Helloooo darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here, reporting live from the gloriously sunny (but chilly!) streets of Sutton! I've been so excited to finally make it down here. Sutton is a place that's always been on my "to sparkle" list, thanks to the gorgeous Tudor architecture and the fact that it's known for its fabulous shops. And speaking of fab shops... I haven't stopped shopping since I arrived!
The journey itself was pure magic. I opted for the classic train ride, as you know I adore the leisurely pace of travelling by rail. I spent the entire journey gazing out the window at the rolling hills of Derbyshire, which reminded me of my own roots. I swear I can still hear my mum saying, "Alex, for goodness sake, put on a jumper - you'll catch a chill!" Honestly, she's been right all my life. Even in my sparkly tutu, it was a touch chilly this morning, so I had to whip out my signature pink fur stole for a bit of warmth. You've got to have your creature comforts, haven't you?
Tutus and Tea!
After arriving in Sutton, my first port of call was a little independent tea shop tucked away down a cobbled street. Honestly, the smell of freshly brewed Earl Grey just beckoned me in! I ordered a pot of the most divine tea, with a sprinkle of pink sugar (because itās all about the pink details, darlings!), and spent the next hour chatting to the sweetest little lady who runs the place. It turns out she used to be a ballerina! So, we got on famously, of course. She even let me try on her grand daughter's old tutu. It was a little on the small side, but the sentiment was wonderful! We talked about everything from the best place in town for afternoon tea (a hidden gem I must say, a true "Pink Tutu Sparkles" approved establishment) to our favourite ballet companies. (We both agreed the Royal Ballet is simply divine!). It just goes to show you can find the most amazing people in the most unexpected places, if you just take the time to chat.
A Bit of Sutton Shopping Spree!
My next stop? Why, the shops, of course! Iāve gotta tell you, Sutton is an absolute haven for lovers of vintage clothes and all things retro. I stumbled across a glorious little boutique with a rack full of feather boas, lace dresses and some amazing 50s style headbands that just screamed āPink Tutu Sparklesā! Honestly, I practically fell over with excitement! I ended up leaving with a handbag full of vintage treasures that I canāt wait to accessorize my next drag performance with. But of course, what is a visit to a shop without a spot of window shopping? I just couldn't resist popping into some of Sutton's more glamorous shops - oh the beautiful gowns, shoes and bags... I might have dropped a hint to the boyfriend about the new, oh-so-perfect pink dress I saw in one of them...
Tutus at the Theatre!
But the main event, darlings, was a stunning performance of "Giselle" at Suttonās beautiful theatre. My goodness, the dancing was divine! The principal dancers were simply phenomenal ā they seemed to float across the stage, defying gravity with their incredible leaps and delicate turns. It was a magical experience! You see, Iāve always loved the story of "Giselle," a tale of betrayal and love set in the idyllic countryside. And in Sutton, with its rolling green hills and charming little villages, the ballet was more evocative than ever. I just sat there mesmerized, drinking in every detail, from the delicate tulle costumes to the elegant set design. I must say, the costumes truly gave me tutu inspiration, and Iām already sketching some ideas for my next performance outfit.
Sutton Sparkles, and Then Some!
You see, there's just something about the magical atmosphere of a ballet performance. The costumes, the music, the emotions of the dancers, they just sweep you away and transport you to another world. And the best part? Everyone in the audience seemed to be just as captivated as I was! The shared experience of the ballet was truly wonderful, reminding me that sometimes, even in a bustling city like London, it's important to pause and appreciate the simple beauty of things.
And while Sutton's theatre performance was unforgettable, I had a chance to do some spontaneous performing of my own! I managed to sneak in a last-minute show at the local town hall. They actually have a fabulous hall space that holds several hundred, so Iām keeping that venue in my āpotential venuesā list! You never know, I might be gracing them with my sparkly presence once moreā¦ The town folk were a real treat, I managed to convince a few to try on a tutu or two and the laughter just carried me through the entire show. As I always say, tutus make the world a better place, one sparkle at a time!
Back to the Lab!
This visit has been absolutely magical! My heartās still full of Sutton sparkles, and Iāve come home with a collection of inspiration that will last me until my next big adventure. But even as a fabulously glamorous drag queen, real life catches up eventually, so I'll be back to my lab by lunchtime. It's not as glamorous as sequins and tutus, but it's just as important to me. You see, working in the lab isn't just about testing fabrics. It's also about experimenting with colour, creating beautiful textures and exploring the wonderful world of design. All things that, surprisingly, translate pretty well into the glamorous world of drag!
But no matter what Iām doing, or where I'm going, you can bet your bottom dollar that my favourite pink tutu is always within easy reach. After all, as I like to say, ālife's too short for anything but the most sparkly of outfits!ā
Iāll be posting about my new, gorgeous tutu designs as soon as my new fabric gets delivered. Until next time darlings!
Love,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
XXOO
www.pink-tutu.com
