Racing Style Tips for Ladies Day

Are you Ready for the Races?

This Spring Racing Season is upon us and the fashion stakes are very high.  You want to stand out, look amazing and enjoy every minute.  I'm sharing my Racing Style Guide with you, some tips to help you look the best on the field.  The perfect 'look' takes planning but rest assured I am here to help bring it all together with the perfect HAT!!!

The Racing Season is always spectacular and in recent years we have seen more and more emphasis move from the fillies to the fashionistas!!  Check out the ladies days 2017.

Dressing for the races takes planning and the last thing you need is hassle with your HAT!.

1. Themes/Weather:

Familiarise yourself with the race meeting you are going to attend.  Style your look to take in any specific theme requirements for the day.  Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Great Pic from The Galway Advertiser from the Galway Races
featuring Suzie Mahony Designs on both ladies in Red! Mary Lee and Sophie Small.

2.  Dress for Your Body Shape:

This is the most flattering way to complete your look.  Use tones that complement you, especially near your face and in your hat.  Think classy and elegant.  With low necklines consider the hemline to the knee or just below.

Mandy Maher Catwalk Modelling Agency Judging at The Galway Races wearing Umit Kutluk with Suzie Mahony Designs

Mary Lee wearing Nude Pink Lace Dress with Suzie Mahony Designs Hat.

3  Accessories:

This season accessories are really coming to the fore.  The right combination of accessories will make or break an outfit and you need your Racing Fashion to be perfect.  Matching shoes and bags are often the perfect choice for an elegant look or choosing a vibrant bold shoe and bag style/colour will transform a look with the right dress and hat.  Your most valuable accessory is your 'smile'.

Sarah Jane Moran Wearing Olivia Danielle Suit with Suzie Mahony Designs Hat

Angela Dowd Finalist wearing Suzie Mahony Designs

4.  The HAT:

Your hat is your crowning glory at the races and above any other accessory it sets you apart.  At Suzie Mahony Designs I style the complete look with my clients.  Wear the correct hat or headpiece to add that 'wow' factor to your outfit.  Don't let your hat overpower your outfit.  If you opt for an amazingly creative hat then keep the rest of your look balanced so it works well together.  Make sure your hat is comfortable to wear, I use special cushion pads on my headbands for clients or special strength elastics.  Allow time for your Milliner to design and make your hat.

Emer Nash all in Creams wearing Suzie Mahony Designs

5.  Grooming is GOD!!  

Judges are in search of the complete look and that includes the perfect Nails, Hair and Makeup.  Don't let your hard work go to waste choosing and styling your outfit without the finishing touches.  Do your makeup to last all day.  Remember 'not to prime is a crime' !!

Thank you for reading my blog, I hope you have a very enjoyable racing season!

Suzie x

Galway Races Festival Summer 2016 Best Dressed Ladies & Hats

Galway Races Festival Summer 2016 Best Dressed Ladies & HATS!

The Galway races kicked off in style for my hats this year with Triona O'Donnell winning Best Dressed in the Latin Quarter Best Dressed Competition sponsored by Evoke.ie and judged by Lorraine Keane.


With Millinery to the fore on Tuesday at the First Furlong annual event at the Ardilaun Hotel in aid of National Breast Cancer Research the ladies were out in full racing style.  The Hat show was modelled by Catwalk Modelling Agency showcasing some of my racing hats alongside other Galway milliners.

Wednesday 'Plate Day' brought us to the Connacht Hotel where Ruth Kemple and Marietta Doran judged best dressed from the days racing in Ballybrit.  Ruth wore Suzie Mahony Designs accessories for her week's racing and Wednesday's look was complete with this striking orange silk Hat.

The biggest ladies day in the country sponsored by Theghotel for the first time, kicked off very early this year.  From 11.30 on Thursday!!

