WHAT a surprise – Swan Hill is staging a three-day race carnival, and the current weather forecast suggests we’re getting something different on every one of those days.
And it wouldn’t be a Swan Hill winter event without the real risk of rain – which is forecast for Saturday.
So the fashion conscious also need to keep a very close eye on the sky as they plan outfits for each day.
With weather proving to be the fashion trendsetter – even for the well-dressed junior racegoers who may be having a shot at catwalk celebrity – Mint Soda’s Trudi O’Brien said while dresses remain the hot ticket even in cold times there was also an emphasis on extras such as fur vests and cord jackets, tights and headbands.
Dressing newborns to around five-year-olds, Mint Soda, at 170 Campbell St, always sees interest in junior cup fashions increase the closer the event gets.
“We normally see most people in this last week before the carnival starts,” Ms O’Brien explained.
“There’s no doubt parents have one eye on the clothes and another on the weather as they make their selections.
“So we try and cater with a large variety of choices to cover every eventuality.
“At Mint Soda we have a huge range of brands with the very latest colours and styles – everything you need to get that winning edge if you are having a tilt at the fashions on the field as well.
“Or if you just want to be warm and look wonderful to enjoy a day at the races.”
At home.life children’s boutique Nadene Simpson focuses on a range of brands in the newborn to six-year-old age group.
But the 224a Campbell St store also has the “very popular” Country Road Kids – which covers newborns to teenagers and is a hot brand in her business.
For this year’s bet365 Swan Hill June Racing Carnival, Ms Simpson is suggesting outfits such as warm fleece sweaters, denim and puffer jackets.
She said she was also seeing long sleeved dresses paired with tights and the trendy leather boots she also stocks.
“Parents this year have been looking for comfort, warmth – and a cute jacket,” Ms Simpson said.
“Paired with comfy, supportive leather shoes or boots.
Ms Simpson said home.life children’s boutique has also recently added “a beautiful new organic cotton knitwear called The Rest”.
She said it comes with a real “pop of colour” and feels beautiful and so soft.
“It has proved a very popular addition and almost sold out on launch in our store,” Ms Simpson said.
“This is why I love this time of the year – we have such good fashions available these days and at the same time being a sponsor at the cup weekend lets us give back to the community and say thanks for its support.
“I have been in business four years, and we have been a sponsor for every one of those.”
Ms Simpson said at home.life children’s boutique she has always tried to provide customers with a calm, welcoming atmosphere in which to browse, while discovering those quality products from their favourite brands.
“All backed by big smiles and friendly, expert advice,” she added (with a smile).
“And while people are looking this season, and looking for things coming down the track (as it were) the emphasis for spring/summer looks very cute, with soft tulle dresses and smocking on them – just like our mums used to make.
“There will also be ruffles on dresses and tops, along with soft cotton branded rompers – and of course denim is always a favourite, in shorts and overalls.
“For summer, when it comes back, I see striped T-shirts being a staple as well.”
Innocence and Attitude joined the fashion sponsorship stakes in 2022 and has proved a winner ever since.
In her boutique at 4/195-199 Beveridge St, Carrie-Ann Robins has become one of the go-to outfitters for Swan Hill’s junior racegoers but like everyone at this time of the year, admits the weather often makes fashion selection a bit of a punt.
But says Innocence and Attitude has the clothes for every occasion, “rain, hail or shine”.
“The bet365 Swan Hill June Racing Carnival is such a fabulous family atmosphere, which means children are as welcome as adults and that makes this such a popular occasion for everyone – right down to entertainment just for them as well,” Ms Robins said.
“Which also provides that window of opportunity for the younger ones to shine in the junior fashions on the field.
“So even if the weather is on the cooler side, there will be plenty of things to keep your children on the go and warm.
“Of late the young set – and their parents – are leaning more towards the chic casual look, outfits which will shine for a day at the races and then still be good for weekends and after school.”
Ms Robins said with the fashion industry always working at least a season ahead, the major brands are usually all over shifting trends in the market.
“We cater for the three-year-old to those young teens, up to 14, in sizes 3-16,” she explained.
“At the older end of that range, the boys and girls are both getting much more conscious of what they are wearing – and what they want to wear, so if you are looking to purchase quality, trendy and popular brand clothing for a young child, tween or teen in your life, you’ve come to the right place.
“Even though Innocence and Attitude has that casual emphasis, we also maintain our ‘high fashion’ special occasion wear – in all sizes and all-year round.
“My aim is to get as many cool, well known and trusted Australian brands for the kids in the one location.”
