Pocket frockets

bodice and waist sash $79.95, Leona Edmiston s Little Leona label, Hanky-hem party dress, $27.99 by Barbie, available from Target satin tie belt and flower brooch), $89, black tutu petticoat, $79, and sleeveless top, $39, Elodie Elvis, 9417 7224, bodice and waist sash $79.

95, Leona Edmiston's Little Leona label, tel: (02) 9331 7177; Pastel frou net skirt, $60, and lemon High Tea diamante cardigan, $85, Big by Fiona Scanlan, 9827 8002 and at the flagship store, Hawksburn.

every year and, until now, has presented more than a few headaches THEY waited in the heat last year, like the ardent little angels of fashion they are: sucking Chupa Chups and swigging Pump water, tender cheeks reddening in the midday sun. More than 1000 not-so-sun- smart children, frocked to the nines and with dreams of wide-screen televisions, state-of-the-art sound systems and business-class holidays dancing in their head, stood patiently, registered and labelled.

Waiting.
There were so many, organisers vowed never again. Numbers will be limited.

area is turned over to kids aged six to 17. They flock in frocks and miniature suits, mum's hat, dad's shoes or, if they're lucky, a complete ensemble bought just for this.
For the past three Stakes Days, Melbourne milliner Kim Fletcher stage.

Some children, she's noticed, strut and spin like others. For one charged with so shallow a task - picking out the child with the finest, most fashionable clothes - Fletcher is remarkably reflective and kind-hearted.
mums, as is Fletcher.

"It's hard for the older ones particularly," she says of the teens' attempts familiar with the street, beach and school-wear of a dressed-down world. "Some of them try to emulate what they see on TV: The O.C.

or Video Hits, or whatever. You see confronting."
She means sexy.

Overtly sexy. When the only "grown up" dressed-up fashions children can aspire to have hemlines hiked up, necklines plunged, and a general stringiness about them, Fletcher says it's probably only natural that they'll adopt and adapt.
So much so, that a fellow judge once quipped to her: "All we suited to some outfits.

"We've had the lot," Fletcher says, "splits right up here, skirt lengths - so high! - Hollywood tape, you name it."
needed.

Until now.
about dressing for Flemington, pointing out that race-wear, by elegant definition, is not skimpy, gaudy, tacky, or overtly sexy. Ditto for kids.

"If they think about it as 'Sunday best', that should help," says first-time Kids' Fashions on the Field judge She has her own brand for girls, Elodie Elvis, and is glamour.
explore, act older, just like boys do, but their choices (of fashion) aren't always appropriate."
Boys, on the other hand, tend to look smashing in their suits, according to Reymond and Fletcher, with the exception of those they'll grow into them.

"
Reymond and Fletcher say that as judges, they'll look for children who "dress like children" and teenagers; "Who dress - yes, I'll say it - modestly," adds Reymond.
outfit, too: "You can see it in the hats," says Fletcher.
"Mum's proportions are different, so the fit is all wrong and they're often too fussy for children.

" Instead, she suggests a hat ribbons, is perfectly fine. "It's a lovely thing for kids to do with mum: pick out the flowers and plan their outfit."
a winning outfit, except to reiterate that "sexy" doesn't compute in race-wear guidelines.

"I think a dress or top and skirt in a nice bright colour," suggests Reymond.
"Comfortable is important, because they'll still want to run around and enjoy family day.
"And, if not a hat, then something in the hair," adds Fletcher.

"A flower, a ribbon, a bit of fluff. You can see in children's age," says Reymond. "I'll definitely be looking for that.

"
STAKES DAY, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11.
line and the members' old grandstand.) All entrants must be pre-registered by a parent or guardian on 1300 727 575.

Numbers will be limited so phone early.
Fashions on the Field enclosure between 10.30 and 11 am.

with a parent or older friend. First, second and third place-getters will player, Galactic Circus games vouchers and Myer shopping vouchers.
Fashions on the Field enclosure between 11.

20 and 11.50am. First, second and third place-getters will share prizes, including a trophy, two televisions, a digital camera, camcorder and MP3 player, plus shopping and games vouchers.

the Fashions on the Field enclosure between noon and 12.40pm.
Dubai ($16,650), accommodation, trophy, a television, and shopping

Second and third place-getters will also receive prizes, including televisions and shopping and games vouchers.