#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2023-09-15 Exploring London

Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, back with another Pink Tutu Blog London post, fresh from my trip to the Big Smoke! It was a Friday so the city was buzzing! As always, it was so exciting, I absolutely loved it. If you follow this blog, you’ll know that Friday is my favourite day of the week. I make the most of every single one! I always start the day with a lovely long dance session - today, I started with a great class from the Royal Ballet School, and then straight to the station - I love train journeys. Today, I was super excited as it was a direct train to Kings Cross, so my tutu could get to the city ASAP!

So, it’s official! It is London Calling!

As soon as I arrived, I was straight to my favourite street in all of London… I had to be right in the middle of it… Oxford Street of course. I love watching the shoppers going past! You just can't get a vibe like it anywhere else. The day was spent seeing what the shops had in, taking it all in and enjoying being right in the centre of the fashion world. You all know, I absolutely adore all things sparkly and girly! London truly is a paradise of pink for us fabulous gals! I found the most gorgeous blush pink silk scarf, and of course I just had to pick up some beautiful new ballet shoes – I adore the ballet flat look - I mean they go with anything and look fab on any outfit - and if you wear them for a real ballet performance, well you're extra stylish! They're always just a bit more special because they remind me of my love of dance, of all those graceful twirls!

Now, it wouldn't be a trip to London for me without a ballet show. So, I went along to a fantastic performance of "Giselle" at The Royal Opera House – what a magnificent experience, with stunning costumes, intricate dance steps and such an emotive storyline. Seeing the dancers express the story with such passion was simply magical! It’s my absolute favourite way to spend an evening - all those twirling skirts are amazing! As usual, the audience was totally engrossed and the energy in the theatre was simply electric. After a quick chat with the ballet dancers I got some amazing photographs for the blog…

Speaking of photographs, let me share some highlights with you:

[Insert Photos: Photos here of Oxford Street, Royal Opera House, "Giselle" posters and maybe even a sneak peak at your amazing ballet flats. Maybe a photo of yourself at The Shard or on a red London Bus?

You'll probably agree that after all the dance performances and excitement, it's essential to indulge in a delightful afternoon tea… because London is absolutely made for afternoon tea! Now, we can't talk about London without thinking of some delicious cake - and who doesn’t love a Victoria sponge or a scone? They make the most decadent cakes in London and it’s my go-to snack when exploring this fantastic city.

I managed to squeeze in an afternoon tea in The Shard - you have to see it for yourselves! That glass building really does shine! You see all of London - you can feel like you're right on top of the world, you can look right out onto all the iconic London landmarks - the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben - you can really see how incredible the whole city is. There’s just a beautiful energy in the city at night. I have to say I could feel that iconic energy of London.

Let's take a trip back to fashion... One of my favorite things to do in London, other than visiting shops and watching a fabulous ballet show… is taking a look at the gorgeous art work - some really inspired contemporary pieces in the shops and also of course in London’s amazing art galleries. So, on this Friday, I just had to explore Tate Modern, that big brick building on the Thames, with all of the famous galleries right by. My favourite exhibit was ‘The Women Of Today’ by photographer, Barbara Morgan. She is incredible. Of course, you have to stop at The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square and wander through the breathtaking collections. I just love to wander around and take in all the beauty… It just takes me back in time – it really gives a great sense of perspective. The beautiful works by masters such as Da Vinci, Renoir, Van Gogh, you really have to see them up close - just breathtaking!

So, I was off to one of the top London theaters for the last part of my adventure. It wouldn’t be Friday night in London without an excellent show - I opted to enjoy the stunning musical “The Phantom of the Opera”. I’m obsessed with that show, there is just such energy in the theatre. The singing! The costuming - I can never go to see it without leaving smiling… with that perfect London vibe!

* [Insert photos here: Of your afternoon tea at The Shard, art work in Tate Modern or The National Gallery - maybe an amazing shot from "The Phantom of the Opera" and another amazing shot in front of Big Ben] *

For London - and I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel here - a pink tutu really can go anywhere - London especially! Think bold patterns and bold colours for the bold and fashion forward amongst you, a few delicate touches, perhaps some cute headbands and a bright colourful purse with all your dance accessories... maybe a few little touches of glittery nail varnish… then it's up to you!

* My go-to essentials:*

• Pink tutu - duh! A necessity in London – in my world, everywhere!
• Bold ballet flat shoes – they’re comfortable and really on trend in the city
• Headband or scarf with glitter and sparkle - perfect for an added touch of flair!
• A statement purse – keep all your goodies in a bright and cheerful bag!
• A dazzling top – perhaps a sequined top with a bow – really bring out your inner ballerina
• A classic trench coat - it really will elevate any outfit in this city, especially if it has a pretty pink lining!
• *And if you really want to stand out? A pink tutu hat, a fabulous big pink hat!! You will turn heads with one of those - that’s London darling, we go bold! *

Here’s a Pink Tutu friendly itinerary to get you started:

Day 1: * Arrive at Kings Cross (I really do suggest getting off here to really experience it all) * Grab your Pink Tutu coffee to go (and a hot water bottle - even the British weather in September can be a bit chilly - even for a tutu-clad ballerina ) at the Starbucks just opposite the station - it has gorgeous views across the city and all the locals go there * Take a quick tour of Kings Cross – get that perfect shot! * Wander through The British Library - really amazing exhibitions - look out for those fabulous books from the Middle Ages - such beautiful designs… * Head to Camden Markets! There’s an amazing vibe - all those stalls of unique treasures * Afternoon Tea time – there are so many fabulous places! It really has to be in your itinerary!

Day 2: * Start with a full day of shopping! All those amazing designer shops on Oxford Street * Enjoy some high fashion shopping in Mayfair, all the top designers right on Bond Street - It’s like a window on all the latest fashion! * See an amazing musical or stage show at the Theatre Royal or The Dominion Theatre * Then grab an after theatre dinner - I always like to make sure that my outfit is spot on… but I think even on a casual day you’ll get all glammed up for an evening out in the city * Then of course go for a walk across London Bridge - so pretty, such beautiful views! You could try out one of those big London red buses at this point if you need to chill out and look around

Day 3: * Start with London’s biggest market – go to Borough Market - what amazing produce they have - and don’t forget to try some of the most incredible artisan cheeses! Then get a yummy artisan bakery for later… * After your treat, it’s off to The National Gallery or The Tate Modern for some gorgeous gallery tours and talks - I like to ask if there is an art walk for newbies or a themed tour… it means that you’re certain to see the very best of it * Catch a performance by The English National Ballet (in this case, this would have been a great opportunity for me to meet them! * End the day with some live music, a delicious three-course dinner and then an elegant cocktail in a luxurious setting. I’m such a fan of these really historic and fancy hotel bars. It has a completely different vibe to the London bars down Oxford Street!

Day 4: * Time for one of my most favourite things… A walk in Green Park in Hyde Park… it is truly magnificent. It’s gorgeous green space – a breath of fresh air in a huge city! * Take in all of London - a perfect opportunity to get a panoramic view on a ride on London’s iconic Eye - just perfect for getting those fabulous shots… * Visit some of the most amazing architectural buildings: Kensington Palace and The Royal Albert Hall… then you’re just a stroll to Kensington High Street * End the day by watching a fabulous film on the silver screen at one of those magnificent classic theatres.

London is my absolute favourite city! This trip was one of the most amazing ones yet. And please… let me know what you think in the comments.

*Stay fabulous, Londonistas! And remember - always twirl with a pink tutu!! *

This post is a work of fiction and is for entertainment purposes only.