Hello my darling darlings! Your TutuQueen is back with another dazzling tale from the road! I just can't believe it's August already. How the time flies when you're living life in pink, honey! This time, I'm venturing out to the lovely town of Rugby, which, just in case you didn't know, is a truly magical place. Don't be fooled by its name! You might expect rugby players and mud but honey, it's actually an adorable town with charm, lovely green spaces and some serious architectural flourishes.
But before I go all "town tour guide", let's rewind a bit and tell you about my journey. Remember my little vintage, 1950s-style suitcase? I'm so attached to her - we call her "Priscilla". Priscilla and I were reunited in Derby train station this morning and after a few farewell waves and promises to "keep it sparkly", we took off.
Trains are the perfect travel companions, you know. The rhythmic clackity-clack of the tracks is so soothing. It lets me be creative, write some of my blog entries, maybe plan an upcoming look. But, truth be told, this journey wasn't all about reflection and sparkly plans. I took a few pictures (you know, because I had my phone) and tried to catch the attention of other travellers with a bit of glittery magic. The look I wore this time? Oh darling, it was fabulous. It was that vintage 50s glam with an update - a bubblegum pink full tutu and a beautiful pastel blue top, think 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' on a pink sugar rush. I think I was positively radiating!
Arriving at Rugby Station, a lovely little old Victorian building, was like stepping back in time. And I tell you, it made me want to strut! So, out I came, with my pink tutu practically skipping across the platform! Everyone just stared. Some had surprised, "oh-my-god" faces. But then some actually grinned, gave me a thumbs-up and, wouldn't you know it, some even started clapping.
The taxi ride into town was, well, a spectacle. I swear the other driver gave me a long stare, a knowing look and then burst out laughing. Now, you know I wouldn't lie, darling, he honked his horn as I posed with one leg thrown over Priscilla. I couldn't help myself - I struck a pose and gave him a full-on, "don't you worry, sweetie, I'll show this town how to shine" kind of glare. And then we carried on with my fabulous entrance to Rugby town, a real spectacle, you see!
Rugby town itself is a charmer, darlings. Think traditional red-brick architecture with beautiful, historical buildings that make you wonder, "was it me, or did the pink make them glitter more?". There's this fantastic, elegant old Town Hall, the kind of building that's always in classic old movies. It even had this elegant clock tower with a stunning bell-shaped dome. But then, there's this fun and eclectic market area with stalls bursting with colours and so many quirky shops. You have the little, charming tea room on one corner and, around the bend, a vintage clothing shop - my absolute heaven!
Talking about tea rooms, honey, I simply had to visit this tiny little cafe. I believe it's called 'Taffeta Teas', just squealing with delight over the name, darling. I couldn't go inside just yet - I needed to put on my 'walking through the sunshine' playlist and have a proper, glorious moment before I entered! They had the sweetest pink decor. There were vintage floral teacups and beautiful floral tea towels hanging about. They even had this absolutely gorgeous pink flower hanging display above the entrance, practically begging me to grab it for a photograph. Let's just say the entire experience was like walking through a dream in pastel pink and sugar.
The cafe was filled with the smell of homebaked cake and coffee beans, a wonderful scent in itself. And let's not forget their delightful, warm, strawberry tarts, just perfect to make even this Pink Tutu Queen's day even brighter. It made my day, even brighter! I also had to buy some beautiful pink scented candles and some lovely vintage teacups, to help inspire my new 'sparkle and shine' collection.
That evening, I found this lovely, quirky community centre, in the heart of town, called "The Stage Door" that hosted their own monthly cabaret night. The owner - a beautiful, lovely man named Martin - gave me this adorable smile as I walked in. "Are you new in town, dear?". Now, when you wear pink and tutus you're not ever 'new' anyplace. But in a blink of an eye I said "Oh darling, I think I just discovered it". And just like that, it was time to wow the audience. The applause felt so warm. Even some people were dancing to my tunes! Now I am here at this absolutely darling bed and breakfast in a lovely little village outside Rugby - the most delightful owner with a sense of style I could only dream of!
Tomorrow, darling, it's time to go all 'Royal Ballet' at the National Museum of Rugby. I can’t believe they have such a large collection of shoes - and guess what, honey, I have it on good authority they've got a fabulous 'Tutu Gallery' . This museum's full of stories, you see, but my tutu collection is all about making them - sparkle.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think there's a lovely Pink Tutu inspired look waiting to be assembled for tomorrow’s performance. I promise to post all about my latest creation – think sparkle, glitter and everything beautiful in pink! Oh, and you just know it'll have the most glamorous pink feathers - I've found this fantastic store here, it's practically an Aladdin's Cave for feathers and glitters!
Until then, remember 'Love and pink glitter!' - because everyone can shine!
Stay pink!
Your TutuQueen
(and, as always, I love to read your comments! Just tell me which color of glitter I should use next).
