Cheltenham Ladies Day Challenge
I have been invited to take part in the Cheltenham Ladies Day Social Voting Campaign via Ladbrokes and need your help!
I have been pitted against other fashion bloggers to put together the ultimate race-day outfit to wear to this year's Ladies Day at Cheltenham Festival on 12 March 2014. My challenge was to put together the perfect attire for this very special occasion and see if I could beat the strong competition.
I am up for the challenge.
CHELTENHAM
Off to the races! The Cheltenham Festival takes place annually in March at Cheltenham Race Course in Gloucestershire. Ladies Day is an opportunity to enjoy all of the exciting action on the course and wear a fantastic outfit. There is no dress code at Cheltenham but as March climates can be unpredictable, guests are advised to dress accordingly and with the weather in mind. This is quintessentially, brilliantly British - but us British women know that this is never an excuse not to have high fashion in mind. We laugh in the face of the weather.
THE LOOK
I wanted my look to be less traditional and more contemporary; to really project my appreciation and love of fashion. I wanted to keep it stylish and nail the new season look with a nod to the Spring / Summer 2014 trends with sartorial success in mind.
THE INFLUENCE
Primary colours and florals are exciting Spring / Summer 2014 trends. The bold shades of red and blue on the Peter Pilotto Red Floral / Check Print Dress are far too fun to ignore and with a splash of black thrown into the mix, as seen at Fendi, Prada and Céline, brights are more pared back. Florals are super-sized, bold and in bloom. The white belt is a nod to the understated Sports Luxe look.
Delicious candy colours are showing no signs of fading. A pop of candy pink on shoes and coat keeps it playful but chic - and who says clashing red and pink is wrong. The subtle fascinator hat? You simply cannot be at Cheltenham without a hat.
THE COMPONENTS
From left to right
1. Pink Coat by Zara
An oversized coat is a bloggers favourite and still going strong for Spring / Summer (and this is England, so a coat is a must in chilly March).
2. Rivington Shiny Croc Pouch by Whistles
A place to keep all your Cheltenham essentials in on-trend reptile effect leather.
3. Belted Dress - Red Floral / Check Print by Peter Pilotto for Target
Adored for its signature otherworldly prints and sculptural shapes, Peter Pilotto's beautiful designs are walking works of art. This is a perfect print from the hotly anticipated and limited-time only designer collection for Target.
4. Vintage Ring from Gigi's Dressing Room
All of my outfits usually include some form of vintage item. Gigi's Dressing Room in Wood Street Market, Walthamstow, London, E17 is a treasure trove of beautiful vintage clothes and jewellery.
5. Fine Mesh Fascinator by Whiteley for John Lewis
Made from two layers of fine, ivory mesh and trimmed with luxurious feathers, this is the perfect finishing touch to the all important Ladies Day Outfit.
From Coast's new range of affordable, stylish footwear. The colours are classic but the stiletto heel and double strap ankle makes a sophisticated and fierce statement.
7. Charm Bracelet by Thomas Sabo
A classic charm in stylish black keeps jewellery minimal and stylish.
8. Black necklace from South of the River, Crystal Palace, London, SE19
The detail on the necklace really stands out against the bright floral print without overpowering the overall look.
9. Brass Bangles Set in Gold by & Other Stories
In my opinion, & Other Stories the coolest place for jewellery on the high street.
BEAUTY
Less is more when it comes to easy every day glamour. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation helps to achieve a clean base and Benefit's World Famous Neutrals and Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner keeps eyes simple but impactful, finished off with Le Volume de Chanel Mascara in Noir. Lips and Nails stand out - Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Rebelle keeps lips hydrated but bold and nails painted with Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir completes the look dramatically. Subtle sheen is provided by Benefit - High Beam on cheeks and Bathina body balm for a silky, glimmering effect.
VOTING
THE VOTING HAS NOW CLOSED ON THIS COMPETITION.
RACING
My dear Dad has been a dedicated race goer for many years, attending national and international meets and sometimes taking his family with him. If I win, it will make my Dad very happy indeed, so please vote. If I don't, he will still be happy as I am standing on a racecourse, with authentic binoculars and wearing a hat.
