Bonjour, darlings! It's Saturday, August 15th, and I'm bursting with Parisian excitement! The sun is shining, the air is alive with the scent of freshly baked bread, and I'm right in the middle of a sartorial whirlwind that's a total tutu dream!
This week, it was all about that classic Eurostar journey, arriving in Gare du Nord feeling like a ballerina straight out of a fairytale. I'm not just talking about the magical Parisian vibe; itâs the tutus!
My pink tulle, of course, made a fabulous debut on the Eurostar (more about it later!), turning heads and eliciting smiles from everyone â kids, grandmas, and even that slightly-snobbish man reading Sartre (who probably had a hidden ballet lover within). Yes, you heard it right: pink tutu magic knows no bounds!
Now, if you're a regular follower of my blog, you know Iâm all about the magic of tutus and the beautiful art of ballet. And I donât just dream of it; I live it! Each week, I travel the world (or at least a different corner of Europe!), funding my adventures through breathtaking ballet performances. From stately grand theatres to vibrant street performances, the thrill of the dance never fails to lift my spirits.
This week's trip, you guessed it, is all about Paris â a city that's practically synonymous with fashion, art, and, yes, ballet. And this weekend was bursting with exciting events!
Friday's Fantastic Frenzy
As soon as I arrived in Paris, I dashed off to the lovely apartment I rented â a charming Parisian haven in the Marais, perfect for twirling in a tutu. I literally couldn't resist taking a few pirouettes on the terrace, feeling the cool Parisian evening breeze and admiring the rooftops bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. It was pure bliss!
After unpacking and settling in, I had my first Parisian feast at a quaint bistro just around the corner from my apartment. The perfect start to a Parisian weekend: crusty baguette, creamy brie, and, of course, a glass of chilled French rosé.
The night wasnât just about French delicacies â I also got a sneak peek into the Parisian dance scene with an enchanting open-air ballet performance. Picture this: a stunning courtyard nestled within a quiet, cobblestone street, twinkling lights strung overhead, the air filled with the rhythmic beauty of dancing, all illuminated by the silvery light of the moon. The performers, clad in costumes of swirling fabrics and shimmering golds, moved with a grace that almost defied gravity, leaving me utterly mesmerised.
I spent the rest of the evening exploring the magical Marais, admiring the antique shops, quirky cafes, and independent boutiques filled with unique treasures. It felt like stepping into a time capsule, with a pinch of modern-day magic sprinkled in!
Saturday's Shopaholic Sojourn
What better way to spend a Saturday in Paris than by embracing the fashion scene? The streets are practically a runway, with the Parisian ladies rocking a effortlessly chic style thatâs impossible not to admire.
And you know I wouldn't go anywhere without my signature pink tutu. Today's ensemble was a whimsical mix of my trusty pink tutu, a white silk blouse, a chic black blazer (to keep things sophisticated), and a pair of chunky boots for a dash of Parisian edge.
First stop, "Le Bon MarchĂ©," a true paradise of Parisian elegance. This sprawling department store is a must-visit for anyone seeking luxury fashion, with brands from Chanel and Dior to up-and-coming designers, all housed in a beautiful setting filled with intricate stained-glass windows and soaring ceilings. I even indulged in a delightful afternoon tea in their iconic tearoom â the perfect way to fuel a shopping spree.
Next, I delved into the fascinating world of vintage couture, perusing the rows of colourful stalls in the famed âMarchĂ© aux Puces" in the charming Saint-Ouen district. This massive flea market is a treasure trove of unique finds, from antique furniture to vintage fashion to unique souvenirs, all tucked away in little hidden courtyards and old buildings. I walked away with a beautifully-beaded vintage brooch and a gorgeous vintage silk scarf â perfect additions to my ballerina wardrobe.
Of course, no Parisian fashion escapade would be complete without exploring the renowned "Champs-ĂlysĂ©es," that iconic boulevard overflowing with luxury boutiques and glamorous landmarks. Even if you donât plan to buy anything (though itâs nearly impossible to resist!), itâs an essential destination for simply soaking up the glamorous Parisian atmosphere.
To top it all off, I decided to splurge on a delicious dinner at a quaint Parisian restaurant â the most adorable little bistro with white tablecloths, romantic string lights, and a menu of delectable French classics. I feasted on a mouth-watering beef bourguignon, paired with a crisp Burgundy wine. It was a real culinary indulgence, with every bite feeling like a symphony of flavour.
Sundayâs Ballet Bliss
I kicked off Sunday with a leisurely stroll along the charming cobbled streets, admiring the picturesque Parisian scenery, and of course, taking the perfect Instagram-worthy tutu shots.
In the afternoon, I made my way to the grand Palais Garnier - that spectacular, ornate opera house that's the perfect embodiment of Belle Epoque architecture. It's not just an architectural masterpiece â itâs also home to the beautiful "OpĂ©ra National de Paris,â the Parisian opera house. Itâs been a while since Iâd seen a ballet in a magnificent venue like this, and I just couldn't resist experiencing the magic.
As I sat mesmerized, surrounded by a sea of beautifully dressed attendees, the stage came alive with the elegance of classic ballet. I lost myself in the movements of the graceful dancers, the powerful music, the intricate costumes, and the sheer joy that was emanating from the performance. This ballet experience wasnât just about seeing incredible dancers; it was a captivating symphony of art and beauty that stayed with me long after the curtains fell.
Later that evening, I indulged in the delights of a quintessential Parisian dinner at a quaint little brasserie with a charming outdoor terrace. Surrounded by the gentle hum of Parisian life, I enjoyed delicious escargots, a traditional French steak, and a classic créme brûlée - the perfect sweet ending to a perfect Parisian weekend.
Reflections on My Parisian Whirlwind
So here I am, sitting at a small café in Montmartre, sipping my espresso, and letting the magic of my Parisian weekend wash over me.
My Parisian whirlwind was all about the things I love: the intoxicating combination of dance, fashion, food, and art. But above all, it was a reminder of the magic that happens when you allow yourself to be truly present, to embrace the beauty around you, and to be, as my dearest Grandma always says, a âflaming flamingoâ in whatever you do. That, I think, is the essence of true happiness.
I'll be back in Paris soon, darlings, and you know I'll keep you updated on my pink tutu adventures! I'm on a mission to bring the joy of ballet and the wonder of tutus to the whole world â one twirl, one performance, one step at a time.
Until then, stay fabulous, embrace the magic, and remember, itâs always the perfect time to put on a pink tutu!
Sending you love and pirouettes,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
