Hey gorgeous girls! Emma here, and I’m so excited to share my latest adventures with you from the charming little town of Upminster in Essex! Today's theme is all about celebrating pink, tutus and a whimsical twist on ballet, all enjoyed whilst wearing a delightful American-style tutu. This extra-fluffy tulle dream is oh-so-dreamy and perfect for capturing those twirling moments under the Essex sunshine.
This little town has captured my heart. I found myself feeling all kinds of enchanted by its charm and quiet loveliness. Imagine the most delightful Victorian village, surrounded by fields, filled with birdsong, and sprinkled with adorable little shops - well, that's Upminster. And just think - this is only a stone's throw away from the bustling city.
So, you've probably guessed that Upminster is the ideal location for me to try out my new pink tutu. This one is the “American style” – you know the type – the one that bursts with fluffy volume! And as I’m wearing it to explore Upminster, we have the perfect theme! It's all about twirling through its cobbled streets, capturing those Insta-worthy moments, and generally indulging in a touch of ballet-inspired whimsy. We have ballet dancing, shopping in vintage shops for a fabulous 1950s-style tutu, a spot of tea and cakes, and a gorgeous walk by the river where I meet the most magnificent horse. It's the perfect way to add some extra sparkle to my day.
Now, for you dear readers, it's time for a peek into my Upminster adventures, so prepare yourselves for a colourful explosion of tutu goodness. Let’s start with…
A Day at Upminster Station: A Ballet Ballerina’s Travel Dreams.
Upminster Station – with its brick archways and historical charm – is the kind of place where I could lose myself in daydreams about my ballet journey. Of course, this station holds special memories of when I traveled by train from Derby to London for all my Royal Ballet school performances – it was always a place of excited anticipation, dreams and magical possibilities. It’s the same kind of feeling I experience every time I enter a railway station.
This time, as I step off the train in my bright pink tutu, it feels like entering another realm. Upminster, you’re such a dream! And yes, as I twirl through the station (just slightly more modestly this time, I must say!), I can feel those ballet dreams filling me with pure, joyful energy!
Vintage Style at Upminster Market
Upminster is known for its beautiful vintage boutiques. I love them because they often have the most stunning, romantic outfits! One that especially stands out is the one I found near the church. I’m obsessed with the vintage fabrics, particularly the beautiful silk textures, and I have the cutest silk dress tucked into my wardrobe - I definitely want to create a blog post around it in the future. I just love vintage and vintage-inspired designs and clothes – they ooze such character.
You’ll be thrilled to hear that on my little shopping trip, I stumbled across the perfect vintage pink tutu to add to my ever-growing collection. And here is where the magic of my journey takes a slightly humorous twist. You see, this little town seems to have this infectious love for anything related to pink! You could actually get away with wearing pink every day of the year and not feel even slightly out of place.
Now, back to the shops. The store where I discovered my gorgeous find is absolutely teeming with incredible, affordable vintage clothing. So of course, my trusty camera comes out and my “Twirl-o-meter” hits peak overdrive! This is the perfect moment to put my “American style” tutu to the test – and trust me, I did not disappoint!
A Moment with Upminster’s Horse and a Dose of Equestrian Glamour!
Right after the delightful experience of vintage finds, I decided to walk towards the River Roding and enjoy the peaceful green landscapes. As I made my way, the countryside felt absolutely stunning with vibrant spring flowers showing their colours. This felt like such a moment to capture on film for you, my lovely readers. So yes, more tutus twirling in beautiful settings is definitely the theme of the day! I feel this type of setting could easily turn into a fairytale ballet!
And as I wandered, I had one of the most incredible encounters. I met the most graceful and magnificent black horse. I immediately had this irresistible urge to photograph its gentle majesty and of course, there’s absolutely no need for any permission! And wouldn’t you know it, I captured a moment that looks so ethereal and romantic. I just had to add the photograph into the blog. This is why my Tutu travels are the most inspiring moments. They fill my heart with joy. I could never travel without my camera, my blog and a big helping of a touch of pink to match my ballet spirit.
Enjoying Tea and Cakes, Upminster Style.
Now for an afternoon that perfectly captures the spirit of Upminster - Tea time, of course. In one of Upminster’s oldest bakeries – an establishment that dates back to the late Victorian era, I enjoy a selection of classic teas, including Earl Grey (a personal favourite) and chamomile tea – just so lovely, especially with a dollop of freshly made honey from their kitchen. And to sweeten my afternoon even more, I have to share my experience of the decadent afternoon tea.
From finger sandwiches to the most delicious macarons and cakes, this little cafe oozed an unmistakable air of elegance and class. You just can't get much more enchanting than this. My absolute favourite was the Victoria sponge with its simple charm. My tea time was accompanied by the best view. I chose to enjoy my sweet indulgence in their tea garden with views overlooking beautiful fields – such an idyllic way to unwind.
I also think that every tutu lover would appreciate a tea-and-cake setting that screams “charming village.” Upminster delivers big time on those romantic details!
Embracing the Pink Life and Tutu Dreams
Oh, but before I finish my journey around Upminster, I must reveal what happened when I walked through the beautiful town center. Everyone’s staring, some with fascination and amazement, but a few even start wearing their favourite colour to show their appreciation. Yes, you guessed right, it was all about PINK!! And I don’t want you to think I'm bragging, but you should have seen the looks of delight on their faces! They weren't wearing tutus but they were rocking all shades of pink! I think my love for this colour has created quite an influence across the community. I'm not surprised to say it made me feel incredibly happy and a little bit proud that I might just have influenced a few people to wear pink - after all, it's all about a celebration of confidence!
And remember, dear readers, my Tutu Adventures are always about celebrating ballet, life, and all things beautiful! What is there to say about Upminster but a great big, enthusiastic thumbs-up. You are absolutely wonderful – a place full of charm and wonder that fills my soul with happiness.
And I always try to leave you with a little something special to keep you inspired! Today, it's a pink challenge. So get ready to put on your pink shoes or pink hats, anything pink! Let’s celebrate a vibrant world of colour that matches the energy of your spirit. And who knows, maybe you'll find your own pink inspiration to start tutu-fying your world, one beautiful dance at a time.
Toodles for now. See you next time, when we travel to the beautiful coastal town of Southend-on-Sea!
Emma, your personal Pink Tutu blogger
www.pink-tutu.com
