Hello darlings, it's your girl, Pink Tutu Sparkles, writing to you live from the most charming seaside town you've ever laid your eyes on! That's right, I've landed in Southampton! And let me tell you, I'm already in a complete whirl. This is my 9808th blog post, and believe me, you haven't seen the end of these posts until the whole world is rocking a pink tutu! (and frankly, we'll never stop, that's how determined I am!)
But before we dive head-first into the dazzling spectacle that is Southampton, let's talk about my journey here. As always, my heart fluttered with the thrill of the journey, and wouldn't you know it, I just had to be adventurous and ride in on horseback! (Yes, you heard that right!) My darling nag, Sparkle, absolutely flew over the hills and fields of Derbyshire, the crisp Autumn air whipping through our hair. You've heard the phrase "a gallop through the countryside?" Well, let me tell you, that's not a joke! There's no more satisfying way to start a big day than a brisk horseback ride! (Now I need to find a spot for Sparkle in my Southampton schedule – she deserves the best!).
Now, you know I always tell you about the finer points of the journey, because darling, the magic isn't just about the destination. It's the entire, glorious experience. I know, you're all saying, "but Alex, you're a busy, modern woman, don't you have any planes or trains in your life? A bus journey to Southampton sounds quite dreadful, wouldn't you rather fly?" And while, darling, yes I DO like my comforts, and yes, the glamour of a flight does tickle my fancy, some journeys are just best done by the old-fashioned methods. Let's be honest, dear friends, is there anything quite as utterly delightful as gazing at the changing landscape of our beloved island through the train window? As much as I adore all the fun aspects of being a modern gal, sometimes, I need a little escape from the whizz-bang of the world, to just feel the rumble of the train beneath me and the world go by outside. It's like taking a deep breath, and reminding myself that the journey is as important as the destination, no matter where that journey may take me.
Right, but we can't spend all day swooning over transportation. You want to know what Southampton's all about!
And let me tell you, my dear friends, the first thing that hit me about Southampton, besides that wonderful crisp seaside air (and how lucky are we to be here during the "shoulder season", when the prices are less, but it's still so darn pretty), is that sense of energy. It's like the whole town is on the cusp of something amazing, bubbling and ready to erupt with creativity, with a buzz in the air that makes you feel you have to be part of it. Now, a bit of that energy is down to the sheer energy of Southampton's legendary Southampton Ballet Festival, which starts just three weeks from now! I'm squealing in anticipation, especially because my show on Saturday night is practically selling out. That's right, you know it - Pink Tutu Sparkles in Southampton, just a mere two hours away by train, and then, who knows where the wind may take me next.
My little secret is, darling, it doesn't really matter where I end up. The fun for me, my dear readers, is in the getting there!
Of course, no Pink Tutu Sparkle trip would be complete without a little dose of retail therapy. After all, a pink tutu can only shine when she has an outfit! It’s important to feel stylish while travelling to your show and nothing sets a fabulous impression than arriving in a glorious pink tutu! But first, it's important to have the right foundation – the perfect outfit to pair it with!
The shops in Southampton, darlings, are just... divine. We're talking vintage boutiques, bustling independent shops bursting with all manner of colourful delights (because let’s face it, pink goes well with everything! and the colours we’re seeing now are absolutely DIVINE). I mean, it was practically impossible to choose between this heavenly silk pink dress at The Boutique, and the utterly magnificent turquoise silk scarf I found nestled in a hidden treasure trove, just down a side street. You wouldn't believe the vintage jacket I found there too – I'm so excited, it just needs to be repaired (a tiny wee hole, nothing a little embroidery and a bit of my magic glitter doesn’t fix). Of course, if I don't find anything, my amazing friend, Beatrice (that's Beatrice Boutique, just for you newbies), has agreed to meet me at her lovely shop, which is all about celebrating individuality and, more importantly, about loving the clothes that love YOU back! I'm also a HUGE fan of all her fun pink things. (Because Pink is good for your soul! Remember that!)
Then there's the Southampton Theatre - darling, I practically swooned when I stepped inside. It's like a time capsule - gorgeous ornate ceilings, rich red velvet seats, and that scent of ancient wood, and a hundred stories... it just feels so... steeped in history. But this theatre has not rested on its laurels - they’ve got a super-stylish lineup of performances planned for the winter season - a dazzling display of contemporary drama and stunning dance works. My toes were already tapping with anticipation.
The local vintage shops in the centre of town are filled with treasure and have so much creative potential! This gorgeous pink mohair jumper is going straight to my sewing machine to be refashioned into something a little more exciting for my act. I have so much imagination for fabric transformation...it just pours out of me! And who knows - it might be perfect for my new act. You know, I'm starting to feel inspired by my travels for new act - the combination of those historical theatres and this new ballet festival and just that spark of energy all around, I've just got so many ideas, and my inner costume designer is absolutely buzzing with ideas. Perhaps it’s time for Pink Tutu Sparkles to take Southampton by storm.
The real highlight, of course, has been discovering Southampton’s absolutely divine vintage tea shop! We’re talking tiered tea cakes, pink-and-white gingham tablecloths, and, best of all, they offer afternoon tea alongside their incredible homemade pastries! It’s like stepping out of a time capsule – think the quaint charm of an English country garden – and oh darling, don’t even get me started on the teapot. They know how to serve tea in style! Oh and the scones? So delightful, just like everything else in Southampton!
The truth is, darling, Southampton’s been so wonderful it feels like I’ve been here for days. But alas, the Southampton ballet festival isn't going to host itself, now is it? So it's time for me to get ready, find the most delightful outfit to wow the crowd (including, perhaps, that pink mohair jumper refashioned into something dazzling – who knows what’s going to come to mind! My mind works in mysterious ways!)
Oh, Southampton - I'm completely enchanted by your spirit, your seaside breezes, your adorable little shops bursting with vibrant creativity, and most importantly, your absolutely heart-warming, infectious energy that reminds you that you’re never too old to be your fabulous, sparkliest self. You'll have me coming back again and again, my dear Southampton.
Well, darling, I’d best be off. Time to get back to my dressing table and prepare for a spectacular show! I can't wait to show Southampton the sparkle! Don't forget, my dears, join me next time!
Lots of love,
Your Pink Tutu Sparkle (who just has to make time to fit in a Southampton ballet class, of course... the life of a drag queen, what else? )
