Summer style at the races 

Source: ONE Sport

Summer racing kicked off with a bang with the Melbourne Cup held last week. For Style Blog at least, the prestigious event isn't really about placing bets and watching beautiful horses race their little hearts out, it's more about what's happening trackside!

At the races you know Summer has well and truly arrived when you are surrounded by skimpily-clad fillies frolicking around in all their finery, festooned with feathers while the lads also pick up their game, wearing their best suits, looking handsome and dapper.

Of course all the real fun is at Flemington in Melbourne where it is a public holiday and everyone goes along and parties up at storm.

All the celebs are out in full force competing for the paparazzi's attention. Check out the pics below.

Back here we in Auckland, we still try to make the most of it with celebrations held out at Ellerslie race course and also a super glam event held at Skycity.

Since Skycity is but a hop, skip and a jump from TVNZ HQ, Style Blog whipped across the road to check out the action.

It's always a great start to an evening when you are greeted at the door with a complimentary glass of moet!   While everyone certainly made an effort to get more dressed up, the feeling was a lot more relaxed. Paul Henry and Corin Dan were spotted looking super handsome but "sans" tie!



As for the ladies, there were a few large hats on show. However,  the majority opted for pretty little fascinators which can be the safe option, but also serve as a great way to show off a great hairstyle.

For the more mature ladies, nothing beats a fitted jacket over either a pencil skirt or a dress while the younger gals still like to don strappy, sexy numbers to show off their pins and décolletage.

Style Blog's all-time favourite milliner is the beautiful and ever-lovely Natalie Chan. Now that the race season is upon us, Natalie is busier than ever creating the most stunning headwear in New Zealand.

Check out her unique designs at www.nataliechan.co.nz < http://www.nataliechan.co.nz>

With the Melbourne Cup now over, there are many other exciting races look forward to across New Zealand and more importantly, start planning a look for!

For all you Ellerslie racing fashionistas out there, every Boxing Day there is the Viva Fashions in the Field.  Then, in March, there are many events happening such as the Mercedes Prix de Fashion (where your outfit can win you a $100,000 prize package that includes a Mercedes) and also the Stella Artois Cup Couture Day and the Diamond Darling event.

Check it all out at www.ellerslie.co.nz and also www.aucklandcupweek.co.nz

There's also the New Zealand Cup race meetings in Canterbury on November 11 and 14. Click here for more info

And there's also Wellington Cup Day on January 30. Click here for details.

Click here for handy tips on what to wear and more importantly, what not to wear!

Remember to always have fun with your look and don't be a wallflower, be your fabulous best because it is the all-time ultimate excuse to get as glammed up as you want!

See you all there!