KEY POINTS:
If you're going to the races, there are certain dress codes to bear in mind. Saturday is Mercedes Derby Day when the traditional colours are black and white or black and cream. During the day the national final of the Mercedes Prix de Fashion is held, with regional
winners up against Auckland's racegoers. Someone will win a prize package worth $100,000, which includes a stunning new Mercedes Benz. Wednesday
is the big day for the actual racing, and traditional race day attire is the go - as in not eveningwear and not casual. Fashion prizes will go to the best-looking couple on the course, rewarded for their matching style. And Saturday March 8 is Diamond Day. Advisers says that "colourful, feminine frocks are the order of the day".
On the wrong track
Some things shouldn't be worn to the races. You'll scare the horses: By wearing the same eye-watering shade of shocking pink from head to foot, including sunglasses. By wearing flip-flops - even if you have had a pedicure. By putting fake tan on your face and forgetting to match your neck; tidelines show up hideously in harsh sunlight. By wearing a print too far - lacey tights with mega-patterned dresses. By wearing shorts and high heels. By revealing Las Vegas-style cleavage.
Quirky in acrylic
More tasty treats in jewellery are available at Stenbeck & Morse in Newmarket, where they've just received a shipment of accessories from Kyo Hashimoto, a globetrotting Japanese jeweller who was living in Australia but has recently located to Denmark. All the quirky designs are made from acrylic that's been hand-cut into intricate lacey shapes, then dyed by hand. Prices start at around $135. Ph (09) 520 2110.
Shape-shifters
No, the fastest growing segment of the lingerie market isn't the frilly knicker set. Apparently it's shapewear. And Jockey knows this, having released more than 20 styles of shapewear, all built to slim, firm and smooth various troublesome bits of your anatomy. The various pieces are not only built for comfort, they're also meant to be more stylish - and therefore not quite as embarrassing as the older nana pants. Jockey's designer has been inspired by 50s corsetry, so everything looks plain but not a million miles from a pin-up style. The new Jockey Shapewear range is available at Farmers and other leading stores, priced between $16.99 and $64.99.
Give and take
If you like the idea of getting involved in a clothing swap but haven't managed to organise your friends into it yet, then try the Fashion Swap Fiesta instead. Held this Saturday at Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts in Manukau the event goes from 10am to midday. And it's really simple - for every bag of freshly laundered garments and accessories you bring to the swapmeet, you can take the equivalent quantity away. There's a $20 entry fee, but this supports the SPCA, Dress for Success Auckland and the South Auckland Hospice. As a bonus, a craft and farmers' market will be held at the same time. So get down there and refresh your wardrobe and your palate at the same time.
