Tag Archives: Royal Ascot

How To Do The Races In Style

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With 2016 now finally here, many of us will be looking for a few fun ways to get out and about to shake off the festive cabin fever. And the racing season offers a great way to have a little sporting excitement whilst trying out the latest fashion trends in a truly fabulous setting!

 

Although many of us may associate horse racing with fusty old betting shops that offer tips on the Grand National for horses with silly names, it’s increasingly becoming something of a hot-spot for many celebrities thanks to the rise of glamorous Ladies Day events and the emergence of racing-influenced fashion styles.

 

Racing opportunities

 

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There are many racing events dotted throughout the calendar that can provide a good introduction for the racing newbie. The deeply aristocratic Royal Ascot takes place in the middle of June and offers you the chance to party like royalty and even spot a celebrity or two!

 

Whereas the pinnacle of the racing season is undoubtedly the Grand National which runs at the Aintree racecourse in Liverpool in April. As we’d feel more comfortable offering fashion advice, if you fancy a tip or two on the Grand National, you’d be better off visiting a site like Coral that offers a greater degree of expert horse-racing knowledge.

 

Fashion at the races

 

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Racing events have become something of a staple in the fashion calendar. The extravagant hats worn at Royal Ascot give a good indication of the enthusiasm that many fashionistas have for these prestigious racing events.

 

And whilst some of the garments worn at recent Aintree racing events may have pushed the boundaries of acceptable fashion, our fashion tips for events like the Grand National is to always check the dress code at the racecourse’s website, and be prepared to wrap up warm for any unexpectedly chilly race meetings!

 

Making it an event

 

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Modern race-going has become so much more than just the horse racing and fashion tips however, as many people are increasingly turning a race meeting into a fully-fledged holiday activity. Thankfully it’s now easier than ever to really make it a luxurious occasion as you can now easily rent some bespoke country houses and even mansions with the help of the UK Airbnb site that has hundreds of opulent retreats dotted around the nation.

 

And some glamorous hotels such as the Goodwood Hotel are handily located near the Sussex racecourse and offer suitably luxurious specials such as a Girl’s Weekend Away offer. This provides full access to the hotel’s health club, so that you can return to the racetrack fully-energised the next day to cheer on your winner as they cross the line!

 

 

 

Royal Ascot Style Guide: What To Wear

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Royal Ascot is just around the corner, and for many, the unique dress code, that is so synonymous with the five day festival, can be a sartorial mine field. Fortunately we have a ten step guide to looking your best and avoiding any awkward faux pas.

Royal Ascot Fashion

1)   In general: Sartorial Sage and Former Editor of Vogue, Diane Vreeland once said, “Elegance is refusal” and the same goes for Royal Ascot – understated elegance is always a winner.

2)        Ladies’ hats: An essential accessory at Royal Ascot and from top hats to berets, flying saucers to feathered fancies, hats of all shapes and sizes will no doubt be on display. Show pieces are all very well and it’s fine to be bold but make sure you don’t scare small children, animals, or for that matter, horses. Avoid the much-maligned fascinator.

3)        Morning Dress: Formal gentlemen’s dress from the 19th century and obligatory if you’re in the Royal Enclosure. Make sure it’s well fitting and neither too tight nor too big. In the words of tailor Matthew Cartwright of Noden & Winsor, “If you don’t know your chest size, find out before it’s too late.”

4)        Top Hat: The fit’s key. Not so big it falls down over your ears and not worn at a jaunty angle.

5)        Dresses: You may well end up in a club after racing but the dress code stipulates that daytime dresses and skirts should be ‘of modest length, defined as falling just above the knee or longer. Straps on dresses should be at least one inch wide. It means anything strapless, or that’s too short or tight should be consigned to your wardrobe.

6)        Pants: For men and women are essential, but should never be on show. Ever.

7)        Shoes: Opt for comfort as you’ll be on your feet all day (hopefully). Chaps, shiny shiny, pointy shoes are not a good idea – patent is out and is not due to make a resurgence any time soon. As for stilettos, girls be aware you will sink on turf. Low-heeled courts are ideal and will avoid you having to purchase a cheeky pair of plastic flip flops at the end of the day, because your brand new heels have made your toes bleed.

8)        Umbrella: It’s Britain. In June. It shouldn’t rain but it might so make sure you’re prepared.

9)        Accessories: Diamonds are acceptable, you’ll be pleased to know. But leave the big shiny watches at home. If it’s large enough and shiny enough to blind a small child (or jockey – they’re around the same height) avoid.

10)     Enjoy: Royal Ascot is one of the most glamorous and exciting weeks of the year. Dress up, enjoy the people watching and cheer on the horses in each of the 30 races taking place over the week.

Royal Ascot runs from Tuesday 18th June to Saturday 22nd June. Featuring 30 top class races, including seven QIPCO British Champions Series contests, it will be broadcast live on Channel 4 for the first time this year from 1.45pm until 6pm each day.

FORTNUM & MASON LAUNCHES VIVIEN SHERIFF ‘BRITANNIA’ COLLECTION

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In celebration of a momentous year, British Milliner Vivien Sheriff has created a unique new range of Britannia themed hats and headpieces, to launch in Fortnum & Mason at the beginning of June.

Staying true to Vivien’s iconic, ‘English heritage’ signature style, down to every last feather and detail, each piece from the Britannia collection encapsulates the colour palette of the Union Jack.

Fashion and accessories buyer at Fortnum & Mason Amanda Ware comments: “The pieces land in-store just in time for the start of the Great British racing season, all three styles make a statement, capturing the essence of British spirit. Vivien Sheriff Designs have always been popular at Fortnum & Mason so we’re really excited to see our customer’s reaction to the range; we’re expecting them to be a huge hit, particularly for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.”

Adding to Vivien Sheriff’s existing and eclectic collection of designs at Fortnum & Mason, the new pieces can be found in the millinery department on the Second Floor. The Britannia range is made up of three distinct styles:

· Calypso Britannia – feathered Union Jack style head piece £595

· Union Jack – Union Jack hat with feathers £730

· Fleur Britannia – Union Jack Fleur headpiece £99

Vivien Sheriff – RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, Ladies Day 19th July 2012

This year, Fortnum & Mason will once again be offering up a service of exquisite hospitality at one of the summer’s most iconic events, the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park, 18th-22nd July. During Ladies Day on July 19th, Fortnum & Mason will host a Millinery Show, presented by lavish and award winning milliners Adrian Phillip Howard and Vivien Sheriff.

The Fortnum & Mason Ladies’ Evening takes the form of a cocktail party and exclusive dinner. An added bonus, to the Ladies’ Evening, will see Vivien Sheriff giving a captivating and entertaining speech during dinner.

Prices for Ladies’ Day start from £158 per person excluding VAT

Full package details can be found at:

www.fortnumandmason.com