THIS is Melbourne Cup Day, Right?

In recent years there has been a lot of noise in the media – by which I mean social media —about the cruelty of the horse racing industry. Mainstream media is of course still promoting it because it means big money, particularly in the fashion industry.

As a hat-lover extraordinaire, far be it from me to discourage anyone from wearing hats at any time, but today I was struck with a dazzlingly brilliant idea (which is why this story is illustrated with a very old photo): the new tradition for Melbourne Cup Day is all about drinking quality cups of tea or coffee, preferably over a delicious repast, and most certainly wearing stylish outfits and toppers!

Who’s with me … next year, for a tea party?

Photo: February 2013