Darling, it’s been a while since I’ve had a good old fashioned Small Heath adventure! I was just back in the fabulous West Midlands a few weeks ago, for the fabulous Birmingham Pride parade and festival, but I couldn’t let a trip to the city go by without making a pilgrimage to this vibrant little corner of Brum.
The journey itself was an absolute dream. I decided to take the train this time – something about the rhythmic click-clacking on the tracks just makes me feel so elegant. Dressed in my favourite bubblegum pink ensemble, of course, with a voluminous pink tulle skirt and matching pink ballet shoes, I looked like a little fairytale princess. Even the grumpy old gentleman sitting opposite me cracked a smile, I swear I saw him steal a peek at my sparkling pink sequinned handbag!
I got off the train at Small Heath Station, a little piece of architectural magic hidden just outside Birmingham City Centre, and made a beeline for my favourite local haunt – the “Small Heath Cafe” a delightfully eclectic place that serves the most divine scones and cups of tea! I settled into a corner table, basking in the sun through the bay window, and started sketching out some ideas for my upcoming performance at the “The Rainbow Palace" (which by the way, darling, was absolutely bursting with fabulosity).
But before I could get too caught up in my ideas, a delightful gentleman walked past, with the most radiant smile and a bright pink flamingo hat. Now, anyone with good taste knows that pink flamingos are a must-have for any serious fashionista, and my dear, this gentleman’s hat was just stunning! It was so captivating that I had to muster up all my courage and ask him where he found it. He beamed and told me about a vintage shop down the road that specialised in unusual and exciting finds. He even promised to show me some treasures! How kind, darling!
We chatted about fashion, and he confessed he loved watching my YouTube videos! Turns out, this man is also a ballet enthusiast, just like yours truly, and even attends the occasional ballet performance in Birmingham! We bonded over the magical world of ballet – and naturally, I gave him the full “Pink Tutu Sparkles” sales pitch about the transformative power of a pink tutu. I'm sure he's just waiting for the right occasion to don one, isn't he? 😉
He led me down the street, his flamingo hat bobbing, and we came to a small shop filled with antique furniture, quirky knick-knacks, and the most adorable array of hats imaginable. I found myself captivated by the sheer range and colour of everything – there were straw boater hats, floral headbands, and even a collection of brightly coloured silk scarves, begging to be incorporated into my next drag show outfit! I just love the unexpected treasures one finds in little places like Small Heath – and this is why I make a point of seeking them out, darling, to share my discoveries with you.
Finally, we found it - a stack of magnificent vintage hats, all sporting the glorious colour pink. It was almost too much to handle, but with a little careful rummaging, I spotted the most spectacular flamingo hat, adorned with feathers and glittery sequins, waiting just for me! Oh my dear, I can just imagine it sparkling on stage! The shopkeeper, a lovely woman with twinkling eyes and a infectious laugh, insisted I try it on. The moment it touched my head, I felt like a flamenco dancer from a dazzling dream! We took a quick selfie, my pink flamingo hat on top of his, for a fantastic "twinsies" picture, and I dashed back to the hotel to change. It would be a shame not to wear this fabulous pink flamingo hat for my show at the Rainbow Palace, don't you think? You wouldn't believe how many compliments I received - and yes, there was a slight pink flamingo feather frenzy, of course!
I absolutely love the quirky energy of Small Heath - the bustling markets, the friendly people, the history hidden in every corner. It's a place that genuinely feels like a little community, filled with stories waiting to be uncovered. I must say, darling, Small Heath stole my heart. I've promised myself a return trip very soon - perhaps I can catch the train up and have another adventure through the town, searching for new treasures for my upcoming fashion collection.
Now, off to a hot bath, with a good cup of tea, a hot water bottle and some much-needed Netflix. But I can't leave you, darling, without this message: Wear your own Pink Tutu! Don't be afraid to be a little bit bold, a little bit daring, and let your inner pink tutu queen shine. Life is too short to play it safe, don't you think?
Much love, Pink Tutu Sparkles (aka Alex)
www.pink-tutu.com
