Darling, September is in the air, the leaves are just starting to turn and the Autumn ballet season is about to start! This is the time to step out in a leotard or tutu that says 'chic', 'elegant' and 'modern'.
Now, for you, my dearest lovelies, I am going to give you the inside scoop on what it takes to be on the pulse of fashion. Yes, this month it’s all about the **Emerald Dreamer**.
To make your Emerald Dreamer, you will need the following:- One metre of **softest** emerald green stretch silk (check out online fabric shops for that special, ** luxurious** touch)
- One metre of **whisper-thin** black lace (again, look online for this, we want quality, darlings, not just something cheap from the haberdashery shop). It must have an elegant floral motif – think **peacock feathers**. You don't want something overly fussy, now.
- A pack of **delicate** emerald green beads.
- One metre of **strong, yet supple** black satin ribbon, **two** metres of black ribbon (you’ll be wanting to use that ribbon for the perfect finish, darlings). I always tell the girls to get this at **John Lewis** - their ribbon selection is divine.
- Your very own favourite leotard in a beautiful black shade (not one that’s tight like a sausage casing!) or one of my favourite basic tutus, available here at **Le Petite Ballerine**.
Now, darling, take a breath, you are ready to start the **most fun part**… let’s get creative, you want the Emerald Dreamer to be the embodiment of **ethereal grace**. We want that black lace to dance, to shimmer and reflect every graceful movement, every gesture, of your beautiful body. The emerald green fabric needs to compliment your grace and to hug every contour of your body, not hide it away behind an ugly excess of cloth, now. The key is to **make it your own**. Don’t let the design stifle you.
For the **leotard** we want a black leotard, maybe one that shows your shoulders and neck with a daring backless feature, and add the emerald green fabric to this, allowing the material to pool gracefully at the bottom, making it your own version of **chic**. Use the lace in small, tasteful areas: imagine a **single panel** placed delicately just above the back of your thigh – remember, this is not about **too much**. You can even let the lace peek through the green fabric. Let your personality come through - perhaps a little extra around the shoulder blades?
The **tutu** we can create with a classical base. Add **a few extra tiers of tulle** to create that fullness, darling - and for **added volume** - why not use that emerald green stretch silk? It will bring a luxurious shimmer, you'll look utterly dazzling! Remember, to have some of that gorgeous black lace peaking through for **drama** (yes darling, it has to be dramatic, or what is the point?) The lace should look like it's about to cascade down, **like a waterfall**. Don’t go overboard now. Let that lace give your Emerald Dreamer the elegant, delicate beauty of **something rare**
Add the emerald green beads around your neckline - a sprinkling only, and use the satin ribbon to tie up your leotard, leaving it long, hanging down like a little train of magic.
The Emerald Dreamer. Darling, don't be afraid to take inspiration from what you see, to break rules. Make it **unique**, darling - after all, you are the **star of the show**, don’t you forget it.
Have fun - your Emerald Dreamer awaits.