Hey darlings! It's Friday, and you know what that means? It's #PinkTutuBlogLondon day! And I'm so excited to be writing this from the heart of the city, London!
You all know I love my weekly trips to the capital. The buzz, the energy, the amazing shops, and oh, the theatres! But this week, I'm feeling especially festive, because I've just finished a run of The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House. It was such a dream, twirling under those glittering chandeliers!
Train Travel is the Only Way
My journey started early this morning, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on the train from Derbyshire. I'm so happy I live so close to London. You just can't beat the speed and comfort of travelling by train. It gives you a chance to put your headphones on, maybe catch up on some reading, or simply enjoy the scenery (or the chance to sneak in a sneaky makeup session - just don't tell my mama!).
I know what you're thinking - Emma, isn't it awfully boring for you to just sit on a train and read all day? Well, darling, that's where you're wrong! I've learned how to transform the simplest things into something magical! This week, I took along my latest knitting project - a bright pink shawl I'm creating, inspired by the gorgeous costume for the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker ballet. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, even if I'm just sitting in a carriage on a train, everything can become pink and sparkly in the eyes of a #PinkTutuBlogger.
Letās Get Social
I'm pretty sure the lady next to me on the train thought I was completely mad when I snapped a few pictures with my pink tutu in my lap! But that's ok, darling, itās my life, and I live by my own rules. And honestly, she probably wanted to share my outfit on her own Instagram - if only sheād had the confidence to just ask! This, darlings, is the challenge we all need to face: the courage to live out your pink, tutu-wearing dreams.
The Buzz of London
London is always buzzing, and I couldnāt resist getting into the Christmas spirit the moment I got off the train. I canāt believe itās that time of year already! I canāt resist the sparkle and glitter of the city - all the pretty lights, the carolers on the streets, and, of course, the most beautiful Christmas windows in all of England. Every store in London gets into the holiday spirit, so you could get lost just wandering and taking it all in.
My first stop today was a wander through Covent Garden - itās always so inspiring and full of life. The market stalls, the performers, and the gorgeous shop windows really put you in a holiday mood. I always pop into Liberty for a look at their stunning fabric selection and maybe treat myself to something pretty - this time it was a luxurious cashmere scarf to match my tutu! After that, I couldn't resist stopping at Fortnum and Mason to take a look at their fabulous food displays!
Pink Princess Needs a Lunch Break
After a morning full of excitement in Covent Garden, it was time for lunch. I chose to try The Ritz, because honestly, who can resist a spot of high tea at a London institution! I opted for a lovely afternoon tea in the Palm Court - and I couldn't resist wearing a bright pink fascinator that matched my outfit perfectly. The teacakes, the scones, and, of course, the champagne were absolutely divine. It was a real treat!
Shopping Therapy
Now, I know you all are dying to hear about my shopping finds - after all, shopping is an important part of any trip to London. So let me spill the tea:
I made a beeline straight to Liberty, darling. Itās a haven of fashion and beauty in the heart of London. I am all about supporting independent boutiques and designers. And Liberty is the perfect place for me to find unique, beautifully-made, vintage-inspired pieces that speak to my soul. It always has the most lovely floral prints and gorgeous fabrics to create my perfect tutu or the perfect pink outfit to wear.
Next, I took a little trip to the Burberry flagship store. I canāt resist a spot of luxury! I mean, I need to be dressed for the London ballet stage and, well, Burberry just makes the most elegant clothes! I was so tempted to buy the tartan tutu - how could I resist? I could imagine the perfect ballet performance in it, surrounded by London's sparkly lights!
Of course, no trip to London is complete without a visit to Harrods. It is a mecca for everything you could ever want or need! I love getting lost in its beautiful, glamorous corridors and exploring the endless fashion and beauty sections. Itās the kind of place where I can happily spend hours browsing - but with the intention of adding a few extra items to my collection, of course!
This week, my shopping finds included:
A vintage-inspired hat with a huge pink feather. It will look simply divine paired with my ballet dresses!
A pair of beautiful pink shoes from Sophia Webster. They are sparkly, delicate and completely pink. Of course, I needed to get a new pair of ballet shoes - how could I resist those cute, sparkly buckles and soft, buttery-smooth leather?!
Letās Get Theatrical
The most anticipated part of my trip to London? A visit to the theatre! Tonight, I'm going to see a show. But I canāt tell you what it is yet. I like to keep my readers guessing. Itās a big surprise, so let's just say itās an experience I will never forget. It's not even a ballet, darling! But it does include some dancing, so of course itās a perfect night out for me.
Later today, I'm going to head to one of my favorite local ballet studios. Itās so much fun to try new moves, learn new techniques and connect with my passion. I can't wait to work my pink tutu-wearing muscles and show them what I've learned.
Final Thoughts
Iām a very lucky girl to be able to travel to London so often. Every time I visit I'm filled with a new burst of energy and inspiration!
I'll leave you all with one of my favourite London quotes:
āThe journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.ā - Lao Tzu
I love that this quote is not just a beautiful thought, it also inspires us to be bold, courageous and follow our dreams. So, what are you waiting for, darling? Letās all start making that first step. Get out there and explore, have some fun, and follow your heart, just like I always do with my pink tutu!
I hope you enjoyed my post! Stay tuned for next Fridayās post - Iām thinking of sharing some of my ballet-inspired baking recipes with you. I might just be a ballet-loving, pink-tutu-wearing blogger, but Iām also a passionate cook.
Love, Emma
P.S I love reading your comments! What is your favorite thing to do in London? Where do you like to shop?
P.P.S You can find more photos of my day on Instagram. Just search #PinkTutuBlogLondon and let me know what you think.
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