Pink Tutu Sparkles, proudly reporting from Oxford, darling! It’s me, your favourite Tutu Queen, and this is blog post number 4674 (who's keeping count?!)! Can you believe it, my little cherubs? It feels like yesterday I was just a shy, science-loving lad from Derbyshire, dreaming of wearing pink tutus and prancing across the stage. Now, well, here I am, in the heart of Oxford, surrounded by beautiful buildings and a whole heap of culture.
But first, a confession: this glamorous trip wouldn't be happening if it weren't for those gorgeous folks in the Midlands! Oh, the Midlands, how I adore you. Your lovely pubs, your bustling markets, your hearty meals, your endless warmth! Last week, I had the absolute joy of gracing a fairground stage in a tiny town I can't even remember the name of. And oh, the applause! It filled my little tutu-wearing heart with so much joy! It truly is the best feeling in the world, knowing I'm making people happy, spreading the sparkle and making them dream a little pink.
Anyway, enough reminiscing about the past (though seriously, the past is just so fabulous!) because we have a journey ahead of us. Yes, darling! Oxford has called to me. Oxford! The city of dreaming spires and…well, some fairly dusty, old buildings too. Don’t get me wrong, I love the old bits, but Oxford’s charm really shines in the modern and chic – think bustling cafes, buzzing bookstores, and hidden little galleries just bursting with talent. This city’s got a spirit, it’s got an attitude, it’s got something a little bit different - just like me, maybe! (Well, a lot like me! Wink, wink.)
From Derbyshire to Oxford by Rail:
Of course, a trip this grand requires an equally grand mode of transportation! You know what they say – all great things come in threes! Train travel is just the perfect mix of practicality and romance, don't you think? The whooshing, the clinking, the soft rhythmic ticking – all so charmingly old-school. But that's not even the best bit. You see, travelling by train is the perfect time to indulge in my favourite pastime – window shopping! No matter how many beautiful clothes I’ve got, there's always room for something new.
This time, I spotted a delightful lavender-hued frock with ruffles, an oh-so-fabulous pearl-covered headband, and a sparkly clutch that screamed 'tutu queen on the go'! You see, a Tutu Queen's wardrobe must be like a rainbow, filled with colours and textures that just bring a smile to your face. Every single garment must make you feel fabulous! I even discovered a hidden stash of rainbow-bright socks – talk about colour coordination! A Tutu Queen can never have enough socks. I’m not just saying that because of the tutu, of course. But those socks… they just spoke to me! They knew they were destined for my wardrobe!
And my fellow travellers? Absolutely wonderful. There was a gaggle of giggling students on their way to a football game. A prim-and-proper elderly couple, with the sweetest looks of wonderment in their eyes as the world zipped past the window. And, of course, there was the friendly station manager who asked if I'd be needing assistance with my many bags! I don't even have to explain that it was the perfect excuse for me to whip out my trademark ‘sparkly smile’ - you know, the one that turns every frown into a twinkle?
*Oh, the Theatres, darling! *
The main reason for my journey? Oh, why, a trip to the theatre! It's been far too long since I had a dose of live performance – and this trip, the highlight was attending a ballet class at a gorgeous school of ballet in Oxford! You just know I couldn't leave the tutu at home. The class was amazing - it had that combination of precision and grace that makes ballet so incredibly enchanting. It also had something extra… The other dancers all loved my sparkly tutu and the vibrant, sunny personality that only I could bring. Of course, I took it all in, with a cheeky twinkle in my eye, just like always!
But let me tell you, my darling readers, that class wasn’t the only show I saw this weekend. Oh no! A proper Tutu Queen can never get enough live theatre. The main attraction? The gorgeous Swan Lake production at the Oxford Playhouse. They put so much heart into it. It was breathtaking! And the costumes, dear! Those delicate swan costumes were like dancing dreams! You know, every ballet lover's dream - I must confess I felt a slight twinge of inspiration, a craving to incorporate some swans and elegant lines in my next Tutu Queen look! Just imagine: swirling tutus with flowing, ethereal white feathers – my mind’s racing already!
Oh! And I nearly forgot, darling! There was this absolutely divine café right near the theatre, called 'The Sugar Plum Fairy' – seriously! As soon as I walked in, I knew I had stumbled into another wonderland! A tiny tea room with pastel pink walls, flower-covered teacups, and, naturally, the most incredible selection of cakes! From lemon tarts and delicate meringues to melt-in-your-mouth scones and miniature chocolate tarts – heavenly! They even had a pink champagne special, served with little, delicate, heart-shaped meringue cookies! So elegant. So delightful. And did I mention I was dressed in a sparkling pink tutu and a pink fluffy feather boa? Darling, everyone stopped to smile and admire! (I might have gotten a little blush, but darling, what's a Tutu Queen to do, eh?!).
Tutu-ific Totes:
Of course, my trip wouldn’t be complete without some new treasures! Every good Tutu Queen needs a souvenir from their travels, especially from a place as captivating as Oxford. First stop was the Alice in Wonderland exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum! Talk about the most whimsical display you could imagine, with a delightful mix of old and new art - my favourite! I managed to resist buying the 'mad hatter’s hat' but I did snap up some incredibly whimsical notepaper and a rather charming Cheshire cat teacup and saucer, both perfect for enjoying a cheeky afternoon cuppa, while daydreaming about the wonderful world of Wonderland. They just knew I'd adore them!
But there were more surprises waiting around every corner of this fairytale town! Just walking down one cobbled street, I stumbled upon the most wonderful book shop! Not only did it have all the classics, but also so many wonderfully enchanting books on fairy tales, unicorns, and of course… (get ready for this, darlings!)… ballerinas! This gorgeous little book about tutu design had me giggling like a little schoolgirl. Now you all know I'm always looking for inspiration. My mind's just full of tutu ideas and fashion dreams – and this book just solidified a million of them. (I think I actually fainted from excitement at that moment! - Luckily I had my trusty handbag and the lovely shop owner caught me! Oh dear, they mustn't have been used to the Tutu Queen antics! )
But wait, there’s more, my darlings! Because what's a visit to Oxford without exploring those beautiful, centuries-old libraries? Yes, I know, I'm not exactly known for my silent, bookworm persona, but let's face it, a Tutu Queen needs to broaden her horizons! These incredible repositories of knowledge and history had a real magical air to them - just the type of place you might expect to find an enchanted fairytale coming to life, I guess! It felt a little like being transported into another era, the kind of setting that could inspire any storybook romance… especially for a Tutu Queen like myself. I actually made a friend there, who works at the library and is also an aspiring ballerina. The joy, oh the joy, of finding kindred spirits!
* Oxford Sparkle and Tutu Thoughts: *
So there you have it, darlings, the chronicles of another Tutu Queen adventure, another town conquered and its hearts captured with sparkly pink and laughter! As always, this trip made my little heart sing with delight and filled my head with a whole new bag of tutu-ful thoughts, darling. The journey to the beautiful town of Oxford had it all – glamorous transport, breathtaking scenery, divine afternoon teas, sparkling discoveries, and the pure magic of live performance. It reminded me, once again, why I wear pink tutus and bring my glitter-bombing brilliance to every town and village I grace with my presence! And I hope I reminded you why this life, filled with colour, excitement, and sparkle is the most beautiful journey in the world! Now, darlings, back to the website, it's time to post the new outfits.
Join me again tomorrow for another post full of colourful adventures and pink tutu fashion! Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com, where the Tutu Queen's journey continues daily. Until then, sparkle and be kind!
Love,
Your Tutu Queen,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
XXX
