Pink Tutu Blog: London Adventures, Post #232 - Friday, 9th February 2001
Hello, my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, Emma, back with another fabulous London escapade! 🩰
I'm so excited to share this week's adventures with you all, as I've just returned from a whirlwind trip to the capital, filled with exquisite ballet performances, captivating fashion finds, and oh-so-delicious treats! 🍰
This week's journey was extra special because it involved a grand train adventure from my cosy home in Derbyshire, right to the heart of London. You know how much I love a good train journey; the rhythm of the tracks, the stunning scenery flashing past, and the chance to truly embrace my inner travel queen. 👑
This time, I was in a particularly buoyant mood. Why? Well, the day I arrived was filled with the magic of the Royal Opera House. Yes, I finally witnessed the captivating beauty of Swan Lake, performed by none other than the esteemed Royal Ballet. Honestly, it was beyond words. The graceful movements, the hauntingly beautiful music, the sheer artistry… I was truly transported to another world! The graceful swans gliding across the stage, the intensity of the Black Swan’s seduction, it was a spectacle I won’t forget. And speaking of seduction, the costumes were divine! I just love the feathered tutus of the swans – so feminine, so graceful, and so iconic. 🤩
Of course, I couldn’t go to the ballet without a bit of pre-performance pampering. So, naturally, I had a lovely afternoon tea at the Fortnum & Mason. It was an absolute delight – a delicate finger sandwich, a perfectly baked scone, a lovely pot of tea, and the most exquisite cakes you’ve ever seen! All accompanied, naturally, by a glass of prosecco – the perfect treat before an enchanting evening at the theatre. 🥂
Speaking of the theatre, what else did I discover on this fabulous London escapade?
Well, my darlings, after my delightful ballet experience, I headed straight to the West End. It just wouldn’t be a trip to London without some theatre magic! The vibrancy and energy of the West End always gets me so excited! This time, I saw a truly extraordinary production of "Mamma Mia!" with its delightful pop tunes and joyful performances. Oh, I loved dancing along to all those ABBA classics – I was completely swept up in the fun. 🤩
The best thing about London is that every corner you turn, you discover something new and enchanting. One such corner, for me, was the enchanting world of Covent Garden. From the bustling markets to the unique little boutiques and charming restaurants, Covent Garden always offers a feast for the senses. This time, I stumbled upon a whimsical hat shop and indulged in a delicate feathered number with a matching ribbon. I’m so looking forward to flaunting my new hat to the world! 👒
However, my weekend wasn't just about ballet, theatre and tea! My London trip always incorporates a lot of fashion indulgence – after all, what’s a pink tutu lover’s trip without a few shopping sprees, right? And this time, I found some truly amazing treasures – just for you!
First on my list was Liberty. The beautiful building itself is worth a visit – just pure, delightful Victorian charm. As for the inside? A total fashion dreamland! This time, I fell head-over-heels for a divine pink silk scarf that is just bursting with playful swirls and patterns. I plan to tie it to my ballet bun for a touch of girly chic – just imagine how fabulously it’ll look paired with my pink tutu! 🤩
Next on my shopping list was Oxford Street. It's a London institution, of course, with enough shopping to fill a month’s worth of exploration – if I had the time! And let me tell you, I almost did. But in the end, I made sure to stick to a pink-hued plan. And boy, did I hit the jackpot! After browsing some gorgeous knitwear at John Lewis (I just have to find myself a soft cashmere pink cardigan – perfect for those chilly spring days) I stumbled into a whimsical boutique that sold a glorious pink cashmere cardigan in a shade of pink as soft as a rose petal! 🌸 You’ve never seen anything so exquisite, darling! This is definitely my new go-to accessory! 💖
But let's not forget the importance of comfort when shopping, right? Of course! Which is why, on my London escapade, there is always room for a little pit stop at one of London’s exquisite pastry shops. I’ve heard it said, “A ballerina has got to fuel those fancy feet!” and I whole-heartedly agree. It’s hard to do pirouettes and pliés on an empty stomach, isn’t it? My favourite London pastry haven, and it was love at first bite, is Ladurée. And let’s be real, my darlings, everything Ladurée is a complete dream. From the iconic green packaging to the oh-so-delicious pastel-hued macarons, I feel my heart skip a beat every time I walk in. It's a true pink tutu paradise! 😍
Of course, a pink tutu isn't complete without the right shoes to compliment the ensemble, and that's why my London trip always includes a little shoe-shopping time. I went shoe-searching in the wonderful Selfridges and landed upon a delightful pair of pink satin ballerina pumps. Imagine my delight – they are simply adorable! I feel every ballerina needs at least one pair of sparkly ballet pumps in her wardrobe! 😉
I have to share one particularly memorable moment from my shoe-hunting escapade, my darlings. While browsing through a pair of glorious golden ballet pumps – so perfect, so utterly exquisite – a little girl approached me. She had wide, curious eyes and was so completely awestruck by the shoes. It was clear she couldn't believe the sparkly magic right there in front of her! My heart melted, and in that moment, I realized something quite wonderful: Every little girl dreams of wearing a tutu, a pink tutu perhaps, and sparkly shoes like the ones she was staring at. It was as though I’d caught a glimpse of the future and in that future, she was, one day, going to embrace her own love for pink, tutus and shoes – perhaps a future pink tutu dancer, or perhaps just a princess in the making. 😊
Well, darlings, as my train trip came to a lovely end, I reflected upon my truly enchanted weekend in London. Every corner of this remarkable city is filled with creativity, excitement, and pure charm. From ballet performances to theatre escapades, pastries and shoe shopping, I'm eternally grateful for the memories I made during my visit.
However, you know, the most important lesson of all is one that has been steadily growing in my heart over the years – that pink is the colour of joy, that a tutu is a symbol of freedom and joy, that every woman should be confident and free to express herself! The journey from Derbyshire to London, and back again, reminds me just how wonderful it is to travel, to experience the vibrant world around me, and to discover new inspirations for my tutu adventures!
So, my darlings, what’s next? Well, I’ve got plans in the works to take a fabulous ballet class in a picturesque village in the French countryside. It sounds so charming! Of course, you know that I’ll keep you updated with all my fun travels. Keep checking back in next Friday, my dears, and until then, embrace your inner ballerina! 💖
Love,
Emma x
P.S My dear reader, are you already planning a London escape? If you are, share your London wishes and desires in the comment section! 💖