Saturday, April 1st, 2000
Bonjour, my darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, Emma, here, back from the magical land of France. Paris, my dears, has stolen my heart! And oh, the things I've seen and done, the fashions I’ve marvelled at, the treats I’ve indulged in!
It's always a little bittersweet leaving Derbyshire, but as the Eurostar sped through the countryside, a delicious excitement fizzed within me. The promise of Paris was intoxicating. You see, my love for France isn't just a matter of the pastries or the vintage shops. There's something about this city that sings to the ballerina in my soul. Maybe it's the elegant boulevards, perfect for a twirl, or the echoes of past performances in grand theatres, whispers of history on the breeze.
And speaking of grand theatres, you know I couldn't visit Paris without a little bit of culture! Last night, we (me and my darling little sister, Lucy – yes, she also adores pink tutus, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!) had the most fabulous time at the Palais Garnier. The exquisite gilded decor, the sheer size of the stage – I swear my heart skipped a beat as the orchestra’s first notes resonated around the room! It was "Giselle", one of my all-time favourite ballets. To be honest, the performance had me on the verge of tears – the tragic story of the woodland maiden, Giselle, danced with such exquisite grace and passion! Honestly, you can’t talk about Paris without mentioning its balletic heritage, and this show reminded me of the power of dance to stir emotions, to weave stories without a single word.
This morning, my little Paris adventure started at the Place des Vosges, a square full of historical charm and elegance. I imagine strolling there in a 19th-century dress with a fan in hand. Just me and a dapper gentleman taking a leisurely promenade. A perfect moment of Belle Epoque romanticism! The beautiful architecture of the Place des Vosges – with its manicured gardens and the charming brick-red buildings - just begged for a photoshoot, so of course, I indulged. I couldn’t resist snapping myself in my signature pink tutu, against the façade, complete with the perfect, ballerina-worthy pout! It’s so very Parisian. I love the way it captures a sense of whimsy and grandeur all at once.
Of course, no Paris escapade would be complete without a little indulgence. As we strolled down a charming side street in the 10th arrondissement, the most delightful little patisserie called to us with its windows overflowing with croissants, éclairs, and tarts. Parisian pastries - truly a culinary delight, a taste of heaven, a delightful reward for my little Parisian exploration! Oh, and the coffee? Delicious! Le Café Noir, oh la la, pure bliss. It made me feel so utterly French! I think my favourite is a classic mille-feuille, crisp layers of pastry and vanilla cream. A little treat to indulge my inner Parisian princess!
It’s Saturday, so it's fashion day in Paris. I must say, the French women certainly have their own special style! It's a bit more subdued than the flashy outfits of Milan or London but equally alluring. Their outfits seem to flow around them with an effortless elegance, like a ballerina’s dress moving with every turn. And they know how to carry a scarf with such finesse, tying it effortlessly around their necks with a delicate touch. As for the shops, oh mon Dieu! The boutiques on the Champs-Élysées, full of beautiful gowns and elegant suits, have me dreaming of fabulous fashion events. Maybe a black-tie ballet gala? Paris certainly makes you feel glamorous, darling!
Later today, I plan to find a pink tutu for myself at a vintage shop, which just calls my name. After all, who doesn't love a vintage tutu, darling? And yes, the plan is to encourage the entire city of Paris to wear a pink tutu! Because I believe that a little bit of pink and tulle can transform anyone into a ballerina at heart and that’s what life is all about!
Pink Tutu Paris Blog updates weekly, every Saturday, right here on www.pink-tutu.com Stay tuned for my next post! And remember to **"Tutu Your Best!"
A bientot! Emma xx
* Pink Tutu Fashion*As I’ve said, Paris has always been the home of refined fashion. I mean, you simply can’t stroll around these grand avenues without wanting to don a gorgeous outfit. Oh, how I love to find the perfect dress to capture that Parisian essence! Today I found a stunning little vintage dress at a gorgeous store near the Place des Vosges. A real find. This creamy silk number with lace accents and a playful A-line cut. It whispered Parisian chic, darling! I topped it off with a pink scarf with delicate little floral details and my signature pink ballet flats – after all, they're not just for dancing, they’re perfect for strolling and shopping. Just my little touch of ballet glamour. The most enchanting part is a little vintage broach shaped like a swan which I perched right above the neckline.
