Horses and hats: Mandurah-based online millinery business gets Peel women Melbourne Cup ready

Since then, their Mandurah-based online millinery business has taken off. 

“I have always had a love of hats, and imagine my luck when I met Victoria, who attended the the London School of Fashion to become a milliner,” Ms Hegarty.  

“And likewise, it was great to meet someone who understands that the social scene can be a bit daunting when you enter into unfamiliar territory - whether it’s after having children and your network changes, or moving to a different part of the world,” Ms Gardiner said. 

Both women had relocated to Mandurah, where they launched Headonista, a brand that makes a range of headpieces from affordable turban style headbands to bespoke fascinators and hats.

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“Our aim is to help women wear their personalities with confidence. Accessories can be a great way to do that without breaking the bank,” Ms Gardiner said. 

Ms Hegarty said confidence was the best accessory.

“For a lot of women we have spoken to, whether they are first time race goers, or have been through some life changes – changes in employment, the arrival of children, body changes – your confidence can take a hit,” Ms Hegarty said.

“Start with a headpiece that showcases your personality, and compliments your outfit.”

Ms Gardiner said it was important to choose a headpiece that matched your proportions.

“Shorter women, like me, can afford to choose a hat or fascinator with height,” she said.

“Added bonus, it makes it easier for your friends to find you at the event. Taller women like Rosie can afford to go wide and wild - you can handle it. Be a beacon for your shorter friends to find you. No missing out on watching the main race together.”

When quizzed on their top tips to rocking race day fashion, here’s the low down from the duo:

Know the dress code of the venue (or part of the venue) that you will be at. 

Get your friends together and share outfit ideas.

Think about how you are going to give each other honest feedback on what is working, and what is not. 

If you haven’t been out in awhile, gather your friends who can help you with styling.

Everyday handbags can turn into the bermuda triangle for receipts, pieces of lego, husband sunglasses, kid snacks, and spare change left over from Bali. 

Empty it all out. We recommend packing the following:

Choose stylish yet comfortable heels to go with your outfit. 

Break new heels in like a horse trainer with a brumby.

A day at the races can start early and go until late. 

Wear them around the house a few weeks before the big event.

Bonus points for doing it at the end of the day when our feet tend to be a little more swollen.

Fashion is what you make it.

Choosing something that fits both your personality and your figure is a sure bet over feeling you have to follow the crowd or current trends. 

If you like wearing pink, wear pink. If you like prints and florals, wear prints and florals.

The big thing is to feel good about yourself - at the start of the day, and at the end of the day.

With your headpiece as the hero, keep the other accessories in line on the colour front. 

The goal is complimentary accessories. You can do this in the following ways:

You can still enjoy the races, and be cost conscious. Here are a few ways to help:

And finally, what are your last tips to feel like a winner on raceday?

Eat something before you start to drink - even if it’s the kid’s left over breakfast. Chances are, you have to get up and make breakfast the next day.

Secure your hat or fascinator with bobby pins.  Different styles need different approaches. We’ve got tips over at www.headonista.com.

Most of all, be safe and have fun.