It’s Spring Racing Carnival here in Melbourne (Australia) and that means it’s time for the girls to pull on frocks and head to the races (horse) for champagne, punting and fun! I had actually already purchased my Spring Racing Carnival Derby Day dress, in a NSW country town boutique shop, it’s gorgeous, divine even. However, I realised the other day that whilst it’s fabulous, I myself have gained a couple of not so fabulous kilo’s over the Winter. Back to the fashion drawing board for me!

Let me paint my shopping picture for you. Lunch break arrives, so I decide to go dawdling (in the hunt for a frock) and wander into Swish. Now I’ve been in there a few times and the girls are always great, this time the shop is packed with gals on the same frock hunt as me. Even though I’ve been into Swish before I’ve never atually made a purchase in there – that was until  this day!

So I trawl the racks, pull out 3 suitable dresses – all in GREEN (this summer’s hot color) then head to the change rooms. I came out in the first dress and Donna (gorgeous gal working there) came over to offer some help. Now if you have read my Top Shopping Tips then you will know – we always accept help in shops, the girls who work there deal with people every day and they know what looks good on what shape.

And we're racing ... 

First dress: green, slip underneath, spaghetti straps, drops to the knee, looks okay, but I’m not convinced, very pretty and I love it, Donna's trying to convince me of a fascinator but lets just say she isn’t convincing me. Some girls love a fascinator but not me – I’m just not fascinated – at all – if you get my drift, lets just say fascinator’s are not Bronny!

Coming 'round the bend ... 

Second dress: gorgeous, kind of vintage, floral with elasticated waist and a pinafore top, like it, but again – not convinced. Donna heads back with another fascinator and this time I have to say – I just don’t like them.  Donna's great and takes it all in here stride! "I can see the merit" I tell her, "they suit other people – but I just feel like a peacock with one of those things on my head!".

Streaking ahead towards the finish line ...

Third dress: This dress is the bees knees, it’s kind of French, the top of it is like a corset, but the material is silk, flattering on the breast, draws attention towards my assets and makes me feel pretty!  Donna brings accessories and I know this is the one. Necklance, brown belt to wrap around the middle, now we are talking – this is Bronny! I’ll team this with brown wedge heels and my new brown leather flat cap (aka a Derby, how appropriate).

And we have a winner !!!

I no longer Swish I had a frock for the track – I now have one! Donna has done such a great job of helping me that I walk out of the shop with dress, belt and necklace one verrrry happy lady.

Here’s the thing girls – any one of us may be excellent at offering fashion advice to others – and as you know, I always have an answer for any fashion question!  But the thing is – I’m not adverse to receiving fashion advice myself and am never afraid to ask for help.

So, introduce yourself to my new fashion friend Swish! Located on Clarendon Street in South Melbourne, it is a short tram ride away from the city with lots of groovy café’s and restaurants close by if you want to have a bite to eat in the sunshine on your day out.

Here’s why I love Swish.

1. Friendly
The girls in the shop are always nice, genuinely seem happy to be there and are extremely helpful.

2. Great Selection
Full of great frocks, there is an excellent variety and always something I like.

3. They know their stuff
They actually know what they are talking about, offer great advice and understand dressing for your shape.

4. Customer Experience is Number 1
This is not a shop that puts on the hard sell PLUS they take time with each customer and listen to what you say whilst seeming to really love what they do.  Plus Amanda, the owner is on hand with great suggestions as well.

Have I converted you yet?  Check out the hot Swish website with fashion tips such as ‘Boots over Denim’ and more!

Plus they stock lots of great labels including Very Very, Cooper Street, Lili, Seduce, Indigo, Bettina Liano and more.

Next stop for me … Derby Day!  Next stop for you … Swish!

Love
Bronny
xxxx

Enjoying AskBronny? Then sign up for Styling, the AskBronny Newsletter full of tips, trends and talk: from runway to sidewalk! This handy little item will let you know when we’ve got new fashion advice, articles, offers and more! Subscribe now and get styling!