Hello my lovely lot! It's your girl, Pink Tutu Sparkles, bringing you blog post number 5309 straight from the land of dreams (aka, www.pink-tutu.com).
Now, you all know I'm a woman who loves her tutus, and you also know that my obsession knows no bounds. This week, I've travelled all the way to Beckenham in Kent! Now, I'm not going to lie, it was a journey, but I took a scenic route, obviously. I managed to squeeze in a little horseback riding through the English countryside - a fantastic way to soak up the sights and fresh air, especially since I get to channel my inner Wild West princess in a blush-pink riding outfit (complete with matching boots, natch).
After that, it was on to the train! Let's just say the conductor's face was a sight to behold when I boarded in my pink tulle creation - pure, unadulterated joy and amusement! Now, you all know that travel is about the journey, and for me, it's about the transformation. You never know what adventures await you when you step onto the train platform, but you know it's always a whirlwind of joy!
Speaking of adventures, Beckenham itself is like a storybook come to life! It’s got all those quintessential English village vibes that I absolutely adore: quaint streets lined with charming boutiques, a lovely local pub with its own quirky history, and lush gardens with delicate roses (which totally inspired a new tutu design, if I’m being honest!). I must confess, the village feels utterly magical in the evenings, like stepping into a fairytale.
Now, the reason I've brought my sequined self all the way to this lovely little village is because there's a fabulous vintage clothing store called The Silk and Lace Emporium that's apparently teeming with beautiful lace and velvet creations (with an abundance of blush, you know!). Of course, it's right up my street and I’m so excited to dive headfirst into their collection. My drag alter-ego can’t resist a good bargain and some serious retail therapy, so naturally, I had to explore. It wouldn't be a proper Tutu Queen adventure without some delightful shopping, right?
You can imagine my absolute delight when I stumbled across the most gorgeous collection of antique lace fabrics! The colours were heavenly - muted blush, pale lavender, and even a touch of pale, powder blue (to match those ballet shoes!). And oh, the details - hand-stitched flowers, intricate patterns - absolute perfection! The fabric had a luxurious texture and was simply begging to be turned into a new pink tutu masterpiece.
For the record, I do have to confess: I might have gotten a bit carried away in The Silk and Lace Emporium and ended up with more fabrics than I could fit in my suitcase, so it seems I might be bringing back a new addition to my growing wardrobe of tutus! The joy of these delightful discoveries makes the extra luggage space totally worthwhile. And yes, I have the matching feather boa in tow, because a girl never goes without her feather boa!
The vintage emporium was just the beginning! Beckenham has this fascinating hidden history too, which is right up my alley. For someone obsessed with costumes and theatre, a bit of historical theatre was on the menu for the day. As a lover of all things old and sparkly, I absolutely had to explore Beckenham's local museum! It's tucked away in the backstreets and doesn’t look much from the outside but once you step inside…it's an absolute treat! The local history of the area is absolutely captivating, but I couldn’t help but be drawn to a hidden room full of vintage theatrical costumes. Now, you all know that history is my jam, and when it involves theatrical costumes? Pure magic! The craftsmanship was breathtaking. I mean, these garments had seen their share of history - from fancy-dress parties to the local theatre, they whispered secrets from the past.
While Beckenham definitely offered some fantastic experiences, I also had to find a moment for some quiet relaxation, you know? And what better way to unwind after a long day of shopping and exploring than by watching a beautiful ballet performance? Now, luckily for me, Beckenham holds a summer season at the local theatre featuring a ballet company performing The Nutcracker - absolute bliss! I have to confess, there's nothing quite like being enveloped in the ethereal atmosphere of a live performance, the beautiful costumes, the captivating choreography - it's all simply too wonderful to describe! It was truly a magical evening and made me realise that sometimes, even a tutu queen needs a night of graceful relaxation.
Oh, and did I mention the ballet studio? I'm all about that graceful training, you know? And lucky for me, this small town had a fantastic ballet school! The instructors were friendly and supportive, and it felt like everyone in the studio was genuinely excited to see a fellow tutu-enthusiast in their midst! It's always good to be amongst kindred spirits. And what's even better? It allowed me to squeeze in a ballet class with the most lovely dancers. They made me feel totally welcome, despite my "not-quite-so-professional" approach. (Let's just say I brought some added flair to their standard routine!) It was a fantastic reminder of why I love the beauty and grace of ballet so much.
All in all, my journey to Beckenham has been a dazzling explosion of pink tutus, vintage treasures, and ballet bliss! If you're looking for a weekend getaway filled with charm and enchanting experiences, Beckenham is truly a gem in the heart of Kent!
Stay sparkly and wear those tutus with pride!
Until next time,
💖 Pink Tutu Sparkles 🩰
