Hello my darling tutu-tastic readers! It's Emma, your favourite pink-obsessed, tutu-wearing, ballet-loving blogger, and guess what? I'm in London! The big smoke, the city of dreams, the place where fashion thrives and tutus twirl!
This week, my travels took me on a charming train journey from my home in Derbyshire, past rolling hills and quaint villages, right into the heart of the metropolis. And you know what? The journey was just as much a delight as the destination! The rhythmic click-clack of the train tracks and the soft scenery gliding past the window are like a soothing lullaby to my ballet-loving soul.
Now, let's get down to business. It's a brand new Friday, and you know what that means: time for a new #PinkTutuBlogLondon post! And trust me, this one's a real humdinger.
Fashion & Frou Frou:
This morning, I woke up feeling like a princess in my fluffy pink tulle bedskirt, which I swear is the closest thing I have to a tutu for sleeping! I then promptly made myself a breakfast fit for a queen: strawberries, yoghurt, and a cup of jasmine tea, all adorned with tiny pink hearts made of icing sugar, of course!
After my delightful breakfast, I couldn't wait to get dressed. My London outfit needed to be elegant and dramatic, but also practical for a day of sightseeing and tutuing! My choice: a soft pink, flowing midi dress with a sweetheart neckline. I added a dainty pearl necklace, a pair of sparkling silver heels (it's always good to add a touch of sparkle), and the pièce de résistance, a billowing tulle skirt layered over my dress. It wasn't a full-fledged tutu, but the swirling pink fabric felt so wonderfully ballerina-esque, you just had to dance a little bit as you walked! I swear, this is my magic outfit. It makes everyone I meet smile, even grumpy-looking Londoners!
Shopping 'Til I Drop:
After all that prettying up, it was time to unleash my inner shopaholic! London is, after all, a haven for fashionistas. I started with a trip to Liberty London, a real wonderland of eclectic clothes and whimsical interiors. Their window display featured a vintage bicycle adorned with colourful fabrics – so creative! It inspired me to look for some bold fabrics for a new project – a tutu fit for a flamboyant, modern day flapper.
Then it was off to Harrods, a grand, historical department store overflowing with luxurious delights. From stunning hats to elegant evening wear, I was in awe! They even had a gorgeous, shimmering pink cashmere sweater on display – oh how I wanted it, but alas, my ballet budget wouldn't allow it this time. However, I did manage to find a perfectly delicate, floral-printed pink scarf – the perfect accessory for any London adventure.
But shopping isn't all about the big names and fancy boutiques! I love getting lost in the quirky little shops hidden amongst the famous landmarks. I found a fabulous independent dress shop near Covent Garden, brimming with bold, vibrant designs. They even had a section dedicated to handmade tutus! And, can you believe it, they had a tutu in a stunning shade of rose-pink that just matched my mood perfectly. You better believe it went home with me, a brand new twirling addition to my tutu collection.
Tutu-fying London:
Now, you can't go to London without catching a world-class show, so off I went to the Royal Opera House. Tonight, they were performing a truly inspiring production of "Swan Lake," a personal favourite of mine! The stunning dancers in their flowing, graceful costumes really took me back to my early days as a ballet student. I remember when I first saw "Swan Lake" in the old Derbyshire theatre back home, I was so enthralled by the beauty of it, the story, the dance - I immediately knew I wanted to be a ballerina. The story and the costumes were incredible! And the tutus? Magnificent! So much graceful swish and twirl, pure magic!
Oh, did I tell you? I actually caught the eye of the principal dancer after the performance. He saw me clapping in my gorgeous new tutu (which of course was the perfect match for the pink of the Royal Opera House lighting!), he gave me a little wink and even invited me to join him and the dancers backstage for a celebratory glass of champagne! Of course, being the polite girl I am, I couldn't say no. So, I had an enchanting chat with these talented, dedicated dancers, and they all adored my tutu!
We talked about the magical world of ballet, the power of storytelling through dance, and the ever-evolving styles of costume and performance. They were fascinated by my own pink tutu aspirations, and we agreed to work on a surprise collaboration for my website! I can’t reveal more yet, but let’s just say, it's going to be a fantastic project. Stay tuned!
Evening Fun & Foodie Delights:
After the theatre, my stomach was growling like a hungry ballerina warming up, so it was off to find some delicious grub. I found a charming, candlelit bistro called La Belle Époque that had the most delightful outdoor patio covered in twinkling fairy lights. Perfect for people-watching and catching up on my London gossip. They had the most beautiful rose-coloured champagne cocktail, topped with a fresh strawberry, a must-try for any pink lover! To go with my pink champagne, I enjoyed a scrumptious mushroom risotto – truly delicious! It was just the right amount of filling and decadent for a perfect Parisian-style ending to my busy day.
But of course, London wouldn't be London without a dose of entertainment. After dinner, I stumbled upon a spontaneous outdoor theatre performance in Trafalgar Square, where some amazing young street performers put on a lively and playful puppet show. They were so creative, witty and charming! I was clapping my hands and giggling with glee as their puppets went through all sorts of misadventures, a real treat. They even had a tiny pink puppet wearing a mini tutu - it was like a mini-me!
Final Thoughts:
So, that's it, my darlings! My day exploring the wonders of London. What an absolute dream it's been, from the ballet, to the shopping, the theatres and the enchanting city sights. As I'm typing this, sitting here in my comfy hotel room (which thankfully had a tutu-themed floral print wallpaper - bonus!), I can’t help but feel so thankful for the adventures this city offers.
And it all reminds me of why I started #PinkTutuBlogLondon in the first place - to share my love for everything pink and tutu-tastic, and to inspire everyone to embrace their own inner sparkle! Remember, a little bit of pink, a touch of tulle, and a whole lot of kindness and courage can take you anywhere in the world, and bring a bit of magic to your life.
Next week's adventure takes me to Edinburgh! Yes, the gorgeous capital of Scotland. Get ready for bagpipes, kilts and a whole new world of tutu-inspired exploration!
Keep shining, my dear tutu-loving readers!
Yours always, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
