Hats for Spring Racing: Myer & David Jones

I'm just going to start by saying I can't stand Myer, particularly the tatty, drab Bourke St store and the usual exhausting fist fight mentality you need to put up to get yourself through any shopping experience there. David Jones I can usually just about bear... but not for long.

So with this in mind, I felt this little trip to see what the big guns of Australian retail had to offer for Spring Racing was particularly doomed... but I had a mildly pleasant surprise. In a spot of role reversal David Jones took on the part of the typical chaotic Myer jumble sale, and Myer which now has parts of its new store open (yeah I know this has probably been the case for ages, but as I said, I'm not a fan and avoid at all costs) was the fresh lead actor, well laid out with a great selection. Their website also has handy race wear hints and tips for those needing help in the fashion stakes. Win all round. 

The highlights: The Gregory Ladner collection, at DJs but Myer was the star with great offerings by Millinery giants such as Philip Treacy, Stephen Jones, Phillip Rhodes, Richard Nylon to name a few.

But to finish, if you want a cheap ordinary looking straw, feather, flower combo David Jones should be able to cater for your needs, but if you dare to go with flair, check out Myer. Personally designers wise for affordability and a bit of Je ne sais quoi, I thought Gregory Ladner's collections in both stores was the pick of the bunch, but if you have cash to flash go Stephen Jones at Myer. 

Red fun with Gregory Ladner @ David Jones

A bit of the Mad Hatter @ David Jones

Gregory Ladner @ David Jones

Gregory Ladner @ David Jones

Richard Nylon @ Myer (as modelled by Jen Hawkins on the Myer website)

Gregory Ladner @ Myer

Stephen Jones @ Myer

Phillip Treacy @ Myer

Richard Nylon @ Myer