Ascot Dress Code: Style & Hats

There is only one Ascot

As long as I can remember I have followed the style, the pomp and all that comes with it from Ascot each year on our screens.  I love it, from all the style and Royalty to the beautifully groomed horses from around the globe.  It is top of my 'to do' list so fingers crossed I will attend in 2018!!!

Clients attending Ascot want the perfect hat and styling the complete look is all part of my role as a Milliner at Suzie Mahony Designs. Designing a hat that works for them and the occasion.

Ascot set the dress code rules each year and these rules are respected and adhered to which gives us all the fabulous spectacle that is Ascot!!.

Each enclosure within Ascot Racecourse has a different character and dress code, from The Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure, Windsor Enclosure and Village Enclosure.  

The outfits and hats at Ascot are as talked about as the racing itself.  Keeping up with current fashion trends this year Ascot have added the Jumpsuit as part of the allowed dress code list.  

Royal Ascot Style Guide 2017

THE HAT

Hats play a huge part in your overall outfit when attending Ascot.  Large hats styled elegantly with your outfit can look amazing.   If you have the confidence to wear a fabulous hat then attending Ascot it the perfect opportunity to do so.  

Accessories bring your outfit together, try different jewellery and bag styles to complement your look.  

Top Tips for your Ascot Hat:-  

Make sure it sits comfortably and securely on your head.  Attending Ascot is not the time to be fiddling with your hat, you must wear it at all times so try it on beforehand.  Extra elastics or headband options can be done to avoid any problems when you get there.

The Ascot Dress Code 2017

• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.

• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater.

• Jackets and pashminas may be worn, but the dresses or tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code of having one inch or thicker straps.

• Trouser suits are welcome.  They should be full length and of matching material and colour.

• They must be worn with a top that adheres to the guidelines of not being strapless or sheer.

• Hats should be worn.  A headpiece which has a base of 4" or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.

• A hat, headpiece or fascinator should be worn at all times. 

• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure. 

• Midriffs must be covered.

• Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4" Dia)

• Shorts are not permitted.

Royal Ascot runs from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2017

Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you have a wonderful time at Ascot 2017.

Suzie x

Couture Fashion Showcase

Couture Fashion for Weddings and Races

The Couture Fashion Show is a whole new concept from Olivia Danielle.   Teaming up with the fabulous team at Bellissimo Galway they produced an amazing show with Millinery by Suzie Mahony Designs in the heart of Galway City. 

This show gave the VIP experience to those who were lucky enough to join us on the day.  With a warm welcome with drinks and canapes on arrival.

I was delighted to have my Millinery showcased as part of #CoutureatBellissimo with the Olivia Danielle Fashion Show.   Suzie Mahony Designs is stocked instore for your special occasion.

Mike, Dympna and Brendan Bellissimo Galway

Couture Fashion labels from Ireland and throughout the world all modelled by Catwalk Modelling Agency.  MC for the event was Mandy Maher owner Catwalk Modelling Agency.  Mandy looked stunning a 2 piece monochrome skirt and jacket from Olivia Danielle.  I created a leather petal and veiling headband to complete the look.  I think you'll agree she looks fabulous!!

Mandy Maher and Suzie Mahony

On a glorious Sunday afternoon in the Bellissimo Salon Galway.  The perfect setting with brilliant day light through all the windows, this showed the fashion and millinery at its best for the audience.   The red carpet on a white background gave set the scene for a beautiful fashion show, followed by hair Art creations from the Bellissimo Team.

Are you heading to the Galway Races this year?  Perfect evening meeting attire here.

The fashion catered for all aspects of occasion both weddings and races with hats made to match  from Suzie Mahony Designs.

Unique hat designs only available at Olivia Danielle.

Perfect Ladies Day Style and Hats 

With the Derby just around the corner and not to mention Ascot in June, are you heading to the Royal Enclosure? 

Quality Monochrome looks to take you from season to season.

As well as occasion wear, Olivia Danielle stocks a vast range of smart casual attire for every lady.  You really have to browse the rails in store to appreciate the beautiful styles and colours available.

With Debs season getting under way it was the perfect show to highlight to the ballgowns from the Debsroom Athlone, upstairs at Olivia Danielle.

Wow!! Hair Art created by a team from Bellissimo both in Galway and Limerick.  Its amazing what can be created - all from hair!!

The VIP experience wouldn't be complete without a host of beautiful prizes on the day including the best dressed prize from Olivia Danielle which was won by Caroline O'Brien who wore a lovely white top and jeans accessorised perfectly.  We were all drooling over her fabulous shoes!!

Thank you for reading my blog.  I hope you enjoyed a little taste of our Couture Fashion Show.

Suzie x

Wedding Styling with Suzie Mahony Designs

Wedding Styling and Millinery with Suzie Mahony Designs

Styling ladies for their family weddings is something I have enjoyed throughout my Millinery career. It should be an enjoyable experience for your son or daughters wedding, but all too often we see the cracks of stress creeping in!!  And the search for that outfit goes on!!

I keep things simple,  the bottom line for me is a lady wants to look her absolute best on that day so its my job to bring it all together with the hat design and styling through the accessories that can transform the look.

Suzie Mahony Designs creates bespoke hats for a number of occasion boutiques each season.  This process gives me a great insight into the trends and colours featuring for weddings each year.

I have put together a little sample of my styling with a selection of outfits from Isobel Boutique Adare.  This boutique has been renovated into the most amazing occasion 5 Star boutique, a real gem in the heart of the beautiful Adare Village, Co Limerick.

Blues / Silvers

Slate Blue is a lovely soft rich blue tone and works perfectly with bright silver or ivory tones.  This is a two piece dress and jacket combination from Isobel Boutique.  This outfit has a beautiful finish with lots of seam detail.  

I paired it with 2 different types of hats.  An orchid and silk headpiece and the larger saucer hat trimmed with silvery ivory.  A simple silver clutch finishes the look. The selection of Suzie Mahony occasion bags are available online to browse.

 Nude Pink / Black 

Probably one of the most popular tones this year, nude pink.  Here the nude pink is overlayed with black silk, and a separate wrap.   I have shown here a hat which I have designed overlayed with black lace and pearl trim,  also the plain pink hat trimmed with a lovely splash of feather which works perfectly with the black detail on the dress.  Either bag options would work here, the pink pearl or a classic black clutch.  

Yellow / Grey Wedding Guest:-

This yellow and grey is a great 'guest' look for the wedding.  It is a very vibrant zesty yellow tone but when it is combined with the soft grey/silver it works very well.  The overall look is very fresh and seasonal.  

 Navy / Ivory

This is one of those outfits that the hanger doesn't do it justice.  A plain dress underneath with this detailed coat, all from Isobel Boutique Adare.   A beautiful elegant finish on.  I opted for a veiled headpiece which I designed with dyed silk swirls to bring out the lovely rose tones in the coat.  I also added a pop of royal with the bag and this works very well with the coat detail.   This outfit can easily handle a larger hat design. 

This is only a sneak peak at the vast range of international labels and leading brands available at Isobel Boutique.

Thank you for reading my wedding styling blog.
Suzie x

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