"It spiralled into him betting I'd back out at the last minute."
Following her success at Matamata two weeks ago she appeared on the catwalk at last weekend's Derby Day at Ellerslie.
Mrs Davison, who typically spends her days dressed in "jeans and a cami", said fashion was an expensive business. Her prize-winning outfit from Matamata included a deep red dress, from London label Self Portrait, a matching red hat, tan gloves, bolero and neat open-toed shoes.
"I've spent enough dollars for my husband to start spitting tacks."
She'd saved some dollars, thanks to having friends do her hair and makeup " but said there was a lot of costly detail and grooming involved.
"It's not just about the nice dress," she said. "You've got your nails, your skin, tan, gloves, shoes, the hat ... the way you hold yourself, the hair, makeup and jewellery."
She said creativity was also a key part of every outfit. "You have got to follow trends to a degree ... but you also need to stand out."
Mrs Davison was hopeful but realistic about her chances.
"It would be awesome to win, but there is tough competition and I'm obviously a bit of a rookie against many beautiful girls who are competing."
Viva Prix de Fashion
• Entrants are those who won their regional fashion competitions
• Judges are Viva Beauty editor, Janetta Mackay and Amber Peebles and Rebecca Stoneman Competition begins at 2:20 pm
• Winners are announced at 3:10 pm
