Oh lĆ lĆ ! Bonjour from the City of Lights, darlings! This is your Pink Tutu girl, Emma, signing in live from a charming Parisian cafĆ©, just a skip and a hop from the Eiffel Tower! I've been dreaming of this trip for months, and now it's finally here! And what a perfect weekend it's turned out to be.
As you all know, I adore travelling by train. Thereās just something so romantic and elegant about whizzing through the countryside, a good book in hand and a big, steaming mug of tea. This time it was the Eurostar to Paris. And let me tell you, the views of the Channel Tunnel and French countryside were simply breathtaking! And the on-board staff? So chic, so professional, it was like stepping back into a glamorous era.
Now, Paris. Where do I even begin?! It's been a whirlwind of Parisian magic. From strolling down the Champs-ĆlysĆ©es to gazing up at the Notre Dame, I've been in awe of the architecture, the atmosphere, the charm, the fashion ā oh, the fashion! Speaking of, my little pink tutu found the perfect partner in crime here ā a gorgeous, cream-coloured cardigan, complete with intricate Parisian embroidery.
Of course, a trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without indulging in a little Ballet culture. You all know how much I love the ballet! I even found this absolutely divine ballet shop on the Rue de la Paix. It's called 'La Danse' and I had to go in. Just stepping inside made me want to twirl, not to mention it was a haven of pink tutus, ballet shoes, and the most delicate, ethereal fabrics. The shop assistant, an elegant, older woman with beautiful silver hair and the kindest smile, told me about a ballet performance at the Palais Garnier. Imagine my excitement!
That's actually what I'm about to do! This evening Iām going to see Swan Lake, a truly timeless ballet. The Palais Garnier itself is an architectural masterpiece, all glittering chandeliers and velvet seats. Just imagining myself sitting amongst the glamorous Parisian audience wearing my tutu, with the lights dimmed, anticipation filling the air - makes my heart race! Itās like stepping back into the 19th century, or at least my favourite period drama!
And speaking of drama, you'll never guess who I saw! Right outside the theatre, sitting on a bench and sipping coffee was none other than Julie Andrews! Now, everyone knows how much I admire the sound of music. Itās my go-to ballet movie. (Remember all those ballet sequences?!). To actually be so close to the legendary Julie Andrews was absolutely thrilling.
I actually started chatting to her! Well, we chatted about my tutu, naturally. I told her all about my mission to bring pink tutus to the world! She seemed so amused, she actually complimented me on how well it worked with the French style. I know itās all a little bonkers, but she actually said: "Donāt ever let anyone tell you that tutus arenāt for grown-up women. They are! They are an absolutely delightful form of self-expression, especially in Paris.ā And it came from the Sound of Music woman! It's moments like this that make this little ballet enthusiast's heart swell with joy.
Saturday in Paris is buzzing with life! It's been such a joy soaking up the atmosphere, wandering the streets and indulging in all the delicious food! From crĆŖpes at a charming street vendor to a Croque Monsieur at a delightful little cafe (donāt you think a Croque Monsieur with a little tutu makes a rather divine ensemble?), I've been on a culinary adventure. The smell of freshly baked bread, the taste of the crispest croissants... My tummy is positively singing!
Yesterday, I popped by the Galerie Lafayette. My, my! What a feast for the eyes. I can't even describe the beauty of it all. It's like walking into a magical wonderland of luxury and sophistication, but of course it's so well organised, like every shop in Paris.
One of my absolute must-doās on any Paris trip is finding the most extraordinary pink dress in all of Paris. Itās always an adventure! I spent the entire afternoon scouring through the Rue de Rennes' shops until finally I stumbled across a tiny, so very Parisian, boutique hidden behind a stack of lavender-scented soaps and a shop front with peeling paint. It almost looked deserted. But sometimes those are the best boutiques! Inside, nestled between vintage Chanel suits and delicate floral hats, I discovered a treasure. A perfect pastel pink dress, made of a silken material so soft, it almost felt like a whisper against my skin. I immediately knew I had to take it home with me.
Now, hereās a fun fact I learnt in Paris this week: Did you know thereās a law here saying itās illegal for women to wear trousers in Paris?! And guess what - itās still on the books! Who knew? Maybe this is the reason I always feel so fabulous here?!
But you know, as much as I love fashion, shopping, and pastries, I must confess, thereās something more magical about Paris, and I don't quite know what it is. It's an energy that just permeates every cobblestone, every cafe terrace, every hidden courtyard. There's a sense of history, art, and culture in every nook and cranny. Maybe it's that charming air of romance that whispers through the wind. Perhaps it's the elegant pace of life, a slower, more thoughtful tempo compared to my little Derbyshire village back home. It's an inexplicable feeling, something I canāt quite put my finger onā¦ Maybe you will understand it better after reading my post?!
Right now, I'm feeling so grateful for this beautiful experience and I canāt wait for more Parisian adventures this weekend! And I must show you a snapshot of what I wore today! Let me grab my little camera...
So, whatās next on the Paris agenda? Tomorrow, Iām hoping to catch a few more performances, including the amazing street performers. And who knows maybe Iāll have another adventure with Julie Andrews. We will see what awaits a girl wearing her favourite pink tutu! But of course youāll be hearing all about it!
Remember, don't let anyone tell you you can't wear a tutu, darlings! No matter where you are, rock that pink tutu with pride, let it show the world that thereās a bit of magic in all of us! And letās see how much magic we can spread, in Paris, and the world!
Ć bientĆ“t,
Your pink tutu girl, Emma šš©°
www.pink-tutu.com
