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Good Influence: How our social media ambassadors prepare for Spring Carnival

The new year of racing is upon us and Fashion At The Races is delighted to announce Lauren Dilena and Dani Adey as the AAMI Spring Carnival at Morphettville Social Media Ambassadors for the season ahead. The stylish duo will be present across our enthralling events calendar to share their track stories from wardrobe to racing wins. Our social media mavens talk their pony passion, preparing their racewear and the tick-worthy trends for Spring Carnival.

When it comes to preparing for the Spring Carnival, Dani says Derby Day has always been her favourite event. “Having attended this event twice now, I’m so excited to see what’s in store this year at Morphettville,” Dani said. “Derby Day has an austere dress code of just black and white, and it’s amazing to see everyone take this theme to a whole new level,” she said. “I tend to create an original look with my black and white outfit by incorporating different fabrications, prints or textures.”

For Lauren, Melbourne Cup is her hot ticket for a day to dress your best, get social and take a punt on the race that stops a nation. “The Races SA is just such a fun and wonderful family, and c’mon, I’d be kidding if I didn’t love a good reason to doll up and share all the fun activities on my socials,” Lauren said.

“I think it’s always fun to share the fabulous ladies and men in fashions on the field, it’s wonderful seeing people of all ages going the extra mile to design or make original pieces, including spectacular and individual headwear to help accessorise their outfits,” she said. “I gotta tell you, we have some amazing talented people in Adelaide!”

Lauren’s love for racing began as a teen, admiring the televised cup day arrivals. “When I was old enough to attend these races, I would take it in great pride to dress up and look for those specialised pieces to create a unique look,” Lauren said. “It’s honestly the best day out with your friends, there’s something for everyone with food, wine, fashion and of course getting lucky with your punting choices; it’s definitely something everyone should try at least once!”

Having attended her first racing event just a few years ago, Dani found it a fabulous excuse to put together an outfit to reflect herself. “I don’t get many opportunities to dress up and wear extravagant millinery, so when I do, I make the most of it,” Dani said.            

“My racing experience is always enjoyable, and throughout the day I usually post as much as I can, from the track, pop-up bars, beauty bars and the entertainment!” she said. “This allows my followers to see my true experience of how great these events are; I’m quite good with interacting with my followers, therefore if anyone had any questions or concerns about the events I’m always here to answer.”

In anticipation of a racing event, Dani typically showcases her outfit options and ideas for hair and makeup through her social channels - a vital stage in her audience engagement. “This will hopefully give my followers an insight of what trends and ideas I’m focusing on this year,” Dani said.

To ensure her racing looks are on-trend, Dani keeps tabs on magazines, web content and her racing fashion icons Nadia Bartel, Jennifer Hawkins and Stephanie Smith. “Their fashion sense is like no other and their ideas help me create something of my own,” Dani said.

Lauren’s legwork begins months in advance by collating inspirational shots on Pinterest and Instagram to form an overall look in her head. “I sound crazy, but I really love collecting and drawing inpso, but still keeping it real and making sure I always push outside the boundaries,” Lauren said. “I absolutely love working with SA local talented designers to piece together something fun that works for my personal aesthetic.”

Lauren predicts the marquees and lawns will be a mix of bold and bright colours as well as light and pastel tones. “Colour blocking was huge for winter and I think it’s here to stay, we’re going to be seeing all complementary tones and colours paired together, like khaki and pink, lilac and oranges and we’re still going to see pink and red combinations, that was huge trend from A/W 18,” Lauren said. “Trends will either be romantic styles with lace and tulles, colour blocking, power suiting and even a bit of bohemian for that more relaxed style.”

“I feel there will be endless amounts of bold patterns and bright colours this spring as well as detailed lace, florals and big sleeves; it’s all very feminine,” Dani said, adding statement accessories make a great option for the colour-phobic amongst us. “I love the neutral colour palette and flawless tailoring on the runway this season,” Dani said. “Lilac has been the new favourite hue, having seen a lot of blazers, pantsuits and party dresses in that specific colour everywhere!”