Each year I design hats for the Galway Races and this year showed that the Ascot Style is coming to Galway in a big way.  The beautiful big hats elegantly finished with dresses or jumpsuits, it was all there, stunning to watch.  Many had opted for something different as the judges guided at the Races Launch, 'maybe trousers or jumpsuit but they would be looking for a look that is definitely very different this year to anything we've seen before'.  Racegoers take advice and tips like this very seriously so it was no surprise to see such wonderful outfits and hats on the day.  They came from far and wide, its always lovely to see so many local Galway Ladies out in style supporting Galway Races at its best on ladies day.

Whether you wore a large hat or a quirky headpiece it was the overall look that was important and every lady there went to such effort and looked special.  Its such a pity only 20 are chosen from so many.  Maybe the time has come to let all the wonderful ladies walk a red carpet in front of the photographers and enter if they wish, then they can enjoy some of the limelight they deserve.

This year I designed a gold Grecian style beaded headpiece for Judge Mandy Maher.


Delighted to see Angela Dowd wearing Suzie Mahony Designs Black Silk Bow chosen as a finalist and later that evening at theghotel she was a finalist for the Best Hat Competition.

The winner of the day was Lisa McGowan - Lisa's Lust List wearing her own fashion label 'Strawberry and Lime' with matching headpiece.

For my own look this year I wore a navy Phase Eight Jumpsuit which arrived on the Wednesday afternoon!! yes very late but it was perfect and so comfortable, with navy shoes from Clarks, a fab bag I picked up in Portugal last year, jewellery and silk hat all Suzie Mahony Designs.   In pic with Sophie Small wearing one of my Gold Bespoke Hats.

A little peek at some of my clients for Ladies Day Galway 2016, check out Suzie Mahony Designs for lots more images from the races.



Happy Customer Judy Fitzgerald went on to the Clayton Hotel Best Dressed where she was a finalist wearing a beautiful Phoenix V dress with a bespoke hat I dyed to match.






Sarah Jane Moran meeting AP McCoy at the parade ring on ladies day, wearing a beautiful 3-piece suit from Olivia Danielle and Bespoke Cerise Hat from Suzie Mahony Designs.

Jenny Tierney sporting a peacock Wave Hat from Suzie Mahony Designs with this striking dress. 

Two Broke Divas - Louise Gallagher wearing a Black Silk Hat from Suzie Mahony Designs, check out details of her outfit on her blog.  

Ruth Kemple was chosen by Roz Purcell as a finalist at the Halo Nightclub best dressed Competition on Ladies Day wearing Royal Suzie Wave Hat with jumpsuit from Olivia Danielle.


Mary Lee owner Chez Lee looking radiant in this striking red dress with large nude / red hat.




On Friday I was delighted to be a sponsor alongside Athlone Town Centre for Friday's Fair Lady again this year, judged by Lottie Ryan and Marietta Doran.

Lottie Ryan looked radiant in stunning purple, I designed a purple orchid headpiece with tiny silk swirls in purple to match her dress.  This year saw a huge increase in ladies attending with a very relaxed but stunning array of outfits and hats.  A very enjoyable evening at the Champagne Tent.

What a week of style and so many events throughout the city and in all the hotels to entertain racegoers for the week.  Some real style treats along the way and of course the racing highlights.  Not forgetting Ruby's great win for the Guinness Hurdle on Thursday.  I didn't back a winner all week but I certainly enjoyed styling and creating beautiful hats for ladies.

Suzie x

Galway Racing Festival Week - Events with Style and Hats!!

Events with Style and Hats!

What a week there is planned throughout Galway for the Galway Races.  There is so much on each day at the Race Course and also each evening.  The city will be buzzing for the week.  Here's a list of some of the special events planned where you can wear your beautiful hats and racing style.

Monday 25th July/12pm - Prom to the Paddock at the Salthill Hotel in aid of Enable Ireland

Prosecco reception, followed by a four course lunch with wine and style and fashion showcase.
Racing pundits Tracy Piggott and Tom Lee will also be on hand to offer their tips
MC for the event is Noel Cunningham, TV3 showbiz correspondent and best dressed male and female will be judged by style guru Marietta Doran.
Tickets for the event are €65 and include racecourse ticket and bus to Ballybrit at 3pm sharp. Tickets can be purchased from the Salthill Hotel on 091 522711 or from Enable Ireland on 091 545800.

