her last.
“I’m really overwhelmed – It makes you feel like you’re more than just a mum,” she said.
Michael Finch was sitting beside a TV personality and model on the judging panel, yet it was the Myrtleford beauty blogger who was swarmed by fans at the Gold Cup Fashions on the Field.
Filming beauty tutorials from his North East bedroom, he has racked up 334,000 Instagram followers and some 43,000 more on YouTube.
Mr Finch said he was pleasantly surprised when asked to join Miss World Australia Madeline Cowe and Big Brother 2014 contestant Skye Wheatley.
“I’ve always been in Myrtleford – I started (making tutorials) about four years ago and started taking it seriously two years ago,” he said.
“I feel like I’m just a normal person.
“Anyone can do a makeup blog, they just have to set their mind to it.”
Mr Finch will leave the high country in May for Brisbane, though he will continue with his social media, which has at one point reached 14 million people.
“I will miss Myrtleford – I’m just going to see where this takes me,” he said.
“This is my first time at Albury Gold Cup and it’s a pleasure; I’m so appreciative to be here.”
The judges had a tough task this year picking stand-outs in the Myer Lady of the Day competition, narrowing down more than 50 entries across four heats to just 10 finalists.
There were bright floral prints, modern pant-suits, intricate handmade headpieces and a stunning see-through mesh skirt over a hoop petticoat like no other outfit seen before at a country race meet.
Yet there was complete shock from Myer Lady of the Day winner Elyse Lynch from Woomargama and runner-up Jo Barton.
The Albury woman hadn’t even planned on competing – she said friends had talked her into showing her colour-coordinated green and blue outfit.
“I was convinced to go into it, I’d never done it before,” Ms Barton said.
“The headpiece is Tania Scott millinery, a dressmaker made the top and the dress is a Sheike design, just bought online.
“I was overwhelmed and amazed to win,” she said.