DEIRDRE McQUILLANtalks to Tamarisk Doyle, PR manager of Horse Racing Ireland
Describe what you're wearingI bought the black and white dress about five years ago in Zara and the cashmere cardigan on my honeymoon in San Francisco. The white patent peep-toe wedges are from Next and the Prada bag was a present from my in-laws. My diamond studs are from Diamondlite.ie and the white-gold bracelet from Hugh Statham jewellers in Naas. I believe in using things if I have them.
Is this what you wear to work?I would wear dresses a lot, both to meetings in Dublin and racing, because they are so versatile and so easy.
So you don't wear suits?I'm quite girly and I like looking feminine – but I also like wearing my wellies at the weekend – they're pink. I wasn't a pink girl as a child, but when I hit my 20s I discovered that I liked pink. It's a throwback to not being allowed Barbies as a child. Mum said you've got ponies, ride them instead.
Are you a shopper?I love shopping, when I get time. Kildare Village is fantastic and it's near where I live – I like TSE Cashmere there. Other favourite shops would be Brown Thomas, where I get Whistles; House of Fraser in Dundrum; and Urban Outfitters for quirky pieces. I also like shopping in Zara, Butik and the Whitewater Centre in Newbridge.
Given your social working life, do you spend a lot? Isuppose I spend about €300 a month. We go racing as a family for work and social life almost once a week, three to four days of festivals.
With that schedule, how do you organise your wardrobe?My car is my mobile office and wardrobe for a week like Galway, but Punchestown and the Curragh are only five minutes away, so I can get dressed from home.
What else do you wear?I'm not a suit or trouser-suit girl – I would wear classic black trousers with a cashmere cardigan. I have loads of cardigans and pashminas. I have to be quite practical in what I buy and I don't throw anything out – I hang on to things.
How do you dress up for the races?I love fascinators and hats and when I am working I like to dress up. I organise all the Ladies' Days events – there are 18 this summer and €80,000 worth of prizes. I like to see ladies going to the races to have fun. But I prefer those who look less "done up". I get a lot of headpieces from Veronica Ryan (www.ronnieryan.com) for big race days.
What is the most you've ever spent on any item?I went a little bit crazy on my wedding shoes – which is not like me. They're by Giuseppe Zanotti in silver silk with a metallic heel and jewelled brooch and they cost £500, but I've worn them again and again. I got my stunning Jenny Packham wedding dress in a sale in Dublin.
What about footwear on the racecourse?In winter I wear a lot of boots and patent-leather shoes. Wedge-heel boots don't sink in the grass and I use baby wipes to clean my black patent LK Bennett heeled brogues. I don't wear stilettos because I need to run to bring jockeys for interviews and introduce celebrities.
Describe your style?I try to dress in what suits me and though I'm a fashion magazine addict I don't follow fashion. I think Kate Hudson and Yasmin Le Bon dress beautifully, not too "done up", not too made up. Fake tan and stilettos look dreadful.
Has your mother influenced your style?My mother is an eccentric dresser, but is always quite fashion forward and always wears something different. She came to my sports week in a yellow jumpsuit when I was eight and from then on I selected all her outfits for major occasions. She has blue hair extensions at the moment and her own sense of style.
Do people dress differently at races in Ireland as opposed to the UK?Race days have always been occasions to be flamboyant and wear fabulous clothes and they've become more popular in Ireland with younger people. Irish people dress up more than visitors to Cheltenham, Aintree or Ascot. Ascot and the Melbourne Cup are the two wow international racing events.
So what do you wear for these occasions?A few fascinators, which I bought in Australia, and I also hire hats from Aristo Hats in Newbridge. But I don't preplan my outfit. I like little jackets and strapless cocktail dresses.
Grooming?Skin care is very important. I use Cetaphil cleanser and La Roche-Posay and I am big into my Bliss eyecream, body butter and Dove soap. I go to Zoo in Naas for highlights and get my hair trimmed four times a year.
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival featuring the Taste of Ireland Food Festival takes place at the Curragh Racecourse this weekend. www.goracing.ie