Q& A With The Wheatbelt Regional Heat Winner
Q& A With The Wheatbelt Regional Heat Winner
The WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field ‘Wheatbelt Regional Heat’ was held at the Northam Race Club’s Ladies Day on Sunday, October 8.
60 ladies entered the Northam Fashions on the Field, for their chance to score a spot in the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final.
Reggie Thei was the lucky winner of the Wheatbelt Regional Heat, followed by Meisha Warren as first runner up and Michelle Donnella as Best of Wheatbelt.
Ms Thei will now go on to compete in the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final to be held at Perth Racing on Saturday, December 2.
The winner of the Final will receive a trip for two to London to attend Royal Ascot with Motive Travel, $10,000 spending money thanks to TABtouch, and more!
WA Country Cups caught up with Ms Thei to talk about country racing and racing fashion, as well as the upcoming Final, here is what she had to say:
1. What do you love about country racing?
Country racing is so easy to love, the relaxed atmosphere, the warmth and friendliness of the community coming together, it has something to offer for everyone – plus it’s nice not to have to line up too long to get drink or have a flutter on the horses.
2. How long have you been going to the races for and what are your favourite memories?
My earliest memory of heading to the races was when I was about 10. Mum, my sister and I tagged along with some neighbours who were really into the horses – I remember flicking through the race book, viewing horses in the parade ring and getting so much joy from watching all the different coloured silks worn by the jockeys come thundering past as the horses darted towards the finish line.
Some of my favourite memories about the races have been putting the wrong numbers in a trifecta – only for it to get up and win (YES!!!! $$), getting to see the worlds best Mare Winx run, seeing all the different fashions and entering fashions. However my absolute favourite memories are simply just getting to catch up with family and friends for day out at the races, it is just a wonderful day out.
3. Why do you enter Fashions on the Field?
I enter FOTF because I love putting outfits together – it’s a real creative outlet for me and as a Mum to a couple of children, I also enjoy FOTF because it’s one of the few activities/hobbies that I do for myself, some people do yoga, others might go hiking – for me I put outfits together and enter FOTF. Entering FOTF enriches my life, I have met some of my now closest friends through the FOTF community and it’s one of the few things that I do for myself that is “just for me.”
I think it’s important for every person, in particular women to set aside time for themselves to take up hobbies or activities that are “just for me” it’s often easy to fall into the trap of being so busy doing everything for everybody else that ones own well being can take a back seat, so for me personally entering FOTF is a way for me to have a creative outlet and as well as set aside personal time to do hobbies/activities that I love.
4. Describe your style?
Eclectic, because it entirely depends on how I’m feeling, sometimes I’ll channel a boho or romantic look other times I like to go for a sleek and polished look.
5. What tips do you have for ladies entering Fashions on the Field?
I think one of my first tips would be to encourage more women to enter, it never ceases to amaze me how many women have incredible outfits on, yet they are hesitant to enter because they might not have entered before, find it too nerve racking etc, so if you’re reading this and you fall into that category – next time the opportunity arises to enter a FOTF competition, just do it.
Choose an outfit that you love, because when you love the outfit you’ve put together, you will feel more confident wearing it and confidence is my must have accessory.
Which brings me to my next tip – the all important accessories factor, from jewellery to neck ties, clutches and belts, accessories can really elevate an outfit, however finding the right balance of how to accessorise is key. I tend to find if the hat/headpiece I am wearing is quite detailed and intricate then I will balance the look off by paring with simple jewellery ie (Maybe Solid Gold Studs or Pearl Studs).
Pay attention to grooming as well, keep makeup fresh and light, ensure nails are nicely manicured (fingers and toes) are painted in complimentary colours to your outfit – doing little things like this help pull together a polished racing look.
Finally have fun, enjoy the whole process of pulling together an outfit, getting dressed up, meeting up with some friends for a day at the races and entering FOTF.
6. What are some of your favourite things about the Goldfields Region?
The landscapes of the Wheatbelt region are so picturesque, with its rolling hills and agricultural farm land as a backdrop Northam and its surrounds that make up the Wheatbelt region offer up real natural Australian Beauty. My absolute favourite thing about the Wheatbelt region is the people, doesn’t matter who you meet – everyone is so friendly and warm, such a welcoming community.
7. What does it mean to you to be going to Ascot to compete in the final?
It is such an honour to be representing the Wheatbelt and heading to Ascot for the final, I am so grateful to RWWA, Country Cups and all the sponsors for this amazing opportunity and I’m hoping I can do the Wheatbelt region proud.
I am so excited to meet the other finalists as well as see all the wonderful fashion and style that will be on display at Ascot from all the racegoers. I am sure it will be a fabulous event.
About the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field
The WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field is a state-wide racing fashion competition, open to fashionistas from all over WA, and consists of nine regional heats held at major country race meetings across the State.
The winner of each regional heat is invited to compete in the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final to be held at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 2nd December 2017.
The 2017 WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field will consist of the following Regional Heats and Final:
Regional Heat | Event | Date 2017* |
---|---|---|
Great Southern | Albany Ladies Day | 8 January |
Peel | Pinjarra Ladies Day | 11 February |
South West | Bunbury Ladies Day | 19 March |
Gascoyne | Carnarvon Ladies Day | 10 June |
Pilbara | Port Hedland Ladies Day | 23 July |
Kimberley | Broome Ladies Day | 15 August |
Goldfields | Kalgoorlie Ladies Day | 20 September |
Wheatbelt | Northam Ladies Day | 8 October |
Mid West | Geraldton Ladies Day | 15 October |
Final | WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final | 2 December |