Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad adventurer, and it's Friday once again, which means it's time for a new blog post! This week I'm whisking you off to the glittering, bustling heart of London town, where I've been living my very best ballerina life!
As always, this week's escapade was fuelled by the magic of ballet - two stellar performances in a gorgeous, gothic Derbyshire church kept the pennies rolling in. That means a fabulous trip to London for yours truly, complete with train travel, afternoon tea, and oodles of tutu-inspired fun!
Now, you know I always jump on the train with my faithful pink suitcase (just the right size for a tutu or two!), and my pink travel pillow clutched tight. A train journey is pure escapism for me. I adore the rhythmic clatter, the fleeting landscapes, and the cosy, compartmental feeling - it's a world away from the humdrum of daily life!
And so, on Thursday evening, I boarded the train, my heart filled with excitement. You see, I had something very special planned for London. I'd secured tickets for "The Nutcracker" at the Royal Opera House - one of the most prestigious venues in the world! How could I not feel like a fairytale princess stepping onto that iconic red carpet?!
I have to say, the train journey was particularly magical. The setting sun painted the sky in glorious shades of pink, mirroring my own outfit - my newest tulle tutu, a shimmering blush pink with delicate floral embellishments. Yes, darling, I'm bringing my ballet-inspired style to the Big Smoke!
Reaching London just after 8pm, I dashed off to the hostel. A lovely, budget-friendly place right near the Victoria Station - perfect for exploring. I can't say no to a hostel with a communal kitchen and a friendly atmosphere. After all, it's the people I meet that make each trip unique!
Friday Festivities: Nutcracker Delight & Covent Garden Charmer
After a delightful breakfast at a nearby café (a croissant and a cappuccino, always!), it was time for the show. My tummy was full of butterflies, and not just from the croissant! The Royal Opera House itself is truly breathtaking. Marble staircases, glittering chandeliers, plush velvet seating - a perfect backdrop for the ballet's magical story.
The performance was beyond spectacular! It was almost impossible to tear my eyes away from the intricate choreography, the dazzling costumes, the soaring music, and the captivating expressions on the dancers' faces. Every pirouette, every jeté, every leap told a story, transporting the audience into a world of wonder and joy.
The whole experience was truly transformative. Seeing those incredibly talented artists bring a story to life with just their bodies, their expressions, and their artistry...well, it just leaves you speechless. There's nothing like the magic of live theatre!
But it wasn't all about the theatre on this fabulous Friday! The day simply had to include some quintessential London experiences, right? So, armed with a trusty map and my best ballet flats (they go with everything!), I ventured off to Covent Garden.
Now, darling, Covent Garden is like a wonderland for any fashion enthusiast! All the shops were brimming with clothes, shoes, bags, and all the trinkets a girl could desire. And as always, my eyes were glued to the shoe shops, my ballet shoe obsessed self searching for a new pair of pumps for the perfect outfit. But you know me, darling, I rarely go home empty handed! This trip brought home the prettiest blush pink knitted sweater - it felt like a match made in heaven, a perfect accompaniment to my love affair with pink!
Of course, no trip to Covent Garden is complete without a little bit of people-watching, isn't it? So I enjoyed a cheeky cup of tea in one of the cafes and soaked up the vibrant energy of the market, the buskers playing their melodies, the laughter echoing from street performers, the charming old architecture… London just has such a unique personality, don’t you think?
Saturday Adventures: A Royal Treat and a Touch of Vintage
On Saturday, after a leisurely breakfast of homemade pancakes and blueberries (and, of course, a pink latte!), I treated myself to a truly indulgent afternoon at The Ritz. Now, you're probably wondering what I was doing in one of the most opulent hotels in London, wearing a tutu...well, I wouldn’t dream of attending a hotel without my tutu, darling. After all, the occasion called for it!
The Ritz was an absolute marvel. Gold-gilded walls, plush velvet armchairs, shimmering crystal chandeliers, a symphony of elegance! I stepped into a world of champagne and cucumber sandwiches. My afternoon tea experience included delectable finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a dazzling array of miniature pastries, all washed down with fragrant, floral tea. Every detail was perfection.
And speaking of perfection, I just had to visit one of my favourite places: The Vintage Emporium in Shoreditch! It's a paradise of all things vintage - dresses, hats, bags, shoes... You name it, they probably have it! The shop oozes charm and vintage flair. I'm talking elegant silk scarves, bold brooches, and, of course, vintage ballerina shoes (yes, I snagged myself a beautiful pair in the prettiest pale pink shade!).
Sunday Reflections: London's Ballet Magic and A Pink Tutu Promise
Sunday morning dawned with a gentle drizzle. That wasn’t a problem for me! I bundled up in a pink cable knit cardigan and ventured out to find a quiet spot to relax. London's charm is that it allows you to have a tranquil Sunday even in the centre of it all. I ended up sipping coffee on a bench in a small square, just off Trafalgar Square.
This weekend has once again reminded me why London is such a magical city. From the sheer excitement of a performance at the Royal Opera House to the joy of exploring vintage shops and the magic of a tea party in The Ritz, this trip was all about embracing my love of fashion, theatre, and, of course, my beloved tutus.
Now, I have a feeling this pink-tutu adventure isn't quite over yet! You know, I'm still on a mission to make the world a brighter, more whimsical place, one pink tutu at a time! London is always on my radar for new tutu inspirations, and I've got plenty of pink-tastic plans for the weeks ahead. So, stay tuned!
But before I go, I’d love to know what your favourite London experience has been. Leave me a comment below and let’s chat all things pink tutu and London! Until next week, darling!
Love, Emma xo
P.S. Check out the website for some awesome photos of my London adventures and new pink finds: www.pink-tutu.com
P.P.S. It wouldn’t be a London post without a nod to what’s on in the city this week. There is a wide range of events to suit all tastes, from theatre performances to museum exhibitions, and it’s all there on the Visit London website! Make sure you check out what’s happening in your chosen location. And don't forget, there's a whole lot of twinkling festive cheer around as well. Get ready to be dazzled, darling!
