The fashionistas will be out in full force at Gowran Park next Saturday the 18th for the return of the annual Red Mills Race Day and Style Event. Connolly’s Red Mills have sponsored this much loved race meeting for over 40 years, and the Style event which was added in recent years is a wonderful opportunity to get all dolled up and be in with a chance to win some pretty amazing prizes.
Hosted by stylist and presenter Marietta Doran in the Style Quarter at Gowran Park, visitors can enjoy fashion shows, style advice and the Red Mills pop-up shop where you can shop ‘til you drop. The main event is the Best Dressed competition with a total prize fund worth over €1000. Open to ladies and gents of all ages, this year’s guest judge – radio presenter and content creator Nathalie Lennon will have her work cut out choosing this year’s winners and runners up – especially given the impressive turn out at last year’s competition.
The judges will be on the lookout for winners who are both super stylish and appropriately dressed for the time of year. Last years winner Megan Conlon wore a co-ordinating suit which she borrowed from her sister, with matching accessories which really set off the look and wowed the guest judge, weatherman and presenter Deric Hartigan.
There are a limited number of FREE tickets available for Red Mills Race Day which will go on release at 9am this Friday (10th) on gowranpark.ie.
Gates open on Red Mills Day at 12pm on Saturday the 18th of Feb and there are FREE shuttle buses leaving from Kilkenny Castle from 12 noon, and returning to town in the evening at 6pm and 7pm.
You can pre-register for the best dressed event on redmillsstore.ie and be in with a chance to win a €250 voucher for the Red Mills Store just by registering.
Last year’s winner Megan Conlon
Stylist and presenter Marietta Doran joined Maura Derrane on RTE Today recently to feature some of her favourite race day looks ahead of Red Mills Day and featuring ladies fashions from Red Mills in Cillin Hill.
Marietta Doran stylist and presenter wearing:
Rachel wool coat €219
Upton leather boots €449
Ellen bow top €74.95
Dubarry leather gloves €79
Also, for observer readers we can do 20% off all the outfits featured with code reader20 on redmillsstore.ie
Model 1:
This matching skirt and coat set screams Raceday style. From heritage brand Schoffel, both pieces are made with 100% lambswool, with technically enhanced fabric which provides not just exceptional warmth but also some protection against the elements.
We’ve teamed the co-ord set with this versatile fill neck blouse with a beautiful lace panel detail and comfy stretch cotton. This is one of our most popular pieces and goes with pretty much everything.
These boots have been spotted on the super stylish Meghan Markle, they are made with gorgeous quilted leather and are both super comfortable and also waterproof. They look great dressed up like this, but look equally as well worn casually with jeans.
With a nod to the equestrian sport of polo, this super cute crossbody bag is hand made from the softest leather and is available in 3 colours.
We’ve topped the look off with this stylish fedora in an olive green colour. Not only will it protect your ‘do from any rain or wind, but it’s one you can pull out of the wardrobe any time you head to the races!
Lambswool tweed coat €460
Polo detail leather bag €159
Cotton frill neck blouse €99
Lambswool tweed skirt €170
Quilted leather boots €350
Wool fedora €90Wool knit dress €115
Leather & suede belt €95
Leather knee high boots €450
Model 2:
Kicking things off with this wool tweed blazer from Welligogs – this material is created in a stunning colour palette which works so well on Irish skin tones, and can be accessorised with a range of colours including wine, teal and even pale green. The devil is in the detail with this jacket, and the contrasting velvet cuffs and back detail, as the subtle tailoring make this is piece that will turn heads.
We’ve matched this with another frill next blouse from Schoffel. In a light pink cotton, this will look just as well in summer with a pair of white jeans as it does here dressed up for a day at the track.
These leg lengthening cord trousers are from new brand in store – King Louie, and there’s a matching blazer which transforms the trousers into a stunning suit.
This bit detail leather clutch from Mackenzie & George will hold all the necessities – racecard, debit card, and a lippy for touch ups, and comes in a few different colours if tan isn’t your thing. It’s also handy for travelling and can be popped into a larger tote and then used for dinner dates and day trips.
We’ve finished the look off with these tan suede ankle boots from Fairfax & Favor, the mid heel gives a bit of height, but is still comfortable, and the tan colour goes with everything.
