Bonjour mes amies!
Well, here I am again, back in the City of Lights for my eleventh trip to this gorgeous place! (Honestly, I could visit every month and still find new things to love). I feel like a real Parisian now, complete with my little black beret and a vintage bag I found on a vintage shopping trip! But you won’t catch me without my signature pink tutu, naturally! 💖
This week, I whisked myself away via the Eurostar for a magical weekend getaway – the perfect way to escape Derbyshire, I must say! The Eurostar is just delightful. So relaxing, you’re practically in Paris before you’ve had a chance to finish that extra croissant (no judgment, of course, you know I’m all about croissants!) 😂 I popped my trusty portable ballerina bar into the hand luggage and managed to catch a bit of a warm-up routine during the journey! Feeling quite chuffed with myself about that one – got some surprised looks from some fellow passengers, which, of course, added a little spice to my usual ballet day routine! 😄
*So, here’s what’s been happening in my Parisian pink world this week! *
Saturday:
Arriving in Paris and feeling like I’m walking straight into a film – even better than the films, actually, because I’m in the film this time! 😁 The minute my feet hit Gare du Nord station, I felt all those familiar feelings; the thrill of the unknown, the buzzing city, the romantic atmosphere. It's funny, but you don't quite know how much you miss something until you’re back in the midst of it. And Paris really is a special kind of magic, wouldn't you agree?
First on the agenda, my usual Parisian ritual, a coffee stop (well, three actually), accompanied by some scrumptious French pastries. 🇫🇷🧁 Then it was straight into a spot of shopping on the Champs-Élysées. Honestly, my eyes were popping out of my head! The colour, the fashion, the glamour. My wallet wasn't so happy, though, but it’s all about investing in new outfits for the Instagram pics, right? 😄
I snagged a stunning pink floral top from a cute little boutique and treated myself to a pair of statement pink stilettos – because pink shoes always brighten up a Parisian outfit! Honestly, it was an absolute dream – everything was so pink and feminine, just the way I like it!
[Image - Pink tutu with pink floral top and pink stilettos on the Champs-Élysées.]
Sunday
Now, where would I be on a trip to Paris without a bit of ballet, eh? This week was extra special - I got to watch the Ballet National de Marseille perform Giselle at the gorgeous Opéra Garnier! The grandeur, the elegance, the emotions…just beautiful! My tutu, of course, made its special appearance, looking all shimmery under the magical stage lights! 🌸
Afterwards, I treated myself to the most wonderful ice cream from a little Italian shop in a cobbled street - raspberry and pistachios, because sometimes, life just calls for a sweet indulgence, right? 😍
[Image - A pink tutu being worn at the Opera Garnier with a ballerina pose in front of the grand stairs.]
Monday:
After a wonderful morning of browsing Parisian bookstores for new reads, I went for a leisurely afternoon stroll along the Seine. (My trusty beret stayed firmly on my head, and I had the camera at the ready, because you just never know when you might encounter the perfect photo opportunity!)
And oh, my goodness, the Eiffel Tower, shimmering in the sun, looking simply breathtaking, even if I had to fight a few selfie-stick battles to get a clear shot of its magnificent grace! 🗼 (Let's just say I wore my biggest pink smile for this one! 😊)
The Parisian sun dipped low and it was time to visit a charming cafe by the Seine. The waiter gave me the warmest smile, probably mistaking my enthusiasm for my usual brand of loud excitement (You know, the kind of excited where you end up giggling at absolutely nothing!), but I’m sure I charmed him with my little bon appétit when the food arrived!
[Image – Pink Tutu with a glass of French wine, baguette, cheese and a beret, under the Eiffel Tower.]
Tuesday
Well, I must confess to feeling a little bit exhausted after that lovely, full day. It was the perfect excuse for an early night at a cute little Parisian hotel. You know how it is - ballet training in Derbyshire does not a long day’s walk in Paris make! 😅 (But, obviously, it was a perfect excuse - so I indulged, and indulged fully!)
I'll admit to finding a tiny vintage ballet-themed mug at a local flea market this morning! My day's purchase of vintage lace adorned pink ballerina-themed mug adds to my ever-growing collection! 💕 A beautiful mug for the perfect hot chocolate - even better if you add the tiny pink marshmallow bunnies from that delightful chocolaterie in Montmartre. 🐰 (It's ok to indulge once a trip! 😉)
[Image – Emma holding her vintage ballet-themed mug with tiny pink marshmallow bunnies, pink tutu, in her pink bed room in a hotel in Paris.]
Wednesday:
Day for exploration – this time venturing towards the beautiful Quartier Latin! It was vibrant and chaotic, the perfect setting to get some more vintage shopping done! Who knows what wonders I might uncover next! 🤩
I actually managed to nab an antique music box for a really good price – it’s a lovely hand-painted piece featuring an elegant ballerina twirling, naturally, in a delicate pink tutu! It plays a delightful tune of La Vie en Rose – completely perfect, I say, and now sits on my vanity table, back in my hotel room! 💖
[Image - Vintage music box playing La Vie en Rose showing Emma holding the music box with a cute pink beret and a matching pink dress.]
Thursday:
Today, I had a little surprise for myself - an exciting street performance on the Seine! 😱 ( I do love impromptu adventures, don’t you?)
I saw this amazing ballet performance happening on a barge docked along the Seine. The performers, wearing such fabulous tutus! (Not pink ones, though! 😉), were telling a story through their choreography. It was a bit different from anything I’ve seen in a formal theatre setting - but brilliant, so creative and really captivating!
It actually reminded me of some of the amazing dancers I have seen at Covent Garden – but right here on the river bank in Paris! It’s this sort of unexpected beauty and creativity that I live for, don't you? 💕 (Even if, at times, it does leave me needing to pinch myself! 😹 )
[Image – The ballet dancers in tutus, performing on a barge along the Seine River, showing the Eiffel Tower in the background.]
Friday:
I went for a walk through the enchanting Marais neighbourhood, home to cobblestone streets and colourful buildings that feel like stepping back in time! It’s got a really lovely artistic vibe too, with so many fabulous independent boutiques tucked away in the charming side streets. This is where I found this divine floral head-scarf! 💖🌸 The perfect addition for any Parisian-themed outfit - what do you think?
[Image - Pink tutu and a cute pink headband/floral scarf in the Marais district.]
This week, I’m so happy to share a glimpse of Paris through the lens of my pink tutu! I truly believe Paris has an enchantment that brings a touch of sparkle and magic to every corner of the city! I always say, even a grey cloud looks beautiful with a hint of pink…or, well, a *pink tutu, as it may be! 😉 💕 🇫🇷*
This weekend, I will be back home in Derbyshire - time for a catch-up with the local ballet class and to think up new, pink tutu-filled adventures. Oh, and I may even squeeze in a bit of tutu-themed dressmaking … after all, pink is always a good idea, isn’t it? 💖 Don’t forget, everyone deserves a pink tutu in their lives, and that includes YOU! So, why not embrace your inner pinkness, ladies? 💕
Until next week, bon voyage and stay fabulous, my dears! 💖
Emma x
