Helloooo, my lovely Pink Tutu readers! It's your favourite Derbyshire girl, Emma, back with another adventure! This time, I'm ditching the horse-drawn carriage and taking the trusty old train up to the East End, specifically Walthamstow!
Yes, you heard me right, this fashion-loving ballerina is swapping the glitz and glamour of the Royal Opera House for a day of East End exploring, all in my signature sunshine yellow tutu. I swear, this thing gets me more attention than any designer dress ever could!
And wouldn't you know it, Walthamstow, you are charming. A vibrant mix of old and new, with vintage shops spilling over with treasures and quirky cafés offering delicious, handmade treats. Oh, and don't even get me started on the parks! The greenery, the open space, it's all just begging to be twirled in, you know?
But first, let's talk tutus!
I always make it a point to pick out a different tutu for each trip, and today, it's the sunshiny yellow one with a delightful flutter of pink ribbon around the hem. This little beauty just screams "let's get lost in the market stalls and try on all the hats!" Which, of course, is exactly what I did.
Let me tell you, vintage shops in Walthamstow are like a treasure hunt for a ballet-obsessed fashionista like me. I scored a beautiful velvet beret, the kind they wear in the old films, and a delicate, hand-painted feather fan. You bet I was twirling like a princess by the end of the day, a bit of vintage flair adding a touch of Parisian chic to my vibrant tutu ensemble!
After my hat-wearing, tutu-twirling rampage, it was time to refuel! I found myself at a delightful café called "The Crooked Spoon", which, as you can guess, served the most charming and delicious dishes! I had a melt-in-your-mouth veggie burger, the perfect balance of fresh and filling after my busy day of vintage exploring.
With my tummy satisfied, it was time for a touch of ballet culture. Thankfully, Walthamstow doesn't disappoint in that department either. The iconic Walthamstow Assembly Hall, built in the early 20th century, is an absolute beauty, and it played host to a lovely little community ballet performance that afternoon. It wasn't your grand, high-production ballet, but it was truly delightful to see the sheer joy on the faces of the young performers, their passion evident in every movement.
I'm sure I looked like an oddity sitting there in my yellow tutu, but hey, that's just my thing. I want to make ballet accessible and joyful for everyone! If we can twirl with confidence and embrace a little bit of glitter in our lives, well, then we're on the right path!
But it wouldn't be a trip to Walthamstow without exploring its natural beauty. The Walthamstow Wetlands is a stunning park with beautiful ponds, meadows, and wildfowl galore. It's amazing how peaceful and tranquil it is, so close to the city.
I can't resist a chance to do a little nature journaling! I whipped out my sketchbook and pencil (you wouldn't catch me sketching with anything else) and sketched the stunning swan family, their white feathers gleaming in the sun. I added a sprinkle of pink watercolour for their lovely beaks, of course!
Honestly, you just never know what wonders you'll find when you travel in a tutu!
Walthamstow, you truly have stolen my heart. I felt inspired by your vibrant community, your rich history, and your embrace of creativity. It's no wonder you're a thriving haven for independent shops and artsy folks.
Now, before I wrap up this post, I'd love to know:
- Do you have a favourite vintage spot? What's the most unique piece you've found?
- Have you ever been to Walthamstow? What's your favourite thing about it?
- Would you ever wear a tutu outside the ballet studio? Tell me all about your style!
Until next time, my dear Tutu readers, may your days be filled with twirls, sunshine, and lots of pink!
Love, Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