But you see, darling, pink isn’t just for tutus. While my heart might always belong to ballet and all that delicate tulle, I’m constantly discovering the diverse beauty of this vibrant hue.
The way pink reflects so much light – just look at how it catches the light against the Parisian sun. And its gentle embrace makes it so versatile – just take the blush tones and soft pinks so prevalent in Paris. The muted shades just lend themselves to everyday Parisian chic. It’s so alluring and effortless. The shade of blush I chose for my dress was just perfect to capture that romantic spirit.
Then again, I have a thing for strong colors, and I wouldn’t mind a bold fuchsia shade. Especially paired with some sleek tailoring and a confident attitude! There's something quite empowering about a bright pink statement, something that commands attention. Like a graceful ballerina performing on a grand stage.
I’m just going to say this – pink in its countless hues and shades really does make everything so much more fabulous. I can see myself spending hours at the Louvre admiring the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile in my favourite baby pink ballerina top! Or strolling along the Seine with a raspberry-pink tote overflowing with shopping treasures! There’s a touch of pink in Paris, no matter where you look. From the pastel-colored buildings to the elegant floral prints - it's everywhere. Pink is a language, a vibe, a touch of magic in this incredible city!
Pink Tutu Travels: From Derbyshire to Paris!Let's get practical for a moment, darlings. When you’re a tutu-loving ballerina who craves all things French, how do you get to Paris from the idyllic countryside of Derbyshire? The answer: Eurostar! I simply adore that sleek high-speed train – a perfect way to escape into a world of glamour and elegant style! * It's like the Eurostar is a backstage passageway between two magnificent performance venues* – from Derbyshire's charming countryside theatres to the glittering stages of Paris. It takes only a couple of hours to make that breathtaking journey and every minute of the ride makes me feel utterly glamorous.
But even a Eurostar trip requires planning, so let me give you a little sneak peek into the journey of a tutu-loving ballerina from Derbyshire to the City of Lights:
- Step 1: Planning. I've learned that for a truly Parisian journey, every detail is crucial, and every decision must be made with elegance and precision! My plan begins at least two weeks before my departure, including checking show times in Paris, confirming hotel reservations (one in a stunning, whimsical Parisian hotel - think marble floors, silk linens and breathtaking views), booking Eurostar tickets (the perfect opportunity for a little light shopping at St. Pancras), and planning the perfect itinerary.
- Step 2: Packing. I swear, I’m a bit of a ballerina with a secret agent’s luggage skills. The secret? Efficiency! It’s an art, darling, packing enough stylish clothes (because a true Parisian is always ready to create a fashion moment) along with my dance necessities (including my little pink ballet shoes) to perform a perfect routine when I arrive. It's about mixing my favourite pink tutus with sleek dresses, classic cardigans, and my essential ballerina-approved accessories! And remember, darlings, when packing for a Parisian adventure, always think: pink first.
- Step 3: Embarking on the Journey My travel companions and I – a troupe of delightful friends and family – gather in the crisp English morning air, each carrying a little Parisian excitement and a touch of pink in our outfits, because well, a tutu-loving ballerina needs a little splash of colour. As we take a leisurely ride to St Pancras (because, darling, we're always mindful of our surroundings and like to take in the charming details!), our hearts flutter with the promise of the upcoming Parisian adventure!
- Step 4: The Eurostar. Oh, it's more than a journey, darling! It's a little piece of theatre. I love gazing out of the large panoramic windows as we zoom across the English countryside – a ballet of shifting landscapes, charming towns and lush greenery! Once we arrive at the Gare du Nord, we disembark to a whole new scene - the romance and grandeur of Parisian architecture, the bustling crowds and the magical aroma of fresh croissants, already calling to our senses! It's pure magic!
As we get back into Derbyshire, a thought crosses my mind - how many lives in this small, country setting would be completely different if we all had that sense of freedom, elegance and whimsy that we experienced in Paris. Perhaps, in that magical world, we'd all be wearing pink tutus, ready to dance and twirl through our days!
Stay tuned, darlings, for my next Pink Tutu Paris update! A bientot! Emma xx
