Bonjour, mes chĂšres Tutu-ettes! Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to the City of Lights! This weekâs post is a little late, but that's because Iâve been absolutely smitten with the romance, the glamour, and of course, the fashion of Paris.
Oh my goodness, Paris was absolutely magical! I couldnât resist taking the Eurostar. I love the romance of that high-speed train journey; you get the added sense of adventure. You step off in Paris and, bam, youâre straight into a fairy tale.
I feel like a new Parisian fashionista! Honestly, the shopping is heavenly. I went to so many fabulous boutiques; Iâm not going to tell you how much money I spent, but I am telling you, it was worth it.
This time, I wasnât just touring for the ballet â it was for the overall Parisian experience. The moment my feet touched French soil, it felt like a scene from a Parisian film, except in full pink tutu and dancing shoes, of course!
What's a trip to Paris without ballet? The shows were breath-taking. From the traditional to the contemporary, every performance I saw was just a little bit magic. I got a little choked up, and so very inspired. You really do have to see Paris through the eyes of a ballerina - everything moves so gracefully and with a special rhythm, just like dance!
And did I mention the food? French pastry? Don't even get me started. I ate croissants for breakfast and macarons for dessert - yes, it's perfectly acceptable to have that much sugar!
Now for the highlight reel, because itâs getting too hard to pick just a few favourite moments!
A day in Paris with the Pink Tutu Queen
Day 1 - Thursday, 30th May 2019:
Right off the Eurostar, I checked into my charming little hotel near the Eiffel Tower. This, by the way, was after my first delicious âpain au chocolatâ, which I bought from the local bakery en route. The pastries in Paris are a whole new level of deliciousness, believe me.
Once I settled into my room (complete with a view of the Seine), I had to, of course, take the ultimate Parisian walk: around the Champs-ĂlysĂ©es. I had so many fun encounters; thereâs just something so magnetic about that famous avenue. Everyoneâs stylish, but everyoneâs happy!
Of course, there was no avoiding the Eiffel Tower! The sun was starting to set as I circled its base, snapping a few obligatory tutu-clad pictures with the beautiful architecture as a backdrop.
Then, because every girl in Paris just needs to, I headed for the Tuileries Garden, right across from the Louvre. I got my inner ballerina going for a bit with some ballet moves on the paved path - it was practically designed for graceful movements!
In the evening, I caught a captivating performance at the Opéra Garnier. The decor and atmosphere are breathtaking, and the dancers are top-notch - I've never seen so much artistry and talent in one place. It left me inspired, mesmerised, and hungry for more!
Day 2 - Friday, 31st May 2019
Today was a big one: a long-awaited ballet performance! I had tickets to see the Paris Opera Ballet perform Swan Lake, at the magnificent Palais Garnier.
What can I even say about the show? The dancing was sublime - pure elegance. The sets were spectacular, with the iconic swan costumes just stunning. And, just to add to the spectacle, the orchestra played with such heart and precision, it was almost overwhelming. I even snagged a photo with a ballerina â can you believe it?
Later that evening, I strolled down to the Seine River for a walk under the shimmering Parisian night sky, watching the Eiffel Tower glitter against the darkness. I even bought a beret from a little street vendor.
Day 3 â Saturday 1st June, 2019:
Today I had a fun surprise waiting for me - an outdoor ballet class! Imagine, working on your plies in front of the stunning backdrop of the Louvre! The teacher was fantastic, the class was great, and I even found myself dancing with a little boy who had been watching on with wide, admiring eyes. The tutus are very contagious - that boy is now totally obsessed with ballet!
Later that evening, I decided to wander off the beaten track and found the Montmartre district. Itâs an enchanting little bohemian neighbourhood, perfect for indulging in a little Parisian cafĂ© culture. I watched the street artists work, sampled some delicious street food, and enjoyed the atmosphere â everyone in Montmartre was so kind and chatty!
The evening was an absolute highlight - I went to the Moulin Rouge, the most famous cabaret in Paris! Imagine the scene: a luxurious red windmill with glittering lights, a whirlwind of colourful costumes, the can-can! I donât think I will ever forget it â so utterly romantic, theatrical and extravagant.
The tutu trend continues:
From Paris street style to high-end fashion shows, Iâm always amazed by the influence of the tutu! Here in Paris, itâs no exception! There was a big show of haut couture by my favourite designer, Christian Dior. His use of tulle and lace in his dresses reminded me, so much, of a modern tutu, and the delicate layers on his garments were practically begging for a tour jete or two!
So much of the street style here reflects this Parisian fashion, a blend of Parisian classic and fashion forward. Itâs about that effortless elegance, just like the Parisian ballerinas, except with a playful, feminine twist â tutus of course!
I canât help it: I feel a tutu revolution is brewing, Paris style. From the boutiques to the street scenes, people are just so well dressed â yet still with a touch of Parisian flair. Thereâs just something captivating about how the Parisians carry themselves, a balance of chic and approachable. I mean, imagine â even the little boy in Montmartre wanted to be part of it!
Back to the UK, but with Parisian flair!
It's time to pack my tutu bags and head back to Derbyshire. However, my Paris adventure definitely wonât end there!
It was so good to get a taste of that European magic again, and see so many stunning performances, explore beautiful shops and even, dare I say it, feel inspired. And remember, if youâre looking for a trip to feel glamorous, beautiful, and empowered - take a trip to Paris, wear a tutu - the city of love loves its tutu wearers!
Follow me on Instagram @pinktutublog and stay tuned for next weekâs blog!
Until then, stay sparkly!
Emma. xx
