#PinkTutuBlogParis - Saturday 2014-03-15 Exploring Paris

Bonjour, mon petit choux! It’s Emma here, and I’m positively giddy with excitement to share my Paris adventures with you! It's Saturday, and the sun is shining in a gloriously Parisian way, and it seems only yesterday I was zipping across the channel on the Eurostar, a pink tutu carefully stowed away, of course, to make the journey even more fabulous.

For this week's blog, I’ve decided to share some highlights from this magical trip to the City of Lights – with, of course, plenty of tutu inspiration. As a ballerina who loves to travel and indulge in all things stylish, I feel right at home in Paris, with its elegant cobbled streets, enchanting history and truly chic fashion. I can't imagine a better setting to embrace my love of tutus!

Landing in Paris felt like stepping onto a film set, and a fairytale set at that! My trusty suitcase, sporting a “Pink Tutu and Travels” sticker, seemed to sigh with contentment, as if it, too, were excited to be exploring such enchanting territory.

Our first stop was the gorgeous hotel - think fluffy clouds of pink bedding and a chic dressing table to lay out all my pretty dresses. Once I'd unpacked, it was time for the obligatory, "I'm in Paris, look at me" selfie - a classic, whimsical tutu shot on the hotel balcony, a magnificent panorama of the city as my backdrop.

And then? Shopping! Now, Paris has some of the best vintage clothing shops, and I couldn't wait to find a unique treasure. My new find? A fabulous, jewel-toned embroidered jacket perfect for dancing in the streets. (The twirling possibilities were endless!) I think it just about perfectly captures the "Parisian Chic" vibe, wouldn’t you agree?

Let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be a true Emma experience without ballet, right? This trip was all about ballet. This Saturday, I headed straight to the Garnier Opera House, the magnificent heart of Parisian opera. A huge part of my travels, my whole 'Pink Tutu' project, is inspired by the power of dance to bring joy, artistry, and excitement to the world.

The opera house, with its dramatic golden architecture, is an architectural masterpiece, an incredible testament to the cultural heritage of Paris. The energy was electric; you could practically feel the rhythm pulsating from the steps. My toes, ever twitching, were already imagining themselves on that stage!

Today was my first experience of ballet here in Paris. I managed to bag the most divine tickets for "Giselle," a classic romantic ballet. My senses were on overload! The music, the costumes, the talent of the dancers - truly spellbinding. It was the perfect combination of breathtaking artistry and raw power. Even as I watched the Grand Jeté and fouetté on stage, I couldn't help but think: "I can’t wait to find the perfect Parisian spot to twirl in my own tutu."

Later that afternoon, a wander through the heart of the Latin Quarter found me, with a spring in my step, surrounded by colourful market stalls, Parisian cafes, and more delicious street food than I could possibly handle! I must confess, I was definitely a happy camper.

As the sun began its graceful descent, I followed the flow of other visitors to the Champs-Élysées, the grand boulevard. Every step I took was a spectacle of luxury stores and elegant cafe culture, a symphony of Parisian life playing out in front of my eyes. I can’t get over the feeling of romance in this city; every street seems to echo with the charm of Parisian whispers!

Now, what's a trip to Paris without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower? As soon as we reached the top, I was struck by the majesty of it all. The shimmering cityscape spread out before me, like a painted canvas illuminated by the golden glow of the evening.

It wasn’t just the view that had me giddy. I confess, it was also a great spot to show off a special pink tutu creation. I always carry a small "travel-tutu" with me, a compact version that unfolds easily (think foldable ballerina outfit!). It was time for my personal Parisian performance. A twirl under the Eiffel Tower was a magical, dreamlike experience.

With my toes tingling from the twirling and my soul buzzing with joy, I realised - this wasn't just a city, this was a haven for dreams! A dream of tutus and grand romanticism.

Here’s something I learned in Paris that resonates deeply with my whole "Pink Tutu" mission: it’s the details that make the difference, the little touches of charm and elegance.

Let’s break this down with some Parisian fashion examples.

• Tulle and Ruffles: These Parisian favourites are all about a bit of "drama and flow" when you want a touch of whimsy and effortless chic.
• Colour Inspiration: From pastels to vibrant jewel tones, the colour palettes in Paris inspire a symphony of fashion statements. My personal touch - infuse it all with a delightful dash of pink.
• Parisian Chic - It's all about feeling good, feeling confident. I found myself choosing items that would enhance my own Parisian moments - classic black dresses, soft scarves, a little touch of tulle here, a touch of lace there.
• Classic and Modern: Paris combines these elements effortlessly. Think a timeless trench coat with a pair of sleek white sneakers for an unexpectedly cool ensemble.
• The Magic Touch: I added the perfect pink detail - my favourite floral, pink-hued brooches that add just the right amount of whimsy to an outfit.
• Parisian Accessories: I discovered gorgeous French vintage hats (a floppy beige felt one I couldn't resist!) that really add a Parisian elegance and that touch of sophisticated glamour.

My Pink Tutu project, the pink revolution, is a celebration of all things fun and fabulous, and I firmly believe Paris is the perfect backdrop to make my own “Pink Tutu” statement. The essence of pink - playful, sweet, powerful - just like Paris. So if you are in the City of Lights, I dare you to step out of your comfort zone and give your own Pink Tutu Twist!

Food is an essential part of the Parisian experience, isn't it? Whether it's savouring croissants in a charming little café, enjoying an elegant French dinner, or indulging in some delightful macarons, Parisian food is just as enchanting as the city itself.

But even a ballerina needs a treat, and Paris had plenty in store. Bonjour Bonbons (sweet treats!) and pastries played a significant role. Oh, and that heavenly hot chocolate. The whole French culinary experience - every taste buds-tantalising, beautifully presented mouthful was a symphony for the senses.

My tip for your visit? Be open to all sorts of unexpected experiences. I recommend exploring local street markets to find the most delicious fruits, cheeses and spices.

Paris, what a magical adventure! The Parisian lights still glitter in my memory - the laughter of children, the bustling streets, the magical waltzes I felt in my own steps - they’re part of me.

I'm already planning my next trip - maybe a ballet school visit, perhaps a Pink Tutu Paris Ball in a beautiful park. I can already see it, all the lovely tutus.

For this week's Pink Tutu mission: I've just ordered my Parisienne friends some exquisite little tutus with ribbons and sparkles. My aim is to spark joy and inspire creativity wherever I go.
The world needs a little bit more twirl, don’t you think?

* Until next week’s post, Au Revoir, and don’t forget to spread the love of pink tutus! *

You can find Emma’s Pink Tutu Paris adventures and her worldwide travels every Saturday at www.pink-tutu.com

You can also follow Emma on social media using the links below:

www.facebook.com/PinkTutu www.twitter.com/PinkTutuBlogger www.instagram.com/PinkTutuWorld