Spring Racing

For many Australians, Spring Racing Carnivals are more about the chic fashion than they are about the horse racing. It seems to be the only moment in our fashion calendar that sees tens of thousands of men and women flock to the trackside in their carefully thought out outfits to celebrate this iconic moment in Australian culture.

In particular, the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is spread out over four days, which means four themes and four outfits. The first day ‘Derby Day’ is a classic black and white theme. ‘Melbourne Cup Day’ is a day to be bold with vibrant colours and striking prints. ‘Oaks Day’ is more traditional and feminine and ‘Stakes Day’ is family orientated and a little more relaxed. Unfortunately due to work commitments I was only able to attend Melbourne Cup and in Brisbane, so I thought while the outfit, accessories, hair and make-up are usually the main focus for any other given event, I would focus on the task of finding an appropriate headpiece.

With heads adorned with beautiful statement pieces, many women say they feel like a princess during Spring Racing. I wanted my headpiece to be modern and dainty with an edge. I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, so I created one!

Hope you enjoy these photos from around the world.

Love always,

Rachel X x.

Shakuhachi Dress / Painted Shoes by Rachel Skinner the Label / Dainty Skull Headpiece by Rachel Skinner the Label / ‘Lady Danger’ MAC Lipstick

awesome baking best firend bridal shower Brisbane clashing print Colours Creative different elegant fashion fresh friends high tea hilton Manning Cartell modern shakuhachi simple stylish T2 unique

High Tea at the Hilton

This may sound peculiar, but it has been quite nippy lately for Australia! This afternoon, the weather turned around, and for the first time it felt like Spring – perfectly timed for my beautiful best friend’s bridal shower. I decided to have a little bit of fun with my outfit with some clashing prints.

Manning Cartell Top / Shakuhachi Skirt / Wittner Heels

Balenciaga ankle boots boots Coat Cocoon Cocoon Coat cosy Flight Fly J Brand leather pants Little Black Bambi Mac Mac lipstick Mac makeup Maison Martin Margiela Marc by Marc Jacobs Marc Jacobs Off Duty style stylish Travel Blog travel style Winter Winter Fashion

En Route to Perisher Blue

Dreaming of the ultimate travel/off-duty outfit. The shades in this combo are quite neutral in order to draw focus to the silhouette of the pieces, mixing fitted with oversized..

J Brand Beryl Skinny-Stretch Leather Pants from My Theresa, MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela Cocoon Coat from farfetch.com, Marc by Marc Jacobs Arrow Rose Gold Plated Necklace $62 from http://www.net-a-porter.com, Balenciaga Ceinture Ankle Boots Black from balenciaga.com. Beauty Note: MAC Russian Red Matte Lipstick & Nailpolish from Myer Australia

The white button up blouse could easily be switched with a black turtleneck knit the black ankle boots could be switched with Converse All Stars (see below).

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Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arrangement)

One of the many characteristics of Japan that I personally love, is their love of nature. This love of nature has resulted in a refined appreciation of the beauty of nature in landscapes, miniature gardens hakoniwa, miniature trees bonsai, flower arrangement ikebana, the tea ceremony chanoyu, short poems called haiku and even the art of cookery.

Today we were able to visit one of the Japanese exchange students that we made friends with in Australia and she cooked a beautiful Japanese banquet in her mum and dad’s home. Her mum was the arranger of this beautiful ikebana.

Ikebana (flower arrangement) was developed in the 15th century. The underlying principles of ikebana can be seen here, indicated by the three main branches (they symbolise Heaven, Man & Earth). The stem representing Heaven is the ‘primary stem,’ centre of the entire arrangement and for this the strongest branch is selected. Next to this is the ‘secondary branch/stem,’ which represents Man. It is placed in such a manner as to give the effect of growing sideways and forward from the centre line. It should be three-quarters of the height of the ‘primary stem’ and inclined toward it. The ‘tertiary branch/stem’ symbolises Earth. This is the shortest and is placed to the front or slightly to the opposite side of the roots of the first two. All stems are fastened securely in the vase to give the effect of growing from one stem.

In this particular ikebana, additional flowers have been added to fill out the beautiful arrangement, however they have still kept the correct position of the three principal stems, which is of paramount importance.