Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, and spring has sprung, which can only mean one thing: Tutu Shopping! Oh, how I love this time of year. The sunshine, the blossom, the fresh air, and all the exciting new balletwear collections that come with it! And what better place to shop than in beautiful, bustling Darwen?
This charming little town in Lancashire is overflowing with shops that cater to a ballet girl's every need – from shimmering tutus and luxurious leotards to essential tights and comfy ballet shoes. It’s like a little ballet paradise, just waiting to be explored!
Now, before we embark on this fabulous shopping adventure, let’s talk about what we’re looking for. It’s spring, so we want bright, bold colours. Think pink, lavender, coral – anything that screams “new beginnings!” I’m always drawn to the pretty florals and delicate lace that are so popular this season.
Now, where to begin…
Dancewear Darwen:
Firstly, we’ll head straight to Dancewear Darwen, your one-stop shop for everything dance. Situated on a lovely street in the town centre, this shop is a treasure trove of gorgeous dancewear from brands like Bloch, Capezio, and Dancewear Direct. Their staff are absolutely fabulous, super knowledgeable, and always willing to offer styling advice, which is a total lifesaver when faced with so much gorgeousness.
This is where I usually start my shopping spree, as Dancewear Darwen has the widest selection of tutus in the area. We’re talking everything from the classic, elegant pointe tutus in a myriad of soft shades of pink and peach to fun, sparkly tutus perfect for class or for performing. Don’t forget to check out their amazing range of ballet shoes, both leather and canvas, plus they always have a great selection of adorable pink ballet bags for all those girly bits!
The Dancewear Centre:
If you're looking for something more contemporary or a wide selection of dance accessories, head to The Dancewear Centre. They stock all sorts of exciting pieces, including super cool tracksuits, colourful sports bras, stylish dance-inspired clothing that's perfect for a coffee date or going to the shops, and even adorable tutus for toddlers! They’re renowned for their great prices and fantastic customer service.
Fashionista Finds:
Once we've filled our bags with stunning dancewear, it’s time to explore Darwen's fabulous boutiques for some off-stage outfits! This is where we're going to embrace our inner fashionistas, because Darwen is absolutely teeming with independent shops full of quirky and trendy pieces, all ready for a spot of Spring styling!
Darwen Market:
Head to the market first. Every Thursday, this place explodes with colourful stalls brimming with amazing vintage and pre-loved clothes. This is a treasure hunt, so grab your mates and have a laugh while rummaging through piles of clothes! There’s often a stall dedicated to gorgeous floral fabric, so grab some fabric for those springy DIY projects. You could even pick up some pretty vintage ballet shoes - you never know what gems you might discover!
The Little Emporium:
Then pop into The Little Emporium. This lovely little shop is my go-to for cute dresses, unique accessories, and those special little items that complete any look. They’ve always got the most beautiful selection of scarves, earrings, and quirky bags. Remember, it’s the little details that truly bring a Spring outfit to life!
Boutique Darling:
A little further down the street is the gorgeous Boutique Darling. This is your ultimate destination for on-trend dresses, statement tops, and fab trousers. The shop’s curated selection has everything a fashionista needs to feel confident and ready for spring, plus it's filled with those must-have statement pieces, like gorgeous jackets or statement tops. You could even find a cute new handbag that fits all your ballet essentials!
A Spring Treat:
No shopping trip is complete without a spot of delicious cake. So let's take a break at the lovely Lavender Cottage Tearooms. Nestled in a quiet corner, they’ve got delicious cakes, afternoon teas, and even homemade lavender scones, which you know I love! This is the perfect spot for a quick rest and a spot of girly gossip with your mates, sharing stories about your fabulous finds.
Make a Day of It:
We can easily spend a whole afternoon exploring Darwen, and what better way to end a day of shopping than by soaking in the sights and sounds of this charming town. Darwen’s historical centre is beautifully preserved, with a variety of historic buildings, from Victorian terraces to beautiful churches, and is just perfect for a post-shopping stroll.
Plus, we might be lucky enough to catch a free outdoor performance at the Jubilee Square - Darwen always has something going on!
#tutushop
So there you have it! A fabulous day of spring shopping in the lovely town of Darwen. I'm pretty sure this experience is what every ballet dancer dreams about - just perfect for getting your dancewear fix and embracing the fresh start that springtime offers.
Don’t forget to grab some fabulous snaps of your spring purchases for Instagram and use #tutushop - I love to see all your styles!
See you next time!
Emma x
