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LADIES DAY TIPS FROM BAIRBRE POWER
26 Jul 2011
LADIES DAY TIPS......
By BAIRBRE POWER
IRISH INDEPENDENT FASHION EDITOR
Galway will lay siege to the title Most Stylish city in Ireland next Thursday as the country's most stylish women vie for the title of Best Dressed Lady.
And standing in the middle of them, I will be happy out, judging what is one of the most enjoyable style fests in our fashion calendar. Ballybrit is the perfect backdrop to show off Irish womens' innate sense of style, their ingenuity, originally and sheer appetite for fun. The hats alone will tell you that!
Last year I struck gold when I spotted Ann Marie O'Leary from Kerry, in her classically chic, vintage-inspired cream dress and hat. And in two days time, I expect my co- judges, Brendan Courtney from RTE's Off The Rails and PJ Gibbons, editor of Social & Personal magazine, will be spoilt for choice with the fashion talent turning up to contest the Anthony Ryan sponsored Best Dressed competition. We will also be joined by local judges, Patricia McCrossan, editor of Galway Now magazine and Mandy Maher from Catwalk Models in Galway.
Word to the wise....The judges will be combing through the stands, terraces and champagne tent, trying to spot potential winners so be sure and be there by 12.30 because we'll have chosen our finalists by 2.30 and the winner will be announced at 3.30 in the parade ring. What a shout goes up when the winner is declared. Expect it to be keenly contested because the prize fund is €20,000. The sponsors, Anthony Ryans of Shop Street have turned it into one of the most valuable racing style competitions in the country and the Best Dressed will win €12,000 while Best Hat gets €1,500 and finalists receive a bag of beauty products from Lancôme.
Colour is a good way of catching the judge's attention but don't feel you have to walk in figures of eight around us judges as we go out on little walkabouts. That's what I call Trying Too Hard and the same goes for layering on too many accessories. Show a little restraint on that front and remember that Less is More when putting together an outfit and there's no way that ballgowns or over the top cocktail wear should be considered as race wear. Being appropriately dressed is crucial to being in with a chance of winning.
You will have a much better time, and it will show on your face, if you are comfortable - especially your feet so when downsizing your handbag, don’t forget a pair of fold up flat shoes.
Save yourself the grief of last minute wardrobe malfunction by trying on your entire outfit the night before - and that includes underwear- to make everything's singing from the same hymn sheet, so to speak.
Ladies Day is not the day to break in new shoes so give them a few canters around the house today to make sure they feel comfie. But you might consider putting a few plasters and gel pads into your handbag because it's going to be a long day, and even longer night.
This is a summer race meeting where we can see three seasons in one day so take all of that into consideration when you are planning your outfit. Down size you usual handbag to a smart clutch and squeeze in a small brolly just in case.
I think a hat is a must for Ladies Day. I felt 'naked' the year I went to the Galway races without a hat. It really is the finishing touch to an outfit and if you are serious about entering the Best Dressed competition, I recommend you look at finding a hat, fascinator or something for head. It doesn't have to be an expensive piece. Straw trilbys from the high street can look very smart or you could try your hand at making one yourself but don't leave it until the night before.
I've seen beautiful outfits accessorised beautifully with great shoes and bags but they were sidelined by the judges for the top prize because the lady didn't have a hat. "If only she had a hat" has often been the comment in the finalists' tent so don't make that mistake.
Colour? Yes please! Show us lots of colour. Ballybrit will be awash with colour on Ladies Day. It is the most amazing spectacle and what's really lovely is the sense of camaraderie through the crowd with the females really supportive of each other, admiring each other’s outfits and even swapping notes on where they got them.
This is not about designer wear and expensive purchases. We want to see your personality coming through. Show us some individuality. Go on!