Bonjour mes amies! It's Saturday, 25th April 2020 and I’m back with another Parisian escapade from yours truly, Emma! How is everyone doing this fine spring day? If you’re reading this, you probably know the drill – my Saturday adventures from the city of love! And for you, darling readers, it’s Paris again – but this time I’ve been exploring a side of the City of Lights you probably haven’t seen before!
It all started with a thrilling EuroStar journey. If you haven’t experienced it, I highly recommend it – the sleek train, the speed, the sense of magic – it truly adds to the whole Parisian experience, and I always feel a little bit glamorous stepping onto those plush seats! The EuroStar isn’t just a means of transport, it’s part of the Parisian adventure, and I highly recommend travelling to Paris by train – it’s more sustainable than flying and much more chic! I am all about that sustainable lifestyle, don’t you worry!
The moment I stepped out of the station, a gust of Parisian wind swept my pink tutu, reminding me why I’m here! The city smells of spring and sunshine. There's just a magic in the air – you just know things are going to be amazing. There was an air of romantic excitement hanging in the air and I could practically hear the strains of an accordion! My tutus were feeling quite at home!
This weekend’s been a whirlwind of Parisian loveliness – all inspired by ballet! My heart just flutters at the mention of ballet, I mean who could resist those graceful twirls and dramatic leaps?!
The Ballet, Darling, The Ballet!
First things first, you know I had to indulge my passion, right? I started my trip with the most stunning ballet performance at the Palais Garnier! It’s breathtaking - an architectural marvel with gold embellishments, velvet seating, and chandeliers dripping with crystals. It’s the ultimate fairytale palace.
The ballet I saw was 'Giselle,' the classic tale of betrayal and the supernatural. I absolutely adore it – the passionate love story and the exquisite costumes and the beauty of the music by Adolphe Adam… it was mesmerizing.
I was seated in the upper gallery – I do like to treat myself to a front-row seat sometimes, but you can really see the whole spectacle from up there! Seeing everyone watching and their awestruck faces just adds to the magic! And if there was anything that looked a little bit better under the glittering light of the chandeliers, it was the twirls of the ballerina's tutus!
Of course, after an exquisite ballet, the most important thing to do is to buy another one!
Tutu Shopping at 'Au Temps de la Danse’
I headed straight to ‘Au Temps de la Danse’ for my tutu-shopping spree! This legendary shop on the Rue Saint-Denis is a treasure trove of tutus and ballet costumes, I felt like a girl in a candy shop, and it’s my Parisian ‘must-visit’ every time.
From the finest silks to the most elaborate embroideries, you'll find everything your ballerina heart could ever desire – tutus of every shape and colour, leotards in dazzling colours, sparkly dance shoes… and let me tell you – pink is definitely my favourite shade!
Let’s just say I did NOT disappoint.
I picked a brand new, hand-beaded, shimmering, peachy-pink tutu – it’s soft, it’s fluffy, it's magnificent! A true Parisian delight, it has the perfect touch of romantic whimsy - a tiny sparkling rose design that makes me feel like a fairy princess. It was almost as glamorous as that ‘Giselle’ ballerina on stage!
I just HAD to have it. And now I've got a feeling I might have to go back and have a look for something else before I leave Paris! There’s just so much beauty and wonder in this shop – a magical place, wouldn’t you agree?
Shopping Spree in The Marais
I know, shopping again! What can I say – I love a Parisian fashion adventure.
Paris is synonymous with the fashion, don’t you think?
You'll find everything, from the biggest names in luxury on the Avenue Montaigne and the most iconic haute couture designers in the Champs-Élysées to the vintage stores around le Marais. You’re truly spoiled for choice.
This time, it’s all about the trendy, charming boutiques and vintage shops of le Marais for me. That's my happy place! I’m always on the lookout for those one-off, unique pieces – little hidden treasures that tell a story!
I love those stores that seem lost in time, with treasures overflowing from every shelf, every corner! Le Marais has them in abundance! You're never quite sure what you’ll find, which makes every vintage treasure so unique! I always find things that nobody else has!
I stumbled upon a charming shop called “L'Atelier d’Elise” just a stone's throw away from the Place des Vosges. It's like a fairy tale boutique with all sorts of whimsical vintage gems – hats, scarves, shoes, gloves, jewelry… It even has a collection of adorable teacups that are the cutest thing since sliced bread.
Naturally, I picked up a beaded pink scarf for my hair - it has an intricate design, just my kind of quirky whimsy! It’s a perfect statement piece for any outfit and makes me look very sophisticated.
It was like stepping back in time, and my new scarf will definitely add that extra something special to all my tutu ensembles – you'll be seeing lots of this new beauty on the blog!
The Grand Finale - Theatre
For a grand finale to my day, it’s only right to watch a theatrical show - Parisian elegance, with the best theatre scene in the world!
This weekend I took a trip to the Théatre des Champs-Élysées in the heart of the Champs-Élysées for a night of magic at ‘La Bohème'. The perfect location for a night of French Culture, darling, wouldn’t you agree? The grand entrance hall just makes you feel all elegant.
Oh! I felt so fancy sitting amidst the plush red velvet seating with that magical atmosphere surrounding me.
'La Bohème,' by Puccini, tells the story of the artists, poets and musicians of the Latin Quarter of Paris in the mid-19th century. It’s such a beautifully tragic tale. It made me feel a whole host of emotions at once - pure emotion! That’s the thing with art - it's something else entirely when you really let yourself immerse in it!
The costumes in La Bohème were spectacular - very theatrical. A touch too traditional, really! Although, when the show finishes you can head to a certain shop down the Champs-Élysées, La Parisienne and pick yourself up a fancy feathered boa or a new shawl – to be like those theatrical performers in a snap! There are some incredibly beautiful shops and boutiques on the Champs-Élysées!
Paris really is full of inspiration – don’t you think?
I hope you’ve all been enjoying this week’s #PinkTutuBlogParis adventure – the best of Paris, inspired by my love of dance and my passion for Parisian fashion and everything glittery and pink!
Until next week, dear readers – you know where to find me! www.pink-tutu.com
Don’t forget to follow me on social media too, darling.
pinktutuparis #ballet #pinktutulife #tututime #parisfashion #parisstyle #pinklove #dance #balletlife #loveparis #tutuloverAu revoir!
