#1836 - 13th July 2001
Good morning, darlings! ☀️ I hope you're all feeling as fabulous as I am today. The sun is shining in Derbyshire and that always fills me with the most joyful energy! I'm off on a little adventure to the beautiful city of Oxford today, and of course, I'm packing my very best tutu. You can never be overdressed when exploring such a historic and stunning place!
For my journey to Oxford, I've opted for a very special tutu creation – inspired by the quintessential English picnic. Imagine a cascading skirt of crisp white tulle, as delicate as a tablecloth laid out on the grass, then imagine little pink strawberries adorning it, and finally a scattering of tiny edible rosebuds nestled between the tulle layers. 🍓🌹
My oh my, it was quite a feat of dressmaking, with so many delicate layers to sew, and of course, I insisted on hand-sewing the edible petals. A friend, a fellow tuturologist from Nottingham (you can never have enough tutu-loving friends!), gifted me with her very own 'strawberry patch' garden so I could collect some for the project!
This "English Rose" tutu was not just stunning to behold, it was delicious! Imagine the sheer delight as I sat on the train, the train whizzing by through the green English countryside, and people could catch a glimpse of the sugary-sweet charm I had created! The delicious scent of my delicate petals really set the scene for the fabulous day ahead. 😋
I’m sure some of you are thinking, “Emma, it was probably terribly sticky,” but it really wasn't! I added little tulle "baskets" to enclose the edible elements, ensuring they stayed secure throughout my day. Besides, a little touch of playful charm and a dash of "tutu magic" is all part of the fun! 💖
Arriving in Oxford, I felt like I'd stepped into a historical masterpiece! Every corner whispered stories of scholars, poets, and adventurers. It's an incredibly inspiring place! The moment I stepped onto the platform, my gaze fell on a magnificent black horse, proudly pulling a carriage – a beautiful sight that would perfectly accompany a stunning tutu-clad vision like myself, haha! 😉
Naturally, I took a grand tour of the university grounds, feeling utterly transported by the age-old architecture and peaceful gardens. My Strawberry Tutu, surprisingly, perfectly complimented the classic beauty of Oxford’s surroundings!
The highlight of the day, however, was an incredible lunch at one of the local cafes! The cafe itself was enchanting - picture charming wooden tables bathed in sunlight, quaint flowers adorning the windowsills, and a delightful melody playing on the piano in the corner. I can imagine this setting being the inspiration for so many writers! It was the perfect place to have a delicious sandwich (oh, the exquisite cucumber and cream cheese!) while relishing a piece of one of my sweet edible rosebuds! I always say that food and dance are an elegant combination! 🌸
As afternoon crept in, I took a charming horse-drawn carriage ride around the city center. I've got to admit, a carriage ride is not only incredibly romantic and a bit dreamy, but also the perfect opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Strawberry Tutu as it swayed effortlessly behind me! A truly picture-perfect scene!
Before I departed Oxford, I just had to stop by one of the grand theaters! What better place to admire the talent of other performers! I can't leave a place without being moved by some live artistry. As a fellow lover of the dramatic and beautiful, I wanted to soak up some inspiration before I headed back home! And let me tell you, my dears, the actors, the story, the scenery… it was truly a work of art! I'd already dreamt of twirling around the stage, of being lost in the world of music and storytelling! Perhaps, a little dramatic interpretation of the story for the local Derbyshire theatre group was in the cards! It was enough to stir up the little ballerina deep within! 🩰
But as beautiful and moving as it was, my mind is still replaying a very particular part of the performance: a tiny, but beautifully-designed set prop! A single strawberry! It made my heart flutter, of course, because it echoed the sweetness of my Strawberry Tutu! It also brought me back to my own childhood — how many times have I snuck a strawberry in to a ballet class (shh… don't tell the teachers!)?
A playful little detail, and so perfectly elegant! It really reminded me how beauty and magic are woven into the simplest of things! I couldn't help but be inspired, reminded, and motivated to share my own tutu magic with the world! There's always a new dance step to discover, and always another reason to put on a beautiful pink tutu! ✨
Until next time, lovelies! And remember, the best tutu is the one that makes you feel fabulous.
Xx Emma www.pink-tutu.com