Monday 8pm : The Latin Quarter  with EVOKE.ie Street Fashion Show

Guest MC Lorraine Keane will take us through the latest trends and stunning styles kicking off at 8pm followed with a best dressed competition in Busker Brownes Bar & Kirbys Restaurant judged by Lorraine Keane and Fashion Editor of Evoke.ie Aoibheann Mc Bride. One lucky lady will walk away with vouchers worth 2000 to spend in the Latin Quarters.

Tuesday 26th July: 

First Furlong at the Ardilaun Hotel in aid of Breast Cancer Research

12.00 Lunch, Fashion & Races Extravaganza
* Sparkling Drinks Reception on Arrival with live music by Guinness Jazz Band
* Four Course Lunch with Wine * Millinery Showcase *Post Lunch entertainment by Love Shack
* First Past the Post “Raciest Lady” & “Bookies Favourite Gent” sponsored 

Wednesday 27th July:  XPOSE's Best Accessories and Headpiece Event at the Latin Quarter

Xposé's Lisa Cannon, Claudia Gocoul and Triona McCarthy will be popping in and out of all the bars, restaurants and stores throughout the Latin Quarter selecting finalists as they go for best headpiece and accessories. The finalists will be invited to a party in the House Hotel where one lucky lady will be chosen.

Wednesday/ The Connacht Hotel Marietta Doran will be pick the Best Dressed Lady on Wednesday from 8pm with the help of one of Galway's top bloggers The Beauty Kemple make sure you're in for a chance to win.

Thursday 28th July:Best Dressed Lady & Best Hat Competitions at the Galway Races

• 10.30am: gates to the racecourse are open • 11.30am: Judging will commence at the racecourse 
• The five judges will walk around the racecourse through the crowds and invite a select number of chosen finalists to the Ladies Day g Hotel Best Dressed Marquee, adjacent to the Champagne Marquee, near the parade ring.
• Finalists must immediately make their way to the g Hotel Marquee. The finalist badge is required for entry of the g Hotel Best Dressed Marquee.
• 2.30pm: all finalists gather in the g Hotel marquee for an informal chat with the judges.
• 3.30pm: the winner of both competitions are announced outside the g Hotel Best Dressed Marquee with MC Marietta Doran
• 4.10pm: the prize giving ceremony takes place in the parade ring

Casino Night at the Galway Bay Gold Resort with Bradley Motors Tkts €65 Table of 10 for €600
Shuttle from Racecourse (if required)/Drinks Reception/Casino Chips/Dinner/Auction
Music by Cafolla & Engel/Dancing til Late ....... Event in aid of Irish Injured Jockeys. 
This promises to be the highlight of Galway Race Week social calendar with live music entertainment.
For tickets contact Nuala at Galway Bay Golf Resort 091 790711 or sales@galwaybaygolfresort.com.

Make sure to tag and follow gosh_shoes_galway #ohmygosh on your Instagram snaps LADIES DAY to be in with a chance of winning Best Dressed Shoe with Gosh! Shoes

the g Hotel & Spa Best Hat & Most Stylish Man

Dining with complimentary prosecco in Restaurant gigi's - Bubbly Tipster Brunch hosted by Ruby Walsh & Katie Walsh - Live Music from The Supernovas – Cafolla & Engel – The Good Hustle Big Band – Spring Break 80s Band - the famous 'Best Hat' Competition on Ladies Day with Philip Treacy Prize [#gBestHat] - the 'Most Stylish Man' event with €1,000 strellson suit from Hanley’s Menswear [#gDapperGent]. For Cocktails – Dining – Fashion & Fun - the g is the place to be during Galway Raceweek! 

Hotel Meyrick "Most Stylish Lady Competition-" at 7PM

Sponsored by Fallers Jewellers, this year’s "Most Stylish Lady" competition boasts a coveted first prize fund of €1,500 worth of stunning jewellery and a second prize of fund worth €500 for the runner up.

Judges: TG4 Rugbaí Beo presenter Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill alongside Mandy Maher, owner of Catwalk Modelling Agency and leading Irish model Mary Lee.

