This year the Myer FOTF competition had a change up, the NSW State Final was going to be held off the race course at Coogee Pavilion! There was much conversation amongst the racing community, as The Everest – Sydney’s biggest race day was also on that day and which FOTF event would you pick. Or would would you do both!?

I wasn’t planning on going up to Sydney for any of the events, however my girlfriend Brodie, who won the Myer FOTF competition in 2014 suggested I come up for a fun weekend with her. So on the Tuesday night, I booked last minute flights to Sydney!

Now of course, I didn’t actually have an outfit finished so the mad dash was on to finish an outfit that was abandoned in my Mums sewing room. For years, I always wanted to make my Grandmas amazing vintage raffia skirt into a dress, however after we attempted this earlier in the year and was stumped on the neckline I left it put aside on a rack. After finding the neckline inspiration from Caroline Herrera’s new 2018 collection, we were off again trying to finish off this dress. In the mean time, I reached out to a friend to help me make a last minute headpiece for the event.

The base of the headpiece arrived in the post on the Thursday, along with my Bag Queen clutch, so that night my Mum came over and we started making raffia flowers to attach to the headpiece. It was starting to come together, but I just had to hope that my earrings and shoes would arrive the next day, otherwise it was going to be a dash to the shops after work! Thank goodness, they did!

The day was finally here so after landing in Sydney, I ran straight to Bondi Junction to get my hair done then headed to Brodie’s to finish my makeup and head straight to Coogee Pavilion. When I walked in, I was welcomed with so many familiar faces, all looking incredible. The State Final was going to be tough!

The top 10 was announced and I was thrilled to be one of them! We all did our final walks and then had to wait backstage for the winning numbers to be announced. My pick was Milano, in a stunning Tulle dress. When Milano was called as 1st Runner Up, I had absolutely no idea who they were going to pick. To my biggest surprise, it was me!! I couldn’t believe that amongst all these amazing outfits, I managed to win in probably my cheapest outfit yet, but definitely the most special!

I can’t believe, I now get to experience my second time in the National Final. It’s been a dream of mine for so long and after coming so close years ago, I didn’t think I would get the chance ever again!

After celebrating with Brodie and sharing a champagne with one of my favourite milliners – Viktoria Novak, we headed to The Everest to continue the fun! I managed to convince Brodie to enter the Fashion Chute with me with 5 minutes to spare before the competition closed. Again, to my surprise I got announced as a Top 10 finalist. I walked then away with Runner Up!

What a day!! Whilst sitting on the plane on the way home, I couldn’t even comprehend what had happened that day. Now to start planning my outfits for the 10 day experience in Melbourne for the National Final!