Every woman’s biggest task for The Deighton Cup is to find the perfect outfit.
Now, if you’re like me and leave everything to the last minute and don’t want to spend a fortune but still want to look a million dollars… you’re in luck.
We went thrift shopping at My Sister’s Closet with The Deighton Cup’s red carpet MC and Style Stakes Co-Host Mandy Ross to see what could be achieved with a budget of $75 or less.
Ross, went through the racks one by one, looking for pieces that would work for the day. A well-known TV personality, social media influencer and fashionista, Ross has certainly had practice when it comes to dressing-up for the races, and knew exactly what she was looking for.
She chose dresses with bright colours, patterns and respectable hemlines. Next, she looked at the accessories. With no fascinators in store, Ross did not panic – she got creative. Rummaging through the shop she found hats and scarfs as an alternative.
To complete each look she picked shoes that were stylish but comfortable and smaller clutch bags. In a matter of moments she had pulled together three different outfits within the budget.
For the first (and cheapest) look she paired a silk yellow polkadot dress, $22, with white heels, $20, a headscarf, $2, and a white clutch, $10. The complete look was just $54.
Next, Ross found a leaf patterned dress, $24, a straw hat, $16, nude heels, $22, and a white clutch, $8. The complete race ready style was $70.
Lastly, for look three, Ross discovered a bright red jumpsuit for just $24, paired it with snakeskin heels, $38, and a straw hat, $10.
You wouldn’t think it, but this look was only $72. For those who do want to splash out and treat themselves to one designer item, the store also had a Fendi purse for $300.
Ross said there were a few rules she liked to stick to when putting together an outfit for Vancouver’s biggest summer fashion event.
“Everyone turns it up a notch for The Deighton Cup,” she explained.
“The main thing I always say is keep it classy.
“You can have fun with your look while still maintaining class and elegance.”
What does this mean exactly?
“There’s nothing wrong with being sexy, but this is certainly not the event to wear a tube top or be showing a lot of skin at,” Ross said.
“Hemlines, I would say should be closer to the knee rather than you know where!”
“There’s nothing wrong with wearing a pop of colour or pattern, just make sure if you do the rest of your look is not competing for attention – keep the accessories simple.”
The fashionista said there was no reason why you couldn’t look amazing without spending a lot of money.
“Certainly in Vancouver we are blessed to have so many amazing thrift stores that actually carry a lot of designer goods,” Ross said.
“I would say the most important thing in order to be able to achieve your goal is to be creative.”
Ross said making accessories, using items you already have, borrowing from friends and reinventing dresses were all ways you could save money on your race day look.
“You can just have fun creating your own unique vision with your personal style,” she said.
“It is definitely the style event of the summer but at the same time it doesn’t mean that you can’t have personality or have fun with it.”
I was certainly impressed with the options, and even bought the red jumpsuit to wear to my first Deighton Cup.
MANDY'S THRIFT STORE PICKS:
My Sister’s Closet: 1092 Seymour Street
“For affordable pieces one of my top picks would be My Sister’s Closet. I think anyone on any budget could find a complete outfit for Deighton Cup here. It’s a mix of designer and casual wear at a mix of price points.
I love the fact that it gives back to a good cause.”
Mine and Yours Co: 1025 Howe Street
“If you’re looking for high-end fashion, I would definitely recommend Mine and Yours Co. They bring in only the highest quality pieces. It is on the higher end of the budget but there are pieces in there that are not that expensive that people could afford, so it is worth popping in."
Lady Madonna: 432 Homer Street
“Lady Madonna has an eclectic mix of pieces that are originally made in store, but they also have previously owned items. You can find really interesting pieces.
“If you have a creative personality type you might be able to score something unique and fun there.”
Value Village or Salvation Army:
“Places like Value Village or Salvation Army, while a lot of people might not think to go to a place like that, if you go and you’re willing to look and rummage through you can find some amazing pieces.
“There are stories where people have found Chanel bags from looking through the racks.”
Hunter and Hare: 334 W Pender Street
“If you’re after high quality pieces at a decent price point, Hunter and Hare is another option.”
Follow all the action on social media:
Instagram: @deightoncup / @mandyjross
Facebook: @DeightonCup / @mandy.ross.121
Twitter: @DeightonCup / @MandyJRoss
TICKETS:
90% sold out but still available for purchase at http://deightoncup.com/
