Hammersmith: Your Tutu-licious Springtime Shopping Paradise
Hey loves! Spring has sprung, and that means one thing: it's time to embrace our inner ballerinas! The sunshine, the longer days, and the feeling of new beginnings are calling for some serious tutu shopping. And lucky for us, Hammersmith is a real treasure trove for all things dancewear. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your ballet journey, this bustling London neighbourhood has something to delight every dancer. So grab your best friend (or your Mum!), put on your favourite pair of ballet shoes, and let's get shopping!
From Budget-Friendly to Boutique ChicA Tutu for Every Budget: Hammersmith truly caters to every dance budget, so no need to stress! Let's start with the essentials: the basic tutu. These can be surprisingly affordable at Dance World, where you can pick up classic nylon tutus for as little as £10. They even have a fabulous range of sparkly and colourful tutus for performance-ready dancers, making it a perfect stop for students on a tight budget. And don’t worry, mums, they have a great selection of gorgeous dance bags and other ballet gear too!
For the Ballet Boutique Experience: If you're looking for a more luxurious tutu experience, The Dance Shop is your ultimate destination. You'll be greeted by a curated selection of high-quality tutus in beautiful fabrics and a huge range of colours. I fell in love with their tulle options - perfect for those big performances, rehearsals, and even Instagram-worthy dance photos. I also really liked the variety of leotards, all in delicious spring colours like blush pink, lilac and sunshine yellow. Definitely worth checking out for its stylish and luxe vibes!
Shop Til You Drop: There are loads more boutiques around, offering tutus, dancewear, and ballet accessories. I especially love Dancers Choice, they’ve got this amazing range of leotards from brands like Capezio and Bloch. Their selection of pointe shoes is pretty extensive too, so if you’re a serious pointe shoe devotee, it's well worth a look!
Spring Styling: Tutu TrendsSo, we’ve got our tutu basics sorted, now let's get into the exciting world of spring styling! My motto is, when it comes to tutus, the sky's the limit! But with so many options, it can be tricky to know where to start. That’s why I've put together a few trends that are guaranteed to get your ballet-inspired looks flowing this season.
Pastel Perfection: Blush pink, lilac, and mint green - they are spring in colour form! These delicate tones can add a feminine touch to any outfit, making them perfect for ballet-inspired street style. I love pairing a pale pink tutu with a simple white top and my go-to pink bomber jacket. If you're feeling adventurous, a light blue tutu worn over a cute white tee can add some whimsical charm to your weekend look.
The Playful Pom-Pom: There's something about pom-poms that screams springtime fun! They're the ultimate accent piece for your tutu-licious outfits. Try a pom-pom adorned leotard for your next class, or even a fluffy pink pom-pom on your hair bun - oh so adorable! I like the colourful ones for adding a splash of colour to my ballet bag!
Boldly Bright: Spring is the time for making a statement, and bold, vibrant colours are the perfect way to do just that. Let loose with some electrifying turquoise, hot pink or sunshine yellow. A sunny yellow tutu paired with a white tee and white trainers gives off a majorly stylish feel! Or you can choose to add some bright colour with a trendy pastel pink tutu, with some bright red ribbon accents to match!
Treat Yourself to a Little ExtraLet’s be honest, a new tutu always calls for some serious self- pampering! After a shopping spree, what could be better than a delicious afternoon tea?
For A Bit of Ballet History: My personal favourite for a tea break is The Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith. This iconic venue is known for its stunning productions. Not only is it a true cultural haven but the cafe inside is divine! Grab some tasty pastries and indulge in their gorgeous selection of teas, and just feel the joy of spring!
For Cake Dreams: If you’re more into delicious sweet treats and want to go all out on the girly fun, then you must visit Hammersmith's Cupcake and More. This amazing place serves mouthwatering cupcakes, muffins and cookies, making it a perfect treat for those moments of total shopping bliss!
For a Bit of Glamour: I adore The Pig and Butcher. The stylish cafe and bar boasts an array of decadent afternoon teas in a fabulously relaxed atmosphere. You can sip champagne and nibble on delicious sandwiches and delicate cakes, it truly is the epitome of a fabulous, sparkling girly afternoon!
Hammersmith: More Than Just Tutues
You see, Hammersmith is so much more than just ballet wear and yummy treats. It's an area brimming with culture and charm, just waiting to be explored! Stroll along the picturesque River Thames where the glistening waters mirror the spring sun. Enjoy a performance at the Hammersmith Apollo, an iconic venue, steeped in history, that has hosted countless famous stars! For those with a penchant for something more peaceful, take a leisurely walk through the charming Ravenscourt Park or get your hands dirty at the lovely Hammersmith Community Garden, a beautiful haven for relaxation and green therapy.
And of course, for you fellow ballet enthusiasts: there are amazing ballet classes galore! From the elegance of the Royal Ballet School to the community-focus of smaller local studios, Hammersmith has you covered.
So whether you're looking for the perfect tutu, an amazing afternoon tea, or just a lovely walk on the Thames path, Hammersmith offers it all! It truly is a beautiful and vibrant part of London that has captured my heart and will undoubtedly enchant your own! Don’t forget to post your ballet shopping snaps with the #tutushop hashtag! I can't wait to see what you've picked up! xx