












When the opportunity came knocking to attend the Royal Ascot, I freaked out. The closest I came to a horse was a pony ride when I was 10. Or maybe the equestrian themed Hermes scarves I used to collect. So this country bumpkin asked her friends on Facebook, "Ladies, do you just stand there and watch horses run round and round at the Royal Ascot?" I re-read my words later and cringed.....utterly daft. No words....Just...arghhh.. A couple thought it was hilarious but seriously.......where's the idiot emoticon when you need it?. And then I read about the dress code. As in dresses. Literally. And fancy hats. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll probably know by now that I rarely, if ever wear dresses.
So I invited someone I know within the blogosphere who's well versed with the event, Jasiminne to come along with me. I had no idea what to expect but the journey to Ascot was buoyant with masses of excited and glamorous looking folks boarding the train. It was utter madness when I arrived at Ascot train station. There were police, guards and even the army came along (Jasiminne was mad for those sexy blokes in uniform) to gather donations. There were video cameras and photographers with massive telephoto lens jostling to find the most eye-catching hat or outfit.
Meanwhile, I stood there and gawked goggle eyed as swarms of beautiful people poured out from the entrance of the train station. It was a short walk from the station to the racecourse. I was in awe of those who braved the walk and lawn in stilettos. I spied a fair share of bloodied feet and then there were others who limped...and limped...and limped. When we arrived at the grand venue, I whipped out my miniature camera and surreptitiously papped the ladies but promptly forgot about the dapper looking gents in attendance.


There were jaw dropping beauties which nearly caused me to have a whiplash as they sashayed past. Flawless make up, picture perfect hair, movie star glamor. And then there were the weird and wacky - a homage to My Little Pony or that stuffed cat which at a glance, looked real.




God must've answered my prayers because the weather was unbelievably warm and sunny. Everyone had the same idea and swiftly booked to have afternoon tea on the lawn and inside the marquee. I would've loved to perch my tush under a shade and continue to people watch as I sip tea from dainty porcelain cups and bite into cucumber sandwiches.


Jasiminne suggested that we nabbed ourselves a prime spot to watch the Royal Procession. Bless her. I had no idea so I trailed behind her like an obedient pup. I've lived here in the U.K for 7 years and it was my very first time seeing the Queen (check out the video above). I didn't expect to stand a few meters from her carriage either so this Kiwi girl did a silent squeal while trying to maintain a semblance of maturity and composure. Ack...heck..who cares about looking good??!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, I SAW THE QUEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNN!!

Shoes: Office Kingdom Ghillie flats, Nicholas Kirkwood sandals and Essie nail polish "She's picture perfect"
We didn't end up taking a selfie of the two of us but we managed a shoefie instead.



Outfit: Panama hat, Etoile Isabel Marant Lexy jacket, Etoile Isabel Marant Gemma dress (on sale!), Miu Miu sunglasses, Hermes Cape Cod watch, Hermes Kelly and Nicholas Kirkwood heels
Thursday was the day of many firsts. First time a thet Royal Ascot. First time seeing the Queen. First time being photobombed by such suave and good natured gentlemen though they gave me a fright when they suddenly appeared next to me.

Thank you to Appletiser for the invitation to the Royal Ascot this year and Jasiminne for the lovely company and the shots of me!
Oh I'm so glad you went Marlene! What a fantastic experience & it looks like a grand day in more ways than one! I've been to the races many times but never to Ladies Day. You've captured the essence perfectly in your photos. I love your cheeky photo bombers at the end too! Andrea x
ReplyDeleteAndrea, I had no idea it was called Ladies Day. Goes to show how little I know about the day but whoa!... it was just teeming with beautifully dressed women.
DeleteYou look like you had a blast. I love the photo bombers and I am so pleased that you managed a shot of Queenie!! The girl with the cat on her head looks like Victoria Sellers. I love the variety, it is a true feast for the eyes and great camera fodder. H xx
ReplyDeleteThose 2 are the most handsome looking photo bombers I've ever had. A few girlfriends and I have been photo bombed before but always by pot bellied, sleazy middle aged blokes.
DeleteMarlene, I'm sad you didn't buy yourself a gigantically inappropriate hat! :-D
ReplyDeleteI'll get myself the most outrageous hat that covers my entire shoulder and more if you come along with me and wear the same!
DeleteThat's in my 3-year plan: Get a custom made crazy hat and attend the Royal Ascot with Marlene. Let's do it!
DeleteLet's do it! We'll book a table under the marquee and ogle at handsome guys and pretty women.
DeleteThat photobombed shot is just priceless! I'm not the least bit interested in horse racing, but what I wouldn't give for the opportunity to get all dolled up and spend the day people-watching. It looks as though you had an amazing time! I have no words for that cat hat... xx
ReplyDeleteI wasn't all that interested in horse racing too. People watching must be my favorite sport ever.
DeleteI went 5 years ago now for a (non-raucous) hen do. Not remotely interested in horse racing, it was all about people watching for me. The mind boggled with the seriously short skirts and seriously high hoof heels but each to their own. Glad the weather was fine, what a great day out and love those pictures with your photobombers!
ReplyDeleteOh yes...I was scratching my head wondering how some of these ladies coped with super tight pencil skirts, mini (yes, truly mini) skirts and then tottering in sky high heels on the lawn.
DeleteYou look great.... but where is your hat. I wouldnt where a big hat either, if i did those cute guys would have to stand at a HAT's distance away. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this, Marlene...SO cool to see the Queen up close. This American loves stuff like this, too ;)
ReplyDeletePS. You look great!
Alissa
I was blown away by how well dressed how everyone was. Seeing the Queen up close was fab. First time experience in my life.
DeleteThank you, thank you, thank you for this glorious post. So funny, you didn't know what was going on at Ascot. The same thing happened to me yeeeaaarss ago with the races of Carlyle (up north). A country version of Ascot. I asked my friend's sister what to wear and she said: "oh shorts and a T-shirt will do". When I got dressed the morning of the event, in my shorts, my boyfriend (back then) looked at me in surprise and said: "what do you think you are doing?" Yep...it was dress up time. Fortunately I brought a very chic ensemble with me. When I got to the races and I saw my friend's sister, I called her to account. She said:" I would have killed myself laughing if you had shown up in your shorts. A black sense of humor but a lovely girl.
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed all your photos of this Ascot event. You were a very lucky girl to be invited. And see the queen.
Greetje
I couldn't help but laugh. I would've believed your friend too! I had no idea the everyone was going to be THIS dressed up. I probably had the least fancy hat on at Ascot but it was more fun ogling other women.
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