Bonjour mes chéries! It’s Saturday, the 23rd of October, and Emma is officially in Paris! The City of Lights, the City of Love, the City of… pink tutus? ? Well, that's the goal, darling! One pink tutu at a time, we’ll conquer the world!
This week’s blog post is going to be extra special because I'm finally back in Paris. This incredible city holds a special place in my heart; it's where my love affair with ballet truly blossomed. I first discovered Paris at age 12 on a school trip. I'll never forget gazing up at the Eiffel Tower, mesmerized by the sparkling lights. We visited the Palais Garnier opera house that day, too. Seeing the plush velvet seats, the ornate chandeliers, and the legendary ballet dancers, I knew my path in life. I would dance and I would travel!
I've come a long way from that star-struck 12-year-old. But even now, Paris brings out a kind of magic in me. It feels like a different world here, brimming with art, history, and - best of all! - fashion. Let’s be honest, what's a trip to Paris without some seriously chic outfit inspiration, right?
Speaking of outfits, I can't possibly embark on a Parisian adventure without a fittingly stylish ensemble. For this trip, I opted for a classic yet oh-so-Emma combination: a cherry blossom pink tutu (naturally!), paired with a fluffy white knitted cardigan, a delicate pearl necklace, and a pair of sparkling white ballerina flats. This outfit is the perfect blend of girly and elegant – the very essence of Paris in the fall, I reckon!
How did I get here? You know my love affair with trains, don't you? So, this time around, I chose to travel by Eurostar. It’s such a glamorous and comfortable way to journey, especially compared to stuffy aeroplanes, let’s be honest! A little tip from me – book your train tickets a few months ahead of time to save some pennies and be sure to go for a window seat to get a proper glimpse of the French countryside as it speeds by!
Right, back to my Parisian escapade… I landed (well, technically I ‘trained-in’!) at Gare du Nord and felt the buzz of the city take hold. My apartment is right in the heart of the 1st arrondissement – perfect for exploring all the Parisian sights, darling! My window overlooks the Seine and I've even managed to score a fantastic view of the Arc de Triomphe! It’s pretty hard to resist sitting here for hours sipping tea and soaking it all in!
What are my Parisian plans? Well, I’ll be spending the next few days doing all the things I love most about this incredible city – a little sightseeing, a lot of shopping, a pinch of ballet magic (I already booked tickets to a show at the Palais Garnier!) and … oh, yes! … indulging in a delicious afternoon tea in a quaint cafe.
But first, I must tell you about the most delightful surprise this week. I found a charming little independent boutique tucked away down a quaint cobbled side street. Inside, it’s a vintage ballerina paradise! Just imagine: walls lined with fluffy tutus of all colours, leotards, pointe shoes in all their elegant glory – even vintage ballet programmes and posters! This place has been a total treasure trove for me. I found a glorious silk black and red tutu from the 1960s, complete with layers and layers of beautiful silk and ribbon. Now, that's a unique and very Parisian souvenir, don’t you think?
Speaking of ballet, let’s delve into what I discovered about ballet performances this week:
Paris: Where ballet dreams take flight…
Paris is truly a paradise for ballet enthusiasts, don't you think? As I wandered down the streets, I spotted posters and advertisements for ballet productions on every corner, whispering of their magic. You really can’t escape the allure of the ballet, darling. It's an artistic passion, a love story between the dancer and their audience. Just take a moment to imagine the stunning costumes, the exquisite music, and the captivating performances … all within the walls of a historical, ornate theatre! Oh my, just writing about it makes me thrilled for the performance this week.
This week’s Parisian ballet performances are an absolute treat. Here are my top recommendations:
Ballet de l’Opéra National de Paris: This legendary institution continues to wow audiences with stunning performances, including "Giselle" in all its haunting and heart-wrenching glory, which is taking the stage on Friday!
"Swan Lake" at the Palais Garnier: I'm lucky enough to catch a matinee performance of this ballet masterpiece – pure enchantment awaits! The iconic White Swan’s graceful choreography paired with Tchaikovsky’s exquisite music leaves me in awe, every single time!
The magical “Alice in Wonderland”: The contemporary ballet reimagining of this classic fairy tale by the Ballet de l’Opéra national de Paris is playing at Théâtre du Châtelet. The beautiful set designs and vibrant costuming make this a ballet spectacle not to be missed!
Paris also hosts the *"Ballet Classique Paris" event! This event brings the cream of classical ballet to the stage and is truly one-of-a-kind. This ballet performance is being held in various theaters across Paris for two glorious weeks and offers the perfect opportunity for budding ballerinas like myself to be wowed by an array of ballet talents!
A little fashion detour:
Speaking of dazzling shows and glamorous attire, it’s only natural that a girl in a tutu needs to take advantage of the iconic fashion scene in Paris! This city’s designers are absolutely genius with their intricate designs, innovative fabrics, and cutting-edge creations! My Parisian adventures wouldn’t be complete without visiting a few shops. It wouldn’t be an Emma-style fashion fix without exploring vintage finds – don’t you think?
Just this morning, I spent a glorious afternoon perusing vintage shops around Saint Germain-des-Pres. It was like being transported into another era! So many exquisite items… lace dresses with puffed sleeves, flowing satin skirts, beautifully hand-stitched hats… I could easily lose myself for days in these havens of forgotten style! It's a reminder that fashion is an art form that transcends time and culture – something I firmly believe in. My favourite shop? La Boutique Vintage de la Reine. Its shelves are overflowing with dreamy frocks in a plethora of pastels and playful prints! My shopping basket overflowed with gems for the wardrobe back in Derbyshire – don’t worry, I'm always on the lookout for unique pieces to share with my followers!
My trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without indulging in one of my favourite pastimes – Parisian street performances. Here’s what you can expect to find if you choose to venture to the bustling squares and boulevards of Paris.
Parisian street performance delights…
A kaleidoscope of colour, sound, and artistic energy, Parisian street performances bring the city to life! The streets of Paris are a magical canvas, don't you agree?
During my stay here, I've witnessed brilliant examples of artistry, showcasing everything from ballet dancers gliding effortlessly to the rhythms of accordion melodies, to mesmerizing street artists, magicians with deft hands, and street musicians creating soulful melodies. Every turn seems to hold a surprise, making my walks around the city even more thrilling and enriching. I can’t resist taking a little video of these displays of skill and capturing their creative magic for my dear readers back home!
So there you have it, dear friends! I’m settling into the magic of Paris once again and I am embracing it with my whole heart, darling. My love for Paris only grows with each visit.
Here’s to magical tutu moments, a whole lot of pink, inspiring outfits, delightful discoveries, and endless wonder! Remember, even on a rainy Parisian day, you can still create magic with a smile, a beautiful outfit, and an open heart.
Until next week, mes chéries, may all your tutu dreams come true!
Xoxo
Emma.
