#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2019-08-30 Exploring London

Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing blogger, and today's blog post is extra special. Why? Well, because I'm in LONDON! ✨

I’ve always been a huge fan of London, the bustling heart of Britain and a city full of culture, art, and fabulous fashion. This time, I’m here for a whirlwind adventure, taking advantage of a long weekend thanks to a fantastic ballet performance in my hometown of Derby (don’t worry, I'll fill you in on the details later!).

So, grab a cuppa, pull up a comfy seat, and get ready for a fabulously pink journey through the day I spent exploring London!

Early Friday morning, I hopped on a train from Derbyshire, all dressed up in a fuschia pink tutu – just like always, obviously! I love the train journey. The clatter of the rails, the gentle sway of the carriage, it's the perfect way to unwind before reaching the bright lights and excitement of London. This trip was especially lovely – I even had the chance to catch up with some other dancers in my carriage, sharing our upcoming performances and ballet tips (the perks of the dance community, darlings!).

I arrived at London’s Kings Cross station just before lunchtime, feeling energised and ready for the day's adventures. My trusty phone’s map (who needs paper ones when you’ve got this fabulous technology!) guided me to my accommodation, a cosy little hotel near the Tower of London. I absolutely loved the view from my window - so much to explore! The air was alive with the chatter and the rumble of buses – it was a symphony for my senses.

Once I'd settled in and freshened up, it was time to delve into the city! Today’s plan: culture, a splash of theatre, and a spot of retail therapy – what more could a pink tutu-wearing ballerina want, eh?

First stop, the V&A. Now, any self-respecting fashionista must visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, especially since it's celebrating the legendary Alexander McQueen! You know me, I can never resist a bit of history and inspiration, and seeing his incredible garments in the ‘Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty’ exhibition was simply mind-blowing. It truly sparked my creative fire!

Then, it was off to the theatre. I nabbed a ticket to 'The Lion King' at the Lyceum Theatre, and what a show it was! The costumes were exquisite, the music enchanting, and I couldn’t help but tap my feet to the rhythm of the jungle. Every detail, from the roaring soundtrack to the captivating puppets, transported me right to the heart of the African savanna!

With my heart overflowing with theatre magic, I realised it was time to replenish my energy. You can’t explore London on an empty stomach, darling! I strolled towards Covent Garden and discovered this amazing little French-themed bakery, filled with the aroma of fresh bread and pastry. I indulged in a warm pain au chocolat, with a large latte of course! Heaven on a plate, truly.

Now for some shopping therapy! After my decadent pastry, I ventured to Oxford Street for some retail therapy! Oxford Street is the shopper's paradise – everything from department stores to vintage boutiques and independent shops line the street. I adore discovering new stores, and finding hidden gems that perfectly capture the London vibe. I ended up grabbing some adorable earrings with pink-hued gemstones (because what’s pink without a bit of sparkle?) and the most stunning turquoise-blue top – a perfect mix of colour and style for my collection!

No visit to London is complete without a peek at The National Gallery, one of the world's most celebrated art collections! Standing before famous paintings like Van Gogh's sunflowers, Michelangelo's “Doni Tondo”, and Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Virgin of the Rocks”, left me feeling truly humbled and inspired.

Walking through the galleries was like taking a trip back in time, and witnessing history unfold before my very eyes! The National Gallery isn’t just a museum; it’s a portal to creativity, showcasing a collection of the finest art across centuries. And, of course, it's the perfect place to grab a few artsy shots in my favourite tutu! 🩰📸

But the night wasn't over yet, dear reader! My day wouldn't be complete without a sprinkle of street theatre magic. Heading back towards Covent Garden, I wandered into the heart of this bustling entertainment district, where street performers captivated the crowd with juggling, mime, music, and everything in between. The air was electric with creativity, and the joy in people’s faces was truly heartwarming.

Covent Garden's magic didn't end there! The Royal Opera House stands tall and majestic right at the heart of Covent Garden. Even from the outside, it evokes a sense of grandeur, a place where art meets life in a symphony of colour and emotions. And guess what? There was a free exhibition in the Royal Opera House showcasing incredible ballet costumes! Of course, I couldn't resist taking a peek at these beautiful designs. Every detail was so delicate and beautiful.

As the evening drifted into dusk, the city’s lights began to twinkle like diamonds, and a sense of serenity descended upon the air. It was time to make my way back to my cozy hotel and relive the day’s adventures.

My trip ended with a little indulgence: a warm cup of herbal tea and a selection of gourmet chocolates I had picked up earlier in Covent Garden. As I gazed out the window at the bustling London skyline, I felt so grateful to have experienced this wonderful day! It was everything I hoped for, full of vibrant colours, joyful laughter, artistic beauty, and endless creativity!

As always, London truly charmed my socks off (and my tutu)! I couldn’t be happier to have shared this fabulous adventure with you. It’s a reminder to me – and to all of you – that sometimes, you just need to grab a pink tutu, hop on a train, and let London sweep you off your feet!

I can't wait to explore more of London's magical corners. Stay tuned for more adventures and stylish inspirations on my website: www.pink-tutu.com.

Until next week, darlings! 💖

• Travel in style! Make sure your wardrobe is ready for your London adventure. Don’t forget a fabulous tutu or two, your favourite ballerina flats, a bold lip colour, and maybe even a cute beret.
• Embracing the energy! London is a vibrant city, buzzing with activity! Embrace its lively pace and don’t be afraid to let the city surprise you!
• Shop 'til you drop! There are so many stylish boutiques and vintage shops hidden within London’s vibrant streets. Discover a unique find and add a touch of London magic to your wardrobe.
• Culture with a smile! London is a cultural hub, with world-class theatres, art galleries, and music venues. Embrace the city's creativity and get lost in its art and culture!
• Street style spotlight! Londoners love to express themselves through fashion, making the city a fantastic hub for street style. Keep your eyes peeled for trendsetters and be inspired by their fashion choices.

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

(Don’t forget to check out my London adventure photos on my Instagram page! @PinkTutuEmma)

(This is my 1200th blog post! So happy to be sharing this journey with all of you!💖)**