Wool tweed jacket €349
Leather clutch €99
Cotton frill blouse €89
Cord wide leg trousers €99.95
Ankle boot €290
Model 3:
Another stunning blazer from Welligogs, this time in a fitted double breasted style in pistachio green, again with the luxe velvet cuff trim. This colour compliments Irish skin tones beautifully, and is a great choice for anyone looking to pop a bit of colour into their jacket line up.
We’ve popped a bird print blouse from Schoffel underneath it, with colours which subtly pick up the different hues in the tweed. And with this we’ve picked 3 pieces from iconic Irish brand Dubarry – these super comfy stretch moleskin trousers in a rich brown, classic waterproof leather ‘Galway’ country boots, and a new bag style for this year in a mix of leather and suede, this is quite roomy inside, and comes with a crossbody and a shoulder strap for the ultimate in versatility.
Wool tweed blazer €359
Leather & suede bag €289
Cotton print shirt €100
Moleskin stretch jeans €109
Leather country boots €425
Model 4:
One of our favourite looks – this stunning coat is from new brand King Louie, made with 30% wool, and in a long length which will keep you snug and warm no matter what the weather.
The shirt dress is also King Louie and the fabric is in a pattern matching the lining of the coat, which is a lovely touch for anyone who likes to co-ordinate the pieces in the wardrobe.
The ‘mini tetbury’ bag is a new style for Fairfax & Favor and this limited edition olive colour is suede is a sellout and picks up the khaki tones in the coat to perfection. Again it’s the small details and the braided leather strap adds a uniqueness to the bag which makes it a very special piece.
Finishing off the look we have another new style from Fairfax& Favor – the Belgravia boot is a knee high flat style with just a hint of a heel, and a stretch suede back panel which fits snugly to most calf widths and stretches to fit over jeans, as well as with dresses and skirts. A staff favourite, these are also available in black suede. Definitely one to consider getting both colours in!
Long wool coat €199
Mini Tetbury suede bag €296
Print dress €129
Belgravia suede boots €370
Hat from Milliner
Model 5:
A trench coat is a wonderful piece to have in the wardrobe as we transition between the seasons. Layer up with knits and fleeces during the winter time and then ditch the layers as we move into Spring and even Summer. This cotton trench from King Louie is giving us serious designer vibes, and the grey check with wines and tans is a welcome break from the basic camel trench which was everywhere last year. Again with King Louie, the detail is inside with a gorgeous satin lining which elevates the style so it’ll look as good draped over your chair as it will on.
We’ve layered the coat over this gorgeous knit dress from Schoffel in a very wearable pale grey. The material is a wool blend so you know its going to keep you warm, and there are tapered seams to the side of the skirt for a loosely tailored fit.
Over the shoulder we have popped this perfect plum suede crossbody from Fairfax & Favor. It’s deceptively roomy in side and you can wear it across the body with the longer strap or using the handles for a dressier look. The plum colour picks up the purplish tones in the coat and is a lovely contrast to the pale grey of the dress.
These leather boots are one of our bestsellers – the rich mahogany goes well with most colours and fabrics, and the mid height Cuban heel and memory foam insole combines style with comfort. This particular style – the Regina, also comes in suede tan, black, taupe and navy, and a flat version is also available.
Cotton check trench €169
Suede & leather bag €310
Wool knit dress €115
Leather & suede belt €95
Leather knee high boots €450
Model 6:
The match of the trousers featured earlier, this double breasted cord blazer in a warm burgundy colour will look just a well with a pair of jeans as it does over a dress or skirt. The fit is tailored and there’s that lovely detail on the lining that King Louie are renowned for.
Underneath we have this staple polo in merino wool which is very warm but not too bulky and ideal for under blazer and dresses during the winter months. The camel colour is super wearable, but if camel is not your thing it’s also available in navy, grey and pink.
This suede saddlebag is another staff favourite and the bit detailing on the clasp gives it a very equestrian feel. Wear is as a crossbody or in the hand to show it off in pics!
These trousers are also a match for the cotton trench in the previous look – very designer feel check, which can take you from work to the races in a flash.
And finally, these Apsley loafers will take you anywhere and go with everything. A very slight heel gives a bit of a smart life, and again the memory foam insole provides comfort, while the gold hardware at the front adds a touch of class that will ensure lots of compliments.
Cord blazer €139
Suede saddle bag €349
Wool polo knit €99
Wide leg check trousers €99.95
Suede loafers €215
All of the clothing, footwear and accessories featured are from Red Mills in Cillin Hill Kilkenny, and online at redmillsstore.ie.
The headpieces featured are from Hats Amore in Newbridge.
