Hello my darling tutu-twirling darlings! It's Emma, back from a whirlwind weekend in the most magical city on Earth! Paris! Oh, Paris! It’s just utterly divine and has officially earned a permanent place on my "must-visit" list, every single year! You know what they say, "Paris is always a good idea," and my weekend was positively brimming with Parisian delights!
This week's blog post marks an extra-special occasion, as I finally stepped onto French soil, making this my very first Pink Tutu Blog Paris post! After months of planning, a hundred outfits carefully curated, and a week of manicures (essential for the perfect Instagram ballet pose, naturally), I was finally ready for the journey. The anticipation was almost unbearable! And to top it off, I managed to score a ballet gig in a picturesque village in Derbyshire that gave me enough to fund the whole trip - the stars were truly aligning.
My trip began, as all proper pink tutu adventures should, with a grand arrival! I opted for the luxurious Eurostar. (Of course! The thrill of hurtling through the English countryside, the delicious little snacks on board, and the sense of sophisticated European travel just got me giddy with excitement. Imagine, a whole continent in my tutu's path! Oh, the possibilities! Imagine! Imagine!).
After a perfectly pink sunrise and an expertly timed cappuccino, I found myself whisked away to my little Parisian studio flat in Montmartre. You’d think I’d be overwhelmed by the sights, the sounds, the smells… but you see, dear reader, I’d brought with me a little Parisian magic. You see, a few days prior, I'd gone to my favourite local Parisian antique shop - I found an antique little carousel horse and named him Pierre. Pierre was a charming reminder of the joy and wonder that awaits in this remarkable city! And that's just what it took. With Pierre on my lap and a warm Parisian cafe croissant (absolutely * divine!* ) in my hand, I felt like I'd found my footing and I was ready to dance.
First things first, I absolutely had to visit the iconic Grand Palais. If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you'll know my love for the Ballet runs deep! They were hosting the 'Chapitres' exhibition showcasing stunning costumes from renowned operas like La Traviata. It was heaven!
And after a whirlwind day of museums, fashion houses (including a divine pink-tastic shopping spree, of course!) and a delectable dinner of steak frites ( I'd never indulged in this French staple before!) it was time for an unforgettable experience! It's not often you can walk down the street in Paris and simply stroll into the city's famous Opera House! I happened to walk past just as they were opening the doors for their evening performance, so you bet I was grabbing that free program and soaking up the electric atmosphere! Tonight’s performance was Swan Lake and, let's be honest, you don't just go to see Swan Lake; you live Swan Lake, darling! I absolutely adore Swan Lake! The intricate choreography, the sweeping melodies… it all felt utterly captivating!
The evening ended with a glass of something bubbly (Paris is made for a little bit of bubbly, let's be honest!), and a long, reflective gaze at the City of Lights sparkling before me. The air hummed with life and laughter, the energy palpable in the twilight hour. This was just the beginning of a delightful weekend that would be etched into my heart forever.
A Day In The Parisian Lifestyle: Sunday
So here's a typical Emma day in Paris, as I spent it exploring everything in sight…
Now, my dear tutu-wearing lovelies, this is the part of the blog that truly makes my heart dance! We are now going to talk fashion!
My mornings began in the quartier of St. Germain des Près. This elegant neighbourhood is the birthplace of style - it’s simply buzzing with vintage treasures and unique boutiques. You know, this was my dream come true: vintage treasures with a pinch of elegance and just a splash of playful Parisian style! My biggest Parisian fashion find was a magnificent vintage pink and cream Chanel jacket. The delicate beading! The exquisitely crafted tweed! This was something straight from a Parisian dream! Oh! Oh! The joys! Oh, I had to share this gem!
After my delightful breakfast in the St Germain des Près cafe, I headed towards the city’s heart: the Louvre. Now, for me, a Louvre trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the iconic Mona Lisa - that iconic little smirk! Did she know what would happen to her life? Honestly, she was just one of many, many artistic gems I soaked in at this beautiful museum. I must confess, a trip to Paris doesn't quite feel complete without an obligatory Louvre photoshoot… in my Pink Tutu, of course! I found myself quite captivated by the Renaissance era with its intricate, vibrant, detailed style that resonates with my love for embellishment and bold colour. And to think it's the inspiration for so many contemporary fashions. Oh the beautiful legacy! And oh, a good trip to the Louvre is sure to spark ideas for your next Tutu creation! I’ll share some new ideas in my next post. Stay tuned, darling! Stay tuned.
I later went for a lovely meander through the Latin Quarter. This vibrant neighbourhood exudes youth and a lively atmosphere. I love this part of the city! And after my exciting day of explorations, a delectable dinner at a bistro near the Notre Dame was truly delightful! This cathedral is such an inspiration to us dancers and ballet lovers… a cathedral with beautiful soaring ceilings and light. What more could I need to be feeling inspired by such a magical Parisian destination?!
The Parisian weekend would be a beautiful blend of discovery and a pinch of whimsy. For me, a trip to Paris is all about finding something that makes my heart flutter. From the majestic Eiffel Tower glowing against the Parisian sunset to the romantic waltz melodies that seemed to flow through the air, every experience made me want to pirouette and take it all in with glee. Of course, this Parisian journey wouldn't be complete without a ballet class! I was on a quest for the perfect ballet studio. After scouring online, and relying on the help of the friendly locals, I ended up discovering a charming studio nestled amongst cobbled streets. My body was practically giddy with the thrill of learning some new ballet moves! Oh, what a day of Parisian bliss! You know, the more I travel, the more I am inspired to explore the wonderful world of ballet. I may be in the United Kingdom, but it’s really just a short train ride away. Perhaps one day I’ll teach ballet in Paris?! What a dreamy prospect!
Now my lovelies, if you haven’t tried out ballet for yourselves, then I am * begging* you to do so! It is so good for you, inside and out. Ballet really is a wonderfully relaxing, empowering experience. And besides, it’s fantastic fun and always an absolute joy for all who take part! If you find yourself in Paris, be sure to check out one of their renowned ballet classes and you might even spot me twirling among the locals, all in our tutus! I'd love to teach you how to spin a good pirouette or a grand jeté… but perhaps a few classes under my belt would be good before I can teach.
It's times like these that make me understand why people call this "The City of Love". Paris has the unique magic to turn every ordinary moment into an unforgettable one, with its charm, its romantic ambiance, and its delicious delights that bring smiles to everyone's faces!
This city is an absolute treasure, one that I am utterly and completely besotted with! Until my next Paris adventure! Until then, go on, wear your pink tutus! And I'll see you next week!
*Xoxo, Emma! *