Fresh from the runway, Lauren is also loving power suiting, a look she absolutely owned on Oaks Day during the UBET Festival of Racing. “I have to say this was so super comfortable and I actually felt so empowered wearing pants for a change – plus I spared on the tan, ha!”

As an SA Westfield Senior Stylist, Lauren’s wardrobe is constantly evolving, but she ensures her personality shines through her racing choices by adding a strategic trend to her look. “I think the key to making sure you’re true to your own style is to keep it loud or keep it simple, but it’ always important be comfortable and confident with whatever you choose to wear,” Lauren said. Some of her go-to labels for racing attire include Mimi Jane Millinery, Sylvy Earl, Ashlee Lauren Design, Christie Nicolaides, Viktoria Novak and Morgan & Taylor.

Despite the shifting trends influencing her looks, Dani adds statement earrings or a stand-out clutch to her racewear to embody her personal brand. “I don’t really have a favourite label as such, I tend to go with whatever works for that current season,” Dani said. “In the past I have been dressed by Australian Fashion Labels, all their pieces are so unique and fashion forward, therefore perfect for Morphettville race events.”

On the headwear scene, Lauren is expecting silk turbans, silk head scarves, straw boater or fedora hats, metallics, hair clips and headbands with trimmings like lace, tulle and chains. Dani agreed, loving boater hats and metallic headpieces – a consistently popular choice she predicts will continue throughout this year.

Once Dani has finalised her race day ensemble, she begins planning her beauty look. “If my outfit has intricate details, I tend to stick to a simple hairstyle,” Dani said. “I usually go for a soft curl, loose ponytail or low bun – nothing too dramatic,” she said. “As for makeup, I try and keep a more natural look as the races is a daytime event; my go-to look being quite simple yet full coverage with brown/gold tones and peachy cheeks.”

Lauren frequently uses @mystylesquadapp to bring the hair salon to her home. “I think makeup and hair is always so important,” Lauren said. “It’s like the icing on top of the cake, I always want to push the boundaries and be daring with the style.”

“I always plan the look with my makeup artist months before with 1000 texts back and forth, we get pretty excited to collaborate,” Lauren said. “And I’m actually super lucky as both MUAs I use are my best friends, Nirvana Manly @nivman or Amanda Mafodda @mafods,” she said.

When the big day finally arrives, Lauren tries to fit as much into her racing survival kit as possible, even though clutches are getting smaller and our phones and beauty products are getting bigger. “I will start with my Atelier or Ben Nye Concealer, MAC Studio Fix Powder, lippy, lip liner, a few brushes and, if I can, my beloved MAC Fix Plus spray!”

To maintain her bronzed beauty throughout a racing even, Dani packs her clutch the evening prior. “I always have my portable charger, lipstick, MAC Studio Fix Powder, mints, deodorant and wallet with me on the day – they are my must haves!”

And while everyone is watching our social media sensations on Melbourne Cup Day, Lauren will be keeping an eye on the Adelaide girls, as well as the nation’s brightest track stars. “I’ll be following my favourite interstate ladies, Lana Wilkinson, Jodi Gordon, Kate Waterhouse, Elyse Knowles and Jennifer Hawkins, they always have amazing fashion forward style,” Lauren said. “I also like to keep an eye out for the #morphettvilleracecourse tag on Instagram.”

“I am thrilled to be a part of Spring Carnival this year, combining my love and passion for racing and fashion, I am super excited to be a 2018 Social Media Ambassador,” Dani said. “It’s such a privilege to work alongside such a hard-working, well-driven and inspiring group of people.”

Dani believes the race days throughout Spring Carnival are the ultimate group date. “Enjoy a truly unforgettable experience trackside,” Dani said. “Morphettville offer different packages to cater for everyone – you really can’t go wrong!”

Plan your Spring Carnival sessions with Lauren and Dani by following their journeys on instagram @laurendilena and @daniadey. Our Social Media Ambassadors will be giving you a VIP view at Morphettville, as Spring Carnival kicks off with AAMI Caulfield Cup Day on October 20, offering three incredible Saturdays of racing before AAMI Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, November 6.

Find your perfect event package here.

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