Mel B's spring racing do's and don't's

NO MATTER how unstable a day at the races could make some, singer Mel B has some simple words of advice: Just keep your shoes on.

NO MATTER how unstable a day at the races could make some, singer Mel B has some simple words of advice: Just keep your shoes on.

"If there is one bit of advice, please, please keep them on,'' laughed the Spice Girl and America's Got Talent judge, who landed here on Monday night in plenty of time for Derby Day on Saturday.

As Flemington in Melbourne starts filling with party goers and punters, the forthright Mel said shoes slung over the shoulders is a sure fire "trashy" sign - and so is a bad spray tan.

"Don't get it done the day before! Try to test it out a few days before. There is nothing worse than that orange feet an streaky thing and we've all seen that!,''she said.

Mum-of-three and stepmum to one, Mel heads to Melbourne on Wednesday and will be one of the guests gearing up for the annual pre-Derby Day Moet party at Crown, joining the who's who of the Melbourne racing and party set.

A veteran of Australian races - she has never been to London's famous Ascot track - Melanie has been flown out by Lavazza to promote its rock-fuelled marquee at Satuday's Derby Day. She will be joined by fellow marquee ambassadors the Stenmark twins and Brody Jenner.

"It's a real party marquee and I just adore watching how everyone puts everything together, from the hat, the hair, to the make up and outfit'' she adds.

Heading to Russia after her racing duties for some promo work, Mel was upbeat about an eventual return to Aussie TV screens. After she moved from the Seven Network's mega ratings hit The X Factor to Channel Nine, she wasn't allowed to be part of the current Australia's Got Talent judging line up due to contractual issues with her former TV home.

"I really want to be back on Australian TV screens so I can perform my single For Once in My Life so we'll see what happens,'' she said.

The video for the single was directed by long-time collaborator and friend, Martin Weisz (Taio Cruz, Brandy) and was shot on location at the Desperate Housewives headquarters. It debuted on PerezHilton.com. and marked a return of Mel B to her music roots, after almost a decade since her last single.

"I am really concentrating on my music at the moment and even with this first single, we've released it ourselves and it slowly taking off,'' she said.

MEL B'S RACE DAY DO'S AND DON'T'S

DO:

*Go for an elegant dress vibe

*Leave the really short skirts to a date or clubbing

*Try for one water and one wine... although that can be hard to stick to if you're drinking Mumm or Moet!

*Have a big breakfast before a day at the races

DON'T:

*Have a spray tan the day before - do it a few days before

*Do you make-up in a dark place, but in the light of day

*Take your shoes off, no matter what!

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