Keep it Simple, Keep it Honest, Keep it Real

Fashions on the Field is a passion for me, as it is for many of us. It is fun to dress up, head to the track & walk down the runway. For those people who enjoy being a peacock for a day in a life where the daily grind may not be so glamorous, it transports you to a different world, if only for a moment. 

More and more of late I’ve had other entrants mention to me how seriously some people are taking the competitive side of FOTF, probably without even realising. The lure of the sash and prizes can become like a drug. The feeling when your number is called out to get through to the next round, to make a final, to place or even win is euphoric. It is hard when you have experienced this to go back to having all of that taken away from you & not making a final or placing. The disappointment drives you to want more and try harder and that often culminates into competitors attending more events, putting together more outfits or travelling even wider. I have personally seen competitors push other responsibilities aside, drop an outfit or millinery on a credit card or drive extreme distances at the drop of a hat (pardon the pun) in the focus of their next win. To me, this is when FOTF could become a problem. Becoming focused on ‘winning’ over all of the other wonderful aspects FOTF offers. 

I’m the first to admit that ‘fashion’ is a primary focus in my life and I think about clothing and outfits most hours of each and every day. I’ve had to stop myself however on several times over my years competing in FOTF and think ‘Is this still fun?’ As long as the answer is always yes, I will continue to compete. I’ve had to self impose a very simple motto to ensure FOTF does remain a fun place for me, as with competing, planning outfits and the running of this amazing group, can take up a huge amounts of time, energy and money. That simple motto is

“Keep it real!”

‘Keeping it real’ to me means

- Family comes first. Day to day life, activities and events with family all come before a day at the track. These are the people who matter most and their needs are more important than a need to walk down a runway.

- FOTF is not a career, nor will it ever pay the bills, so your actual career and life come first. It is virtually impossible to win enough prizes to cover what you put in to FOTF, so only do what you can afford, take time away that doesn’t jeopardise your career or study and don’t allow it to take over life responsibilities. 

- Only buy what I can afford, setting a budget and sticking to it. Never putting items on credit. Buying quality, timeless pieces and saving for those special items. There will always be another dress, hat or pair of shoes I want, but I also have to seriously consider if I actually ‘need’ them.

- Being true to my own sense of style. Putting together an outfit because I absolutely adore wearing it, and not because it is ‘on trend’ or ‘what the judge may be looking for’. I’ve found that the second you try to make other people happy first, you will never be happy with anything but a win.

- Enjoy your experience at the track. Learn how to place a bet. Make friends. Complement others outfits. Socialise. Take happy snaps. If you enjoy your day out you have already won! 

- ‘Keep it nice’ - a saying my God Mother always used to frequent but so true for FOTF. It is ok to feel disappointed when an event doesn’t go your way, but complaining about other winners and not winning yourself is not good for yourself or anyone else. It surrounds you in negativity and can take you in a downward spiral. Say congratulations to winners, place getters, finalists and thank race clubs, judges and sponsors for hosting the event. Use your experience as an opportunity to make someone else’s day. 

- Giving back. FOTF is not all about the win. There are many ways to give back to the FOTF community and when you see or are offered an opportunity, consider it. 

- Surround yourself with other ‘real’ people and model this behaviour to others. I hope for a world where everyone is friendly and inclusive of each other, and although this may be naive, I’m sticking to it! 

- Come up with your own sense of style. It may be easy to copy but it’s so much harder and more rewarding when you create your own ‘brand’! 

- It’s ok to say no. I’ve had people ask me to do things I don’t feel comfortable with (ie hiring out outfits, attending a race day I don’t have time for etc) so staying true to yourself & saying no doesn’t make you a mean person, it is ok. 

- Persistence. Don’t give up but look at changing the way you do things for a different outcome. 

- Have faith in the experience & stay humble. Don’t be concerned about who is judging, who you are competing against or what the prizes are. 

Some of these points are not based on my own experience but are also observations of the behaviour of others I have witnessed. I have seen a lot, heard even more and choose to act on very little. I pride myself on being ‘Switzerland’ by being loyal, making my own mind up about people and taking each event as it comes.

Reflecting on your own FOTF journey is highly recommended. I regularly set myself goals but also keeping myself in check so that my journey continues to be a rewarding one. In summary, let’s remember what that beautiful Sash represents, a memory of a great day at the track and the more people who get to share in this, the better!

Emma Scodellaro July 2019