Bonjour mes chƩries! It's Saturday again, and that means another adventure in the City of Lights. The snow is finally melting after a couple of days of icy chill, so it feels like spring is finally on its way. I was so excited to start the week in Paris, even if I'm pretty knackered after a full-on week of shows back in England. It's tough keeping up the rigorous training schedule alongside my performances! But the feeling of being in Paris, with the romance and the incredible fashion, is like a shot of pure magic. I know what you're thinking, and yes, I absolutely packed my pinkest, most voluminous tutu for this trip! After all, wouldn't be a proper Pink Tutu adventure without one!
Speaking of adventures, I had to travel via Eurostar this week as the skies were so turbulent last week, with some flights getting cancelled - it just felt safer on the train, even with my giant tutu taking up almost two seats! The train is like a giant fairytale. My best friend Sophie is in town with me, and she looked amazing in a gorgeous blue tweed skirt suit, she definitely brought her A-game fashion wise to Paris this trip. We even got caught up in a hilarious "Who's wearing who" game at the airport, as some of the airport staff were sporting rather fabulously vintage Parisian looks too! Definitely feels like the city is inspiring me and my girl, Sophie, to embrace a more timeless and sophisticated wardrobe - something about the Parisian vibe just whispers āelegance.ā And of course, we're going to work the whole tutu-as-fashion-statement vibe. After all, the tutu never goes out of style, does it?!
So let's start our Parisian adventure, shall we?
Fashion, Shopping & FunYesterday, we found ourselves browsing at Galeries Lafayette, it was such an extravagant experience. Iām talking grand staircases, opulent interiors, and ā¦ just imagine this ā¦ an entire floor dedicated to the most amazing tutus you could ever imagine. Yes, really, a whole floor just for tutus, it was like being in my own personal ballet heaven! My friend Sophie nearly fainted when she saw this. She confessed she'd always wanted a pink tutu too (she was always jealous of all my outfits for my ballet performances) and is even planning to start ballet classes herself, now that she has found out about the Parisian dance scene. How exciting! We all have a little ballerina inside us waiting to be released, don't we?
Of course, the tutu wasn't the only thing that made my eyes sparkle at Galeries Lafayette. I also had to have a proper browse in the department stores, which are such a sensory delight. Every corner oozes a Parisian vibe with classic designs, elegant displays, and luxurious brands. You know I have a soft spot for designer labels (although my favourite shop has to be Chanel!), but letās be real, a bit of French street style fashion never goes amiss. The shops in Paris are a real dream and I even managed to grab a couple of pieces. Itās such a good excuse for Sophie and I to have an impromptu photoshoot wherever we are. It can be at a street market or even the front of the Louvre!
Paris is just bursting with so much culture. Last night, I saw the most spectacular opera, it was āLa BohĆØmeā at the OpĆ©ra Garnier. This beautiful opera house is such a statement in itself! Every detail feels historical and elegant. I just love the feeling of walking through the elegant hallways and I even caught myself dreaming about getting the opportunity to perform here. Itās almost enough to inspire even me, a seasoned ballerina, to work on my classical repertoire again! Sophie nearly cried after the first act! Itās no wonder weāre both obsessed with classical music, after seeing this performance, even the most seasoned ballet lover would find it moving and inspiring.
French Food Delights and IndulgencesSpeaking of indulgencesā¦ the food, oh the food! We have eaten at a variety of lovely Parisian restaurants this week, some of which were truly memorable and gave me so much inspiration for future pink tutu-inspired recipes! From croissants at a quaint little cafe by the Seine, which was the perfect spot to soak up the sun and watch the world go by. To a beautiful brasserie where we sampled some French classics like onion soup (perfectly caramelised) and delicious beef bourguignon.
Oh, and I even treated myself to some Parisian-inspired cakes and pastries. Every dessert Iāve had this week, from pastries to chocolate mousse has been truly decadent and divine! I had to make Sophie film me eating one because it felt too divine for just myself! You can see that clip on my Instagram, but donāt tell my ballet instructor about my recent Parisian dietary escapades! My poor legs!
Sophie just has to snap every time I enjoy a piece of dessert. She seems to get the most excitement from my love for macarons and even dragged me around a little street market to sample the best they had to offer. Sheās definitely become a pink tutu girl by this trip. Iām not saying she will get rid of all her vintage tweed, but Iāve noticed some pink creeping in to her outfits this trip! And even some glittery eyeshadow, I caught her applying it earlier this week. It seems that a touch of Parisian chic is truly contagious.
I know Iām rambling, but Paris just inspires a sense of whimsy, especially when you get caught up in all its gorgeous sights. It seems my mission to spread the joy of the tutu is even easier here!
What to do this SaturdayRight, back to todayās adventures. This weekend is going to be filled with the sights and sounds of Paris, includingā¦
I am meeting with a Parisian designer! Iāve had a chance to get some feedback and input on a new pink tutu line I am working on. As you know, I love a bold tutu that embodies a mix of class, whimsy, and playful colours. But it was such a confidence boost getting feedback and tips from someone with an expertise in Parisian fashion. Maybe I should even start incorporating the colours of the City of Lights in my upcoming range ā some pink, blue, black, and maybe some beige.
A visit to the MusĆ©e Rodin for some culture and history! Sophie will have to play the role of photographer, of course, I wouldnāt let a beautiful Paris setting go without at least a few photographs in a pink tutu! She seems to enjoy the job and has definitely got an eye for catching the right light in a photograph. I always bring a change of shoes for this, so Iām not wearing pointe shoes around a gallery, although that wouldn't be entirely out of characterā¦ Iām sure Iāve caused a stir or two on my adventures through museums.
A spot of ballet! Tonightās performance is going to be at lāOpĆ©ra de Bastille. The line up includes pieces by my favourite choreographer, and sheās created some spectacular tutus that are quite the sight to see in person!
I know it's not all about the clothes, but the fashion does add that extra little something special, especially when youāre exploring a beautiful city like Paris. After all, isnāt that the secret to a happy and adventurous life? Finding things to inspire you, spreading happiness through your passions, and even having a touch of whimsical sparkle. Because let's face it, a touch of tutu never hurt anyone, right?! Donāt forget to check out my social media for all my Parisian pictures this weekend! Itās going to be another tutu-licious adventure. Iāll catch you all next week! A bientĆ“t, mes chĆ©ries!
Love, Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
