Kilkenny Shop Ladies Day at the Galway Races 2015

What a day at Ladies Day in Galway 2015!
Yesterday, myself and my Mum headed to Ballybrit to see all the fabulous style. We were blown away the minute we walked in!
There was a sea of colourful hats and dresses. Ladies were dressed impeccably – It looked to be a tough day for the judges choosing the final 10 for the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ prize. 

This year's competition was sponsored by the Kilkenny Group and judges included Irish Independent Fashion Editor Bairbre Power, RTE presenter Maura Derrane, Image Magazine Editor-in-Chief Melanie Morris and owner of the Catwalk Model Agency Mandy Maher.

The Best Dressed Lady prize consisted of a shopping spree at Kilkenny store, bespoke Waterford Crystal, a luxurious staycation from Ireland's Blueblook, some new wardrobe additions courtesy of Aideen Bodkin, a year's worth of hair treatments at Peter Mark, jewellery by Maureen Lynch and a Lancôme cosmetics hamper from University Pharmacy Galway.

Alex Butler from County Cork won the prize of ‘Best Dressed Lady’ wearing a stunning red dress from a boutique in Fermoy, Christian Louboutin heels and one of my large red front facing disc hats! 
I think I may have screamed when she won. I couldn’t contain my excitement, I was ecstatic for her, it was such a surreal moment. The crowds were cheering her on, the atmosphere was electric!
Congratulations again Alex! 

My outfit was a little last minute as usual! The top of the dress was made from quite a stretchy fabric which made it fit very neatly. I added some black fabric to the top of the dress as the V at the front was very low (I could have potentially blinded a few people!) 
The skirt had great bounce to it. There were layers and layers of fabric with stiffening along the edge of it (which gave that flowy look)
It’s a fun, girly dress, definitely a little Sex And The City inspired! 

My little clutch is from Aldo Shoes on Grafton Street. I picked it up a few weeks ago to go with a completely different dress and never ended up wearing it. It’s pretty much identical in colour to the skirt part of the dress.
My black pointy toe shoes are from Kurt Geiger in Brown Thomas. I have to say they are probably the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. My feet are usually aching after a day at the Races but these shoes were super comfy! They come in red, nude and leopard print too – The red is to die for but nude is probably a more practical colour. 

My sister Sandra did my hair for me that morning. Between my dress, hat and bag, there was a lot of detailing going on so I wanted to keep my hair quite simple (which isn’t always an easy job as I have tons of it!). It was a large bun to the side of my head with parts of my hair wrapped around it (Apologies for the terrible description). You can see a photo of it above. 

As I said in the paragraph above, the fashion really was amazing. Galway Races is definitely the most stylish race meeting in the country. It was exciting to see how people styled different types of hats, dresses etc and put their own twist on it. 
Here are some snaps from the day..

Marietta Doran hosted a fashion show at the Races where she asked ladies to join her on stage to show off their outfits. It was a brilliant idea. She has such a warm personality which made everyone feel comfortable on the catwalk (Although nothing would knock that ultimate fear of tumbling off stage out of me!) 

Alex Butler, winner of the Kilkenny Shop Best Dressed Lady competition at the Galway Races being interviewed for RTE news and TV3 Xpose. 

Myself and Alex after her win – I’m still on a high from it all, I can’t imagine how Alex feels!

Giggles with Daithi O’Se!

On our way out of the Racecourse, we spotted the fabulous Leitrim Rose Sinead Flynn. Sinead was wearing one of my large red hats with pearl detailing – Doesn’t she look fab!?

The other beautiful winners from the day were Mary White (Right) who was wearing a bespoke outfit by Laura Jayne Halton – Mary took home the ‘Best Irish Design’ prize.
Danielle Gingell (Left) was awarded the 'Best Hat' prize in a cream and tulle floral headpiece. 

It was one of the most exciting days ever. I’m so thrilled for Alex! 

I’m off to London as we speak for a family wedding this weekend.
The venue is a secret (very exciting!). The bride is super stylish so I can’t wait to see what she wears.  
Can you recommend anywhere else to go in London? Are there any nice quirky boutiques or vintage shops? I believe Alexander McQueens exhibition is still on which I’m hoping to visit. 
Let me know of anywhere else you would recommend, I would love to hear!  
Jennifer x