We were recently invited by some friends to go to Epsom Derby, The richest and most prestigious flat race in Britain.
Having never been before I had no idea what to wear, believe me when I say I spent ages going through the possibilities, trying on outfit after outfit discarding them in a frenzy till I settled on one. If I know what I'm doing or where I'm going I'm fairly good at choosing an outfit but present me with a new event and I'm completely flummoxed.
Depending on what area you're in the dress code alters. We were in the grandstand area, which is the middle tier dress code wise. Were we to have been in the royal enclosure, then hats and head pieces would be widely worn if not expected and the men have to wear top hat and tails, they did look rather magnificent in all there finery (might give the royal enclosure a whirl next time, love to hang out with Queenie and gang).
Anyway I eventually opted for a cream and black crepe top and skirt set from Mulberry and black heels and black bag, I couldn't bring myself to wear a facinator, although I left the house wearing it I removed it en route, as I'm not terribly comfortable in them.
The fact that the outfit is a 2 piece makes it so comfortable to wear and my bag was very discreetly hidden, not only under the folds of the skirt but also by the top. I have to be honest I didn't give my colostomy bag a single thought throughout the day but that could have been to do with the copious amounts of over priced but very pleasant champagne I had consumed.
I love this outfit and was desperate to give it an outing. Being cream I didn't think it was suitable for a few up coming weddings we have this year but for a day at the races it was spot on. We will be going to The Derby again next too, it was such a great day out, everyone was really friendly and really chatty more so than I've ever noticed at other race meets. I would advise going to the Grandstand rather than the fun fair side though, as there were running battles with the police after the races over there.
Skirt and top from Mulberry, Shoes from Louboutin (Pigalle 100) and bag from Chanel.
As above, with a coat from Lungta de Fancy
Kim and I stealing our red caret moment before we were escorted away! My advice, for a long day in stilettos its always handy to have a fold up pair of flats (Kurt Geiger) with you and a big enough bag to hold your heels. Kim's gorgeous dress is from Oasis I believe.
For the first time in my life I sang God Save the Queen in front of her, possibly the most patriotic I've ever felt!