Bonjour mes amies!
It’s your girl Emma, back from the City of Lights with a heart bursting with Parisian sparkle and a suitcase full of (pink) goodies! Can you believe it's June already? Where does the time go?
This week's adventure brought me to the very heart of Europe, and oh my, what a trip it's been. I decided to travel in style this time – I boarded the Eurostar in London feeling like a glamorous ballerina headed for a Parisian premiere.
Just as my pink tutu did wonders for brightening up the carriage (let's be honest, a pink tutu always lifts the mood, even amongst the grey suits), I felt my heart soar at the thought of exploring the Parisian streets. After all, this is a city where fashion and elegance reign supreme, and where else would a pink tutu lover like me feel more at home?
Saturday in Paris - A Day of Discovery
We touched down (well, more like, pulled into the station) in the early afternoon, and I was already buzzing with excitement. This time, I'm staying in a cute little apartment in Montmartre, which gives me a more intimate and "real" Paris feel, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre and soaking in the Parisian vibes. I absolutely love it here, it's so peaceful, even in this historic and artistic quarter of Paris!
The apartment has a tiny balcony that looks out over a street full of quaint shops and cafes, and oh, the smells... fresh pastries, flowers, and that indefinable aroma of old Parisian charm. It's everything a Parisian dream could be.
After unpacking and settling in (yes, even my tutu has a little place to rest!), my inner foodie started calling! So I found myself in a local patisserie, stuffing my face with the most delicious pastries and drinking an espresso like a true Parisian.
Now, the beauty of travelling by train is that you arrive refreshed and ready to go! I love the energy and the rush of new discoveries, and this weekend is definitely about making memories.
Le Ballet: The Heart of the City
Paris is of course the perfect setting for my latest performance this Saturday evening! It’s going to be an absolute delight. I’ve booked the most adorable little theater right in the heart of Montmartre, and they've been kind enough to let me put on a little performance to celebrate the magic of dance. This one is dedicated to all you lovely Pink Tutu ladies out there, and it's all about celebrating freedom, creativity, and the sheer joy of moving!
Speaking of freedom, don’t get me wrong, Paris is undeniably a fashion powerhouse, but it’s also a city where style doesn't need to be restrictive or complicated. A simple, stylish outfit, a dash of Parisian flair (a scarf perhaps, or a perfectly placed beret!), and my signature pink tutu: that’s the key to my Paris aesthetic. And as always, you'll see the full outfit post on www.pink-tutu.com next week!
Sunday – Museums and Merveilles
As a big believer in taking my time to truly experience a new place, we spent Sunday discovering the marvels of the Louvre. Walking those iconic hallways with its world-famous masterpieces is truly inspiring. Standing before the Mona Lisa (always so serene), the Venus de Milo (oh so graceful!), and the Winged Victory of Samothrace (what a strong lady!), I was utterly captivated. Art, just like ballet, speaks to us all in a universal language, and in Paris, there’s a constant dialogue between these two passions that I can't get enough of!
The rest of the day was spent enjoying the magical vibes of the Marais. I strolled around the ancient cobblestone streets, marvelled at the unique boutique shops and tucked away little squares, all the while dreaming of beautiful silk scarves, vintage hats and a pair of French-made leather boots for a truly Parisian wardrobe.
And, as a budding fashionista in the making, my love for vintage fashion is second to none! The Marais is full of hidden treasure shops overflowing with amazing vintage clothing and antique jewellery. Imagine the story each piece holds! It’s like finding a time capsule! There’s something so romantic and personal about vintage items, and the perfect accessory for a classic pink tutu.
Monday – A Fashion Frenzy
Come Monday, the inner Parisian shopaholic within me roared! I made a beeline to the legendary Galleries Lafayette, a glorious architectural masterpiece in itself, not to mention a heaven of all things luxurious. Honestly, you could lose hours just gazing at the sheer beauty of the building! From designer brands to independent boutiques, Galleries Lafayette is a feast for the eyes. They also had the cutest pink tutu-inspired ballerina-themed fashion accessories that I had to have, a cute little pink tutu-shaped handbag!
Tuesday – City of Lights at Night
My favourite time of the day is when the sun dips low and the Parisian lights start to flicker on. The Seine is an absolute gem at night! You have the incredible city lights bouncing off the water and all the little bridge lamps reflecting on the rippling surface. My ideal evening started with a glass of rose and ended with a boat trip down the Seine while catching up with my fellow dancers. They’re so much fun and such great support, especially with all the busy training I'm going through.
I even took a peek at the stunning Notre-Dame cathedral, the sheer majesty of this gothic architectural wonder left me speechless!
The Rest of the Week
The rest of the week has been spent dancing the days away! From finding some awesome studios in Paris (and believe me, there are many!), to performing in small venues in Montmartre, this trip has been pure joy! Of course, my ballet outfit is always my trusty pink tutu - it always brightens up a day of dancing.
And of course, this trip was not without the iconic "French" café culture, that charming mix of gossip, laughter, and just good conversation. Each morning, I indulged in coffee and a croissant at a local café while sketching and daydreaming. You can't go to Paris without spending an hour in a little corner café. It's quintessential!
Returning Home
As the day drew to a close, the thought of returning to Derbyshire started to creep in. You’ll have to forgive me, dear reader, as I’ve a slight case of "Parisi-an-itis" but I know that all those dreamy moments and adventures will stay with me. There is truly nothing quite like the experience of travelling and letting your creativity be ignited by new places.
A Pink Tutu for Every Girl
And what did I learn this week, besides Paris being an absolute magical treasure chest of creative inspiration? The pink tutu reigns supreme! It is, after all, my mantra! To inspire confidence, individuality and style in all you beautiful, fun-loving ladies, spreading joy and glamour wherever I go! So wear your tutus proudly, ladies, let the pink be your muse, and let's take the world by storm!
Remember, if you’re looking for more Parisian escapades, you can follow me on Instagram: @EmmaPinkTutu. And for more pink tutu style inspiration, don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com each week!
A bientôt! xx Emma.
