Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, and I’m thrilled to be back in my favourite city – London!
This weekend I’m kicking off my new blog series on London Adventures. You know I just love London, and I've decided to give you all a little glimpse into what I get up to on my regular visits. It's so exciting! And with my new favourite pink tutu, and a head full of twirls, I'm ready for a whirlwind exploration of everything London has to offer.
But before we get to the heart of my adventures, I want to let you all know how I’m making this happen, because yes, my dears, you're looking at a professional ballerina! I travel by train, you see, so it’s very eco-friendly and really allows me to soak up the beauty of the countryside, but my main source of funding comes from performing at events and gala balls. It's such a joy to share the magic of dance with others! I love bringing a touch of pink tulle to any occasion.
And what a journey this week's been! My train journey from Derbyshire to London was, as always, a treat. The English countryside truly takes my breath away, and I just love the feeling of excitement that comes with heading towards London – that bustling, vibrant energy is just infectious.
And speaking of excitement, this weekend promises to be utterly delightful! I’ve got so much lined up:
- The Royal Ballet performance of Swan Lake: You simply cannot come to London and miss out on this iconic ballet! I just love the combination of elegance, grace, and drama, and the story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice is just captivating.
- A trip to the Theatre District: It’s impossible for me to visit London and not take in a show. This weekend, I’m off to see the award-winning musical The Lion King. I absolutely adored the film as a child and I just cannot wait to experience it on stage – the music is sensational, and the costumes are just breathtaking.
- A spot of afternoon tea: You can't be in London without partaking in the traditional afternoon tea! I’m off to a beautiful little café near Covent Garden, I hear their teacakes are exquisite, and the sandwiches sound positively divine. I think I’ll treat myself to a slice of Victoria Sponge for good measure!
- A tour of the best vintage shops: Let's be honest, ladies, London is a vintage fashion haven! I just love browsing the rails in Notting Hill and Shoreditch – you can find so many unique treasures. And a bargain, of course! A classic pink vintage hat or some retro earrings – you never know what hidden gem you’ll stumble upon.
- Shopping for some sparkly accessories: Oh, London! The dazzling shops in Oxford Street and the boutique shops of Mayfair call to me with a whisper, "Pick me, pick me!" It’s all about finding the perfect little touches to complete my London outfits – a sparkling handbag, a pair of dazzling earrings, or even a touch of blush-pink glitter for that extra special something. I know it’s silly, but glitter always makes me feel like I’m dancing.
But enough about my plans, let’s jump into the heart of this exciting London adventure!
Day One - The Thrill of the Capital
I arrived in London mid-morning, the sun peeking through the clouds above the cityscape. Stepping off the train, I inhaled deeply - that intoxicating smell of London air is simply unmistakable. It's a blend of bustling streets, exhaust fumes and delicious aromas that waft out from quaint cafes and bakeries. I always know I’m home when I catch that whiff of freshly baked scones in the air, even amidst the throngs of Londoners!
For today, I’d decided to dedicate myself to the joys of London's fashion scene. First, I headed straight to Covent Garden! There’s just something magical about Covent Garden, a bustling marketplace full of life, art, and music. You can see anything and everything happening there, from buskers performing with an air of passionate defiance to elegant ladies having a coffee, perfectly coiffed with stylish handbags in their hands, ready to tackle their busy afternoon.
This little market feels as though time stands still while, at the same time, offering glimpses of all the new and upcoming things. Covent Garden's mix of historical buildings and contemporary shops and cafes just makes for the most vibrant, and yes, glamorous atmosphere.
I picked up some vibrant flower petals for my hair - bright pinks and yellows, as a touch of whimsy to the day's outfit. They matched the floral details on my tulle tutu, so perfectly girly and just the right amount of whimsical for exploring Covent Garden.
Oh! But speaking of fashion, it would be amiss if I didn’t mention my darling tutu for the day. Let's face it, you simply cannot visit London without rocking a dazzling tutu! My go-to outfit this time around was a playful mix of sophistication and girly fun. A crisp, white blouse tucked into a vintage, blush-pink skirt, which gave the perfect base for my magnificent tutu. I finished it all off with my signature oversized floral headband (gotta have some pink in there, of course!), and a bright, sunshine yellow vintage purse to contrast the pink perfectly.
You know I just love vintage, but I don’t just pick pieces from bygone eras because I want to look different or stand out - there’s so much more to it. Each piece tells a story, it's a part of fashion history. It’s like I’m wearing a time machine on my body, embracing beauty that’s stood the test of time. I like to think of it as giving a new life to pieces of history, and a sprinkle of pink of course.
I took in the shops, each window display a captivating explosion of colour and imagination. I saw Londoners strolling through the market, young and old, dressed to impress, some with their own quirky sense of style and some wearing classic, chic, polished London looks, the colours vibrant, their attire sophisticated and effortless at the same time. Everyone has their own unique flair, a unique style that's just London, you know. A little bit rebellious and just as bit perfectly polished - but all so fascinating and alluring!
As my afternoon progressed, I felt the draw of London's iconic landmarks. It was time for a quick tour of Westminster, a spot every London visit must include! I wanted to visit the heart of our politics, just to get a glimpse of the pomp and circumstance!
Walking across Westminster Bridge was a moment to soak it all in, to breathe deep the London air. Big Ben majestically striking, the London Eye like a watchful guardian, and Parliament House just sitting proudly in all its grey-stone splendour, so historical, so undeniably grand! It was like something straight out of a film, but oh, so much more real.
You're in for a treat - a sparkling treat, I must add! We’ll talk more about the Westminster sights next week.
And don’t forget to tune in next Friday! My lovely, little pink tutus are just itching to spin you through a full day of London adventure.
See you all soon, darling!
xx, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