Thursday Night At Halo Nightclub:

Style never goes out of fashion in Halo & this Ladies day Ireland's top model, blogger & “Natural Born Feeder” Roz Purcell will judge our Best Dressed Lady competition. Former Miss Universe Ireland, Roz will be on the lookout for the most stylish, elegant and glamorous Lady in Halo on Thursday night with a designer handbag from Brown Thomas worth over €1000 for the winner. As we love our stylish men too we have a timeless timepiece from Hartmann’s Jewellers with our Best Dressed Gent winning a stunning Tissot Watch.

Clayton Hotel Best Dressed Lady and Gentleman Competitions for the evening.

Claregalway Hotel - Best Dressed Competition

Friday 29th July:Friday Fair Lady Competition at The Galway Races

Friday’s Fair Lady Best Dressed Competition is coming back to the Galway Races for the fourth year in a row with a prize worth €2,000 judged by Marietta Doran and Lottie Ryan

The best dressed lady on the evening will walk away with a €1000 shopping spree in Athlone Towncentre, a luxury hotel & spa break at theSheraton Athlone Hotel, a delicious meal for two in award winning restaurant The Fatted Calf, a €300 voucher to spend on treatments in The Laser & Skin Clinic in Athlone Towncentre and €250 voucher for a bespoke headpiece crafted by Suzie Mahony Designs.

Enter online for a chance to WIN Tickets to the event: http://athlonetowncentre.com/2016/06/galwayracesfridaysfairlady/

Fantastic choice for everyone all week in Galway.
Looking forward to it!!
Suzie 

Complete Your Racing Outfit

Complete Your Racing Outfit

Planning your Ladies Day outfit begins early in the year.  With so many race meetings and exciting 'Best Dressed Lady' Competitions all over Ireland the racing season gains momentum once we have witnessed the stunning style and racing from Royal Ascot.  This year was no exception with the beautiful Duchess of Cambridge wearing soft creams and elegant Millinery.  A little sunshine puts us all in good form and gets us thinking about what to wear to the Dubai Derby in June, Galway Races, the RDS and others later in the summer.

The Weather:
You need to be prepared for the weather, we have had fabulous sunshine and torrential rain at Ladies Days so think about adding an umbrella to your outfit or even a coat, just check the forecast before heading out.  All aspects of your outfit need to be thought through to avoid added stress on the day itself.

The Style:
Irish ladies certainly know their style, its really about putting the correct elements together to look fantastic for racing.    Dress for 'you' in an outfit that fits your body shape and you will carry it elegantly. Choose a style you feel good in and you will look amazing.  The fashion colours for ss16 offer plenty of choice for your tone and whether you opt for a calm pastel soft look or the strong bold tones they can be styled to work for you.

Pic: I am with Emer Nash wearing one of my bespoke designs winning Best Irish Design.




Hat or Headpiece:
Having designed hats for nearly 15 years I really enjoy the creative element to racing millinery.  It allows for much more freedom in design.  Giving a unique look whilst complementing the colours and textures.  Hats are definitely in vogue this year for racing and the bigger the better.  Elegant wide brimmed hats are a stunning finish to any racing attire. Giving you an air of confidence, sophistication, a statement piece. I love an element of class, an edge on a design, a little twist or something a little 'out there'.
Hat Tip:  Wear elastics on your hat to secure it or a headband with proper foam cushions for comfort.

I designed a collection of statement 'Bow' hats a few years back and they really stood out, in different angles and embellished with contrasting veiling and beading they were striking with just a simple styled chic suit or dress.    Here is one of these designs I have designed for ss16 racing season.


Choose your bag and jewellery to enhance your overall look, have fun with them, use them to add an accent colour or a beaded collar to give a different look altogether.

Shoes must be comfortable!!  There is nothing glamorous when watching a lady, struggling to walk with painful feet.  Don't torture yourself with 5" heels, be honest with how high you are comfortable to walk in for a full day!!.

The main tip for going racing is to look and feel comfortable in your whole outfit and enjoy the racing!!

Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you find it useful. x