Hello my darling tutu-loving darlings! It's Friday, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu Blog post! This week I'm coming to you live from the glorious city of London. As always, I'm sporting a pink tutu, naturally, and it's absolutely twirling with excitement for all the adventures I've got planned!
This Friday, London is radiating the buzz of a thousand excited bumblebees! Valentine's Day is just around the corner and London's embracing the love vibe. From romantic flower displays bursting from every window box to the sweet scent of freshly baked treats wafting through the air, this city is a symphony of affection! I've arrived by train, which, let me tell you, is a joy in itself. The carriage is filled with happy people all heading towards a weekend of adventure.
I'm always inspired by the sartorial elegance of London's citizens. From the dapper gentlemen with their tweed jackets to the ladies strutting with confident grace in their statement boots, London is a walking runway! It makes my fashion-loving heart skip a beat.
First stop for this tutu-tastic London exploration is the fabulous Victoria & Albert Museum. Not only are they home to the most breathtaking collection of decorative arts and design from all corners of the world, but their Fashion & Textile Department is literally heaven on Earth. It's practically a sacred place for a tutu-loving fashionista like myself. Imagine exquisite gowns, glittering jewellery, and timeless costumes. If that doesn't send shivers down your spine, I don't know what will! I'll be snapping pictures of all the iconic pieces and, of course, getting some serious inspiration for my own wardrobe.
From there, I'm off to * Covent Garden* – a haven of theatre and entertainment. I can't resist the magic of live performance. It's where the arts come alive, the emotions soar, and the stories resonate deep within your soul. Whether it's the breathtaking artistry of ballet, the power of drama, or the joyous spectacle of a musical, the sheer energy of live performance fills me with a joyous exhilaration. I'll definitely be checking out the theatre listings and seeing what treasures I can catch!
Speaking of treasures, no trip to London is complete without a shopping spree, and my darling, this is where I truly let loose! From the high-end boutiques on Bond Street, with their opulent windows showcasing the latest fashion trends, to the bustling markets of Camden Town, with their eclectic and bohemian delights, I'm planning to hit every corner. It's a perfect mix of indulgence and discovery.
Now, you know my biggest passion is bringing the tutu to the masses, and you can be sure I'm going to be sporting my brightest pink tutu while I shop! Maybe even a few playful twirls while I’m at it! After all, who says tutus aren't a London fashion staple? It's all about confidence, expressing yourself, and embracing the joy of colour, which are absolutely my favourite things! Plus, I want to see if I can inspire just one more person to don a tutu. Maybe a pair of twirling shoppers will become the next must-have trend?
Of course, a visit to London isn’t complete without experiencing the delicious and iconic food culture. The first treat I'm making a bee-line for is afternoon tea. It's a classic for a reason, offering an elegant indulgence of dainty finger sandwiches, delicate pastries, and a selection of the finest teas. But there’s so much more to explore – London is a haven for foodies with its endless selection of world cuisines. Think sizzling curries, tempting ramen, and of course, that oh-so-British fish and chips. It's a culinary journey I can't wait to embark on.
Evening time will be a true theatrical extravaganza! Today is the grand opening of a new ballet production called "Flight of Fancy." They have been promising something dazzling and innovative and it's already generating buzz throughout the dance world. I have my tickets, and a sparkling new tutu just for the occasion. I'll be sharing all the details about the production in next week's blog, so make sure you check it out.
The beauty of a city like London is that it has so much to offer everyone. It's a melting pot of cultures, brimming with creativity, excitement, and wonder. So much to discover and explore, every corner holds a new surprise. London really is the heart of this country, and as always, I'm excited to discover its secrets and soak in the unique atmosphere that only a city like London can offer.
So, until next time my loves, I’ll be twirling through the cobbled streets and the grand avenues of London. May your weekends be filled with sparkles, tutus, and all the joys that life has to offer. Keep shining bright!
XOXO, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Emma's Top Five Tips for Visiting London:Get lost! Wandering aimlessly through the narrow alleys and bustling streets is a true London experience. You never know what hidden gems you might discover!
Embrace the transport system! London's transport network is efficient and reliable, making it a joy to navigate. The Underground, especially with its iconic red signage, is part of the London experience.
Enjoy a pub experience. No trip to London is complete without a pint in a traditional pub. They have an authentic, warm atmosphere, making them a perfect place to soak up the local culture and indulge in a hearty meal.
Support the Arts. London has a thriving arts scene, so make sure you visit one of the many theatres, galleries, or museums.
Explore the Royal Parks! Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a visit to one of London's beautiful royal parks like Hyde Park, Richmond Park, or Regent's Park. You’ll find serenity and stunning natural landscapes right in the middle of the city.
Did you know that London's Underground was the first underground railway system in the world? And did you know that it’s not even the biggest network anymore, despite being built 160 years ago? That’s what you get with all those awesome buildings, history is so cool!
Did you know that Big Ben is actually not the name of the clock tower but the bell inside? And did you know that Big Ben isn’t even a proper name but more a nick name? There's always something new to learn about London's fascinating history.
Did you know that London is home to over 80 museums and galleries, offering a vast range of art, history, and science discoveries? Which explains why I was drawn to London as it fits my ballet history interests too!
Emma visited some London places this week:
Victoria and Albert Museum: I could literally get lost for hours in this incredible museum. They have a massive fashion and textiles collection. It's just incredible for a ballet lover. If you go, get a membership, you can spend days there, so cheap for all the exhibitions! The exhibitions for clothes, and even shoes from the late 1800s are breathtaking.
Covent Garden: Oh my goodness! A truly magical spot. It was hopping when I was there! So much going on in Covent Garden. It was really busy, so the first stop is usually to get a drink, maybe have a little afternoon tea and enjoy the atmosphere. And, then you get a real sense of history.
Camden Market: An explosion of color and creativity, where you're guaranteed to find some unique and quirky treasures. Really good if you need new, and fun earrings, clothes, shoes. Even though I have a full closet. I have been shopping for months, because all my ballet clothes have glitter, they get so messy so have to keep buying new outfits! I get so excited.
The Globe Theatre: I just love that there are theatres like The Globe where I can experience Shakespeare in the setting of his original times. They have a lot of performances there, the Globe isn’t only about Shakespeare but about the English and wider cultural landscape.
Greenwich: If you want to feel that you’re in a quieter moment of your day or for a more serene environment then Greenwich is the place to go. Its historical significance but also its beauty and tranquility. I love visiting the Old Royal Naval College and Greenwich Park, a relaxing, peaceful place where you can escape the bustling city. The views across the River Thames are just spectacular, you really can appreciate that the city goes on for miles!
Look: Classic pink tutu:
The Tutu: My go-to for this London exploration is a soft, blush pink tulle tutu, adorned with tiny, delicate sequins. It gives me that timeless elegance, and makes it a fun and girly fashion piece in a traditional English setting. You'll need a really nice pink tutu for a day of dancing around in, London.
Top: I pair this with a luxurious white blouse that has some lace detailing on the sleeves and a soft neckline. This is such a sweet and delicate look with a feminine elegance which contrasts well with the ballerina style tutu.
Footwear: As I’m twirling about town, I’m rocking a pair of sparkly ballet flats. They add just a little more bling! They're comfy enough to keep my feet happy for a long day of exploration and still super fashionable, as the streets are the ultimate stage!
*What are you all up to this weekend? Where will your travels take you? Remember, London is calling - so come on down, embrace the pink, and have a tutu-tastic weekend! *
