From Your Frock To Your Fascinator, Getting Melbourne Cup Ready In Newcastle

First things first: the dress. This is clearly a major piece in your Melbourne Cup look and although an obvious one, it’s something that many girls get very wrong. With this year’s colour blocking trend running rampant both on and off the runway, bright hues are bound to be a popular choice. This year at Myer’s Fashion On The Field in Sydney the clear winners were feminine tailored pieces showing off womanly figures with ladylike class. Vibrant colours were paired with either contrasting bright accents or nude accessories to complete the look. While the big department stores undoubtedly offer the widest range, I prefer the smaller independent shops to find something a little more unique. Missy Mou, Captain Saucy and Abicus are all standard favourites for scoring beautiful frocks in town, but this year I found a unique little number at Princess Polly in Charlestown Square. Don’t let the name fool you. You won’t find tiaras and tutus here! With the delightful ‘love in a bag’ slogan, it boasts a modest but exciting range of not so common designs that are bound to get you the coveted “where did you get that dress?!” compliment. Located on the top level just outside Myer (Charlestown Square) with prices ranging from $60 - $200 and staff that are more than delightful, finding the perfect piece is sure to be a breeze!

Show me the shoes! Most girls I know would kill for a crack at Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe collection. Unfortunately, word is she’s a tiny size 5, so it would be nothing but painful (ahem… more like impossible) for pretty much the rest of the female population to borrow a pair of her beloved Manolo Blahniks. If shoes are your addiction, chances are you already own a pair of nude heels and may want to consider saving yourself some cash by making use of this old standby. However, if you’re looking for an excuse to treat yourself to a little shoe therapy then this season might send you into a state of total and utter bliss. There is an abundance of insanely awesome colours in every style from peep toe platforms to sky-high wedges to tickle your shoe fancy. Nine West, Tony Bianco and Betts are all favourites of mine but this time I found my fix at Wittners (located at Charlestown Square or Westfield Kotara).

Time to tip your hat. Much more than a finishing touch, race day head gear ranges from the bold and beautiful to wild and wacky, and sometimes just plain weird. While the dress and shoes are undoubtedly essential ingredients, the hat (or fascinator depending on what you choose) will sum it all up in one head turning moment. There are several options when it comes to millinery: the simple yet romantic flower in the hair, a beautifully understated piece to match your shoes and clutch, or the ‘go big or go home’ mentality which has caused a fair bit of commotion on more than one occasion to be sure. Whatever you choose to say on race day, say it with your noggin and pick the perfect piece! A simple Google search reveals a few local designers who do custom hats by appointment only (try Anthea Jane and Narelle fowler millinery) and there are even a few shops around town that might provide a good find (check out Mimco and Crooked Crow Couture), but for a quick and easy one-stop shop with a wide range of styles and colours you really can’t beat Myer. You might even pick up a matching clutch while you’re there to complete your outfit. Their range is especially good if you’ve decided to go the bright and beautiful road and have a somewhat challenging colour to match. Get in early though as stock tends to get picked over fairly quickly and you don’t want to be left with the scraps!

Be a smooth operator. Make sure you’re neat and tidy with a wax from Lilly Victoria. These guys are conveniently located across from the Delany so duck in for an express treatment with their highly professional and friendly staff and then pop across the street to soothe your… um… spirits with an ice cold pain-relieving beverage. Whoever said beauty is pain may have had a very good point, but with the aide of a good beautician and a tall drink it’s a lot more bearable!

Fake it till you make it. Everyone looks better with a little bit of colour and as the pale redhead I am, I’ll be the first in line to get my glow on for the big day. Strip down and embrace the spray cause there’s nothing quite like a beautiful natural glow to compliment that sexy dress you’re dying to show off. Gone are the days of those oh-so-awful-orange tans! The girls over at Sculpt can get you in and out in 15 minutes and it is hands down the best tan in Newcastle (trust me I’ve tried just a few). For just $30 and 2 hours downtime you’ll be ready to show some skin!

Head in the right direction and get yourself to The New Black. One of the first things I noticed when I came to Newcastle was how many hairdressers there are. Cut through the confusion and book in to see one of the talented crew at The New Black. Boasting international experience at fashion week in New York and Sydney as well as countless photo shoots and fashion shows these guys have well and truly got it figured out. Aside from the talented and friendly staff, you will be spoiled rotten as you enjoy a cup of tea (or a cheeky beer) and some Turkish delight followed by a shampoo & massage that would make even the biggest stress head relax just a little. While you’re there be sure to complete your look with a full range of Becca cosmetics with the help of a professional makeup artist. They’ve even got your nails covered too should you decide your digits need decorating. Tip: Don’t forget to take your headpiece along so they can design your hairstyle to suite!