KEY POINTS:
About a month before New Zealand Fashion Week, all the fashion editors and style writers around town have the perfect excuse for buying that overpriced designer bag or those amazing shoes that will max out their credit cards. It turns out that as Auckland Cup Week nears, the staff at the Auckland Racing Club have similar thoughts.
"It's a total justification," confesses Rachel Holland, the club's marketing director. "And I have several `total justification' outfits."
Over the past three years, the horse racing scene in Auckland has changed. "It's been about taking a fairly tired institution and turning it into a glamorous entertainment proposition," says Holland. And one of the most entertaining parts of that is the opportunity racegoers now have to dress up.
"It's like an adult fantasy land. Sometimes you feel like it's a little bit Lady Di, with all the mats and gloves and matching things. But where else do you get to flounce around all day drinking champagne?"
Who are your favourite designers?
Yvonne Bennetti, Alannah Hill, Trelise Cooper, Keith Matheson, Collette Dinnigan and Chloe.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
An Alannah Hill "make me a salad" dress.
Your favourite sort of outfit for the races?
I favour dresses. However, co-ordination and balance for me is key. A flamboyant hat and simple dress, or a glamorous dress and subtle accessories, say.
Most important fashion item at the races?
Comfortable high heels.
Best accessory at the races?
Definitely a fabulous hat or gorgeous fascinator.
So where would you get the best hat for wearing to something like Cup Day?
Natalie Chan, Dollie Vardin, Kevin Berkhan and Urban Turbans all make fabulous fascinators and hats to order and Alannah Hill always includes beautiful headwear and accessories in her collections.
What's your biggest indulgence?
I have my nails done once a week at Parnell Nail Studio.
Your favourite accessory?
I have several pashminas in various colours. It's the perfect accessory for summer evenings or for wrapping up with a coat in winter. An absolute must when travelling.
Who does the best shoes?
Stuart Weitzman shoes from Scarpa and sexy seasonal shoes from Mi Piaci.
What endures throughout the seasons?
A fabulous hairstyle and a little black dress.
Your favourite shop?
Jo Malone is pure delight for the senses and the presentation is beautiful. I absolutely adore the new White Jasmine and Mint fragrance.
Your best beauty tip?
A good night's sleep and never with your makeup on. Omega 3 and lemon juice in the morning.
The one rule you always dress by?
Consider the total ensemble - hair, makeup, clothing, shoes and accessories. Sometimes you see someone in a beautiful dress, but they haven't taken as much care with other elements.
Is there anything you'd never wear?
Flat shoes to the races.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwen Stefani, Kate Bosworth.
Best sartorial advice you ever had?
Always buy quality.
Most cherished item?
A strand of large pearls that my grandfather gave my grandmother when they were courting.
Favourite place to hang out and people watch?
Cuvee Champagne Bar at Ellerslie on a raceday.
The colour, glamour and style make it a fashion spectacle.
Silliest trend you ever heard of?
Neon.
Best music for getting dressed by?
Upbeat, sexy music. Pink Martini, Hotel Costes and Saint Germain are current favourites.
Never caught wearing?
Crocs. Or without makeup.
When I was high school I wore?
When not in school uniform, the standard Canterbury uniform of moleskins, Aertex shirts, RM Williams boots, fob chains and pearls.
