Bonjour, mes chers amis!
It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip, this time to the City of Lights itself – Paris! This city has been on my tutu-clad bucket list for years, and I'm thrilled to share every pink and fabulous moment with you.
As always, I started my journey in the most romantic way possible: aboard the Eurostar. There's just something magical about gliding through the English countryside, then into the heart of Europe, knowing that the Parisian adventure awaits. And of course, I wouldn't be true to myself without a dash of pink! My favourite pink knit cardigan, a vintage hat adorned with feathers, and – you guessed it – a glorious pink tulle skirt!
Speaking of my pink skirt, the Parisians didn't seem to bat an eyelid. Honestly, everyone just assumed I was a fashion-forward, ballet-loving Parisian! Which, in a way, I suppose I was. My mission is to bring the joy of the tutu to the world, one pink tulle twirl at a time. And Paris, oh darling, you're already well on your way!
The Louvre: Art, Architecture, and a Little Bit of PinkOur first stop, the grandest of all grand stops, was the Louvre! I must confess, even for someone as tutu-obsessed as me, the sheer size of this masterpiece was intimidating. The building itself is just as impressive as the masterpieces within, a beautiful testament to French architecture and artistic spirit. But let's talk about the art. Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is captivating – even though there's always a crowd. I like to think she is looking at me with approval!
A Night at the Opera: Ballet, Belle Epoque and Bow-Tied BoysWhat is a trip to Paris without a touch of glamour, darling? This time, I decided to see the "Nutcracker" at the Palais Garnier. I think the grand setting, with its Belle Epoque design, almost overshadowed the performance. Although it was utterly exquisite. I sat in the dress circle and the velvet seats were so comfortable and romantic! All the boys wore perfectly matched black suits with white shirts and bow-ties - pure gentlemanly bliss. My tutus never looked better – oh, I was a ballerina in a dream world!
Shopping on the Champs-ElyseesA trip to Paris, however short, is not complete without a little indulgence! Now, while the Champs-Elysees might not be as hidden away and bohemian as Montmartre, it was my shopping sanctuary for a couple of hours. Let's be honest, when a Parisian girl throws on her favourite tutu, there's nothing more exhilarating than exploring its luxurious boulevards. The lights sparkle like diamonds and the atmosphere is magical.
This is where I finally decided to find my Parisian muse and buy myself a gorgeous pair of ruby-red stilettos - absolutely stunning! I have to admit, I had them on my feet all day, from shopping in the afternoon, through dinner in the evening and back to my hotel in the night. I've been known to be slightly comfortable with my level of fashion faux pas, but my dear friends, it is just simply unacceptable not to be able to take the shoes off. So I am afraid that will be their only foray outside my beloved pink sparkly trainers for now, until next time, when they are worn by a slightly tougher ballerina.
Fashion Find of the Week - A Pink Tutu DelightSpeaking of indulgence, you know how much I adore vintage finds. I couldn't leave Paris without hunting for the perfect Parisian-style scarf. My pink feather headband - I think I have enough hats to open my own haberdashery store - felt strangely out of place here, but a vintage silk scarf in an exquisite pale pink with floral details? Darling, this was meant to be. I can see this as a gorgeous detail to add to any look from jeans and a t-shirt to a formal ball gown.
Back to Reality: Reflections on ParisMy darling readers, the memories are flooding back already. The magic of Paris is not lost on me. As I sip my morning coffee, surrounded by a view of the rolling green hills of Derbyshire, the city of love, lights and laughter still echoes in my heart. The air is definitely thinner in Derbyshire, however, my new pink scarf and sparkly trainers are sitting happily beside me.
Until next time, au revoir!
Post ScriptI am already looking ahead and planning my next trip to Paris! My trusty website, www.pink-tutu.com will keep you updated as always on my latest tutu antics! I post every Saturday, so keep an eye out. And do remember, darling readers, a touch of pink can brighten anyone's day!
