#PinkTutuBlogParis - Saturday 2006-03-11: Paris, mon amour!
Post #324
Bonjour mes amies! Welcome to another week of #PinkTutuBlogParis. It’s me, Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, ballerina-at-heart blogger, back with another tale of my adventures in the City of Lights.
Oh, Paris, how I adore you! The way the light dances on the Seine, the sound of the Metro, the air thick with the scent of freshly baked bread...it's just magic. This week, I took a lovely ride on the EuroStar from Derbyshire (did I mention I'm from a tiny little village called Matlock? Oh, how I love it!). It's always such an exciting journey, travelling through the tunnel, emerging into a different world.
And speaking of excitement, let's dive straight into what my Parisian week has been all about!
A Day at the Ballet
Of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Palais Garnier, home to the glorious Paris Opera. This Saturday, I went to see Swan Lake, which, you'll be surprised to hear, has just become one of my all-time favourite ballets! The grandeur of the Palais Garnier, combined with the intricate choreography, beautiful costumes and heart-wrenching story...it left me speechless, a rare thing for this chatty blogger, I promise you!
Speaking of costumes, the ballerinas’ tutus were simply stunning. One of the swans was wearing a tutu of the most magnificent blush pink, and oh my, I couldn’t stop myself from admiring it. Honestly, it was like it had been designed especially for me (which, considering I am on a quest to get the whole world in a pink tutu, wouldn't be too much of a stretch). It's amazing how a simple fabric and some feathers can evoke so much beauty and grace.
I don’t mind confessing that I teared up a bit during the tragic ending (no spoilers!), but I don’t think it’s possible to truly experience ballet without a few sniffles. This is the magic of the art form, you know, taking you on a whirlwind of emotions, transporting you to another world, all within a few hours.
After the performance, I couldn’t resist a little wander around the Palais Garnier itself. The architecture is absolutely stunning, all gilded, ornate and simply grand. I’ve just started dreaming of my very own tutu in that shade of blush pink, I’d wear it with a pair of white satin ballet pumps… oh, and a matching clutch, naturally! A girl's gotta have matching accessories, right?
A Fashion Fiesta
Now, where to even begin with the fashion scene in Paris? You can’t take two steps in this city without spotting some gorgeous street style. Every corner seems to be a fashion photoshoot, filled with trendy ladies in chic ensembles, sporting the most amazing vintage finds and the latest designer labels.
On Wednesday, I ventured to the iconic department store Galeries Lafayette. It’s truly an art gallery in its own right, filled with designer boutiques, a breathtaking dome with shimmering stained glass, and beautiful cafes overlooking the city.
I got myself a beautiful pink velvet headband from one of the little independent boutiques in the corner. It’s just perfect for adding a touch of femininity to my ballet classes (although I will admit I may also have tried it on with the blush-pink tutu of my dreams...)
And what Parisian trip is complete without a visit to the legendary Marais district? My favourite discovery was a charming little antique shop called La Plume Vintage. The owner, a lovely lady with bright red hair, and a taste for the outlandish, helped me find a gorgeous vintage kimono with cherry blossom embroidery. The soft colours and delicate floral motifs simply took my breath away. And of course, a touch of pink here and there? Naturally!
Food, Glorious Food!
My time in Paris is also a symphony of delicious food. From crusty baguettes with a thick layer of melting cheese, to crêpes filled with heavenly Nutella and fruit, to rich, velvety hot chocolate. Every meal is an indulgence!
Oh, and I have to mention the delightful pastries! On Thursday, I visited Ladurée, famous for its beautifully crafted macarons. The colours were simply stunning, from pastel shades to rich, vibrant hues. They were too gorgeous to eat... at first, that is. I managed to find the courage to take a bite and they were every bit as delightful as they looked.
Of course, no blog post would be complete without a word on the fashion and lifestyle choices I made this week! This week I've opted for a playful but elegant ballet-inspired look:
Monday
- White ballet top and pink-and-black checked skirt.
- Pale pink satin ballet flats with a little silver bow.
- Pink knitted cardigan (you know me and my obsession!)
- Silver and pink beaded necklace, because, a girl's got to sparkle!
Tuesday
- Black lace dress with a flowing skirt - very Parisian chic, eh?
- Pink polka-dot scarf tied around the waist to add a touch of whimsicality.
- White ballet pumps, the most versatile shoes for any outfit.
- Little white bolero for those slightly chilly Parisian evenings.
Wednesday
- Navy blue jeans paired with a crisp white linen shirt.
- Ballet flats in a blush-pink with little black bows - simply timeless!
- A floral headband with pink blossoms, and a little black clutch bag.
Thursday
- Floral-print A-line dress with a pink under-layer peeking out beneath the floral print, oh la la!
- White crochet jacket for those colder mornings in Paris.
- Ballerinas in pale pink - this week is my lucky week for these, clearly!
- Matching pink leather backpack and pearl earrings, I love how little details make a big impact.
Friday
- Elegant black jumpsuit, with delicate floral lace detail - just for a hint of ballet-inspired artistry.
- Pink ballerina pumps, naturally!
- Matching pink belt for a splash of colour and to highlight my curves, no harm in embracing a bit of feminine flair, darling!
This week has truly been an enchanting whirlwind of beautiful performances, elegant boutiques and charming cafes. But my journey isn't over just yet - the Paris adventures continue next week! And what adventures might I be getting up to? Well, you'll have to wait until next Saturday, to find out. Stay tuned!
Oh, and remember: if you’re ever in doubt about what to wear, just put on a pink tutu! It always works!
Love,
Emma