By Jacqui Bialocki
For Brodie Harper, home isn’t simply where she lives, it’s where she feels most herself.
The well-known television presenter has called the Mornington Peninsula home her entire life. And while her work with Postcards has taken her to extraordinary destinations, there’s nowhere she’d rather return to.
“I literally sigh when I come home,” Brodie says. “I just love the vibe here; everyone is friendly.”
That sense of connection is, for her, the magic of the Peninsula. It has everything you could want, from beaches and vineyards to cafes, restaurants and boutiques, yet it retains an easy, community spirit where familiar faces and friendly hellos are part of everyday life.
And when spring arrives, there’s even more reason to celebrate the Peninsula way of life. For Brodie, it brings an excuse to gather friends, embrace fashion and enjoy the Spring Racing Carnival. “It’s an opportunity to get dressed to the nines and have fun in a really relaxing and happy setting.”
Getting race-day ready can be as much fun as race day itself, particularly with a little expert help. Enter The Style Squad, the Peninsula-based designer dress rental boutique where fashion, creativity and a touch of glamour come together. With more than 20 years’ experience as a stylist, The Style Squad owner Chips knows that finding the right outfit is about more than simply choosing a dress.
“I love helping women discover a look that makes them feel amazing,” says Chips. “Sometimes you just need someone to understand what you’re looking for, pull together a few unexpected options and show you what’s possible. Seeing a client walk out feeling confident and ready for her event is the best part of what I do.”
The Style Squad’s collection of designer wear makes it possible to step out in something special without committing to an outfit destined to spend the rest of its life in the back of the wardrobe. From head-to-toe race day looks to pieces for special occasions, the focus is on finding something that feels unmistakably you.
Book a 45-minute styling session and let the fun begin. Then it’s time to head trackside.
Mornington Racecourse captures country racing at its most sociable and spirited, offering the perfect setting to gather with friends and family, entertain clients or simply enjoy a day of racing, hospitality and atmosphere.
“Just like everywhere else on the Peninsula, the feeling at Mornington races is relaxed,” says Brodie. “Even the kids love it.”
Every race day brings its own personality, while the layout means you can soak up the atmosphere, connect with friends and still be close enough to feel the excitement as the thoroughbreds thunder around the track.
There are many opportunities to make a date with Mornington Racecourse. Add elevated dining in Gunnamatta Restaurant, corporate suites, or picnic, spring fashion and plenty of reasons to dress up, catch up and celebrate, and race day on the Peninsula becomes something more than a day at the track.
It’s spring the Peninsula way. And for Brodie, there’s nowhere she’d rather be.
Brodie styled by The Style Squad – read their profile.
Millinery by Shelley Christie Melbourne – read her profile.
